Its just the feeling that I got when I heard Bobby ahh-BRAY-ooo from Dan Baker. Phillies' legendary Public Address announcer Dan Baker is the longest tenured PA announcer in the MLB. Bob Sheppard was 97 years old when he retired Im a kid! (87-75, 3rd place in NL East). But those treatments make Baker vulnerable to infection. During the summers of 1969-1971, he served as the PA announcer for Buddy Wagners Lucky Mustang Hell Drivers, a traveling auto daredevil show. The cardinal sin for a PA announcer is to mispronounce a name, he cautions. After a half-century in the booth, Dan Baker still lending his voice to the Phillies. Dan Baker, longest tenured PA announcer in Major League Baseball, on the field at Citizens Bank Park before . I've felt that way since I was a kid.". Bob Sheppard announced for the Yankees for 57 years, and Pat Pieper announced Cubs games for 59 years. 34, right fielder Bryce Harper!" Close your eyes and you can hear Baker carefully enunciating each word before emoting the player's name, which is especially true whenever a superstar like . This year will be Baker's 50th with the Phillies, but for a time in 2020 he wasn't sure he'd make it to that milestone. His voice is his most recognizable trait. Many people ask about the amount of money Dan Baker (PA announcer) makes from Instagram. But the main thing that was the most important to him was someone who knew baseball and could also operate the in-progress scoreboard along with doing the PA balls, strikes, outs, runs, hits, errors. More importantly, Dan Baker is a Philadelphia treasure. On occasion, hes gotten feedback from Phillies players. There are certain names that lend themselves to a more melodic interpretation, Baker said. I know we arent the big names, but we should get equal treatment. I really didnt think I did it, but was appreciative of the feedback. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Im very very fortunate. He does not look like he once did because doctors had to remove a 5.5-centimeter tumor squamous cell carcinoma from his maxillary sinus. "I had a wound vac coming out of my head, a tube coming out of my head, a PICC line in my arm, and a feeding tube in my stomach. The record shows it was the home opener on a Monday night, April 1972. Only Pat Pipers 59 seasons with the Chicago Cubs (1915-74) and Bob Sheppards 57 seasons with the New York Yankees (1951-2007) rank above Bakers 50 seasons in Philly. Find out more. Hes not denying they are loud. Theres something else Baker brings to the job that might be a little more rare for his profession. For 'Most Courageous' Dan Baker, 50 years with Phillies has been a 'fairy tale' life Philly's beloved baseball announcer top honoree at PSWA awards dinner MEDIANEWS GROUP STAFF PHOTO. Its the voice of summer for a lot of people in this area., (Top photo of Dan Baker throwing out the first pitch on Opening Day: Rich Graessle / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images). Dan Baker couldn't have hand-picked a better year to celebrate his 50th season as the in-stadium voice of the Philadelphia Phillies. What a joy it is to work with all of those people in the PhanaVision and scoreboard control room. And that was like, Thats what I want to do. I want to be able to put that feeling to somebody else. The record shows it was the home opener on a Monday night, April 1972. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. 1 Priority For The Phillies Ahead Of Trade Deadline, Chase Utley Moving To London For New MLB Role, Rookie Darick Hall Enjoying Overwhelming Support As New Phils Slugger, Pete Rose To Appear At Citizens Bank Park During Alumni Weekend. Pieper from 1916 to 1974 and Baker from 1972present. He is a graduate of Syracuse University and Central Bucks High School West. I wouldnt trade it for anything. It hasnt happened yet. Baker has been the public address announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies since 1972 and the Philadelphia Eagles from 1985 to 2014. I think I still enunciate pretty well even with the physical changes in my mouth., READ MORE: Kyle Schwarber is the perfect leadoff hitter for this magical Phillies team. The Phillies have provided me with so much incentive. The Phillies have only been to eight.. There was no roar from the crowd, except for a dozen-or-so diehards that peered through the iron center field gates on step-stools to . Baker did not announce during the 2020 season after being diagnosed with sinus cancer. Next, the pregame script needs to be gone over more than once. Montanez came to the plate, and I announced, Now batting for the Phillies, No. He printed the letter Baker sent to