Gems Announce Broadcast Team
February 24, 2011 - West Coast League (WCL)
Klamath Falls Gems News Release
KLAMATH FALLS, OR - The Klamath Falls Gems have announced that Bobby Thompson and Mike Garrard will serve as the team's first broadcast team. The Gems will broadcast all games, home and road, live for the next three years on Country Legends 960 AM, Klamath Falls.
Thompson has served as the play-by-play voice for the Oregon Tech Hustlin' Owls basketball team since 1990, voicing many of the more than 900 wins earned by Owls Coach and Gems owner Danny Miles. A staple in Klamath Basin radio, Thompson brings his experience to the Gems as the team begins its inaugural season.
Garrard has been part of the Oregon Tech broadcasting team since 2006, walking in the footsteps of his father, Oregon State Representative Bill Garrard. Mike has joined Thompson in bringing Oregon Tech sports to life and now joins the Gems in bringing baseball to fans throughout the Klamath Basin.
Bobby and Mike will be presented live by Avista Utilities, official broadcast team partner of the Gems. Along with Country Legends 960, Avista will be a part of every Gems game and a presenter of the broadcast team.
¬ÅThis is a huge step forward for the Gems organization, ¬Â Gems General Manager Chuck Heeman said. ¬ÅWhile we were really overwhelmed by candidates from across the country to be the Voice of The Gems, Bobby and Mike were the clear and obvious choice from day one. Having the winter to listen to them broadcast the Hustlin' Owls games really cemented my decision. The addition of this great team adds to the kind of family-oriented, first-class organization we strive to become for the people of the Basin. I'm glad we were able to finally make this announcement and the Gems thank Avista Utilities for making it possible. ¬Â
The Gems begin their inaugural season on June 3 at Kiger Stadium in Klamath Falls. Game time is 7:05 p.m. as the team takes on the Bend Elks for Opening Day Presented by Harvest Ford. The 2011 regular season finishes August 10 in Kitsap, with the Gems' 2011 home finale August 7 against Bend.
"I'm very pleased to be involved with the Klamath Falls Gems in their initial season in the West Coast League, ¬Â Thompson said. ¬ÅBroadcasting alongside Mike Garrard will bring back many memories that his father Bill and I had doing the American Legion Falcons. Gems General Manager Chuck Heeman has some great ideas to make the games fun for the entire family. It will be a true "family affair" and I'm proud to be part of it."
¬ÅI am very excited and thrilled to be part of this community-minded organization, ¬Â Garrard said. ¬ÅBobby brings a professionalism that is un-matched and I look forward to working with him to provide a quality broadcast that Gems fans will enjoy. ¬Â
The Gems are members of the West Coast League, a nine-team professional style wood-bat summer college league. The WCL features pro prospects from major conferences across the country. More than 100 WCL alums are playing affiliated professional baseball this season, and 11 ex-WCL stars played in the Major Leagues during the 2010 season. For more information on the league, visit www.westcoastleague.com. For more information on the Gems, visit www.klamathfallsgems.com.
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West Coast League Stories from February 24, 2011
- Gems Announce Broadcast Team - Klamath Falls Gems
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