The Pittsburgh Pirates announced on Saturday that they have hired Joe Block as the new play-by-play announcer, replacing Tim Neverett, who left for a job with the Boston Red Sox. Block has been with the Milwaukee Brewers since being hired in December, 2011. Prior to that, he worked briefly with the Montreal Expos, while also spending time with various minor league teams. He had called play-by-play for over 1,400 professional baseball games.
I’ve included a video of him talking about the time he got locked in the tv booth with Bob Uecker. Just so you can get familiar with the face and voice.
Pirates President Frank Coonelly had the following to say about hiring Block:
“Joe’s play-by-play ability, diverse experience, strong work ethic and desire to become a permanent part of the Pirates family and Pittsburgh community, made him our top choice.”