Goodbye from South Bend

Now that the team has been eliminated from playoff contention, I wanted to address something that has been floating around for the last few weeks.  Unfortunately, the rumors are true and I will be leaving the South Bend Silver Hawks at the end of this season. 

Without going into too much detail, this was not entirely my decision.  The team is moving in a different direction in regards to the broadcast position, turning it from a full-time job into a seasonal one and I'm the odd man out.  Rather than complain and argue about it, I've accepted their decision and look forward to pursuing other opportunities in the near future.

I came to South Bend in March of 2009 eager to begin my first job as the play-by-play voice of a Minor League Baseball team.  After spending three years as an assistant with the Dayton Dragons, I felt that I was ready to assume control of a broadcast position, and I was honored to be given that chance by the Silver Hawks.

Now, three seasons later, I leave the team knowing that my talents as a broadcaster and Media Relations Director are much stronger and I am still very thankful for the opportunity provided to me by the Silver Hawks. 

More than that, however, I am thankful for the wonderful people I've been in contact with over the past three seasons.  From the coaching staff to the players, from the front office of South Bend to those in other cities around the league, and from the fans both locally and afar, everyone has welcomed me (or at least my voice) with open arms (and ears).

As a special note to the families of the players and to the loyal listeners of my broadcasts, I hope that in some way I was able to make the games come alive for you.  I hope that my words became your eyes.  I hope that my voice allowed you to "watch" as your sons, or your grandsons, or your brothers, or your friends, or your favorite players came alive on the radios and computers at your home.  In short, I hope that I provided the connection between fans and players that is the main reason why baseball on the radio has been so successful for so long. 

I hope that the Silver Hawks realize what a great marketing tool radio can be and continue to be broadcast both online and on local radio in future years.  It was disappointing to be online only this season, but I'm glad that I was still able to serve as the voice of the Silver Hawks.

I don't know what the future holds for me from a professional standpoint.  I will pursue other broadcasting jobs this offseason and hope to continue my dream of being a baseball broadcaster.  From a personal standpoint, I am blessed to be marrying the love of my life on October 15th.  Trust me when I say that I am the luckiest man to have found Jenny, the most caring and supportive person I've ever met.

Finally, this will be the final post on this blog for this season as it relates to the South Bend Silver Hawks.  There is always a chance this blog continues should I land with another team, but that remains to be seen as it will be an interesting offseason to say the least.

And with that, I say good bye.  Thank you for your support, your comments, and for listening for the past three seasons.  Let's enjoy the final few games and may God bless you all.