Topic: Al Michaels

Alan Richard "Al" Michaels (born November 12, 1944) is an American television sportscaster. Now employed by NBC Sports after nearly three decades (1977–2006) with ABC Sports, Michaels is one of the most prominent members of his profession. He is perhaps best known for his many years of calling play-by-play of National Football League games and for his broadcast of the Miracle on Ice, which culminated in his widely quoted catchphrase, "Do you believe in miracles? YES!"

Michaels was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Jay Michaels and Lila (Levinson) Michaels where he grew up as a Dodgers fan. Coincidentally, at the time the Dodgers left Brooklyn, Michaels' family also moved to Los Angeles, California in 1958. Michaels attended Alexander Hamilton High School in L.A. and was a football and baseball player. He graduated in 1962 and later attended Arizona State University, where he majored in radio and television and minored in journalism. He worked as a sports writer for ASU's independent student newspaper, The State Press. He was also a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.

Michaels' first job in television was with Chuck Barris Productions, choosing women to appear on The Dating Game. His first sportscasting job came in 1964 when he was hired to do public relations for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was later hired by the team to serve eight games as a color commentator. He was fired after only four.