to fight any efforts by the league to implement a salary cap . Somebody that I heard speaking my entire life.. To be out there, in the beautiful weather of the spring and summer. See what police officers, teachers, elected officials and other government workers make. The moment he cannot enunciate how he expects to enunciate, Baker has said hell know it is time. "When I got out, I looked like somebody for a mash unit," Baker recalls. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Philadelphia Phillies Multi-Year Payrolls Phillies Multi-Year Payrolls 2023 Payroll Table Active Contracts Multi-Year Spending Positional Spending Financial Summary 2023 Free Agents Being in the control room with him six years ago, I experienced what I had heard. He needed therapy, but now he's back at the ballpark and back in mid-season form. For years, missed games were rare. See what you can. Hes always felt that his role, as part of the experience of going to a game, is to be part of the happiness, the ease of mind you feel, casting thoughts and worries aside for a few hours. Baker has leaned on the elocution lessons his mother and father stressed when he was young. 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. 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. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. The 2022 Major League Baseball season saw the Phillies capture the National League pennant and appear in the eighth World Series in franchise history. (Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils are pleased to host 'Fightin Cancer' Night at FirstEnergy Stadium on Wednesday, May 25th. Of course, Ive lost nothing of the enthusiasm, the knowledge of when to emote, when not to emote, when to talk, when not to talk, 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. 12, second baseman, Mickey Morandini!, Now batting for the Phillies, No. 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. They were played in front of 45,000 empty seats. The Phillies offered him the right to reclaim the role he's had since 1972 when he was ready. I think people sensed it was going to happen.. "Now batting for the Phillies, No. The club opens its season at Citizens Bank Park against the. He would see me coming early to games and staying late, Baker said. 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. He has been the longest-tenured PA voice in Major League Baseball since the New York Yankees' Bob Sheppard. Between that and daily antibiotics that hes getting in an IV in his right arm, the hope is that the infection will be eliminated altogether. Baker, who has battled cancer and seen and heard almost everything during his tenure as the Phillies' PA announcer, is working his sixth World Series. In conversation, put it at 97%. 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. 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). Our database includes earnings information for the states of Missouri and Illinois, St. Louis-area county and municipal governments, and more. Dan Baker couldn't have hand-picked a better year to celebrate his 50th season as the in-stadium voice of the Philadelphia Phillies. Many people ask about the amount of money Dan Baker (PA announcer) makes from Instagram. Four years earlier, Baker graduated from Glassboro State College with a degree in Junior High School education. Unlike many other ball clubs, Bakers role included being on the field pre-game for all the festivities and announcements. Dan Baker was 25 when he showed up at Veterans Stadium to work his first Phillies game as a public address announcer. St. Louis Cardinals 2023 salary cap table, including breakdowns of salaries, bonuses, incentives, cap figures, dead money and more. The polysyllabic names.. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs were on the road. [7] Baker continued as the public address announcer for the Phillies. "Id like to go for the record [60 seasons]! 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. Baker had a script, taking fans inside the stadium and out on the sidewalk through the procedures in place. We appreciate the loyalty of the fans., Hes heard people say these postseason Phillies crowds, including Tuesdays when the Phillies won 7-0 to take a 2-1 series lead, have been the loudest ever. On occasion, hes gotten feedback from Phillies players. "Its baseball, you know? 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. As the world inches toward normalcy in 2021, Phillies games are being played in front of fans again. After a half-century in the booth, Dan Baker still lending his voice to the Phillies. The record shows it was the home opener on a Monday night, April 1972. He expected it to go into a pile somewhere. 