While my voice was heard at Petco Park on Opening Day, the experience wasn't the same.
No fans to entertain. No players to cheer for. No excitement in the air...
No San Diego Padres baseball for the foreseeable future.
Spring Training as we know it wrapped suddenly on March 13th, when Major League baseball suspended activity in response to the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of going to the ballpark on Opening Day, I spent the day at home joining media from across San Diego to offer a little perspective and levity from this announcer's point-of-view.
My experiences, my routines, my thoughts, and yes, even a few of my trademark introductions, were on the table for the Friar Faithful. Let's have some fun, shall we?
I started out the morning with Ben & Woods on the Padres' flagship radio station, 97.3 The Fan. We chatted about difficult names to pronounce, what it's like recording my parts in MLB The Show, and the exhilaration of Opening Day introductions at Petco Park.
Later that afternoon, I caught up with KUSI sports anchor Brandon Stone to talk about what I miss most about Opening Day, and how video gaming has taken a front seat as sports entertainment given the lack of live baseball.
Finally, in the evening, I joined Jake Garegnani and CBS 8, as MLB.com reporter AJ Cassavell, Padres broadcaster Jesse Agler and I summed up our feelings on the Opening Day that wasn't.
No, we couldn't be at Petco Park for Opening Day, but at least I could provide some insight into my world on this side of the microphone. 🎙
My thanks to the fine folks at 97.3 The Fan, KUSI-TV, and CBS 8 for the opportunity to share!
For more media appearances, take a look at Alex's Media & Publicity Reel, featuring clips from the above interviews, plus Alex's recent appearance on the San Diego Padres' own "Padres Social Hour."