Veteran announcer Joe Tolleson has called a host of sports events in his career, from the Olympics to the NHL. However what he may be known best for is his work in soccer, which will be amplified this spring and summer as he takes the reins as the first TV voice (along with partner Ian Joy) of New York City Football Club on the YES Network. Before moving to NYCFC, the University of Maryland grad has called games for the Red Bulls and the New York Power, as well as ESPN International work with the UEFA Champions League, CONCACAF Champions League, Serie A, La Liga, Eredivisie, and the FA Cup. He is also very familiar to fans of the playoff bound New York Rangers, serving as their public address announcer since 2002.
As the inaugural MLS season takes shape for NYCFC, we caught up with Tolleson to talk soccer The Broadway Blues, and time in the booth at Yankee Stadium.
NYCFC presents a great opportunity for MLS to capture a fan base that has been elusive for the league in terms of the casual New York sports fan who would not venture to Harrison. Are you making any effort more than usual to educate fans new to viewing to the nuances of the game?
There is a delicate balance of educating newcomers and insulting the fans who have been following the game for years. Hopefully, Ian Joy and I can present the game in a way that diehards appreciate, but also allows the new fan to learn about the rules and tactics. In the long run, the quality of play is what will keep fans around and with players like David Villa that part should take care of itself.
Even though you are not new to the game, are there play by play veterans you try and draw from when calling NYCFC?
I did earlier in my career especially Mike Emrick. He was someone who I felt you could always hear his passion. As my career has progressed and I’ve watched and listened to soccer from around the world I’ve tried to glean different things that I believe will appeal to soccer fans in this country.
One of the ever-evolving issues with soccer in America is the growth of a TV audience. How do you strike the balance in talking more or less than say, your European counterparts?
I believe you just have to convey your feel for the match as it unfolds. As Americans becomes more familiar with the game, and there has never been as much soccer to watch in this country as there is now, the audience will increase. I really believe that.
Working in MSG for the Rangers is a pretty unique task in itself. Do you ever worry about a signature PA call or do you tend to stick to the script?
I’ve never sat there trying to come up with a “signature call.” I really view the PA announcer as the person who is communicating information to the fans. I’m very comfortable with the notion that no one bought a ticket to hear me. The game is always paramount.
Do you see a crossover in fandom from Rangers Nation to those migrating to NYCFC?
That’s really an individual thing although it does amaze me the number of people who are hockey fans who also follow soccer.
For you what is it like to be sitting in the box calling games at Yankee Stadium? Any thoughts on upholding the ghosts of Stadium past?
There is a coolness factor to games being at the Stadium, without question. When you think of the American sporting icons who played there it does make wonder if there is new one on the field during an NYCFC match.
Gotten any advice from random supporters yet?
Not really. The reaction from viewers has been really terrific and has been really heartwarming for Ian and me. It definitely makes us feel we’re bringing them a really good product.
What do you want fans to take away after listening to a match on YES?
First and foremost, that it was enjoyable time well-spent. Overall, that viewers were brought to the match and also picked up some insight about the team and the game itself.