Lehigh Valley on Choates behalf. He spoke with NBC10's Frances Wang about his legendary career. He expected it to go into a pile somewhere. Were so lucky, those of us who have the privilege to play a part, even in a small way, to play a part in the game.. Phillies' Dan Baker Discusses Battle With Cancer Ahead Of 50th Year As Public Address Announcer Phillies' Dan Baker Discusses Battle With Cancer Ahead Of 50th Year As Public Address Announcer 4/8/2022 2:25:00 PM Dan Baker told CBS3 he has no plans to retire any time soon. To verify player enunciations, hell ask the public relations staffs or visiting radio-TV announcers or even the player himself. Before Baker was a PA announcer, he was a grade-school teacher in Philadelphia. Phillies win shortened game on clutch throw from Nick Castellanos, Phillies homer 5 times, move to 10 games above .500. Dan, bench players dont seem to get the same enthusiastic announcement. Its framed on his desk. "They let me know, whenever Im ready, and for however many games I think Im capable of announcing, theyd be glad to have me. Salaries posted anonymously by Baker Hughes employees in St. Louis, MO. All Rights Reserved. March 2, 2022. Along the way, the Phillies celebrated Bakers remarkable longevity with the franchise, which also marks the third-longest public address announcing career in Major League Baseball history. The average salary for a baker in St. Louis County, MO is $29,000 per year. They asked me, How many games do you think you can do? I said 81! Thats what Im shooting for.. And, Baker said, luckily, my voice wasnt affected that much.. Those are his working tools. It energizes me being back here doing this again. For the past half century, Phillies fans have heard one voice at the ballpark. He checks every name in the starting lineups. The weather doesn't officially break until you hear Dan Baker's voice piping out of CBP. The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball, Players With Guaranteed Contracts (does not include players with options), Maximum value of options if all are exercised, Rough estimated value of all arbitration cases, Buyouts are always shown when years are options (. I can just sit in the stands and enjoy everything that baseball offers.. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. And thats just the way it is. There are others like him Philly kids who listened to Baker, who wanted to be Baker, who imitate Baker. Philadelphia Phillies Multi-Year Payrolls Phillies Multi-Year Payrolls 2023 Payroll Table Active Contracts Multi-Year Spending Positional Spending Financial Summary 2023 Free Agents A detailed schedule of the pregame events timed down to the second is available to the entire control room staff. In addition to announcing, Baker also operated the game-in-progress scoreboard of balls, strikes, outs, runs, hits and errors. That voice belongs to Dan Baker. "When I got out, I looked like somebody for a mash unit," Baker recalls. Baker reprises his role as the Philadelphia Phillies PA announcer for select Phillies away games at multiple venues that comprise a chain of Philadelphia area sports bars. Become a Stathead & surf this site ad-free. Hes been known to blow off steam in the control room (off-mike, naturally). Though the Phillies and Eagles left Veterans Stadium for new venues (the Eagles to Lincoln Financial Field in 2003 and the Phillies to Citizens Bank Park in 2004), Baker remained the PA announcer for both teams. The club opens its season at Citizens Bank Park against the. ), READ MORE: Bryce Harpers legend grows as he homers on first World Series pitch he sees at Citizens Bank Park. Depending upon the length of the elevator ride, hes miss one or two batters. He began a teaching career with fifth and sixth grades at Landreth Elementary School in Philadelphia. By the end of the season, he will have announced 4,000 Phillies games and 300,000 batters hes said the names of almost 20 percent of all major-league hitters to ever take an at-bat. "Oh my gosh, this is life," Baker proudly tells Jeff Skversky. People have to be able to understand you. Baker stayed away from the game for the 2020 season because of health problems. A. Baker 1-0. A video we produced about longtime Phillies PA Announcer, Dan Baker.Dan Baker has been the PA Announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies since 1972. There was also no Dan Baker, the ubiquitous public address announcer, synonymous with Phillies home games for a half-century. Its his job to hear things at the ballpark others do not. There was no doubt in my mind I was going to get back here.". Listening to Baker say it, in that unmistakable voice, I