Braves find diamond in the southern rough
Here’s a heartwarming local-man-makes-good story, courtesy of the Atlanta Braves. It seems a local pest exterminator beat out a dozen professional voice and radio contestants to win the job of Braves’ PA announcer. From the AJC:
Casey Motter of Newnan, who works for Northwest Exterminator but calls youth football and baseball games in Peachtree City, was named Wednesday as the Braves announcer — with a catch.
He’ll take the mike at Turner Field for Friday and Saturday’s exhibition games against the Chicago White Sox. If all goes well, the job is his, according to the team.
Motter, 38, auditioned last week with 12 other finalists, all of whom had worked in voice or radio.
Motter has worked at the Senoia Raceway, but his longest gig was making $40 a game as the voice of the Peachtree City Packers youth football league.
Motter was discovered by Braves assistant general manager Frank Wren when he was calling a playoff game for Landmark Christian, a team that includes Wren’s son.
“He told me I had a very commanding voice and a southernness to it and that’s what we’re looking for,” said Motter. “I didn’t have the training, but had that southernness.”
Everybody loves southerness and you just can’t fake it, as Hillary Clinton learned the hard way.
The story of Motter beating out a bunch of pros just goes to show that anything can happen. You just have to believe.
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting super stoked for the Braves’ 2007 season, aka, Mission: Possible.
March 28th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
I’m soooo going to Friday’s game.
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March 28th, 2007 at 9:27 pm
Casey is going to do a great job Friday…and the rest of the next 20 seasons - Way to go Casey!
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March 29th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
I am looking forward to this new guy. Gotta mention, though, that no one will ever top the late, great, Marshall Mann. RIP, Marshall.
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March 30th, 2007 at 5:07 am
We are so very proud of our son Casey. He will be the greatest pa announcer that anyone has ever heard. Who knows, he may even one day be announcing one of his son’s games as a atlanta braves player seeing as he has 4 boys. This mighty Casey did and will not strike out. We Love You Son
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April 9th, 2007 at 11:36 pm
Congratulations to my son, Casey Motter - you and my grandsons are the greatest gift a mother could have. Mamma
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May 5th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
no 5 is a joke your no mamma what a laugh
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May 13th, 2007 at 12:49 am
Hey all! He’s doing a great job. Hats off to the new announcer. I’ve been to a couple of games and I am a huge fan!! They made the right choice!
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May 13th, 2007 at 12:52 am
You’re doing great!! Hang in there for many, many years. What a story!
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May 30th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Casey,You are the BEST!!! This could not have happened to a better person! You are great at everything that you do. So as for as this goes, you will have to be the all time best ever, and or ever to come, even after your days are over. If baseball goes on that long; because we beleive you are here for a very long time. I hope this is just a start for you and your family!
With Lots of Love,
All of us at A. C. Fence Co.
The Chapman’s / The Howell’s and all our crew members
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