Category Archives: Smokies Radio Network

Roger Hoover with Tennessee in 2012. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

Earlier today the Jacksonville Suns announced that Roger Hoover will rejoin the Suns as the radio broadcaster and the Director of Broadcasting for the 2013 season. Hoover has worked for the Tennessee Smokies and the Smokies Radio Network for three of the past four seasons as a broadcasting assistant.

“Roger is a great talent and good friend,” said Smokies Director of Broadcasting Mick Gillispie. “We are all really happy for him and looking forward to keeping up with his career in Jacksonville. The work he did for the Smokies Radio Network was excellent and he will be tough to replace.

 
Hoover was the Suns broadcaster during the 2011 season, and enters his sixth season of professional baseball broadcasting.
 
“I am excited for this opportunity to work with the Suns,” Hoover said. “I really enjoyed my time in Jacksonville in 2011, and it will be a pleasure to connect with Suns fans once again. The Bragan’s continue to run a great baseball franchise, and I’m proud to be a part of their team at Bragan Field at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.”
 
Hoover has spent the past four seasons broadcasting baseball in the Southern League, working for the Suns in 2011 and as a broadcasting assistant with the Tennessee Smokies, for three of the past four years dating back to 2009. His experience in the Southern League includes: providing play-by-play in the 2009, 2010, and 2011 Southern League Championship Series, working with baseball Hall of Famer and 2009 Smokies manager Ryne Sandberg, being a part of the radio coverage for the 2010 and 2012 Southern League All-Star Games, as well as the Smokies Radio Network’s coverage of the 2010 Rickwood Classic in Birmingham, Ala.
 
The 2013 Southern League All-Star Game presented by State Farm on Bragan Field at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville will be Hoover’s third Southern League All-Star Game broadcast in the past four seasons.
 
Hoover is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and served his alma mater as the color analyst for Tennessee Baseball on the Vol Network in 2012. He currently works as the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications for Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn., where he is also the color analyst for Carson-Newman football and the broadcaster for Lady Eagles basketball.
 
Hoover, a native of Kingsport, Tenn., spent his first season broadcasting professional baseball in his hometown with the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League in 2008. Hoover began his broadcasting career in 2006 with the Vol Network at the University of Tennessee.
 
The 2013 Suns season begins on April 4 against the Jackson Generals on Bragan Field at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville at 7:05 p.m.

Logan Watkins with Tennessee in 2012. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

Nick Struck with Tennessee in 2012. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Adam Kline / Tennessee Smokies

KODAK, Tenn. – Tennessee Smokies INF Logan Watkins and RHP Nick Struck were named by the Chicago Cubs this afternoon as the organization’s Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year, respectively.  The duo will be honored at Wrigley Field during an on-field ceremony prior to the Cubs’ October 1 game against the Houston Astros.

Watkins hit .281 (137-for-488) with 20 doubles, 11 triples, nine home runs and 52 RBIs in 133 games for the Smokies in 2012.  He led the Southern League with 93 runs scored, was second with triples and walks (76) and was fourth with a .383 on-base percentage.  The left-handed hitter led the Smokies with 28 stolen bases (28 SB/35 ATT).

The 23-year-old recorded a .985 fielding percentage (9 E/235 TC), spending time at second base (95 games), shortstop (29 games) and center field (17 games).

Watkins hit .352 (31-for-88) in the month of June in which included a team-high 13-game hitting streak on way to earning Cubs Minor League Player of the Month honors.

The Wichita, Kan. native was drafted by the Cubs in the 21st round of the 2008 MLB draft out of Goddard (Kan.) High School.  In five professional seasons, Watkins holds a career .285 batting average (493-for-1,728) with 67 doubles, 31 triples, 15 home runs and 170 RBIs in 475 minor league games.

Struck, went 14-10 with a 3.18 ERA (55 ER/155.2 IP) in 28 games (26 starts) this year for Tennessee.  He led the Southern League in wins, ranked third with 155.2 innings pitched and fourth in ERA.  He led the Smokies with 123 strikeouts and limited opposing hitters to a .238 batting average (140 H/588 AB).

The right-handed pitcher emerged as the Smokies’ ace in 2012, limiting opponents to three or fewer runs in 20 of his 28 appearances (26 starts).

Struck, 22, was 4-1 with a 2.45 ERA (8 ER/29.1 IP) in five starts in the month of June en route to being named the Cubs Pitcher of the Month for June.  In 29.1 innings, he allowed 11 runs (eight earned) on 19 hits, walking eight and striking out 23.  Struck led the Smokies to wins four consecutive starts from June 8-26, constructing a 1.90 ERA (5 ER/23.2 IP) during the run.

The Damascus, Ore. native was selected in the 39th round of the 2009 MLB draft out of Mt. Hood Community College.  In three professional seasons, Stuck is 32-27 with a 3.50 ERA (168 ER/431.2 IP) and two complete-game shutouts, including a rain-shortened five-inning no-hitter for the Peoria Chiefs on April 30, 2010.  In 84 appearances (73 starts) he has fanned 330 batters, while walking 134 in 431.2 innings pitched.

