Announcer works double duty

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Pete Michaud is a play-by-play announcer for the Norfolk Tides and the Norfolk Admirals, and has worked on the Hampton Roads airwaves since 1979.

"I've been pulling double duty for six years now since I've been with the Tides," Michaud said.

He recently won the James H. Ellery Award, given annually by the American Hockey League to recognize outstanding media coverage.

"There's been no downtime," Michaud said. "My downtime is for about three weeks in September."

Michaud also travels with both teams.

"The opportunity to watch professional baseball and hockey and to get paid to do it is a dream job for a lot of people," Michaud said.

Michaud even joked he brings good luck to the Tides, as the Admirals just captured the Calder Cup Championship.

"They're doing great. I said, 'Skip, I'm your good luck charm,'" Michaud said.

The Tides are two games above .500 at All-Star break. Michaud said the toughest part about making the switch has been getting to know all the new names in the clubhouse because there are more than 65 names on the roster this season.

"It's been fun," Michaud said. "[It's] a good group of veterans and young guys, but probably the major challenge for me has been getting to know them."

Michaud is quick to say how much he enjoys his job despite the double duty and long hours.

"The fact that it's not a real job," Michaud said. "It's better then getting up at 5:30 a.m. and [doing] a a job I don't enjoy."