The Voice of FifthThird Ballpark

COMSTOCK PARK - Hundred of thousands of fans go through the turnstiles of Fifth Third Ballpark every summer to watch the West Michigan Whitecaps.

 

And for nearly two decades, those same fans have heard a familiar voice bellow throughout the ballpark before and during games.

 

Michael Newell is the longtime public address announcer for the Whitecaps, a position he has held since 1997.

 

"You have to have a big mouth to do this job," Newell said. "I tell my daughter that I get paid to have a big mouth and she said, 'you have that all right'. I just enjoy what I do."

 

Before controlling the microphone at Fifth Third, the 54-year-old Michigan native was a disc jockey for 10 years at various radio stations, including parts of Florida.

 

His final stop was at Grand Rapids' own WGRD in the late-80s and early 90s.

 

"I loved doing the promotional part," Newell said. "Being on air was fun, but I liked the live remotes and going out and meeting people. It wasn't so bad when I had to go to the beach to judge surfing competitions."

 

Newell returned to Michigan from Florida in 1985 to work for a radio station near Hillsdale College for two years. He then moved to Grand Rapids and after a four year stint working on air at WGRD, from 1988 - 1992, he completed his degree at Grand Valley State in social work.  

 

Michael started his post-radio career working for the Byron Center School District for three years before moving to the Rockford School District where he has been since 1997.  

 

In 1997 Newell spotted an ad in the newspaper for a PA announcer for the Whitecaps.

 

"I was auditioning for a play at the same time, and then I saw that," said Newell, who serves as a social worker during the day. "I thought I would much rather do that."

 

Newell sent in a tape and resume and had a live audition in front of 500 people during opening day ticket sales in March of 1997.

 

Vying for the same role was a now familiar face to West Michigan fans, on-field host Bob Wells.

 

"The audition went well, but Bob was the last person that day, and I thought afterwards that I might have some trouble because he is a pretty talented guy," Newell said. "We thought there was just one opening, but they ended up created two positions for us."

Newell estimates that he has worked between 1,300-1,400 games during his career, including the regular season, playoffs and a few exhibition games.

 

The charismatic and outgoing Newell said his time behind the microphone has been enjoyable.

 

"We have so much fun up here," he said. "We laugh all the time and I love baseball. I can go to a baseball game and just watch, but being up here and doing the announcing is fun. Since I work at Rockford schools, I see kids I know all the time and it is fun to see families out here having a good time.

 

"Minor League Baseball is different than Major League Baseball. A lot of people don't know the score, but they still have a good time."

 

Newell is responsible for -game advertising readings and in game introductions and announcements.

 

He said it's important that he conveys himself in a manner that the listeners understand.

 

"Just make it clear to people," he said. "I don't call the game, but I think every time I read something I just assume it's the first time someone has heard it. I read the same ad 70 times a year, but some people are only here once or twice so I want to make sure they hear it correctly. Hopefully I convey my enthusiasm too."

 

Newell has had the opportunity to witness several successful teams through the years and has been given a first-hand glimpse of players who have made the jump to the big leagues.

 

"It's fantastic to see the guys come through here, and there have been some great players," Newell said. "Guys like Don Kelly, Francisco Cordero and Joel Zumaya, who was scary to watch."

 

He's also seen former Tigers make appearances, but his fondest memory is when Mark Fidrych took the time to talk with his son when he was 12.

 

"It was a kick for me and my son to meet him because I remember the season he had in 1976," Newell said.

 

Newell, who has been married for 23 years and has four children, lives minutes from the ballpark.

 

He has no intentions of giving up his position anytime soon. Those interested in being his replacement might have to wait awhile.

 

"No, I lock the door in April and don't unlock it again till September," Newell joked. "My wife says there will be an opening when she reads my obituary. This is a great organization and I'm lucky to be a part of it."