Smokies broadcaster Mick Gillispie. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

The Smokies Radio Network received some national recognition on Tuesday, as the website Ballpark Digest selected its 2012 Broadcaster of the Year.

Mick Gillispie and his staff were highlighted for their work during the 2012 season, and the Smokies were the only team above Class A baseball to receive recognition from Ballpark Digest. This is the second straight season for the Gillispie and the Smokies to receive this recognition.

Here is what Ballpark Digest had to say about the Smokies Radio Network:

Mick Gillispie and the entire Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League) team. While many teams are scaling back their game broadcasts, the Smokies are going the other way, putting together a team that includes Gillespie, Cody Chrusciel and Roger Hoover, broadcasting over a Smokies Radio Network that reaches Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama and parts of North and South Carolina. Gillespie, a very accomplished broadcaster in his own right, oversees the proceedings, as well as the team’s videos for YouTube, news postings on the smokiesradio.com website and the team’s Facebook presence. That’s a lot of content.

The Smokies Radio Network is appreciative of this recognition, and you can read the entire release including other honorable mentions and the 2012 Ballpark Digest Broadcaster of the Year here.

Tennessee Smokies manager Buddy Bailey. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

Prior to Tennessee’s season finale on Monday, Smokies manager Buddy Bailey voiced his support for new Chicago Cubs farm director Brandon Hyde.

“He’s a quality guy,” said Bailey. “He’s been around, he’s managed in the minor leagues, and also has been in the big leagues as a coach. He’s a guy that has been on the field which helps a lot when you are a person that’s on the field. He understands the trials and tribulations and everything that you have to do.”

Hyde was promoted to the “farm director” role of Director of Player Development last Wednesday after serving as the minor league field coordinator for the Cubs this past season. Hyde spent the previous nine seasons in the Marlins organization, where he served as a minor league manager and big league bench coach for part of the 2010 and the entire 2011 season.

“He’s real professional, well-organized, and he has all the qualifications that I’m sure he’ll do a solid job for the organization,” Bailey said. “Unfortunately Oneri (Fleita, former Cubs farm director) is gone, he’s another guy that had been in the trenches too. Now they have another guy in that situation which for on-field personell sometimes the littlest things they can relate to. They’ve seen it and can relate to all these different situations.

“I’m sure he’s going to do a good job, I’ve had a good relationship with him over the year.”

Bailey was asked prior to the game about his future with the Cubs organization, which he said was uncertain.

“Like any other business, your future always is in someone else’s hands,” said Bailey. “All you can do is go do what you think is best day in and day out. You do the best you can to prepare your players the way you feel that they should. You find out in the future if what you’ve done is in the eyes of the people who make the decisions is quality to keep you around and let you help the organization.”

To listen to the full interview with Buddy Bailey that aired prior to Monday’s game, click the link below.

Buddy Bailey Interview September 3, 2012

Mick Gillispie with Tennessee football legend Johnny Majors on Wednesday night at Smokies Park. Photo Courtesy: Roger Hoover.

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

The Smokies Radio Network welcomed in a special guest on Wednesday night, as Tennessee football legend Johnny Majors joined the broadcast during the seventh inning.

Majors first starred for the University of Tennessee as an explosive halfback, twice being named the Southeastern Conference Most Valuable Player and was also an All-America selection in 1956. That year he led Tennessee to the SEC Championship, and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting.

As a coach, Majors coached at Iowa State and Pittsburgh before he came “marching home” to Tennessee in 1977. In 1976 he led Pittsburgh to the national championship, coaching Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett.

Johnny Majors with Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant after Tennessee beat Alabama 35-28 in 1982 at Neyland Stadium.

Majors coached the Vols from 1977-1992, leading Tennessee to three SEC championships. Majors also led the famed “Sugar Vols” team in 1985 that won the SEC title and upset second-ranked Miami 35-7 in the Sugar Bowl.

In this interview with Mick Gillispie, Coach Majors discussed his playing and coaching career, as well as made a play-by-play call of J.T. Wise’s three-run homer which you can listen to in the second clip below.

Johnny Majors with Mick Gillispie August 22, 2012

Johnny Majors calls J.T. Wise’s Home Run August 22, 2012

Olympian and Lenoir City native Claire Donahue. Photo Courtesy: USA Swimming.

By Adam Kline / Smokies Radio Network

KODAK, Tenn. – The Tennessee Smokies proudly announce today that Olympic gold medalist Claire Donahue will make a special appearance at the Smokies’ game on Friday, August 24.  Donahue will throw out a ceremonial first pitch prior to the Smokies’ 7:15 game against the Mobile BayBears.  Afterward, she will meet and greet fans on the concourse while signing autographs during the fourth inning.

“The Smokies and our fans are fortunate for this opportunity to recognize Claire Donahue and, by extension, all of our Olympic athletes, for the talent and years of work that led to the fabulous showing in London earlier this month”, stated Smokies President Doug Kirchhofer.

