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'''Dan Baker''' (born September 22, 1946) is an American [[public address]] announcer best known for many years as the voice of [[Veterans Stadium]], [[Lincoln Financial Field]], and [[Citizens Bank Park]] in [[Philadelphia]].
==Dan Baker (PA Announcer)==


==Early life==
Dan Baker is an American public address announcer best known for his long-standing tenure as the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. Born on October 19, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Baker has become an iconic figure within the Phillies organization, renowned for his distinctive voice and authoritative presence.
Born in [[Philadelphia]], Pennsylvania, Baker grew up in suburban [[Mount Ephraim, New Jersey]], and graduated from [[Audubon High School]]. He earned his undergraduate degree at Glassboro State College (since renamed as [[Rowan University]]) and went on to earn a master's degree at [[Temple University]].<ref>McPherson, Chris. [http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Dan-Baker-The-Man-Behind-The-Voice/07ed9720-65d2-4fe4-828d-c583a96ddfe9 "Dan Baker: The Man Behind The Voice"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216204822/http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/article-1/Dan-Baker-The-Man-Behind-The-Voice/07ed9720-65d2-4fe4-828d-c583a96ddfe9 |date=February 16, 2018 }}, [[Philadelphia Eagles]], September 6, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2018. "He was born at Woman's Hospital in the East Falls section of Philadelphia and raised on Springfield Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia before moving just across the Walt Whitman Bridge to Mount Ephraim, N.J. in his youth. He graduated from Audubon High School and earned his bachelor's degree from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) before obtaining a master's degree from Temple."</ref>


==Early Life and Career Beginnings==
==Career==
{{BLP sources section|date=August 2023}}
Baker has been the public address announcer for the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] since 1972 and was the public address announcer for the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] from 1985 to 2014.<ref name=wescott2005p105-106>{{cite book |first=Rich |last=Westcott |title=Veterans Stadium: field of memories |publisher=[[Temple University Press]] |location=[[Philadelphia]] |year=2005 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SwEnqr5lAssC&pg=PA105|pages=105–106|isbn=1-59213-428-9 |oclc=59818089}}</ref><ref name=LongestTenured/> He has served as a PA voice for six [[World Series]] ({{wsy|1980}}, {{wsy|1983}}, {{wsy|1993}}, {{wsy|2008}}, {{wsy|2009}} and {{wsy|2022}}), two [[Major League Baseball All Star Game]]s ([[1976 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1976]] and [[1996 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1996]]), and three [[NFC Championship Game]]s (2002, 2003, and 2004).


Although the Phillies and Eagles left Veterans Stadium for new venues (the Eagles to [[Lincoln Financial Field]] in 2003 and the Phillies to [[Citizens Bank Park]] in 2004), Baker remained the PA announcer for both teams. He also serves as PA announcer for the [[Army–Navy Game]] when it is played in Philadelphia as well as [[Drexel Dragons|Drexel University Dragons]] men's basketball. After the 2009 retirement of the New York Yankees' [[Bob Sheppard]], Baker became the longest-tenured PA announcer in Major League Baseball.<ref name=LongestTenured>{{cite news|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20101018_One_pronounced_voice.html?viewAll=y|title=One pronounced voice|date=October 18, 2010|first=Mike|last=Jensen|newspaper=[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]}}</ref>
Baker's passion for announcing and sports developed at an early age. He attended Northeast Catholic High School in Philadelphia, where he honed his skills in public speaking and communication. Following high school, Baker pursued his interest in broadcasting, studying at Temple University's renowned School of Communications and Theater.


⚫
Between Baker and former [[Chicago Cubs]]' public address announcer [[Pat Pieper]], the [[2019 Major League Baseball season|2019 MLB season]] marked 103 consecutive seasons that one of them has been announcing games. Pieper from 1916 to 1974 and Baker from 1972–present. Prior to the 2020 season, the last game that was played without Pieper or Baker announcing games was the [[1915 World Series]] on October 13, 1915.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.DanBakerVoice.com|title=About Dan|website=www.danbakervoice.com|access-date=December 29, 2015}}</ref>
Baker's career in sports announcing began in the early 1970s when he landed his first professional announcing job with the Philadelphia Wings, a lacrosse team in the National Lacrosse League. His talent and professionalism quickly gained recognition, leading to opportunities with other Philadelphia sports teams, including the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and the Philadelphia Eagles football team.


