RSN: When did you join NESN, and how did you come to trade Toronto for SportsDesk?
HM: I joined NESN in September of 2004. I was approached by Glenn Geffner (Red Sox PR Director) in Toronto last spring. He was familiar with my work in Canada because the Jays and Sox play each other so often, and NESN was looking for a "new face" to launch an evening edition of SportsDesk. NESN saw my tape and made me an offer I couldn't refuse -- a job in the U.S., with one of the best regional sports networks in the country and a sports-crazed city with passionate fans. I left a national show for a regional show, but the exposure here in Boston is tremendous.
RSN: Tell us more about what you did before coming to Boston.
HM: I was the morning anchor for Sportsnet -- a national sports network. I was also the host of a weekly baseball magazine show called "Jzone" (Canada's version of This Week in Baseball, which primarily focused on the Toronto Blue Jays).
RSN: How would you compare Boston and Toronto as sports cities?
HM: Boston, as I am learning, is a tough market. I knew that coming in, and in some ways it was one of the reasons I came here. The fans are passionate -- sports runs deep, and I admire that in this city. It sounds corny, but if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. The only comparison I can make as far as the "longing" for a World Series title in Boston would be the Maple Leafs and a Stanley cup. It's been almost 40 years.
RSN: Having grown up in Toronto, how are you getting along this year without the NHL?
HM: To be honest, as much as I am a big hockey fan, the fact that there's no NHL this year has helped me with my new job. As you can imagine, it's been a big transition to move to a new city and get use to a new working environment. As crazy as it has been trying to learn the ropes, I can't imagine what it would've been like if you threw the Bruins in there.
RSN: How did you view Maple Leaf Gardens being replaced by the Air Canada Centre, and how would you compare Fenway Park and Skydome?
HM: Fenway Park and Skydome (or should I say, the "Rogers Centre"?) -- there is no comparison. Skydome was never meant to be a "ballpark," per se. It was built as an "entertainment complex." The Jays just happened to be a tenant there. The feel of taking in a ballgame at the 'dome' and at Fenway is totally different. There's so much history and tradition here. Skydome is only 20 years old, very young in major league terms. I love the modern conveniences of the Air Canada Centre, but Maple Leaf Gardens was such a "sacred" hockey venue. I miss it a lot. Now I hear that the building might turn into a supermarket. That breaks my heart.
RSN: What are your thoughts on the Expos leaving Montreal, and Winnipeg and Quebec City no longer having NHL teams?
HM: It saddened me when the 'Spos left. I felt bad for the true ball fans in the area. I remember in the '80's when the Expos attracted 2-3 million fans per season -- Andre Dawson, Gary Carter... The last time I was at the big O (Olympic Stadium) to take in a game, there were six thousand people. I understand the financial reasons why teams leave, but it doesn't mean I have to like it.
RSN: How different is it working with the Red Sox, as compared to the Blue Jays? With the media and fans putting them under such a strong spotlight, is the dynamic on a different level?
HM: The media attention is big in Toronto. Remember that the Jays are now the ONLY big league team in Canada. However, the scrutiny the Red Sox get here is unbelievable. Even the media rips the media here. In my opinion, in Toronto the media tended to scrutinize the front office more than the players. Maybe it’s just that since I’ve been in Boston the Sox, Patriots and even the Celtics management seems to be making all the right moves.
RSN: How did the 2004 World Series compare to other events you've covered?
HM: Words can't describe it. Our NESN studios are here at Fenway, and the atmosphere was electric. I could hear the crowd roar from my desk.
RSN: When you're not working, what kind of fan are you? Are you analytical, passionate…?
HM: This one is a no brainer.. I'm a passionate fan. I swear at the TV when I'm watching, and take losses very personally. It stays with me for days until the next game. I need help, I know
RSN: Do you remember “the Jeff Stone game" -- or even know what I'm referring to?
HM: No, but I looked it up. Why do you ask, because they beat the Blue Jays and I’m from Toronto?
RSN: In a word, “Yes.” Canadian football, or American football?
HM: My heart belongs to the CFL for obvious reasons. I do LOVE a lot of offence, however the NFL is something I've always watched for hours on end every Sunday during football season.
RSN: Tell us how the SportsDesk segments are put together. Who writes the material, and are you live or on tape?
HM: Sportsdesk is "live" every evening at 10 pm or immediately after our Red Sox post-game coverage. We then tape the morning edition after the west coast scores are in. I write all my own material except for a few pre-produced features that our talented stats gurus and associate producers put together. My day typically begins at 3 pm and ends whenever we finish taping the morning edition.
RSN: Viewers know the "on-air" personalities of your NESN colleagues. What are some of them like when the cameras are put away?
HM: They'd kill me if I told you.
RSN: What about yourself -- what is Hazel Mae like off the set, and what do you do for fun?
HM: I'm very much the same person on TV as I am off. I've learned early on that you just have to be yourself. Fans aren't stupid. They can see through a "phony" any day. I LOVE sports. I play sports. I'm told I'm outgoing, enthusiastic, and can be very silly. I started playing golf a couple of years ago, and I am absolutely hooked! I try to go to as many games on my days off as I can, instead of just watching on TV. When I'm not watching sports, I'm watching re-runs of "Law & Order." Yes, I'm addicted.
RSN: Have you ever done play-by-play or color commentary, and is it something you'd like to do?
HM: No, never. I don't have any plans to. I leave that stuff to pros like Don and Remy.
RSN: In broadcasting, have your role models tended to be women, or men?
HM: A couple of women stand out. Hannah Storm when she covered sports, and Jeanne Zelasko. In Canada, it was Kathryn Humphreys and Martine Gaillard, both pioneers as women sportscasters north of the border.
RSN: Tell us a good story about an interaction you've had with a pro athlete.
HM: You'll have to wait until my book comes out.
RSN: Last one: You're interviewing Joe Namath, on the air, and he offers to kiss you. What is your reaction?
HM: Am I wearing a blindfold, or not?