wouldnt root against him. The Phillies have been so encouraging and supportive through this process," Baker said. I was so proud and so touched by the outpouring of affection, by the sincerity, and the kind remarks that were made by Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa, Greg Luzinski, Jay Wright, Fran Dunphy, Bruiser Flint and Phil Martelli, Baker explained. I was so energized being back at the ballpark," he said. Subscribe to The Athletic for in-depth coverage of your favorite players, teams, leagues and clubs. Payroll Table 2023 Contracts Active Multi-Year Summary Positional Spending Prospects The Future Free Agents 2023 Player Option In 2022, the team held a special Dan Baker 50th Anniversary Salute Night on August 5, and to recognize his career milestone, he was chosen for a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. Dan Baker couldnt have hand-picked a better year to celebrate his 50th season as the in-stadium voice of the Philadelphia Phillies. He bought one ticket in the first row of Section 214. Baker's duties are similar to those he had as the public address announcer for the Eagles, which include energizing the crowd with his signature calls. The all-time list in his profession is topped by Pat Pieper, who worked the Wrigley Field PA system for the Cubs for 59 seasons, from 1916-74. to fight any efforts by the league to implement a salary cap . Baker, 75, has since received some 30 radiation treatments. The Phillies will honor Baker before Friday nights game. Many people ask this question about the money Dan Baker (PA announcer) makes from Facebook. Organist Paul Richardson was in an adjacent booth. You could argue the fact that there was no relief pitching. Please let us know if you find any errors, updates, or corrections More Phillies Pages Philadelphia Phillies Franchise Pages Year-by-Year Stats Batting Pitching Leaders Top 10 Career Batting Top 10 Single-Season Batting There was an infection, a six-week hospital stay, and subsequent radiation treatments. It energizes me to be here.". Join our linker program. All salary values are VERY unofficial. And my favorite player was Bobby Abreu, Choate said. Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Quakers, Winningest Manager: This is my sixth World Series. Total Zone Rating and initial framework for Wins above Replacement calculations provided by Sean Smith. 10, catcher J.T. Bryce Harpers legend grows as he homers on first World Series pitch he sees at Citizens Bank Park, Kyle Schwarber is the perfect leadoff hitter for this magical Phillies team, Phillies won 7-0 to take a 2-1 series lead, California residents do not sell my data request. At the ballpark, Baker is famous for his graciousness. Get notification with the latest net worth updates for free. "There was an electricity in that ballpark (during the opening homestand). He has served as a public address announcer for five World Series, two Major League Baseball All-Star games, and three NFC . PA Announcer Dan Baker Set to Celebrate 50 Years as Voice of Philadelphia Phillies During 2022 MLB Season - Sports Illustrated Inside The Phillies Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Dan. He has 11 to go. There is something oddly specific about wanting to be a PA announcer. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs were on the road. There was no roar from the crowd, except for a dozen-or-so diehards that peered through the iron center field gates on step-stoolsto watch a fraction of the field. Choate works in marketing by day, then announces IronPigs games at night. You had people who drove hours to get here; they had to turn around and go hours back. About 25 minutes prior to game time, hes on the field with a script in hand special awards, introductions, ceremonial first-ball tossers, national anthem singers, starting lineups and umpires. But it is a spiritual feeling when I walk in by myself and sit in the stands and not have to worry about cotton candy or bathroom breaks, Choate, 29, said. Well, it was affected to some degree, in that, I also lost all the teeth in my upper right side, and I can only open my mouth about a third as wide as it should go, Baker said, sitting in an empty Hall of Fame Club at Citizens Bank Park about five hours before the first pitch. He does this with aspiring broadcasters who show interest in the craft. Here he is announcing the 2008 Phillies lineup on the 10th anniversary season of the World Series title: The 2008 Phillies get announced by Dan Baker in their batting order. Charlie Manuel, 780-636, .551 W-L%, 2022 Phillies Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Baker grew up in Mount Ephraim, New Jersey, and graduated from Audubon High School. