The offseason for baseball broadcasters always brings new hope for announcers hoping to make a move up the ladder. This offseason provided several opportunities at both the major league and minor league levels. Applying for openings can be both exciting and frustrating. For some, this offseason has already been exciting, and for others, frustrating. One of the most difficult questions to have answered for those who fall short is, “What separated me from the guy you hired?”
This year I’ve had the opportunity to talk to several announcers who applied for, but did not receive job offers for a few of the openings available this year. Unfortunately, they also failed to receive an explanation as to why they were not selected. That is where the frustration lies for many talented broadcasters. We all know that many, if not most decisions are extremely subjective. The right sound for the ear of the right decision maker often times makes a difference. Most announcers who fall short just want to know why and how they can improve for the next opportunity. Yet, the answer many get is, “We just decided to go in another direction.”
I remember several occasions early in my career when I finished out of the running for a few jobs. Several times I was told I didn’t have enough experience, and other times I was told I just didn’t have the right sound. Each time I was devastated, but at least I knew why I didn’t get the job. For several announcers this year, all they had to hang their hats on was, “We’re going in a different direction.”
For those who may be in a position to make or break someone’s career please provided an honest critique of an applicant’s talents. Something a little more than a general direction.
Mario Impemba is the play-by-play voice of the Detroit Tigers on Fox Sports Detroit
Mario–
To me you just hit a huge nail on the head.
Folks who hire broadcasters should be more responsive. Young broadcasters…ANY broadcaster should never be “big leagued,” by a person doing hiring. That’s inexcusable and unprofessional. This business takes hard work and sacrifice..and it’s a dishonor not to have at the very least solid critique.
I have to say the best I have encountered at responding with concrete information was the late Marlins and former Royals broadcast director Sue Rayson. Sue encouraged, critiqued, visited, and taught as best she knew how. She knew instinctively through long experience, where a young broadcaster came up short…and most of all…. Sue cared. Sue cared because she KNEW the craft, knew what listeners wanted and needed and was one hell of a professional. I often wonder if that is not a lost art or if few care.
I have said before in a blog on this website, mlb teams, and all professional teams in general might benefit in having former broadcasters at the major league level help with the hiring process. We can debate forever who is and isn’t qualified to hire broadcasters…so that’s a moot point.
You are 100% on target with your blog and I hope others will respond.
Have a great New Year, Mario..and all of you who read and post on BaseballBroadcasters.
Mike Capps
Austin, Texas
Thank you for being an advocate, Mario, for broadcasters — particularly the younger ones. Last year I was a finalist for a job but didn’t land it. I asked for feedback and the employer was honest to say, “I liked your stuff. There’s nothing wrong, but I’m going with this other guy who has a connection to our club.” Then he recommended me to another club that was looking and I got a job with them.
I get the impression that some clubs don’t know what to with the volume of applicants. I think it surprises them and bogs them down. It is not uncommon to get 150-200 applicants for a job at any level. Perhaps they should be more upfront with their criteria?
I’m curious how you would direct the hiring process if you were a decision-maker for your own job? If you were a GM?
The process can be long and drawn out, teaching me some patience. Everyday this offseason is the day I hope I’ll get the call!
Mike, I couldn’t agree more about the process and about Sue. While with the Marlins, Sue offered me an objective and comprehensive critique, my first from a Major League decision-maker. She told me I sounded too “nasally.” She was that friend who’d tell you you’ve got broccoli stuck in your teeth. At first, you don’t WANT to hear it, but you NEED to hear it. I realized I was putting on a “broadcaster voice” and once I relaxed and conversed with the audience, my sound improved. All thanks to Sue. Wish she was still with us.