Al Michaels Calls Reds His 'Heart of Hearts' Team

Legendary broadcaster reflects on his time with the Big Red Machine in the 1970s.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 5:49pm

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Legendary broadcaster Al Michaels confirmed that the Cincinnati Reds of the early 1970s, including stars like Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan, remain his favorite MLB team ever. Michaels served as the Reds' play-by-play announcer from 1971 to 1974 before moving on to the Los Angeles Dodgers and later becoming one of the most iconic voices in sports broadcasting.

Why it matters

Michaels' comments highlight the enduring legacy of the Big Red Machine, one of the greatest baseball dynasties in history. His affinity for the Reds underscores the deep connection between broadcasters and the teams they cover, even decades later.

The details

During an appearance on the "Not Dead Yet" podcast, Michaels was asked whether his favorite team is the Los Angeles Dodgers. "I did the Dodgers two biggest rivals in the in the '60s and the early '70s," Michaels replied. "I did the Reds. I did the Giants. I think my heart is still with Cincinnati because I had one of the best baseball teams of all time: Rose, Bench, Perez, Morgan, César Gerónimo, Concepcion, Sparky Anderson."

  • Michaels came to Cincinnati in 1971 and was replaced in the Reds' broadcast booth in 1974 by Marty Brennaman.
  • In 2020, Michaels told Dan Patrick that legendary Reds manager Sparky Anderson gave Michaels his "PhD in baseball."

The players

Al Michaels

A legendary broadcaster who served as the play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Reds from 1971 to 1974.

Pete Rose

A star player on the Cincinnati Reds' Big Red Machine teams of the early 1970s.

Johnny Bench

A star player on the Cincinnati Reds' Big Red Machine teams of the early 1970s.

Joe Morgan

A star player on the Cincinnati Reds' Big Red Machine teams of the early 1970s.

Sparky Anderson

The legendary manager of the Cincinnati Reds' Big Red Machine teams of the early 1970s.

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What they’re saying

“I think my heart is still with Cincinnati because I had one of the best baseball teams of all time: Rose, Bench, Perez, Morgan, César Gerónimo, Concepcion, Sparky Anderson.”

— Al Michaels, Legendary Broadcaster

“Sparky Anderson gave Michaels his "PhD in baseball.”

— Al Michaels

The takeaway

Al Michaels' enduring affection for the Cincinnati Reds' Big Red Machine teams of the 1970s underscores the deep, lasting connections that can form between broadcasters and the teams they cover. Even decades later, Michaels' heart remains with the Reds and the legendary players and manager he worked with during that era.