Joe Block named to Brewers radio play-by-play position
Block, 33, comes to the Brewers with more than 10 years of broadcasting experience. He has called the action for more than 900 professional baseball games, including the Jacksonville Suns (2003-2006), Great Falls White Sox (2007) and Billings Mustangs (2010), among others. He also handled play-by-play for select games during the Expos final two seasons in Montreal (2003-04).
“We had a tremendous number of qualified candidates interested in this position, and the process for finding the right person for this role was very comprehensive,” said Brewers Chief Operating Officer Rick Schlesinger. “Joe is someone who brought a unique skill set and background to the table. His play-by-play work is terrific, he has a quick wit and as a Midwestern native he has a genuine love for the area. We think the fans will enjoy his work alongside Bob very much.”
Block will team with Uecker, who this season will be marking the 50th Anniversary of his first Major League Baseball game as a player.
“Joe and I spent some time together and I think he’ll be a great addition,” said Uecker. “Joe sounds good on the air, he’s a Midwest guy and he wants to be in Milwaukee as a part of the Brewers. Bottom line, all of those are important qualities that will make him successful here.”
Recently, Block served as Postgame Show host on radio for the Los Angeles Dodgers on KABC-AM (2011) and was Radio Studio host for the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets (2007-2011). He also has handled play-by-play for major college basketball and football on Comcast Sports Southeast for the past 10 years.
"We're thrilled to welcome Joe to Newsradio 620 WTMJ and the Brewers Radio Network,” said Steve Wexler, Executive Vice President of Journal Broadcast Group. “It was apparent very quickly that he'd be a great fit in our community and on our station."
"I'm excited to start working with Joe very soon to begin to develop a strong relationship with our Brewers' radio listeners and sponsors," said Carl Moll, Director of Network Operations for Journal Broadcast Group.
A native of Roseville, Mich. and a 1999 graduate of Michigan State University, Block and his wife, Bethany, currently reside in Los Angeles but will be relocating to the Milwaukee area prior to Spring Training.
“I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with one of the all-time greats in Bob Uecker and help bring everyone in Wisconsin their Brewers on the radio for years to come,” Block said. "Bob and I have talked about how much fun we’ll have in the booth all summer and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m newly married, and Bethany and I are eager to become active and proud Milwaukeeans.”
Block will make his official Brewers debut at the annual “Brewers On Deck” Fanfest, scheduled for the Frontier Airlines Center on Sunday, January 29.