⚫
Baker was the radio announcer for [[Drexel Dragons|Drexel University Dragons]] men's basketball on [[WNTP|WNTP 990 AM]] from 1997 to 2012, after which he retired and became the team's public address announcer. Before that, he broadcast [[Philadelphia Big 5|Philadelphia BIG 5 Basketball games]] for 21 years while additionally serving as its executive director from 1981 to 1996. Baker was named to the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 1997 and was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
==Voice of the Philly Sports ==


Baker co-hosts a radio show on [[WBCB (AM)|WBCB (AM) 1490]] called "Bull Session" with former [[Philadelphia Phillies]] slugger [[Greg Luzinski]], for whom the show is named. The show airs at 6:00 pm on Monday nights, and each week they bring in a special guest, usually a current or retired player.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Bull Session|url = http://www.wbcb1490.com/bull-session/|access-date = October 6, 2015|website=wbcb1490.com}}</ref>
In 1972, Dan Baker was offered the position of public address announcer for the [[Philadelphia Phillies]], a role that would solidify his place in sports broadcasting history. Over the decades, Baker's distinctive voice became synonymous with Phillies baseball, as he introduced players, announced batting lineups, and provided game updates to millions of fans at [[Veterans Stadium]] and later at [[Citizens Bank Park|Citizens Bank Park.]]


Baker reprises his role as the Philadelphia Phillies PA announcer for select Phillies away games at multiple venues that comprise a chain of Philadelphia area sports bars. The events are billed as "Summer Nights with Dan Baker".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chickiesandpetes.com/summer-nights-with-dan-baker |title=Summer Nights at the Ballpark with Dan Baker |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704084408/http://www.chickiesandpetes.com/summer-nights-with-dan-baker/ |archive-date=July 4, 2011 }}</ref> At these appearances, Baker announces the game over the sports bar's PA system in exactly the same fashion as he would if he was announcing an actual Phillies home game.
⚫
Between Baker and former [[Chicago Cubs]]' public address announcer [[Pat Pieper]], the 2019 MLB season marked 103 consecutive seasons that one of them has been announcing games. Pieper from 1916 to 1974 and Baker from 1972–present. Before the 2020 season, the last game that was played without Pieper or Baker announcing games was the 1915 World Series on October 13, 1915.[4]


On May 7, 2014, the Eagles announced that Baker would no longer serve as their public address announcer, citing that they decided to make a change in the role.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/Eagles_to_replace_public_address_announcer_Dan_Baker.html|title=Eagles to replace public address announcer Dan Baker}}</ref> Baker continued as the public address announcer for the Phillies.
⚫
Baker was the radio announcer for [[Drexel University|Drexel University Dragons men's basketball]] on WNTP 990 AM from 1997 to 2012, after which he retired and became the team's public address announcer. Before that, he broadcast Philadelphia BIG 5 Basketball games for 21 years while additionally serving as its executive director from 1981 to 1996. Baker was named to the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 1997 and was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.


On May 7, 2014, the Eagles announced that Baker would no longer serve as their public address announcer at [[Lincoln Financial Field]], citing that they decided to make a change in the role.[7] Baker continued as the public address announcer for the Phillies.
On September 16, 2015, [[Xfinity Live!|XFINITY Live!]] announced that Baker would be the in-house public address announcer for Philadelphia Eagles games. Baker's duties are similar to those he had as the public address announcer for the Eagles, which include energizing the crowd with his signature calls.


Baker did not announce during the [[2020 Philadelphia Phillies season|2020 season]] after being diagnosed with [[sinus cancer]]. However, after treatment, including radiation therapy and surgery, he returned the following year.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/phillies-dan-baker-public-address-announcer-returning-20210109.html|title = Phillies’ Dan Baker battling for his return to Citizens Bank Park public address booth|last = Brookover|first = Bob|date = January 9, 2021|accessdate = November 7, 2022|newspaper = [[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]|url-access = limited}}</ref>
On September 16, 2015, [[Xfinity Live! Philadelphia|XFINITY Live!]] announced that Baker would be the in-house public address announcer for [[Philadelphia Eagles]] games. Baker's duties are similar to those he had as the Eagles' public address announcer, which included energizing the crowd with his signature calls.


Baker's announcing style is characterized by his clear enunciation, commanding tone, and unwavering professionalism. His ability to engage and excite fans through his announcements has made him a beloved figure within the Philadelphia sports community.

==Legacy and Recognition==

Throughout his career, Dan Baker has received numerous accolades for his contributions to sports announcing. In 2001, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his enduring impact on the city's sports culture. Additionally, Baker has been honored with multiple awards for excellence in broadcasting, including several Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers awards.

Beyond his work with the Phillies, Baker has also lent his voice to other notable events, including the Special Olympics World Games and various championship tournaments. His dedication to his craft and his unwavering commitment to professionalism have made him one of the most respected public address announcers in the world of sports.

==Personal Life==

Outside of his announcing duties, Dan Baker leads a relatively private life. He resides in the Philadelphia area with his family and remains actively involved in the local community. Despite his busy schedule, Baker is known for his approachability and his willingness to engage with fans, making him a cherished figure both inside and outside the ballpark.

