Every day during the season, Phillies fans from all over tune into the game either on TV or by streaming online. Watching the TV broadcast, fans can expect to see and hear Phillies’ play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy and his color commentary partner John Kruk (most-likely Ruben Amaro Jr. or Ben Davis if on the road).
Phillies prepare for 11th annual ‘Broadcast from the stands’
On Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs, fans tuning in will see their favorite Phillies announcers in section 201 of Citizens Bank Park. This will be the 11th year of the Phillies’ broadcasters calling a game from the stands.
“The spot that we’re actually going to tomorrow is my favorite spot that I used to go to when I was the man in the stands, the roving reporter,” said longtime broadcaster Tom McCarthy.
McCarthy has been a part of the broadcast from the stands since its inception in 2014. In the first inning of the first-ever attempt, McCarthy made the highlight reels by catching a homer off the bat of Freddie Freeman.
“It was unbelievable because we had sat out there for a few days watching BP to gauge the pitches and nothing was hit out there,” recalled McCarthy. “I apologized to Kyle Kendrick afterward because we made such a big deal out of it, but he laughed at it.”
It was former producer Jeff Halikman who made sure that McCarthy had a glove despite the unlikely nature of a homer.
The catch wasn’t McCarthy’s only highlight. In 2015, McCarthy was able to snag a hot dog shot by the Philly Phanatic‘s cannon with a fishing net. “That was harder than catching the ball,” said McCarthy.
Regardless of the moments, the broadcast from the stands is always special to McCarthy.
“We’re all fans at heart. We’ve all gone to games our whole life. It’s an opportunity to see the ballpark in a very different way,” said McCarthy. “To me, it’s just an opportunity to do something a little different, creatively different, and expose the ballpark in a really different light.”
Being in the stands brings a surprise element for the broadcasters. They never know who or what will pop up.
“We don’t always know who’s coming on with us. I like the spontaneity of whatever it is that happens. I’m a big believer that nothing, at all, should be scripted,” said McCarthy. “Last year was one of the funniest when the Phanatic popped up on the scissor lift and we had no idea he was there. The reaction from John [Kruk] was unbelievable. I hope we have moments like that.”
The crew behind the broadcast has a few things prepared for McCarthy and company.
“There’ll be quite a few surprises and ones that will make Phillies fans happy,” confirmed Producer Chelsea Johnson. “I’m sure the Phanatic is always looking for new ideas and new ways to upset John Kruk and get under his skin,” hinted Director Mike Mulligan.
As to who will join the broadcast with the crew, one guest was hinted at as a “Philadelphia legend” who is “media savvy.” Mulligan and Johnson couldn’t reveal more than that without spoiling the surprise.
Relocating the broadcast booth to a different part of the stadium is no easy task from a technical standpoint. “It’s a home away from home for them, the booth,” explained Mulligan. “They have all the luxuries. They have wi-fi, they have power, and they’re covered by the elements. Them being out in the seats, you’re out in the elements.”
As a producer, Johnson has the task of making the broadcast run smoothly and has to be prepared for anything. “I’m thinking of all 50 things that could go wrong in the day and how we can combat that,” said Johnson.
While Mulligan and Johnson are both fairly new to the broadcast from the stands, they’re surrounded by a supporting cast of veterans who have the know-how.
“With the crew we have that has been doing this for so many years, it’s second nature to them,” said Mulligan.
The location of the broadcast has mostly changed year-to-year. This season, the spot chosen goes back to a long drive from a notable Phillies’ star.
“Kind of excited for the location we’re at because it was inspired by Kyle Schwarber‘s home run earlier this season and where he hit it,” revealed Johnson. “We’re hoping someone hits one out there that night.”
The 443-foot blast was Schwarber’s first at Citizens Bank Park this season.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
