Burnham Joins Broadcast Team
Burnham, who spent the last three seasons as the Director of Broadcasting and lead broadcaster for the Trenton Thunder (AA - New York Yankees), will take over for Anthony Oppermann. Oppermann left the Squirrels to take the lead broadcasting position with the newly-minted Reading Fightin' Phils following the 2012 season.
"I feel extremely fortunate to have had the chance to build our broadcast and brand with a tremendous broadcaster and great friend (Oppermann)," said Laaser. "I feel even more fortunate to have the chance to continue to enhance our broadcast and brand with another tremendous broadcaster and friend (Burnham). Jay is one of the top broadcasters in baseball, and his desire to come to Richmond speaks volumes about how highly-regarded the Squirrels' operation is throughout the game."
A native of Shelburne Falls, MA, Burnham was named as the 2011 Minor League Broadcaster of the Year by respected industry publication Ballpark Digest. Along with the Thunder, Burnham has also called games for the Hagerstown Suns, Pensacola Pelicans and Asheville Tourists.
"It is an honor to become a part of the renowned Richmond franchise led by Chuck Domino, Parney and Bill Papierniak," said Burnham. I am greatly looking forward to joining Jon Laaser on the broadcast and hope my years of experience will bring an additional component to the games for the fans in Richmond. The past three years with the Thunder have been a blessing, and now my wife and I are excited to join another solid organization while being closer to family and friends."
A graduate of Elon University, Burnham will provide play-by-play during home Squirrels' broadcasts as well as select road games. He will be heard on each Squirrels' broadcast as host of both "The Flying Squirrels Pregame Warmup" and "The Flying Squirrels Post-Game Wrap." Laaser will continue to provide play-by-play during each of the team's 142 regular season broadcasts and will also contribute to the pre and post-game shows.
The Flying Squirrels are entering the second year of a current three-year partnership with Clear Channel - Richmond. Each of their games in 2013 will air locally on Sports Radio 910 and nationally on iHeart Radio and SportsRadio910.com. 2013 will mark the fourth overall season in the partnership between the Squirrels and Clear Channel - Richmond.
In addition to his radio roles, Burnham will also be featured on the Squirrels' bi-weekly television show "Flying Squirrels Insider." He will contribute to the show along with Sports Radio 910's Wes McElroy, while Laaser will continue in his role as host. Burnham will hold the title of Media Relations Manager with the Squirrels, and will also provide baseball-related content to SquirrelsBaseball.com and team periodicals.
The Squirrels are currently gearing up for their 3rd Annual Hot Stove Banquet, which will be held on Thursday, January 31st, at the Stuart C. Siegel Center at VCU. Tickets are currently available and can be purchased by calling the Squirrels at (804) 359-3866. All proceeds from the event will benefit the newly-formed Paul Keyes Memorial Scholarship Fund. Season tickets for the 2013 season of Flying Squirrels baseball are also currently available. For more information or to purchase a 2013 ticket package, log on to SquirrelsBaseball.com.