==Legacy and Impact==

Dan Baker's enduring legacy as the voice of the Philadelphia Phillies extends far beyond his role as a public address announcer. His distinctive voice and unwavering professionalism have left an indelible mark on the world of sports broadcasting, earning him a place among the most revered figures in the history of Philadelphia sports. As he continues to captivate audiences with his announcements, Dan Baker remains a beloved icon of Phillies baseball and a testament to the power of a singular voice to unite fans and inspire generations.
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

Revision as of 01:41, 16 March 2024

Dan Baker
Born (1946-09-22) September 22, 1946 (age 77)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Years active1972–present
Sports commentary career
Teams
GenrePublic address announcer
Sports

Dan Baker (born September 22, 1946) is an American public address announcer best known for many years as the voice of Veterans Stadium, Lincoln Financial Field, and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

Early life

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Baker grew up in suburban Mount Ephraim, New Jersey, and graduated from Audubon High School. He earned his undergraduate degree at Glassboro State College (since renamed as Rowan University) and went on to earn a master's degree at Temple University.[1]

Career

Baker has been the public address announcer for the Philadelphia Phillies since 1972 and was the public address announcer for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1985 to 2014.[2][3] He has served as a PA voice for six World Series (1980, 1983, 1993, 2008, 2009 and 2022), two Major League Baseball All Star Games (1976 and 1996), and three NFC Championship Games (2002, 2003, and 2004).

Although the Phillies and Eagles left Veterans Stadium for new venues (the Eagles to Lincoln Financial Field in 2003 and the Phillies to Citizens Bank Park in 2004), Baker remained the PA announcer for both teams. He also serves as PA announcer for the Army–Navy Game when it is played in Philadelphia as well as Drexel University Dragons men's basketball. After the 2009 retirement of the New York Yankees' Bob Sheppard, Baker became the longest-tenured PA announcer in Major League Baseball.[3]

Between Baker and former Chicago Cubs' public address announcer Pat Pieper, the 2019 MLB season marked 103 consecutive seasons that one of them has been announcing games. Pieper from 1916 to 1974 and Baker from 1972–present. Prior to the 2020 season, the last game that was played without Pieper or Baker announcing games was the 1915 World Series on October 13, 1915.[4]

Baker was the radio announcer for Drexel University Dragons men's basketball on WNTP 990 AM from 1997 to 2012, after which he retired and became the team's public address announcer. Before that, he broadcast Philadelphia BIG 5 Basketball games for 21 years while additionally serving as its executive director from 1981 to 1996. Baker was named to the Big 5 Hall of Fame in 1997 and was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.

Baker co-hosts a radio show on WBCB (AM) 1490 called "Bull Session" with former Philadelphia Phillies slugger Greg Luzinski, for whom the show is named. The show airs at 6:00 pm on Monday nights, and each week they bring in a special guest, usually a current or retired player.[5]

Baker reprises his role as the Philadelphia Phillies PA announcer for select Phillies away games at multiple venues that comprise a chain of Philadelphia area sports bars. The events are billed as "Summer Nights with Dan Baker".[6] At these appearances, Baker announces the game over the sports bar's PA system in exactly the same fashion as he would if he was announcing an actual Phillies home game.

On May 7, 2014, the Eagles announced that Baker would no longer serve as their public address announcer, citing that they decided to make a change in the role.[7] Baker continued as the public address announcer for the Phillies.

On September 16, 2015, XFINITY Live! announced that Baker would be the in-house public address announcer for Philadelphia Eagles games. Baker's duties are similar to those he had as the public address announcer for the Eagles, which include energizing the crowd with his signature calls.

Baker did not announce during the 2020 season after being diagnosed with sinus cancer. However, after treatment, including radiation therapy and surgery, he returned the following year.[8]

References

  1. ^ McPherson, Chris. "Dan Baker: The Man Behind The Voice" Archived February 16, 2018, at the Wayback Machine, Philadelphia Eagles, September 6, 2014. Accessed February 16, 2018. "He was born at Woman's Hospital in the East Falls section of Philadelphia and raised on Springfield Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia before moving just across the Walt Whitman Bridge to Mount Ephraim, N.J. in his youth. He graduated from Audubon High School and earned his bachelor's degree from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) before obtaining a master's degree from Temple."
  2. ^ Westcott, Rich (2005). Veterans Stadium: field of memories. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. pp. 105–106. ISBN 1-59213-428-9. OCLC 59818089.
  3. ^ a b Jensen, Mike (October 18, 2010). "One pronounced voice". The Philadelphia Inquirer.
  4. ^ "About Dan". www.danbakervoice.com. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  5. ^ "Bull Session". wbcb1490.com. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  6. ^ "Summer Nights at the Ballpark with Dan Baker". Archived from the original on July 4, 2011.
  7. ^ "Eagles to replace public address announcer Dan Baker".
  8. ^ Brookover, Bob (January 9, 2021). "Phillies' Dan Baker battling for his return to Citizens Bank Park public address booth". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved November 7, 2022.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dan_Baker_(PA_announcer)&oldid=1213942847"