Dan Baker – Baseball by The Letters

Fellow Phillies Voice Dan Baker Salutes Harry Kalas

Tom Owens — Fri, 28 Jun 2013 01:17:00 +0000

I’ll never tire of
Kalas tales.

Everyone wants to know about the players.

I wanted to ask Phillies public address legend Dan Baker about the “team” members he rubbed elbows with in the press box.

Broadcaster Harry Kalas: what was he like to work with? Baker’s take…

“Harry Kalas was a wonderful play-by-play announcer. His anticipation was second to none! Harry was one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. He took time to say hello to everyone. I loved him!”

Stan may have been “The Man” in St. Louis. Dan, you’re the guy in Philly!

Jayson Werth Tips His Cap To Phillies PA Star Dan Baker

Tom Owens — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 01:17:00 +0000

Part of Dan Baker’s
Fan Club!

Do players notice?

I asked Dan Baker if he’s gotten feedback from the field in his 40-plus years of PA work.

He replied:

“I don’t remember which Phillie complimented me first, but when Jayson Werth returned as a Washington National, he said it wasn’t the same without me introducing him.

1980 World Series hero Dickie Noles said I have the best voice in baseball. That was very kind! I’d never say that about myself!”

Well deserved praise for a humble hero. Meanwhile, savor another tale of a grateful Phil appreciating Baker’s vocal talents.

Coming Thursday: Remembering Harry Kalas.

Hearing From Famed Philadelphia Phillies Voice Dan Baker

Tom Owens — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 00:55:00 +0000

I loved hearing from baseball’s longest-tenured public address announcer. I’m grateful that Philadelphia legend Dan Baker provided some kind, insightful answers.

I began with asking about his first day on the job, and what’s changed since. He replied:

“The first Phillies game I announced was the ‘home opener’ in April, 1972. Promotional wizard Bill Giles had Kiteman deliver the first ball. My voice is deeper now than it was then and my timing is better.”

To learn more about Philly’s PA tradition, check out the superb blog geared especially for team voices.

Coming Monday: Discover two of Baker’s Phillie fans!

My ’10 Most Wanted,’ Phillies Edition

Tom Owens — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:33:00 +0000

What happened to the 2011 Phillies?

I was sure this team would win it all this year. That’s what prompted me to launch a mailing to nine past Phils. Although none of these men grabbed the headlines that the current crop of players garner, they’re starring as TTM signers, according to the http://www.sportscollectors.net/ response board.

Former Phillies who’re hearing from me include:

Ramon Aviles
Wes Chamberlain
Larry Christenson
Keith Hughes
Randy Lerch
Len Matuszek
Mike Rogodzinski
Eric Valent
George Vukovich

Instead of choosing a 10th Phillie alum, I wanted Dan Baker. The PA voice of the team since 1972, he’s seen the team’s highest highs and lowest lows.

Check out the excellent interview with Baker by Joe Vallee at http://www.philly2philly.com/.

Coming Friday: Don’t miss this one. Tell your friends. Hall of Famer Bobby Doerr talks autographs!!!