Spikesnstars.com continues our visits with the men behind the mics. Today we catch up with the first year voice of the Lexington Legends, Rob Gidel. Rob agreed to an email interview and we have formatted his answers for the site but the content is unedited. Enjoy the trip ’round the bases with Rob Gidel.
First Base
SnS.com: We would like to give our readers a sense where you came from and how you got to where you are now. Please describe for our readers your journey to land behind the mic in Lexington. Specifically other teams you have called for and any other work if applicable away from the mic that may have helped lead you to your current role.
Gidel: I started in play-by-play in Louisville for the local professional arena football team. I did play-by-play along with my daily morning drive sports talk duties for 1570 The Zone. Additionally, I was apart of the broadcast team that locally announced the McDonald’s All-American Game when it was in Louisville. I’ve done several years in the Lexington market being a guest analyst and sports talk host.
Second Base
SnS.com: What in your opinion are the best and worst parts of broadcasting minor league baseball games?
Gidel: The best part about broadcasting minor league games is the chance to get to know these guys on a personal level and be treated as one of their own. It’s the greatest job in the world to be a play-by-play announcer. The worst part is probably the lack of social life that accompanies the long hours and the life on the road. It makes it hard to stay in touch with those outside of baseball, including family and friends.
Third Base:
SnS.com: Can you describe some of your most memorable moments behind the mic in your career? Also which ballplayers were your favorite to call and why?
Gidel: This is my first year as the Voice of the Legends, but my most memorable moment this year was probably sharing the inning of my Opening Day here in Lexington with my father, who had always wanted me to pursue this dream. My favorite ballplayer to call is Matt Cusick, because he battles so much in the batter’s box. It’s interesting to watch how pitchers are trying to adjust to him throughout this year and how Matt has responded. It certainly doesn’t hurt that he’s such a personable kid and one of the guys I’ve gotten a chance to get close to this year.
Heading for Home:
SnS.com: Finally, as The Bus Ride highlights Astros prospects we would like to know one pitcher and one position player who you have seen this year that stands out. We’d like to know in your view the players’ strengths and areas for improvement.
Gidel: The pitcher that stands out the most is probably Sergio Severino. “Seve” had a near no-hitter a few weeks ago in a win against Lakewood. Severino struggles at times with his control and falls in love with a breaking pitch at times too much, but he battles and is such a great competitor on the mound. He doesn’t fear anyone and he doesn’t get rattled easily. He’s still working on become a more consistent pitcher, but he’s been one of the most impressive in the early portion of the year. As far as position player, I think Matt Cusick is the obvious choice, but he’s been well documented this summer and as a hitter he’s got very little weaknesses. So I’ll take the Astros’ top draft pick from a year ago, Collin DeLome. He has got great range in the outfield and speed on the basepaths. Additionally, folks continue to slam his ability to hit the long-ball, yet DeLome’s ranked among the league leaders all year in home runs. If and when he learns to lay off some of the breaking pitches and gets in a lineup where he’ll see more fastballs, DeLome’s stock will continue to climb. I’ll also throw out Jonathan Fixler, who is a terrific defensive catcher. He’s also been hitting the ball very well of late, as well, at one time leading the team in RBI’s despite playing half the games of his teammates. It’s very rare to see anyone run on Fixler, plus he does a nice job of dealing with his pitching staff. With Sapp on the shelf with a groin injury we’ve gotten a chance to see what ‘Fix’ can do and he’s been terrific. He was our defensive player of the month and was well deserving of the honor. He was 1.9 and 2.2 on his throws to second when he was timed in Asheville.
Spikesnstars would like to thank Rob for his time in joining us for a trip around the bases. You can catch Rob’s play by play on the Legend Radio Network or on the vast interweb.