Auditions for Astros 'You Make the Call' Radio Apprentice contest set for Monday

HOUSTON, TX -- The Astros will hold auditions on Monday at Minute Maid Park for registered contestants competing in the “You Make The Call” Radio Apprentice contest.

Over 300 individuals from 17 different states have entered the competition. All contestants at Monday’s audition must have registered prior to the deadline, which was Tuesday, August 6.

The auditions will be split into two sessions and will be held in the FiveSeven Grille.  The first group of contestants will audition from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and the second from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Each contestant will audition in front of a panel of judges, who will select 10 finalists to advance to the next round. Media are invited to cover the auditions.   

Once the final 10 contestants have been announced, fans will have the opportunity to take part in the selection process. Those 10 remaining contestants will be asked to conduct interviews with Astros players during batting practice of the August 17-19 homestand vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks. Those interviews will be posted online to give fans the opportunity to vote, along with the panel of judges, on four semi-finalists for the next round.

Last month, the Astros launched the “You Make The Call” Radio Apprentice Contest to provide fans, who may be aspiring broadcasters, a unique opportunity to serve in a newly-created role designed to enhance the 2013 radio broadcast team.

As part of the process, fans will have input on selecting the winner, who will be announced during the final week of this season. The winner will have the opportunity to work as part of the 2013 radio broadcast team in a role that will include conducting pre- and post-game interviews, covering press conferences and serving as a roving reporter during games. This new role does not include calling games.

An experienced panel of judges will review contestants throughout the process. The list of judges will include: Former Astros pitcher, manager and broadcaster Larry Dierker, Patti Smith (FS Houston), Linda Lorelle (Emmy Award-winning broadcaster), Ken Hoffman (Houston Chronicle columnist), Eddie Martiny (Clear Channel President/Market Manager), Astros Vice President of Marketing and Strategy Kathleen Clark and Astros Senior VP Jamie Hildreth, who has over 40 years of experience in Houston radio.