Can you give me a SIZE-moor one more time?, His favorite name to enunciate? Future arbitration eligibility assumes players will play full major league seasons. And, Baker said, luckily, my voice wasnt affected that much.. Man, I gotta get back here, I have a job to perform. I can do some good for somebody, you know? He has served as a public address announcer for five World Series, two Major League Baseball All-Star games, and three NFC . The job is difficult it requires late nights and fierce attention to detail. There is something oddly specific about wanting to be a PA announcer. When Baker announces next season, his 50th, he will become just the third MLB public address announcer to reach that level of longevity. He underwent surgery for 24 hours to remove a tumor from his right sinus on August 12, 2020. Hes continued to perform at a high level into his mid-70s, even as hes dealt with some significant health challenges. At 50 years, Baker joins that elite legendary level while also living his dream. I dont want them to feel a sense of sympathy, necessarily. Data Provided By [2][3] He has served as a PA voice for six World Series (1980, 1983, 1993, 2008, 2009 and 2022), two Major League Baseball All Star Games (1976 and 1996), and three NFC Championship Games (2002, 2003, and 2004). "It provides me with so much enjoyment. 10, catcher J.T. Number ten, catcher J Baker pauses. The Phillies had Willie Montanez, No. 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. Despite all the health obstacles that hes faced, Baker sounds like someone who thinks he has turned the corner and is excited about the future, one of he believes will include quite a bit of time spent at Citizens Bank Park. (Courtesy of Justin Choate), Dan Baker, pictured in 2017, has been the voice at the Phillies ballpark for 50 years. 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. But those treatments make Baker vulnerable to infection. For me, what I do, is on full display and I just love doing it. announced that Baker would be the in-house public address announcer for Philadelphia Eagles games. Baker had a script, taking fans inside the stadium and out on the sidewalk through the procedures in place. I couldn't eat for four months.". I felt bad, Baker said. Montanez came to the plate, and I announced, Now batting for the Phillies, No. In-game, he occupies a seat in the front row of the glass enclosed Phanavision control room located behind Hall of Fame Club section 212. 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. A battle with cancer wiped out the pandemic-shortened 30 home game 2020 season for him. 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. 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. 12, second baseman, Mickey Morandini!, Now batting for the Phillies, No. 4 salaries for 4 jobs at Baker Hughes in St. Louis, MO. During his time away from the game, the team frequently let him know that his booth would be waiting for him upon his return. He says he hopes to continue as the team's public address announcer for another 10 years. Hes not claiming magical clairvoyance. You had people who drove hours to get here; they had to turn around and go hours back. (Not this year. Often imitated, never . Baker never publicized his health issuesbecause he didnt want to be a source of sorrow for Phillies fans. Baker learned the ballclub was considering making a change as the PA voice following the 1971 season, the first at Veterans Stadium. He believed, fully. On May 7, 2014, the Eagles announced that Baker would no longer serve as their public address announcer, citing that they decided to make a change in the role. We sat right behind Bobby Abreu. Being in the control room with him six years ago, I experienced what I had heard. Concisely. He has 11 to go. Dan Baker, the 'Voice of CBP,' back where he belongs. He can be almost soothing when that trait might be helpful. Four years earlier, Baker graduated from Glassboro State College with a degree in Junior High School education. It energizes me to be here.". The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. The club opens its season at Citizens Bank Park against the. Pat Cassidy was the press box steward during Eagles games at Franklin Field. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. I learned from my parents a long time ago the importance of enunciating every syllable, he says. On Friday, the Phillies host the Oakland Athletics in interleague baseball in their home opener. Baker did not announce during the 2020 season after being diagnosed with sinus cancer. Press the red button and his recognizable voice blares throughout the ballpark. It might be wishful thinking, but goshdarnit its a goal, and Im going to try to achieve it, if the Phillies will have me," he said. Depending upon the length of the elevator ride, hes miss one or two batters. All salary values are VERY unofficial. Baker added: To be able to have a position like this in an organization that you love, that stands by you, and youre happy to be there, it is just the best. Not just because he gets to see newcomers Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos hit the field. Baker worked as a spotter and statistician for out-of-town broadcasters. They asked me, How many games do you think you can do? I said 81! Thats what Im shooting for.. 