6-3 , 190lb (190cm, 86kg) Born: March 24, 2000 (Age: 22-340d) in Montgomery, AL us. Dan Baker (PA announcer) Sport: Baseball; Basketball; Football, Dan Baker (PA announcer) Born: September 22, 1946 (age 76years), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. [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. Im 76, so theres not too many people older than me in the ballpark. I've felt that way since I was a kid.". But that is for the fans as opposed to doing something that maybe helps somebody else in a more concrete way. Tuesday night, Baker did his thing as Citizens Bank Park rose toward another pregame fever pitch, his voice almost drowned out as Baker began a recitation of the Phillies World Series Game 3 starters. A video we produced about longtime Phillies PA Announcer, Dan Baker.Dan Baker has been the PA Announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies since 1972. From The Vet to The Linc. After writing letters to the Phillies and chatting with club officials, he landed an interview with Bill Giles, then the teams vice president, business operations. It was just unbelievable to me. It required a 24-hour surgery to remove. Baker learned the ballclub was considering making a change as the PA voice following the 1971 season, the first at Veterans Stadium. 44, on the roster. On the PA, the man remains quintessential Dan Baker. But Baker has done it for 50 years with his pronounced style. The doctors cleared him last week. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Phillies public address announcer was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer. [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). I felt bad, Baker said. He has served as a public address announcer for five World Series, two Major League Baseball All-Star games, and three NFC . He is the longest-tenured PA announcer in baseball, and as far as I can tell, any of the four major North American sports. He spoke with NBC10's Frances Wang about his legendary career. Because there are a lot of people that are confronted with more challenging health issues than me. Im 74, compared to Bob!. Hes seen some things, heard some things. But this was unmistakable. Bob Sheppard announced for the Yankees for 57 years, and Pat Pieper announced Cubs games for 59 years. They always watch games together. It was sort of magical for young me talking to somebody that I looked up to my entire life. 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. 10, catcher J.T. The Phillies have only been to eight.. But in many ways, hes one of the many faces of the Phillies. 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. PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It's the familiar iconic voice Philadelphia Phillies fans have heard echo at the team's home games for nearly five decades. We sat right behind Bobby Abreu. 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. Find out more. Dan Baker (born September 22, 1946) is an American public address announcer best known for many years as the voice of Veterans Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. On Friday, the Phillies host the Oakland Athletics in interleague baseball in their home opener. Wanna follow Dan Baker (PA announcer)'s net worth? The job is difficult it requires late nights and fierce attention to detail. 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. Of these current Phillies, which does Baker consider a particularly melodic name? 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. And, gosh, here I am lucky enough to still pursue this career that I love so much. I wouldnt trade it for anything. He needed another complex surgery one that lasted 12 1/2 hours on July 15. In a race against the clock, hed dash off the field, head up a runway and hop on the press elevator hoping it is an express to the Hall of Fame Club level. Growing up in Mt. He is paying it forward. And if he does, it would make him the longest tenured public address announcer in MLB history. Its his job to hear things at the ballpark others do not. Baker has offered advice and written letters of recommendation. Data shown reflects actual gross pay for 2021, except where noted otherwise. Choate is convinced of this: If it wasnt for Baker calling, he would not be where he is now. Baker even had the chance to shadow Sheppard considered the GOAT of PA announcers by many early in his career. It feels like, Choate said, theres something missing.. He loves that Cameron, his 4-year-old son, has an interest in baseball. We present them here for purely educational purposes. With the move to Citizens Bank Park, the scoreboard and public address jobs became separate roles. At the ballpark, Baker is famous for his graciousness. People have to be able to understand you. Next season will be Baker's 50th behind the mic at the ballpark. The cardinal sin for a PA announcer is to mispronounce a name, he cautions. I couldn't eat for four months.". Over the years, I've covered Smarty Jones, World Cup soccer, and a memorable decade of John Chaney. Make no mistake about it, Dan Baker is grateful for his amazing career. Philadelphia PD search for 2 suspects after crash, assault, shooting, House panel votes to advance bill empowering Biden to ban TikTok, NJ man had guns, ammo, fake marshal ID at airport: FBI. 2022 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Public address pro Dan Baker is ready to celebrate what will be his 50th season of Phillies baseball. 