Oppermann to Return; Seltzer Heads to 76ers

(Reading, Pa.)--- Former Reading Phillies play-by-play voice Anthony Oppermann will return to the team for the 2013 season to assume broadcast duties after former announcer Brian Seltzer left the position to join Philadelphia's 97.5 The Fanatic as Sixers Post-Game Show Host. 

"We wish Brian well in his future endeavors with the Sixers and welcome Anthony back with open arms," said Reading Phillies General Manager Scott Hunsicker. "In just one year with the team, Anthony made an impact in Reading and we're enthralled to have somebody in the booth next season who is very familiar with both Baseballtown and the Eastern League. We hope to be able help Anthony reach his professional and personal goals during his time with the team."

Oppermann, 30, has spent the past three seasons with the Richmond Flying Squirrels where he was team's Director of Media. His duties included providing play-by-play during Flying Squirrels' home games and select road games as well as hosting "The Weekend with Anthony Oppermann" on Saturday mornings.

"I enjoyed my three years with Richmond and learned and grew a lot from that experience," said Oppermann. "I'm happy to come back to Reading as a better professional and broadcaster. I'm eager to get back to calling games on a regular basis and excited to take the next step forward in my career around familiar faces in Baseballtown."

During the 2009 season, Oppermann joined the franchise as the "Voice of the Reading Phillies" following longtime radio announcer Steve Degler's departure to Service Electric. Prior to joining the Reading Phillies in 2009, the La Grange, TX native was the lead broadcaster for the Potomac Nationals, the Advanced-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, for two seasons in 2007 and 2008. His time in Minor League Baseball has also included time with the Daytona Cubs, Advanced-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, and the Round Rock Express, Double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros. 

Oppermann is a 2004 graduate of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX where he earned a B.A. in Radio/TV/Film with emphasis in Sports Broadcasting.

Seltzer, 26, leaves Baseballtown after three seasons as the team's play-by-play announcer for his new position with the Philadelphia 76ers. Following each Sixers game, Seltzer will break down highlights, interview Sixers personnel and deliver news and notes of other games in the NBA. 

"Reading is a special place and the degree of professionalism and personal growth that I underwent over the past three years was nothing I could expect," said Seltzer. "I didn't have much seasoning in baseball heading into it, but I couldn't be more appreciative for an established organization like Reading for giving me the opportunity to get acclimated to a new situation. It was a huge privilege and means a lot to me."

In his time with the Reading Phillies, Seltzer has called the Baseballtown All-Star Classic in July 2012 and the Eastern League Playoffs in both 2011 and 2012. Through his position, the Philadelphia native hosted Phillies Farm Focus on 94.1 WIP during the 2012 season speaking with representatives and reporters from each of the Philadelphia Phillies minor league clubs. 

"Brian has worked extremely hard for his new position and listeners in Philadelphia are going to love what he will bring each broadcast," said Hunsicker. "He is very knowledgeable about what he does and it will show through his work with the Sixers."

A 2007 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Seltzer is currently in his eighth season providing play-by-play for the school's men's basketball team, a role he has held since his junior year of college. He is also the announcer for Penn Quakers football games.

A two-time Philadelphia Achievement in Radio (A.I.R.) award-winner, Seltzer formerly hosted the Eagles Pre-Game Show on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia. Through his coverage of the Eagles, Seltzer has made appearances on Comcast SportsNet, ESPN, and ESPN News and has had his work cited on mainstream news sites like ESPN.com and ProFootballTalk.com.