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. In many ways, this might be Bakers own personal greatest World Series feat, although he prides himself on not playing favorites, with Phillies eras or players. Listening to Baker say it, in that unmistakable voice, I wouldnt root against him. Those are his working tools. 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. Doctors took bone tissue from his leg and transplanted it in his face. All images are property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only. If the Phillies will have me, and God blesses me with good health, and I can continue to perform at a high level, Id like to take a shot at it, Baker said. 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. 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 . He underwent a 24-hour surgery to remove a tumor in his sinus in mid-August. 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. March 2, 2022. 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 . Baker stayed away from the game for the 2020 season because of health problems. He's been behind the mic at Phillies games since 1972. Dan Baker. There was an infection, a six-week hospital stay, and subsequent radiation treatments. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Dan Baker was 25 when he showed up at Veterans Stadium to work his first Phillies game as a public address announcer. Baker doesn't plan to retire with only two World Series rings. Pat Piper has the record for 59 years at Wrigley Field. With all these recent Phillies years in the wilderness, surely Dan Baker wondered: Would his voice ever be heard at a World Series again? Please only use it for a guidance and Dan Baker (PA announcer)'s actual income may vary a lot from the dollar amount shown above. The Phillies will honor Baker before Friday nights game. "When I got out, I looked like somebody for a mash unit," Baker recalls. Someone from the Mets was talking with (Phillies director of broadcasting and video services)Mark DiNardo and they said, Boy, that really sounds good! Dan Baker, longest tenured PA announcer in Major League Baseball, on the field at Citizens Bank Park before . 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. Im 76, so theres not too many people older than me in the ballpark. 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. See what police officers, teachers, elected officials and other government workers make. Phillies PA announcer Dan Baker talks . * - This is not intended as an accurate payroll accounting for current. For information like contract history, contract incentives, and more, we heartily recommend Cot's Contracts Baker co-hosts a radio show on WBCB (AM) 1490 called "Bull Session" with former Philadelphia Phillies slugger Greg Luzinski, for whom the show is named. 792 likes. Didnt see this coming, Baker said. Get notification with the latest net worth updates for free. 27. They all get crazy. Baker, 74, was thrown a curveball last year. He is paying it forward. People have to be able to understand you. Payroll Table 2023 Contracts Active Multi-Year Summary Positional Spending Prospects The Future Free Agents 2023 Player Option 2022 edition. With a blue felt-tip pen, he makes note of names that need checking on the 5x7 index cards he numbers in sequence. 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. Many people ask about the amount of money Dan Baker (PA announcer) makes from Instagram. 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]. The Philadelphia Phillies welcome you to Citizens Bank Park," Baker says before every home game. He returned a year ago as eager and enthusiastic as ever. Choate, a few months ago, authored an essay to commemorate Baker on reaching 50 years with the Phillies. T Pauses again. Current Public Address announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies going into my 45th season! (Courtesy of Justin Choate). Should The Phillies Have Beaten The Yankees Return For Frankie Montas? And he, of course, moved with the club to Citizens Bank Park where hes continued to bring his crystal clear, energetic delivery to millions of fans since 2004. Its just the feeling that I got when I heard Bobby ahh-BRAY-ooo from Dan Baker. His dream was to be a Phillies broadcaster or public address announcer. If you speak too fast, the fans wont understand what you are saying.. That is the key to being a PA announcer. He once took some of his students to a Phillies game as a reward for good behavior and work. Does Baker, now 76, see himself shooting for tops on the all-time list. Pieper from 1916 to 1974 and Baker from 1972present. This is my sixth World Series. Dan Baker couldnt have hand-picked a better year to celebrate his 50th season as the in-stadium voice of the Philadelphia Phillies. No. Many historical player head shots courtesy of David Davis. Next, the pregame script needs to be gone over more than once. Baker, 75, has since received some 30 radiation treatments. 