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Phillies PA announcer Dan Baker talks . (Courtesy of Justin Choate), Dan Baker, pictured in 2017, has been the voice at the Phillies ballpark for 50 years. Does Baker, now 76, see himself shooting for tops on the all-time list. Dan Baker (PA announcer) net worth 2.56 Million Millions of dollars 85% Net worth score Disclamer: Dan Baker (PA announcer) net worth displayed here are calculated based on a combination social factors. You know, I like to emote. I met my wife here. Two children had worked at the ballpark during college both born in World Series years.. The Giants had Willie McCovey, No. I write sports columns focusing on colleges and Philly hoops. The Philadelphia Phillies honored Baker for 50 years of service as the franchise's PA announcer Friday in a ceremony where he to no surprise of anyone that has ever met him talked as much about his love for his family and the team as he did about himself. Dan Baker (PA announcer) Sport: Baseball; Basketball; Football, Dan Baker (PA announcer) Born: September 22, 1946 (age 76years), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. I think people sensed it was going to happen.. [3], Between Baker and former Chicago Cubs' public address announcer Pat Pieper, the 2020 MLB season will mark 104 consecutive seasons that one of them has been announcing games. By the end of the season, he will have announced 4,000 Phillies games and 300,000 batters he's said the names of almost 20 percent. He missed only six games last month. Choates parents had a Sunday ticket plan at Veterans Stadium when he was a kid growing up in Delaware County. Ephraim, N.J., with my family at the age of 7 in 1954. A very lucky break. And I also try not to do it when its inappropriate.. My supervisor Mark DiNardo is just the best.. Re-al-muto!, Thats what you live for, Baker said. Some defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023. The doctors cleared him last week. Doctors took bone tissue from his leg and transplanted it in his face. Didnt see this coming, Baker said. The stadium voice of the Phillies and . To be out there, in the beautiful weather of the spring and summer. We also had some fun and had Dan announce our "walk-ups" as if we were on the Phillies. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Normally the ad cost for an Instagram ad post is based on the number of followers on the account. "You know, this isn't the last one of these that I want to get you know if the Phillies will be so kind as to consider me for one for future championships.". 1.0 IP, 0 ER, 2 K, 0 BB . Baker paused, I guess it would be MICK-eee Moor-an-DIN-ee. He is the longest-tenured PA announcer in baseball, and as far as I can tell, any of the four major North American sports. Coordination was needed in entertaining fans. Apr 16, 2021. Many thanks to him. No. Phillies Nation Podcast: Did Phillies do enough at Trade Deadline? When Choate was 18 and headed for college, he wrote his idol a letter. 4 salaries for 4 jobs at Baker Hughes in St. Louis, MO. (Hunter Martin / Getty Images), Dan Bakers letter of recommendation. He missed the last homestand at Citizens Bank Park because he had to have the infected bone drilled down and replaced with skin from his left arm. His thing is always an understated part of a Phillies show, that voice providing a familiar, carefully-enunciated in-person soundtrack since long before any current players were born. His careers overlapped for almost a decade. In this particular game, Cole Hamels is in a jam, with runners on first and second and one out. Bats: Right Throws: Right. Who knows, he wrote, maybe someday a kid will grow up pretending to be Justin Choate, and thanks to Dan, Ill know exactly how to handle it. Years ago, Baker told Choate he would not be surprised to hear him announcing for a Philadelphia team one day. (Giles) was one of the foremost showmen in the history of Major League Baseball and the only person you could rank ahead of him was Bill Veeck, Baker explained. The moment he cannot enunciate how he expects to enunciate, Baker has said hell know it is time. It was just exciting to hear the fans. "Id like to go for the record [60 seasons]! Or Greg Lu-ZIN-ski., While hes driven to be accurate, he will make a mistake. Baker worked as a spotter and statistician for out-of-town broadcasters. That is the key to being a PA announcer. Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for any inconvenience., That was an ad-lib, but I cleared it [with the Phillies]. Hes going to be here tonight, Baker said of that favored pronunciation of the previous Phillies postseason era, and sure enough, Ral Ibaez, now Major League Baseballs senior vice president of on-field operations, was part of a pregame ceremony, Baker giving him the old treatment. I've always felt that way about coming here. Baker had the franchise's full support. Can you give me a SIZE-moor one more time?, His favorite name to enunciate? left fielder Lou Brock." With that announcement, Dan Baker became the voice of Phillies games at Veterans Stadium. A double, a single, then a throwing error on a stolen base. 55, catcher Russell Martin. Martin doubles into the left-field corner, driving in one run. Many people ask this question about the money Dan Baker (PA announcer) makes from Twitter. "It provides me with so much enjoyment. Hes continued to perform at a high level into his mid-70s, even as hes dealt with some significant health challenges. He has covered the team since 2010 while at The Philadelphia Inquirer, including a yearlong pause from baseball as a reporter on the city desk. Unlike many other ball clubs, Bakers role included being on the field pre-game for all the festivities and announcements. Early life [ edit] Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Baker grew up in Mount Ephraim, New Jersey, and graduated from Audubon High School. 2022 edition. The only thing that I know is Dan, Choate said. When Baker announces next season, his 50th, he will become just the third MLB public address announcer to reach that level of longevity. Hes also been known to cheer (again, off-mike). One time Rob Ducey, a really nice person, approached me. The Phillies will honor Baker before Friday night's game. The names that I enjoy saying the most are the polysyllabic words, multiple syllables that lend themselves to a more melodic interpretation, Baker said after the pregame ceremony. 44, on the roster. [2][3] He has served as a PA voice for five World Series (1980, 1983, 1993, 2008 and 2009), 50th Congrats. You talk about paying it forward; he took an interest in a younger person. Cassidy later became the director of stadium operations for the Phillies. Not just because he gets to see newcomers Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos hit the field. In conversation, put it at 97%. He was 97 when he retired [announced his last game], Baker said of Sheppard. "During the course of my illness Jeff, it was an inspiration for me to try to get back here and work hard, and get back doing the job that I love. Baker was absent due to health issues. See what police officers, teachers, elected officials and other government workers make. He helped Baker land an interview. Baker never publicized his health issuesbecause he didnt want to be a source of sorrow for Phillies fans. When will the Phillies get City Connect uniforms? April 8, 2022 / 7:24 AM (Courtesy of Justin Choate). Legendary Phillies PA announcer Dan Baker joined us on the show this morning to talk about his legacy and favorite moments throughout his career. I picked up the phone, Choate said, and it was just that, Hello Justin, this is Dan Baker. My jaw dropped. They have been friends for 12 years now. Then the red button: Now batting, No. But Baker has done it for 50 years with his pronounced style. Data Provided By Much of the play-by-play, game results, and transaction information both shown and used to create certain data sets was obtained free of charge from and is copyrighted by RetroSheet. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. 27, Willie McCovey. I was embarrassed. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? We present them here for purely educational purposes. That voice belongs to Dan Baker. Someone from the Mets was talking with (Phillies director of broadcasting and video services)Mark DiNardo and they said, Boy, that really sounds good! Never mind the Phillies, with all Baker himself had gone through Nope, no, said Baker, the Phillies public address announcer of a half century. I really havent shared too much of this with people because I dont want people to think Im in worse shape than I am, Baker said. And rather than lament what could have been or what should have been or woe is me, its How lucky am I to do this? Ive felt that my whole life. Position: Relief Pitcher. Choate, a few months ago, authored an essay to commemorate Baker on reaching 50 years with the Phillies. The Phillies were losing to Atlanta. Baker has been the public address announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies since 1972 and was the public address announcer for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1985 to 2014. The 75-year-old then, just like he would if they were walking to the plate, rang off of a few of his most iconic player intros. I dont want them to feel a sense of sympathy, necessarily. Signing bonuses are typically prorated across the contract, but in some cases may have been paid at the time of signing. . At age 25, Baker began living his dream. Before he gets to do that, theres homework. Often imitated, never . Press the red button and his recognizable voice blares throughout the ballpark. