Seattle Mariners play-by-play announcer Dave Sims (left) with his broadcast partner Mike Blowers (right). You know you can be a color guy, but you can’t be the lead broadcaster. And you got to deal with it and you got to fight through it,’ ” Sims explained about his days growing up 10 minutes from Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia. He always said, ‘Hey, man, first of all, you’re Black and there’s certain things that are going to happen. “My father, a child of Depression, World War II guy. It’s an existence that leads to a certain amount of pride and resilience that comes with the territory. It won’t take you long to think of most of them. To put it plainly, there are not a lot of us in the business. There’s a certain intellectualism he brings to a telecast that isn’t often afforded to Black broadcasters. And I’ve experienced the highs, the lows.” And I think the empathy that I have and appreciation for athletic commitment, the commitment to put in the work and try to excel, and try to be goal-oriented, I get that. Co-captain, senior year,” Sims mentions casually, with the kind of tone that reminds you that those times are unforgettable even decades later. A four-year starter in high school, two-time MVP. I played baseball from 12 to sophomore year in college. Baseball isn’t the only game he’s broadcasting, but his love for the game, as a catcher, taught him a lot about being a professional and relating to athletes who did make it to the pro ranks. On this particular Friday, Sims is sitting in a coffee shop in the Belltown neighborhood, getting ready to debut his new T-shirts that feature his signature call. For Sims, who’s been the play-by-play television man for the team since 2007, it was a reminder of what a lifetime in sports can bring you back in droves. And if you love the sport they call America’s pastime, it could bring tears to your eyes. It was the kind of moment that even if you’re not a baseball fan, would give you chills. Hey, now! Hey, NOW! HEY, NOW!” Sims bellowed with a fist pump that could easily have doubled as umpire’s out call, while the 50,000-plus faithful at T-Mobile Park went into an absolute frenzy. “The dream lives! They’re going to the playoffs! The drought is over! Cal Raleigh! Wow.
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