Donahue, a Lenoir City, Tenn. resident, was a member of the 2012 USA Women’s Swimming Team in the London Olympics earlier this month.  She competed in two events in the 2012 summer games; the 100-meter butterfly, where she finished seventh and she earned a gold medal for swimming in the preliminary heats of the 4×100-meter medley relay.

Donahue now has two gold medals in the 4×100 medley relay, as she claimed a gold medal in the event at the 2011 Pan American Game in Quadalajara, Mexico.

A 2007 graduate from Lenoir City High School, Donahue was a four-year letter winner and two-time All-American before attending Western Kentucky University, where she set school records in the 100 and 200-meter butterfly events.

The Smokies will begin a five-game series with the BayBears for the final home series of the 2012 regular season.  For tickets and more information, visit http://www.smokiesbaseball.com or call (865) 286-2300.

CSN Chicago’s Patrick Mooney is tonight’s guest on the Pilot Oscar-Mayer Pregame Show. Photo Courtesy: CSN Chicago.

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

Patrick Mooney, CSN Chicago’s Cubs insider, joins the Pilot Oscar-Mayer Pregame Show before Tuesday’s game between the Tennessee Smokies and the Chattanooga Lookouts.

Mooney has covered Chicago baseball since the 2010 season for CSN Chicago, and you can follow his work here online and also follow him on Twitter: @CSNMooney.

You can listen to the interview by clicking the link below. Check the post below to listen for listening information on this evening’s game.

Patrick Mooney Interview August 21, 2012

Kevin Rhoderick and Mike Brenly. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Adam Kline / Tennessee Smokies

KODAK, Tenn. – The Tennessee Smokies return home for the final homestand of the 2012 regular season beginning Sunday, August 19.  The 10-game homestand will kick off with a five-game series against the first-place Chattanooga Lookouts.  The homestand will include 80s Night, $1 Hot Dogs and Buck Night.

The series kicks off Sunday at 5:00 p.m. with 80’s night.  It’s another U.S. Cellular Family Fun Day, where families can buy four tickets, four meal vouchers and two Kids Zone wristbands for only $48 ($70 value).  Don’t miss the postgame concert featuring 80’s tribute band The Breakfast Club, courtesy of Metro Pulse.

Monday’s 7:15 game is all about value with $1 Hot dog Night and Church Bulletin Night, where fans get $2 off a walk-up ticket purchase (up to four tickets) by bringing in a Sunday church Bulletin to the Smokies ticket office.

Everyone will be a winner on Tuesday’s 7:15 game during “Pilot Prize Night” and will also bring residents & employees of Jefferson and Hamblen Counties a $2 discount on a walk-up ticket purchase.  The Smokies will also offer anyone who shows their Pilot Rewards Card a $2 discount on a walk-up ticket purchase on “Pilot Prize Night.”

Wednesday’s 7:15 game is Buck Night, where select concession items will be available for only $1.  Blount County residents can present a pay stub or photo ID for $2 walk-up ticket orders as part of Blount County Night.

Kids take center stage during Thursday’s 7:15 game!  All kids 12-and-under in with paid admission to the 7:15 game get a free hot dog, chips and small Pepsi product.  Following the game, they get to run off dinner with a lap around the bases, courtesy of Shoney’s Family Restaurants.  It’s also Pilot Prize Night, where everyone’s a winner!

Smokies tickets can be purchased at http://www.smokiesbaseball.com or at (865) 286-2300.  Adult field level or bleacher seats are $10/$8.  Child (12-and-under) and senior (55+) field level or bleacher seats are $9/$7.  Fans buying tickets at least four hours before game time get  $1 off each ticket.

Probable Starting Pitchers:
Sunday: RHP Matt Magill (10-6, 3.75) @ RHP Dallas Beeler (4-7, 4.17)
Monday: LHP Aaron Miller (6-6, 4.46) @ RHP Nick Struck (13-10, 3.48)
Tuesday: RHP Allen Webster (6-8, 3.66) @ LHP Eric Jokisch (7-2, 3.07)
Wednesday: RHP Zach Lee (1-3, 6.05) @ RHP Dae-Eun Rhee (8-6, 4.98)
Thursday: RHP Andres Santiago (0-0, 3.60) @ LHP Austin Kirk (0-0, 0.00)

Smokies Radio Broadcasts:
All Games: The Sports Animal (FM 99.1, FM 99.3 & AM 990)

Mick Gillispie with Tom Ricketts on Wednesday. Photo Courtesy: Roger Hoover.

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

Chicago Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts joined the Smokies Radio Network’s broadcast during Wednesday’s game at Smokies Park.

Ricketts and Smokies broadcaster Mick Gillispie discussed the first year of Theo Epstein’s leadership in the baseball operations office, improvements made to Wrigley Field, and the future of the Cubs organization.

Click the link below to listen to Tom Ricketts with Mick Gillispie.

Tom Ricketts with Mick Gillispie August 8, 2012