Ventola Named Fightins Broadcaster

The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, have announced that Michael Ventola will be joining the club in 2014 as the team's radio broadcaster.

"The Fightins are thrilled to have Mike join the club this season," said Fightin Phils General Manager Scott Hunsicker. "Mike's energy and experience broadcasting on the East Coast will make him a great fit with our front office and team."

Ventola, 25, comes to Baseballtown after spending the past two seasons as the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Southern Illinois Miners of the independent Frontier League. Prior to his time with the Miners, Ventola spent the 2010 season in Reading as a media relations assistant and with the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs in 2011 as a broadcast assistant. He also worked as broadcasting and promotions assistant in 2009 with the Augusta GreenJackets (A).  

"I am thrilled to be joining a well-respected organization here in Reading," said Ventola. "I hope to convey my excitement and love for this great game with each and every sentence I broadcast to this great fan base."

Along with his vast experience in baseball, Ventola is the play-by-play voice for both Wagner College and NJIT Women's Basketball. A 2010 graduate of Immaculata University, he has also worked with the Lehigh Valley's ESPN Radio affiliate and the Danny Bonaduce Morning Show in Philadelphia. 

Ventola will call the complete 142-game Eastern League schedule in addition to the 222 Showcase Exhibition Game on April 1st on 1340 WRAW-AM. Live coverage begins 30 minutes prior to the start of each Fightin Phils game with the pre-game show. On Friday's, the pre-game show is expanded to an hour, featuring exclusive interviews with Fightins players, coaches, and additional special guests. 

The Fightin Phils will kick off the 2014 season on Thursday, April 3rd at 7:05 p.m. at FirstEnergy Stadium when the team takes on the Portland Sea Dogs. Savage 61 Fightins VIP Club plans, group tickets, and single game tickets for 2014 can be purchased online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the FirstEnergy Stadium Ticket Office.