As MLB season heads down the home stretch soon we got to catch up with a voice millions know but may not know the story behind, Colin Cosell, who is the PA Announcer for the New York Mets, New York Riptide, and Brooklyn Cyclones. The grandson of the legendary Howard Cosell, Colin took time out of his schedule to join me on our podcast a few weeks ago. He shares how his interest in broadcasting was born when he was just five and talks about his exciting career path, working in a wide variety of fields: TV, radio, stand-up comedy, theatre, and online media before becoming a PA announcer. Colin gives us a sneak peek into his game-day routine before a Mets game at Citi Field and shares the different approaches he uses to amp up the fans. He also discusses intriguing insights into the art of addressing authentically inside a stadium and offers advice for people trying to break into the sports broadcasting industry. It is a fun listen…some key points…
Cosell has always taken this saying from legendary Yankees, St. John’s and Giants PA announcer Bob Shepard very seriously: be Clear, be Concise, Be Correct
Different approaches and preparations to all the other teams he’s involved with besides the Mets: All different besides prepping the players names prior to games
With the NY Riptide of the National Lacrosse League he is talking the entire game and getting the fans involved and amped up for the game. He is antagonizing the opposing team as well. More humor involved with the NY Riptide
Cosell describes how being a PA announcer in NY is different than other cities; each city has a different style
Reid Saunders: PA announcer for Colorado Rockies taught Colin a very valuable lesson:
“Let the players name dictate your voice when announcing their names”
Colin said that never really got advice from his legendary grandfather but admired all the great work he did
Advice he gives to younger people trying to make it as a sports broadcaster: be a good person, always be nice to people and go out of your way to stand out
Can follow Colin Cosell on Twitter @CosellPA, enjoy listening here.
