There was a thin, almost matinee idol-looking Berman in October 1979, when he joined the network as an overnight "SportsCenter" host.

Later, he sported a mustache.

Wardrobe?

One quick view showed the irrepressible Berman attired in a loud, patterned sports jacket that resembled an outfit of a TV clown personality.

"You don't like that jacket?" Berman bellowed, in friendly style, on the telephone. "It's an expensive Madras coat that's still hanging in my closet."

If Berman's looks (he's featured on a TV weight loss commercial) have changed during three decades, his broadcasting style and perspective haven't.

"It's still all about having fun," Berman says.

"Sure, TV coverage and sports world issues have changed. But covering sports remains a blast for me. It's still a game."

Some contend that Berman's ego often outweighs his talent.

But even his harshest critics admit that behind those "Bermanisms" ("he could go a-a-l-l the w-a-a-y") and athletic nicknames (Bert "Be Home" Blyleven) lurks an agile mind, honed at Brown University, where Berman majored in American history.

He can quickly recall important sporting events in Colorado and Denver sports history as if he were a local broadcaster.

The nickname gimmick was formed when Berman, doing overnight "SportsCenter" reports, wanted to put some life into electronic box scores.

He later added to his list (now at 600) while covering major-league baseball.

The "a-a-l-l the w-a-a-y" commentary evolved while working with former Broncos linebacker Tom Jackson on their popular "Sunday NFL Countdown," which begins its 24th season Sunday.

"Tommy is like a brother," Berman says. "We know each other so well. We get the job done. We provide information and insight. And we have fun."

Berman, Bill Ley, who joined ESPN two days after the Sept. 7, 1979, premiere, and John Saunders, who came aboard in 1986, hosted a retrospective special Sunday night that will be repeated various times today.

So how does Berman, 54, view his sportscasting future?

"I'll be having fun for a few more years," he said. Berman turned down past offers to join NBC Sports and become a TV announcer for the San Francisco Giants.

"I was tempted. But I'm not going anywhere," he said.

Footnote.

When Berman joined ESPN, he replaced Wayne Hagin, who moved on to another broadcasting job. Hagin, of course, was part of the Rockies' first KOA-AM announcing team, working with Jeff Kingery. Following a three-year stint broadcasting Cardinals games, Hagin two years ago became a radio voice of the Mets on WFAN-AM in New York.