During our road trip to Pittsburgh, the three of us had a unique but wonderful opportunity to sit down with Nationals play by play announcer, Bob Carpenter for a conversation about baseball, his career, and the Washington Nationals.
Bob started off by telling us a story about a young fan who asked why all ballparks aren’t the same size with the same dimensions. He said that the beauty of the game is the differences between all of ballparks.
Q: So can you tell us about your day to day routine?
A. My morning routine? Today’s not the best day to ask because I slept in! We usually have great gyms in our hotels so I try to work out as much as I can. We’ll often try to find a great golf course nearby. We golf a couple times a week. Everyday, I spend about 45 minutes on the internet working on my scorebook and updating lineups.
A. I also get to interact with players a lot, but you have to read them right. You must gauge the situation; know who is hitting well and who isn’t, who is ok with talking to the press and who shies away from it. You definitely can’t talk to the same person everyday, you won’t get a positive response and as you learn more about the guys, you can figure this out.
Q. Did you always want to be a sports broadcaster?
A. In high school I realized I wasn’t good enough to play baseball and decided that calling games would be a great fit. I love the game. In 1984 I got my first job in the industry with the Cardinals, in my hometown; it was on a cable network. By 1995 I was back with the Cardinals and stayed for 12 years. Eventually more and more games were being moved to cable channels and I wanted something more full time. I heard about an opening in Washington, and sent in my resume. I interviewed on a cold, dreary day in February 06 first in Baltimore at the MASN offices and then at RFK. I spent the night in Baltimore and flew home the next day. Two weeks later I received the call that I had gotten the job.
Q. So how do you like Washington?
A. I love the city, just not the traffic! I am appreciative that the people and friends here made me feel welcome.
Q. How do you like working with Don Sutton?
A. I like working with Don. He’s a student of the game, a great source of
information and knowledge on pitching. I’ve learned a lot from him already and I think we have great on-air rapport. You know, it’s a funny story how we met. While working for the Texas Rangers in 1986 I announced a game in Anaheim against the Angels. At the time only the visiting teams broadcast was aired. During the game Don Sutton beat the Rangers and won his 300th game. I called the game and congratulated him on air. When we met again years later, Don thanked me for my professionalism in handling the situation.
Q. Favorite DC monument?
A. It would have to be the Capitol Dome lit up at night. It conveys so much power. When I drive past it on 395, it’s just phenomenal at night. I’m excited to see it form the new ballpark.
Q. What do you like about the new stadium?
A. I like how it is going to be built and put together, its going to be a jewel, not concrete and steel like other stadiums. It will be different looking, striking.
Q. Are you an NL or AL guy?
A. I grew up with no DH. I just like the game better when their isn’t one. I don’t think the AL will ever get rid of the DH but I wish they would because it makes the games so much longer.
Q. If you could play catch or announce with anyone who would it be?
A. Babe Ruth, I have no interest in seeing him hit or throw, but it would be nice to ask him what the game was like back then. I would also ask him what Yankee Stadium was like. For a living player it would be Stan Musial (Stan the Man) when he played for the Cardinals he was “the” guy for 22 years. I would ask him how the game has changed.
Q. What is your ultimate baseball fantasy?
A. Watching a game at Ebbets Field, the Brooklyn Dodgers vs. the NY Giants, or watching the Yankees and the Cardinals in the World Series in the 1920’s or 1940’s. My present day fantasy would be to watch the Nationals in the World Series.
Q. Would you want to call those games or watch?
A. Ah, that’s tough. I think I would just want to watch. I would want to take it all in. Although, calling the game would be great too.
Q. What is your first baseball memory?
A. I was 7 and went to my first game with my Dad; it was the Cardinals vs. the Pirates. We sat in the upper deck on the first base side. Under the lights the players in white looked like angels to me. I was hooked.
Q. If you could pick a batting song what would yours be?
A. Probably the theme from The Natural, although it has nothing to do with my playing ability, it just sounds like baseball.
Q. Do you have a funny on air blooper you’d like to share?
A. Shawn Hillegas was pitching against the Rangers in Comiskey Park in Chicago. He was two outs away from throwing a complete game. The camera showed his wife in the stands, and she was excited about the situation. I said, “She is about to watch her husband go all the way for the first time this year!” Going all the way was the term for throwing a complete game, but it can be taken in other contexts also!
Kristen later remembered that she went to the same high school as Shawn Hillegas. His Dad still lives in her small rural town in PA.
Sitting down to talk to Bob Carpenter was a wonderful experience for all of us. We already had a lot of respect for him, both for his career and his love of the game. His warm personality quickly made us all feel like old friends and made our experience that much more enjoyable. You can catch Bob Carpenter with Don Sutton nightly on MASN, or pick up his scorebook in the Team Store or online. Also, check out Screech’s Best Friend’s interview with Bob’s sidekick.
Photos Featured:
Bob Carpenter, MASNSports.com
Don Sutton, SportsEncylopedia.com
New Nationals Park, Ballparks.com
Stan Musial, Allposters.com
Schneider Man took a hard hit to the knee late in the game, but we’re happy he’s okay. The team generated 20 hits and batted through the line-up for the 3rd consecutive game.
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