Rowan University students will gain invaluable experience calling live Blue Rocks Baseball games this season thanks to an expanded partnership between the university and the Wilmington Blue Rocks minor league team. This collaboration allows student broadcasters from WGLS-FM, Rowan’s main campus radio station, to announce games live, providing real-world training and professional development.
A Professional Partnership for Future Sports Broadcasters
Announced during Neil Hartman’s “Pizza with the Pros” program on April 5th, this exciting partnership builds on a similar initiative launched in January with the Delaware Blue Coats, the G League affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. This new venture with the Blue Rocks, the High-A East league affiliate of the Washington Nationals, further solidifies Rowan University’s commitment to providing students with unparalleled access to professional sports broadcasting opportunities. Hartman, an Emmy Award-winning former anchor with Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia and current director of Rowan’s Center for Sports Communication & Social Impact, emphasized the unique advantage this dual partnership offers: “We now offer the opportunity for our students to work in both professional basketball with the Blue Coats and minor league baseball with the Blue Rocks. It’s a unique combination that makes our program stand out.”
Hands-On Experience Calling 60 Home Games
The partnership will allow approximately six to eight students to rotate through play-by-play and color commentary roles for the Blue Rocks’ 60 home games. Additionally, three to four students will gain experience as producers and hosts, and potential front office internships with the Blue Rocks organization may also become available. This hands-on experience broadcasting live professional games is invaluable for aspiring sportscasters, as noted by Rowan alumnus John Sadak, the new play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Reds: “You’re getting tangible tape that can result in jobs.”
Building on a Legacy of Broadcasting Excellence
Rowan Radio, WGLS-FM, has a long history of training student broadcasters, providing them with opportunities to produce news, public service announcements, music programming, and live sports coverage for university teams. While Rowan Radio has broadcast Blue Rocks games since 2011, this expanded partnership marks a significant shift, offering students direct involvement in calling the games. WGLS Sports Director Gary Erdelyi, a senior double majoring in Journalism and Radio, Television & Film, expressed enthusiasm for the program: “I’m excited both for the students and the station. The new partnerships are a wonderful way to not just build experience but to grow sports on Rowan Radio.”
A Winning Combination: Academics and Real-World Experience
This partnership between Rowan University and the Blue Rocks offers a powerful combination of academic learning and practical experience. By calling live Blue Rocks baseball games, students will hone their broadcasting skills, build their professional portfolios, and gain a competitive edge in the sports communication field.
For students interested in pursuing this unique opportunity, applications are due by April 11th.