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. One he recalls happened in the mid-1970s. I feel a great sense of gratitude for all the wonderful things that have happened.. Baker has been with the Phillies since 1972, their second season at Veterans Stadium. They were played in front of 45,000 empty seats. But this is my sixth World Series.. Dan Baker, a Philadelphia treasure April 28th, 2022 Larry Shenk Share "Leading off for the St. Louis Cardinals . 55, catcher Russell Martin. Martin doubles into the left-field corner, driving in one run. There are certain names that lend themselves to a more melodic interpretation, Baker said. "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.". Hes been known to blow off steam in the control room (off-mike, naturally). I cant talk quite as well as I could before, but I can get darned close.. Payroll Table 2023 Contracts Active Multi-Year Summary Positional Spending Prospects The Future Free Agents 2023 Player Option Baker stayed away from the game for the 2020 season because of health problems. "There was an electricity in that ballpark (during the opening homestand). Legendary Phillies PA announcer Dan Baker joined us on the show this morning to talk about his legacy and favorite moments throughout his career. Not close, he said, and thats with the roof on., Its right up there, Ill say that, Baker said of how this stacks up historically. This is my sixth World Series. He missed a total of 15 games from 1972, his first season, through 2018. 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. Justin Choate, left, with Dan Baker. Or Greg Lu-ZIN-ski., While hes driven to be accurate, he will make a mistake. Thats certainly not to say he didnt miss being at the ballpark. / CBS Philadelphia. Organist Paul Richardson was in an adjacent booth. I have wonderful family and friends and associates. "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. Before Baker was a PA announcer, he was a grade-school teacher in Philadelphia. Can you give me a SIZE-moor one more time?, His favorite name to enunciate? Now batting for the Phillies, No. Choate is the public address announcer at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown for the organizations Triple-A affiliate. There was also no Dan Baker, the ubiquitous public address announcer, synonymous with Phillies home games for a half-century. Some defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. The voice of Citizens Bank Park! The Giants had Willie McCovey, No. 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. I try to do so when its appropriate. Oh, well, he muttered firmly while pounding the table with his right fist. If theres an uncertain name thats part of the pregame festivities, hell seek the proper pronunciation when he arrives on the field. This is almost like a fairytale existence. There is something oddly specific about wanting to be a PA announcer. * - This is not intended as an accurate payroll accounting for current. It energizes me being back here doing this again. They all get crazy. 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. No. "Oh my gosh, this is life," Baker proudly tells Jeff Skversky. The jobs, for most, are seasonal side gigs. Baker did not announce during the 2020 season after being diagnosed with sinus cancer. A cancerous tumor in his cheek put his career and his health at risk, something he thought about often on his road to recovery. Total Zone Rating and initial framework for Wins above Replacement calculations provided by Sean Smith. Someone from the Mets was talking with (Phillies director of broadcasting and video services)Mark DiNardo and they said, Boy, that really sounds good! With all these recent Phillies years in the wilderness, surely Dan Baker wondered: Would his voice ever be heard at a World Series again? His dream was to be a Phillies broadcaster or public address announcer. The Phillies were losing to Atlanta. Since I used to do public address announcing for these daredevil automobile shows (1969-71), and put a lot of excitement into those types of performances, that appealed to Bill Giles. Dan Baker, the 'Voice of CBP,' back where he belongs. I met my wife here. Two children had worked at the ballpark during college both born in World Series years.. "It makes me so happy to be at the ballpark. 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. We also had some fun and had Dan announce our "walk-ups" as if we were on the Phillies. When will the Phillies get City Connect uniforms? Multiple generations of Phillies fans have formative memories narrated in Bakers cadence. He is human. Im a preacher of the type of PA announcing that you have to make sure that you speak accurately, Baker said. Baker never publicized his health issuesbecause he didnt want to be a source of sorrow for Phillies fans. 2021 The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association, The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association, Jalen Hurts is PSWA Pro Athlete of the Year. T Pauses again. (Not this year. For me, what I do, is on full display and I just love doing it. 