Johnny Ballgame Speaks!
Interview by Anthony Saia
Moving on to bigger and better things, Johnny Ballgame is now on Supertalk 1450 and 1490 in La Grande, Oregon. We had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Ballgame and get his take on his career and a little more about himself in the process.
Where are you from?
I am from Bellevue, Washington. Just outside the Seattle area. I have also spent some time in La Grande, Oregon. I had pretty much a perfect childhood. Had every opportunity a kid could ask for.
What made you want to enter radio/broadcast journalism in the first place?
Since I was in 3rd grade I could remember being religiously dedicated to sports and competition. I participated in sports as a kid but never developed into the athlete I wanted to be. In 8th grade or so, I remember telling people that I wanted to be a sports broadcaster, but I wasnt doing anything to pursue it other than following sports to the point that it hurt me in other areas of my life such as school. I was never a good student; I was loud, couldnt sit still and for some reason couldnt help myself from becoming the class clown or smart alleck in just about every classroom situation. Finally, in my mid-twenties, when life was basically telling me I was running out of time and had better pick a career and run with it- broadcasting was the first thing that came to mind. I remember I was working at a dry cleaners on Mercer Island, WA, and we would listen to sports talk radio every day while we worked. I specifically remember thinking what am I doing at this place, I know I could be good enough to do what those guys are doing (the guys on the air in Seattle). And so the quest began, I guess.
What got you into sports?
The competition. As a kid I was very active and seemed to have an endless amount of energy. So I think it was only natural that sports would be the way I would express myself and let loose. That, and I remember watching John Elway play a football game in 1987 and not being able to take my eyes off him. From that point on, Elway became my favorite player and hero. Football became my total focus in life other than breathing, and it was on after that- I began playing fantasy football the following year (1988) and became the geek I am today.
Favorite Teams?
Well, as a Seattle-kid, I followed the local teams as any young sports geek would. The Seahawks, Sonics and Mariners became a daily part of my life and I rooted for the Denver Broncos, too, cause of Elway. My favorite sports memory was when Elway finally won a Super Bowl. Gosh, thats probably a time five memory/moment in my life, as pathetic as it sounds. Now, I still root for my Seattle teams, R.I.P. Sonics! I also root for my Vandals!
When was your first Show on KUOI?
I dont have the exact date, but in was in June of 2007. And Ill be honest, I wasnt nervous. I was ready, man! I knew that this was going to be something big for me and about half way through that first Johnny Ballgame Show episode, I knew for the first time in my life I had found something I was great at, and that something actually had a future. That was good day! From then on, Ive kind of always know what Ill do for a living. Now, I dont wake up not wanting to go to work as I did in previous jobs. T hats one hell of a feeling, too.
How did you get involved with KUOI?
As a JAMM student my teachers would tell me about the opportunities KUOI had and that I should take advantage of everything I could. And I did. We toured KUOI for a class I had with Glen Mosely, who by the way taught me more than anyone while I was at IdahoMost influential teacher/instructor Ive ever had cause I could tell he knew I had a future in what I was doing- or at least I thought that. Anyways, KUOI was just part of the deal, you know?
Where are you know?
I was hired as the Sports Director for the Pacific Empire Radio Corporation in La Grande, Oregon in May of 2010 after three years of working at the University of Idaho as a radio play by play broadcaster. I am performing the Johnny Ballgame Show, same show I started at KUOI, five days per week and falling deeper in love with it every day. My job gives me the chance to do a lot of different and fun things. For example, our receptionist Stephanie will say John, the Seattle Seahawks are holding on line two for you.and sometimes I think, wow.Never thought Id hear that one. Ive been here for only four months but have already signed contracts with the Seahawks, Oregon State Beavers, Boise State Broncos and Portland Trailblazers. They hired me to be the Sports Director, and thats exactly what Im trying to do. I came to a market with zero sports on the air pretty much, and Ive changed that- Im putting my mark on this town and community.
Most hilarious conversation with a caller youve had on the air?
It was just recently actually. Now that Im on the air five days a week, people in the community really have a chance to allow my loud mouth to become a part of their day. There is one fan, well I dont know if I should call him a fan, but his name is Eric, and he calls in strictly to argue pretty much everything Ive said up to that point. Hes offensive, sloppy and usually intoxicated but hes great radio and I dont mind arguing with him, as long as he doesnt get too offensive, and he hasnt yet. Its part of the deal- I realize some people will hate me or my show. Im looking forward to accepting that fact, cause right now I havent- I try to please everyone.
What do you think of the state of college radio?
Obviously Im for it all the way and would fight for it passionately. College radio is the reason Im here doing my thing and will hopefully make it to a huge market someday and also help new students just coming up. College radio gives the pretenders a shot. It gives the dreamers at least some spec of reality and I feel tells many whether they can or cannot be an on-air personality. Plus the on-air experience is invaluable. You cant teach being on the air. You just have to learn what to do and develop your own style. Be you. I dont think bland personalities work with talk radio, youve got to be someone that can flow with words and most importantly, dont forget this one- entertain people. Talk radio is a form of entertainment, so be sure to entertain as much as possible. College radio gives just about everyone a chance, and sometimes in life thats all people need- a chance. Im sure thankful I got mine and made something out of it.
If you had any words of advice for any aspiring radio personalities what would you tell them?
Be good. If you arent talented, theyll find out and you wont be on the air. How do you get good? You study the pros. Listen to people on the air who know what theyre doing. Listen to your professors or superiors at school or work. Take advantage of every opportunity in front of you, such as student radio and internet webcasting. Because like I said, if you arent good, you wont make it. So make sure when youre ready to enter the scene, youre confident in your skill set and can be an asset to the station or company that hires you. But above everything, you better hope to be talented. Cause thats what theyre looking for.