I was introduced to the world of baseball before I even laid eyes on it. While I have no recollection of those early moments, I am fairly certain that Denny Matthews’ voice was among the first to resonate with me shortly after my birth, as the Royals clinched the championship. Subsequently, Ernie Harwell became a household favorite, especially during nighttime broadcasts. Harry Carey’s unmistakable voice often accompanied our daytime car rides. Although I didn’t have the same sentimental attachment as many fans do with Greg Schulte, his voice has become inseparable from numerous iconic moments in the team’s history.
As March approached this year, heralding the upcoming season, my focus shifted towards shedding light on the individuals toiling in the minor leagues. Every day, individuals converge at ballparks across the nation, undertaking tasks crucial for bridging the gap between player performances and fan engagement. While their efforts often remain behind the scenes, they are indispensable in delivering the product to the audience. However, given that much of my connection to baseball is through the narrators who breathe life into the game, I decided to commence with a spotlight on an announcer.
Jill Gearin, who served as the voice of the Visalia Rawhide from 2019 to 2023, graciously shared insights into her journey to the broadcast booth, shedding light on the life of a minor league broadcaster and navigating a male-dominated profession. Despite transitioning to a new chapter in Charleston, West Virginia, Jill reflected on her aspirations that took root during an eighth-grade graduation ceremony in Hermosa Beach, California. It was at that moment she boldly declared her dream of becoming the Red Sox announcer, a dream that materialized nine years later as she found herself in the Red Sox booth, initially as a statistician. Her upbringing on the west coast exposed her to the voices of Don Orsillo and Jerry Remy, alongside her active participation in sports. Following her high school graduation, she pursued sports journalism at Emerson College, where she also excelled in varsity softball. A pivotal internship opportunity in the Red Sox radio booth paved the way for her subsequent roles, eventually leading to her appointment with the Visalia Rawhide ahead of the 2019 season.
The 2019 season in Visalia unfolded as a dream, crowned by the Rawhide clinching the California League championship led by future Diamondbacks stars. While Jill honed her skills as an announcer, receiving commendations from players’ parents for her progress, she humbly acknowledges the ongoing journey of growth that every broadcaster traverses. The unforeseen disruption caused by the onset of COVID-19 in 2020 dealt a severe blow to the minor league season, altering the landscape for Visalia as they transitioned to a Low-A affiliate. Despite the team’s challenging performance, Jill remained steadfast in her approach, drawing inspiration from her mentors to maintain enthusiasm and positivity even in the face of adversity.
Amidst the trials and triumphs in Visalia, Jill witnessed memorable moments and the fruition of players’ hard work as they advanced to the World Series. Her journey culminated in a remarkable milestone as she called her first pitch in the major leagues, witnessing a home run at Dodger Stadium. Looking ahead, Jill aspires to narrate the major league debut of a player she once covered in the minor leagues.
Beyond the broadcast realm, Jill juggles multiple roles encompassing media relations and community engagement with the Charleston Dirty Birds, reminiscent of her diverse responsibilities in Visalia. The demanding routine involves meticulous preparation, player interactions, and community outreach initiatives, underscoring the multifaceted nature of a minor league broadcaster’s duties.
Reflecting on the landscape of women in broadcasting, Jill sheds light on the persisting challenges and the imperative of fostering a supportive environment to address issues of harassment and gender disparity. Despite the hurdles, Jill’s advice to aspiring broadcasters resonates with a message of perseverance and seizing opportunities to refine one’s craft.
In closing, Jill shares her rankings of fictional baseball announcers, paying homage to iconic figures that have left an indelible mark on the realm of sports commentary. For those eager to catch Jill in action, tune in to Charleston Dirty Birds games this season or connect with her on social media platforms.
A heartfelt thank you to Jill for sharing her insights and experiences, illuminating the path she has paved in the world of broadcasting.