The San Diego Padres have been holding public address announcer try-outs since January. Nearly 800 candidates were given a shot, and several contestants were turned away without a chance to show their talents. It looked as if American Idol was in town.
The San Diego Padres have been holding public address announcer try-outs since January. Nearly 800 candidates were given a shot, and several contestants were turned away without a chance to show their talents. It looked as if American Idol was in town.
All contestants received a script as several judges listened in an undisclosed location in Petco Park. Many dreamers, professional broadcasters, and writers were in the mix to try and become the new voice of the San Diego Padres. Narrowed down to 50 contenders on March 14, at the two exhibition games against the Cleveland Indians on March 28 and 29, the list dwindled down to 30.
Now it is up to the public, as there is a fan vote to narrow the playing field to the Top 10 online and via social media. After that, in a series of Padres’ games between April 11 and April 20, the pool will be narrowed down to the Top 3.
The final announcement of the winner, and new voice of the San Diego Padres will be announced on April 18 as the final three announce during the series when the Friars take on the San Francisco Giants. The winner of this coveted spot will replace Frank Anthony, former Padres’ voice since the opening of Petco Park in 2004.
There are many success stories that have come through the East County of San Diego. Many professional ball players, actors, and a lucky six contestants made the top 50 from East County.
Doug Herman, El Cajon, Joseph Mitchell, El Cajon, Patrick Connor, El Cajon, Randy Mann, La Mesa, Allen Wilde, El Cajon and Rachel Line, Santee.
Now down to the top 30, Herman, Mitchell, Connor and Mann are still in the running.
Doug Herman has resided in El Cajon since 1972. By day, he is a semi-retired executive vice-president. Yet Herman has been actively involved in baseball his whole life, without playing the sport. He has many accomplishments linked to baseball however. Herman has been a league official, President of El Cajon Pony, San Diego Adult Baseball League, amongst others.
“I believe what I bring to the table the professionalism, and years of radio broadcasting,” said Herman.
Patrick Connor was born in Clairemont, but resided many years in El Cajon and is a veterinarian technician.
“Since he was a teen many of my friends have told me I have the voice for radio,” he said. Amongst his accomplishments, Conner has vocalized for US Navy training programs and IRS programs. He took professional voice acting classes for about a year.
“I believe I would be a great fit for this position, I have an engaging personality, easy to connect with, and mostly I have a unique beard,” he said.
Mitchell is a biomedical engineering tech and DJ by trade and Mann works in BMW sales and voice-overs.