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. The show airs at 6:00 pm on Monday nights, and each week they bring in a special guest, usually a current or retired player.[5]. Baker has been the public address announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies since 1972 and was the public address announcer for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1985 to 2014. And the Voice of Citizens Bank Park is backfor his 49th season on the mic. Or write about sports? The jobs, for most, are seasonal side gigs. His voice i. He's been behind the mic at Phillies games since 1972. Did Baker hear the boos from the concourse? He is human. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Public address pro Dan Baker is ready to celebrate what will be his 50th season of Phillies baseball. On occasion, we have estimated arbitration eligibility. I learned from my parents a long time ago the importance of enunciating every syllable, he says. He was then hit with an infection due to complications and was in the hospital for six weeks. I cant describe it, Choate said. Be authentic, Baker told him, and authentic in Choates mind was incorporating a nod to Baker. He says he hopes to continue as the team's public address announcer for another 10 years. Get box score updates on the New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies baseball game. Growing up in Mt. And you're right, Ross, it's a motivating factor that keeps me going. They always watch games together. And lucky are Phillies fans who have received the gift of his enthusiastic voice for the last 50 seasons! The voice was a new one to Phillies fans. There are so many people who work at jobs and do great work and deserve all kinds of praise but they might not be in a position of visibility where theyre recognized or people see them, so to some extent, all of their accomplishments are done somewhat anonymously. I absolutely love those people. 20 . Baker opened his remarks by saying, "Now batting for the Phillies, No. When the Phillies moved to Citizens Bank Park, the same routine would apply pregame and in-game. His pace is a bit slower as one might expect for a 75-year-old. The Philadelphia Phillies honored Baker for 50 years of service as the franchises PA announcer Friday in a ceremony where he to no surprise of anyone that has ever met him talked as much about his love for his family and the team as he did about himself. Dan Baker, the longest-tenured public address announcer in Major League Baseball, is back behind the mic at Citizens Bank Park after a battle with cancer. It's a great honor for me. Baker has been with the Phillies since 1972, their second season at Veterans Stadium. The familiar voice of Dan Baker, one of the friendliest human beings to ever inhabit this planet, was also absent. So Im not out of the screaming and shouting school. Leading off for the St. Louis Cardinals No. Im 74, compared to Bob!. Final Veterans Stadium 7th Inning Stretch, "Summer Nights at the Ballpark with Dan Baker", "Eagles to replace public address announcer Dan Baker", "Phillies' Dan Baker battling for his return to Citizens Bank Park public address booth", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dan_Baker_(PA_announcer)&oldid=1120581505, People from West Deptford Township, New Jersey, Major League Baseball public address announcers, National Football League public address announcers, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 7 November 2022, at 19:23. "I don't intend to walk away before we win a couple more World Series," Baker said. Baker had his right cheekbone removed in August of 2020 during a procedure where a cancerous tumor was taken out of his sinus. For the first time in his life, Choate was sitting in the stands at a home Phillies game and Dan Bakers voice did not fill the ballpark. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. This is almost like a fairytale existence. He taught fifth and sixth grade at The Landreth School at 23rd and Federal Streets. Ephraim is where I really developed my love of baseball and the Phillies, he explained.
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