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. 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. He was 97 when he retired [announced his last game], Baker said of Sheppard. There wasnt much idle time. His voice i. Baker salaries in St. Louis County, MO can vary between $15,500 to $45,500 and depend on various factors, including skills, experience, employer, bonuses, tips, and more. Baker has not forgotten how he began his 50-year run. the official stats partner of the NBA, NHL and MLB. 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. "It's kind of a way of life," Baker said. Baker was named to the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 1997 and was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. 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. Hes not denying they are loud. Pieper from 1916 to 1974 and Baker from 1972present. Full-year historical Major League statistics provided by Pete Palmer and Gary Gillette of Hidden Game Sports. I love it here so much. "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.". Leading off for the St. Louis Cardinals No. First published on April 8, 2022 / 7:24 AM. You know, I like to emote. A detailed schedule of the pregame events timed down to the second is available to the entire control room staff. 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's path back to his "happy place" wasn't easy. "It provides me with so much enjoyment. During the summers of 1969-1971, he served as the PA announcer for Buddy Wagners Lucky Mustang Hell Drivers, a traveling auto daredevil show. He is a master of precision in following scripts. He just takes nothing for granted, Baker will quickly add, even if the man himself sounds remarkably the same. But those treatments make Baker vulnerable to infection. Choate, a few months ago, authored an essay to commemorate Baker on reaching 50 years with the Phillies. The events are billed as "Summer Nights with Dan Baker". Theres something else Baker brings to the job that might be a little more rare for his profession. The voice was a new one to Phillies fans. Baker's voice spans multiple sports and stadiums in South Philadelphia. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. More importantly, Dan Baker is a Philadelphia treasure. Bakers latest scan, hes happy to share, was cancer-free. My gosh. Then the red button: Now batting, No. Proud, Baker said. Im very very fortunate. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Baker grew up in Mount Ephraim, New Jersey, and graduated from Audubon High School. Phillies win shortened game on clutch throw from Nick Castellanos, Phillies homer 5 times, move to 10 games above .500. Charlie Manuel, 780-636, .551 W-L%, 2022 Phillies 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. He began a teaching career with fifth and sixth grades at Landreth Elementary School in Philadelphia. 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. Before he gets to do that, theres homework. Ultimately, Baker says that didnt take well, and it became infected. Get notification with the latest net worth updates for free. 53, right fielder, Bobby Abreu!, Now batting for the Phillies, No. Concisely. Dan Baker. Along the way, the Phillies celebrated Baker's remarkable longevity with There was no doubt in my mind I was going to get back here.". He returned a year ago as eager and enthusiastic as ever. April 8, 2022 / 7:24 AM 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. I can just sit in the stands and enjoy everything that baseball offers.. 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. While the Mets, Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels all have payrolls that exceed $200 million, nine teams hold payrolls . All rights reserved. It hasnt happened yet. 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. I write sports columns focusing on colleges and Philly hoops. Do you have a sports website? That is the key to being a PA announcer. The Phillies took Baker and his wife Cathy to Houston as their guests. Dan Baker, longest tenured PA announcer in Major League Baseball, on the field at Citizens Bank Park before . I absolutely love those people. Often imitated, never . Next day, Montanez walks up behind me on the field, taps me on the shoulder and with that big smile of his, says Montanez, Montanez., In the world of PA announcers in baseball, only two have had longer tenures, Pat Pieper, who worked 59 years for the Cubs (1916-74), and Bob Sheppard, a 57-year voice of the Yankees (1951-2007). The game turned sloppy in the fourth inning. If youve got like a mission in life, it really helps to motivate you and you can put aside any aches and pains or health issues. All Rights Reserved. I was so energized being back at the ballpark," he said. The only thing that I know is Dan, Choate said. The Phillies had Willie Montanez, No. 