After an illustrious 44-season career calling games for the Toronto Maple Leafs on radio and television, legendary broadcaster Joe Bowen is set to retire next month. As he prepares for his final broadcast in Boston, Bowen shares a treasure trove of memories from his decades behind the microphone, filled with humor, heartbreak, and historical moments.
A Career Defined by Boston Battles
For Bowen, Boston has been a city of both triumph and tragedy throughout his broadcasting journey. He recalls the old Boston Garden, which opened in 1928 and was already showing its age when he started with the Maple Leafs in 1982. "You were literally hanging below seat level," Bowen said, describing the cramped conditions. "I don’t know how many times I had a beer spilled on my head after a Leafs goal I may have over-exuberantly called. Once, the guy looking down at me was fairly large, so I’m assuming it was intentional."
Memorable Mishaps and Close Calls
One standout story from the 1986-87 season involves a technical glitch that nearly ended his career. During a commercial break in a game against the Bruins, Bowen and his partner Bill Watters expressed frustration over the performance of an all-Czechoslovakian line, but their microphones were accidentally left on. "Wilbur made a disparaging remark," Bowen recounted, referring to Watters. "I was busy doing something else and said, ‘yeah’ or ‘whatever.’" They feared immediate dismissal, but to their surprise, no repercussions followed, leading Bowen to joke that listeners likely agreed with their critique.
Playoff Heartbreaks in Boston
Boston has also been the site of some of the most painful playoff losses for the Maple Leafs under Bowen’s watch. In 2013, Toronto held a three-goal lead with just over 14 minutes left in Game 7, only to see the Bruins mount a historic comeback. "When Patrice Bergeron sent it to OT, I just remembered the music in arena, that whole intermission, was sing-along-stuff all about Boston," Bowen said. "The fans were unbelievably loud that whole 15 minutes and standing right next to Jim Ralph I could not even hear him talking to me." The Bruins went on to win in overtime, a moment that Bowen believes was fueled by the sheer will of the home crowd.
This defeat was followed by three more first-round eliminations at TD Garden, each adding to the legacy of playoff disappointment. "All of those series were good hockey that went the distance," Bowen reflected. "You can be upset at the Leafs for that, but you have to get that far first, even if you’re disappointed at the end and get critiqued for it."
Cherished Moments Beyond the Rink
Despite the on-ice struggles, Bowen holds fond memories of Boston, including a night out with hockey icon Bobby Orr in the 1980s. "Afterwards, I needed to get somewhere really quickly and Bobby, who knew every Irish cop in town, got us in a police car with the siren going, down every one-way street," he shared. Bowen also appreciated the city’s rich history and iconic bars, such as "The Fours" and the Bull and Finch, which inspired the TV show Cheers.
As a devoted Red Sox fan, Bowen cherished April visits to Boston, where he could catch a baseball game and bring his children along. These personal touches highlight the deep connection he forged with the city over the years.
Looking Ahead to Retirement
As Bowen’s final season winds down, Postmedia will feature select stories from his vast archive, celebrating his contributions to sports broadcasting. His retirement marks the end of an era for Maple Leafs fans, who have grown accustomed to his passionate calls and insightful commentary.
In reflecting on his career, Bowen remains philosophical about the challenges and joys he experienced. "It wasn’t like they folded the tent in every series," he said of the Maple Leafs’ playoff efforts. "Lord knows they had their chances, but it’s that old saying, ‘if its and buts were candies and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas.’"