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. Phillies Nation Podcast: Did Phillies do enough at Trade Deadline? On September 16, 2015, XFINITY Live! 6-3 , 190lb (190cm, 86kg) Born: March 24, 2000 (Age: 22-340d) in Montgomery, AL us. All Rights Reserved. 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. Win Expectancy, Run Expectancy, and Leverage Index calculations provided by Tom Tango of InsideTheBook.com, and co-author of The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball. Now batting for the Phillies, No. Somebody that I heard speaking my entire life.. His voice is synonymous with Phillies baseball, Choate said. Get box score updates on the New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies baseball game. In conversation, put it at 97%. He missed a total of 15 games from 1972, his first season, through 2018. Baker was there at every step when Choate needed the confidence to audition in 2012 for the PA job at Double-A Reading; when he walked away from the job in 2017 to have his nights back with his newborn son; when baseball came calling again last April with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley gig. 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. He taught fifth and sixth grade at The Landreth School at 23rd and Federal Streets. Dan Baker has been the public address announcer at Citizens Bank Park for a generation. He expected it to go into a pile somewhere. They were played in front of 45,000 empty seats. After a half-century in the booth, Dan Baker still lending his voice to the Phillies. It required a 24-hour surgery to remove. Baker told CBS3 he has no plans to retire any time soon. 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. We present them here for purely educational purposes. Baker has offered advice and written letters of recommendation. I cant describe it, Choate said. How lucky have I been to find a home with the Philadelphia Phillies more than 50 years ago?. My supervisor Mark DiNardo is just the best.. The familiar voice of Dan Baker, one of the friendliest human beings to ever inhabit this planet, was also absent. Ted sought out Baker, Dan, I loved your introduction when I came to bat. Full-year historical Major League statistics provided by Pete Palmer and Gary Gillette of Hidden Game Sports. And when he can summon cheers with the sound of his own voice Its music to my ears, Baker said of the roars that still accompany a lifes work. Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for any inconvenience., That was an ad-lib, but I cleared it [with the Phillies]. 53, right fielder, Bobby Abreu!, Now batting for the Phillies, No. Theres something else Baker brings to the job that might be a little more rare for his profession. 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. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Dan Baker is a Philadelphia broadcasting legend best known as the voice of Veterans Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. 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. "I'm flattered to be connected with Phillies baseball. At just 25 years old, Baker started his Phillies public address announcing career in 1972 and he stayed aboard in the Vet until its final day, September 29, 2003. Baker was the radio announcer for Drexel University Dragons men's basketball on WNTP 990 AM from 1997 to 2012, after which he retired and became the team's public address announcer. / by Dan Roche. PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's the familiar iconic voice Philadelphia Phillies fans have heard echo at the team's home games for nearly five decades. Some high school data is courtesy David McWater. You can hear him live at the Phillies game tomorrow at 7:37pm versus the Padres. Subscribe to Stathead Baseball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Baseball Reference Database. "As long as I can talk well, as long as god blesses me with good health, as long as the Phillies will have me, I would like to continue doing the PA announcing.". He began a teaching career with fifth and sixth grades at Landreth Elementary School in Philadelphia. Hes undergone almost two dozen surgeries, some cosmetic, since the original procedure in August 2020 that forced him to miss the entire pandemic-shortened season. I've felt that way since I was a kid.". On Friday, the Phillies host the Oakland Athletics in interleague baseball in their home opener. The moment he cannot enunciate how he expects to enunciate, Baker has said hell know it is time. You know, I like to emote. Baker even had the chance to shadow Sheppard considered the GOAT of PA announcers by many early in his career. Season because of health problems at 7:37pm versus the Padres your first month FREEYour Ticket! Bobby Abreu!, Now 76, so theres not too many ask! 6-3, 190lb ( 190cm, 86kg ) Born: March 24, 2000 ( Age 22-340d! Property the copyright holder and are displayed here for informational purposes only he took... 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