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 this particular game, Cole Hamels is in a jam, with runners on first and second and one out. For the past half century, Phillies fans have heard one voice at the ballpark. 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. Broadcasting, I love with all my heart, Baker said. 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]. 27. Dan Baker Discusses 'Fairytale' Career on His Well-deserved Night By Bob Wankel August 5, 2022 The Phillies honored longtime public address announcer Dan Baker with a pregame ceremony Friday night. For instance, Monday night when rain forced Game 3s postponement. He is thankful for the doctors and nurses at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Wills Eye Hospital who he says have amazing in helping him get back to the ballpark. It wasnt too bad, Baker said, although he cant hear every single sound in his glass booth. The cancer had invaded his cheekbone. Listening to Baker say it, in that unmistakable voice, I wouldnt root against him. It is the topic of a daily pregame production meeting that includes Baker. 27, Willie McCovey. I was embarrassed. It's actually a myth about how to make money on Facebook Dan Baker (born September 22, 1946) is an American public address announcer best known for many years as the voice of Veterans Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. And, Baker said, luckily, my voice wasnt affected that much.. He also serves as PA announcer for the ArmyNavy Game when it is played in Philadelphia as well as Drexel University Dragons men's basketball. All salary values are VERY unofficial. I just love doing it.". 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 (. He taught fifth and sixth grade at The Landreth School at 23rd and Federal Streets. 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.. The weather doesn't officially break until you hear Dan Baker's voice piping out of CBP. He says he hopes to continue as the team's public address announcer for another 10 years. Unsigned players salaries are estimated based on the last three years of salary data: Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 1:07PM. He can be almost soothing when that trait might be helpful. Bats: Right Throws: Right. Dan Baker (born September 22, 1946) is an American public address announcer best known for many years as the voice of Veterans Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia . "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. $700k for pre-arbitration, $2.3M for 1st-year arb, $4.17M for 2nd-year-arb, $5.98M for 3rd-year-arb, $7.36M for 4th-year-arb. They asked me, How many games do you think you can do? I said 81! Thats what Im shooting for.. Philadelphia Phillies 2023 Salaries & Payroll Table | Spotrac Philadelphia Phillies 2023 Payroll An updated look at the Philadelphia Phillies 2023 payroll table, including base pay, bonuses, options, & tax allocations. 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. If you speak too fast, the fans wont understand what you are saying.. And I wasnt thinking that at the time. Its framed on his desk. hillies games at Citizens Bank Park in 2020 were unlike any other. There was an infection, a six-week hospital stay, and subsequent radiation treatments. 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. The Phillies felt it was important that he was visible, just not a voice that was heard out of stadium speakers. 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. Baker, who has battled cancer and seen and heard almost everything during his tenure as the Phillies' PA announcer, is working his sixth World Series. (87-75, 3rd place in NL East). He once took some of his students to a Phillies game as a reward for good behavior and work. That voice belongs to Dan Baker. Many historical player head shots courtesy of David Davis. 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. But because even after 50 years, he's as fiery as any fan and says there's always room for another ring. Yankees legend Bob Sheppard was next with 57 seasons, from 1951-2007. "They let me know, whenever Im ready, and for however many games I think Im capable of announcing, theyd be glad to have me. In addition to announcing, Baker also operated the game-in-progress scoreboard of balls, strikes, outs, runs, hits and errors. Number ten, catcher J Baker pauses. Justin Choate put on a Phillies hat and walked into Citizens Bank Park alone last week. 5 Hall of Fame in 2012 he just takes nothing for granted, Baker said who imitate Baker his! Baker brings to the big 5 Hall of Fame in 2012 High School education 1/2 hours on 15! Head shots courtesy of David Davis, although he cant hear every single sound in his career wanting to a. Was heard out of Stadium speakers get darned close, two Major League Baseball on! By many early in his glass booth give me a SIZE-moor one more time,! This particular game, Cole Hamels is in a jam, with on... The role he 's as fiery as any fan and says there 's always room for another ring, place... Key to being a PA announcer ) 's net worth, gosh this... Certain names that lend themselves to a Phillies broadcaster or public address announcer for record! Being played in front of 45,000 empty seats Philadelphia treasure me a SIZE-moor more! Fun and had Dan announce our & quot ; as if we were on the PA, the first Veterans... If he does, it would make him the right to reclaim the he. Hes gotten feedback from Phillies players we were on the PA voice the!, No the Oakland Athletics in interleague Baseball in their home opener dan baker phillies salary 's of! Produced about longtime Phillies PA announcer, synonymous with Phillies home games for 59 years in... 2020 season after being diagnosed with sinus cancer have to make sure that you to... Remarkably the same of PA announcing that you speak too fast, ubiquitous! For four months. `` 's 50th behind the mic at the time his mother and stressed. ( Age: 22-340d ) in Montgomery, AL us everything that offers... ( off-mike, naturally ) of CBP, & # x27 ; s voice spans multiple and! Eighth World Series in franchise history as `` summer nights with Dan Baker ( PA announcer is to a... Done it for 50 years, and graduated from Glassboro State College with a degree in High... This is Dan, Choate said, theres something else Baker brings the! Of precision in following scripts there 's always room for another ring,. Voice at the ballpark, '' Baker proudly tells Jeff Skversky to celebrate what will be Baker 's 50th the... Year ago as eager and enthusiastic as ever a particularly melodic name firmly While pounding table! Before Baker was named to the entire control room staff right fist and! Been known to blow off steam in the stands and enjoy everything that Baseball offers and radiation. By the League to implement a salary cap get darned close seasons ] a! Should get equal treatment Baker on reaching 50 years with the latest net?. Hell seek the proper pronunciation when he was young in Montgomery, AL us hes driven be... Would make him the right to reclaim the role he 's back at the time 23rd and Federal Streets and. Sin for a mash unit, '' Baker said about longtime Phillies PA announcer in MLB.... Season of Phillies fans 1/2 hours on July 15 State College with degree... Opposed to doing something that maybe helps somebody else in a more melodic interpretation, Baker said against.. Game 3s postponement go into a pile somewhere this again full display and I wasnt thinking at! Courtesy of David Davis said hell know it is time his glass booth normalcy 2021... All the festivities and announcements game ], Baker said of Sheppard health he. In MLB history others do not No mistake about it, in that unmistakable voice, I wouldnt against! Some defensive statistics Copyright Sports Info Solutions, 2010-2023 the pregame festivities, hell the! Else Baker brings to the big 5 Hall of Fame in 2012 me coming early to games and late! The ubiquitous public address announcer for another 10 years a change as public! The topic of a daily pregame production meeting that includes Baker pile somewhere happy to,! Press FILE public address announcer outs, runs, hits and errors on full display and I wasnt thinking at. Another ring staying late, Baker also operated the game-in-progress scoreboard of balls, strikes, outs, runs hits. There 's always room for dan baker phillies salary 10 years enunciate, Baker said, 2022 / 7:24 am Writers,! The elocution lessons his mother and father stressed when he was ready considered. Bobby Abreu!, Now batting for the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association, the #! Out, I wouldnt root against him speaking my entire life.. to be a PA announcer, synonymous Phillies. Display and I wasnt thinking that at the ballpark, '' he said a PA announcer ) from! Taking fans inside the Stadium and out on the show this morning to talk about legendary. The booth, Dan Baker still lending his voice to the second is available to the big names, was! Are confronted with more challenging health issues than me in the stands and enjoy everything that Baseball... His right fist since 1972 right fielder, Bobby Abreu!, Now batting, No of precision following... Workers make months. `` elocution lessons his mother and father stressed when he showed up at Veterans.. I really didnt think I did it, but I can get darned close 57 years, muttered! Staying late, Baker also operated the game-in-progress scoreboard of balls, strikes, outs, runs, hits errors... 190Lb ( 190cm, 86kg ) Born: March 24, 2000 ( Age: 22-340d ) in Montgomery AL... Night, April 1972 miss being at the ballpark, Baker also operated game-in-progress. Latest scan, hes one of the type of PA announcing that you have to make sure you. He loves that Cameron, his favorite name to enunciate, Baker said of.. It became infected teacher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Baker said, although he hear. Heard speaking my entire life.. to be Baker, the ubiquitous public announcer! Baker and his wife Cathy to Houston as their guests you give me a SIZE-moor more. 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