Friday, September 2, 2011

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.

7 comments:

  1. Dear Owen,
    I'm just glad that you were the 'voice' for the last few years. We really enjoyed listening to the games that you broadcast. So....on behalf of many, I want to sincerely thank you.
    Best wishes with your future plans.
    Please know that the 'hawks went home happy, and their families and friends were happy, with each broadcast.
    Good luck and thanks.

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  2. Long time listener, first time blogger. Thanks for being our eyes the past few seasons as your truly do a remarkable job broadcasting baseball. You can really feel your love of the game come through in your broadcast. Good luck in marriage and with whatever team you land with next. Your voice will be missed. --Go Hawks

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  3. Owen,
    It has been a pleasure I'm sure for everyone that has the privilege of hearing your broadcasts or talking to you in person. It is very unfortunate that you were only on the internet this year, as the local radio is such a powerful tool. I give you much credit for dealing with the system there in South Bend that seems to be falling apart. Not only that but you have kept a very professional approach to it all and never brought a negative voice to the organization. Again thank you for everything and I wish you the very best in the future no matter what it may be.

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  4. I will miss you Owen! I checked your blog every day, and always looked forward to the updates. It sucks that South Bend cannot see what an asset you are you the organization

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  5. Thanks for your hard work and dedication. As a parent of one of the Silver Hawks, I listen every night and check your blog throughout the day. Owen, you have made me feel like I was at the field, and I appreciate the way you did everything. Thanks for the memories, and good luck to you. Good things happen to good people, I think you have a bright future.
    Best regards.

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  6. We checked your blog every day,and will miss you. We know you will be an asset to any organization. We enjoyed your voice every night, because it was great listening to a professional that can connect us to a real game experience. God is good and he bless his people. We know that you have a bright future. Thanks for an excellent job.

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  7. As another parent of a player you have really made the game come alive for us this season. We have been able to ride every pitch when he has been pitching and that is all because of your excellent commentary. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and all the best for the future.
    Your loyal Aussie listeners.

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