PHILADELPHIA — Tommy McCarthy declined a broadcasting opportunity last winter, choosing instead to pursue his baseball career for one last shot. Following his graduation from The College of New Jersey, he played professional baseball for four seasons with the hope of making it to the majors.
McCarthy joined another independent baseball team, had a successful spring training, and felt confident in his decision. However, he was unexpectedly released.
“I was at a loss,” said McCarthy, whose father Tom is a TV broadcaster for the Phillies. “It was the first time in my life that I was left speechless.”
Instead of informing his family about the likely end of his childhood dream, McCarthy packed up his car in Massachusetts and drove back to New Jersey. He spent five hours contemplating his next steps.
“I was completely blindsided,” he said. “It hit me hard. I was wondering, ‘What do I do now? How can I remain connected to the game?'”
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Welcome to the minors
At 27 years old, McCarthy recently stepped away from the Trenton radio booth named after his father, Tom McCarthy. His father started his broadcasting career there in 1994, joining the Trenton Thunder just before their inaugural season.
His father spent seven years announcing minor league baseball games before transitioning to the Phillies. Now, Tommy McCarthy is following a similar path, aiming to raise the roof in his broadcasting endeavors.
After shedding his headset, McCarthy and his broadcast partner danced in the booth while being featured on the outfield scoreboard by a camera operator.
Embracing the minor leagues, McCarthy enjoys the quirky aspects, like engaging in a late-inning dance sponsored by a local roofing company.
“It’s a must-do,” McCarthy remarked.
McCarthy began calling games last month from his father’s previous booth after requesting permission from the Thunder to use their batting cages, as he does during the winter. With uncertainty about retiring from playing, McCarthy wanted to keep his options open. The Thunder allowed him to call games, and the rest is history.
While his initial dream was to play in the majors, becoming a broadcaster was his backup aspiration. McCarthy took media courses in high school, hosted talk shows, worked as a public address announcer, and covered various sports in college alongside his brother, Patrick. Growing up around ballparks due to his father’s broadcasting career, McCarthy always had a passion for the industry.
Now, sitting in the radio booth with his broadcast partner Mike Warren, McCarthy approaches the games with professionalism and meticulous preparation. Using the same scorebook as his father, he delves into player statistics and game analyses, providing insightful commentary that bridges the gap between player knowledge and broadcasting finesse.
McCarthy’s ultimate goal is to call a major league game alongside his brother Patrick, who recently joined the Mets as a broadcaster. Reflecting on his journey, McCarthy realizes the importance of starting from the minor leagues and gaining invaluable experience that will shape his future career in broadcasting.
“Broadcasters need to spend time in the minor leagues,” Tom McCarthy emphasized. “It’s essential for skill development, business acumen, and grassroots interaction. The skills learned in the minor leagues have a lasting impact on one’s broadcasting career.”
Chasing a dream
McCarthy’s professional baseball journey had its share of ups and downs, including a memorable start in a two-bedroom apartment that turned out to be inside a nursing home. Despite the unconventional living situation, McCarthy embraced the challenges of playing in the independent American Association, showcasing his tenacity and determination to pursue his childhood dream.
Just as he was willing to endure long bus rides and unfamiliar locations in pursuit of playing professionally, McCarthy now applies the same dedication to his broadcasting career. Inspired by his brother’s success in broadcasting, McCarthy aspires to make his mark in the industry with a keen eye on future opportunities.
While his father Tom McCarthy serves as a prominent broadcaster, Tommy McCarthy recognizes the importance of climbing the broadcasting ladder from the ground up. There are no shortcuts in this journey, and the challenges faced along the way only enrich the destination that awaits.
“Starting my broadcasting career in my father’s namesake booth was a surreal experience,” Tommy McCarthy expressed. “It feels like a full-circle moment and a special beginning to what I hope will be a successful career in broadcasting.”
