Play-by-Play U
The PXPU Podcast with Tony Castricone: from Play by Play University
Episode 2: Geoff Arnold, Baltimore Orioles
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Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -39:35
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Episode 2: Geoff Arnold, Baltimore Orioles

The 2023 Maryland Sportscaster of the Year catches up with us on a rare off day

Here are some highlights from our conversation with Geoff:

  • (01:22) Geoff reflects on his early days at IMG College, emphasizing the value of learning from talented colleagues and the importance of perseverance in the face of initial challenges.

  • (03:49) The importance of humility in broadcasting: Geoff shares a recent on-air mistake, highlighting that even experienced professionals make errors and the key is to learn from them.

  • (05:40) Geoff discusses how his background as an umpire has helped him in broadcasting, particularly in understanding and explaining rules and handling non-routine situations.

  • (07:15) Strategies for handling non-routine situations in broadcasts: Geoff emphasizes that finding away through the awkward lulls in a broadcast makes the whole show so much better.

  • (08:54) The importance of mental cataloging and continuous learning: Geoff explains how he remembers and applies insights from conversations with experienced analysts and former players.

  • (10:55) Geoff describes the grind of major league broadcasting, highlighting the need for consistency and bringing your best regardless of challenging schedules or personal fatigue.

  • (14:22) The value of versatility in sports broadcasting: Geoff shares how his experience across multiple sports opened up more opportunities in his career.

  • (16:30) Geoff discusses the importance of relationship building and persistence in pursuing career goals, emphasizing the need to focus on personal growth and improvement.

  • (22:30) Insights on improving TV standups: Geoff shares his techniques, including working with a broadcast coach, doing rehearsals, and focusing on body language and engagement with co-hosts.

  • (26:28) Geoff provides tips on effective storytelling in baseball broadcasts, emphasizing the importance of conciseness, timing, and involving broadcast partners in the narrative.

  • (29:05) Geoff reflects on one of his favorite calls (Adam Frazier's game-tying double), discussing the challenge and excitement of capturing unexpected, high-stakes moments.

  • (35:01) The importance of staying in the moment during big calls: Geoff emphasizes that the effectiveness of a call often lies more in the delivery and emotion than in the specific words used.

I hope you get a lot out of our conversation!

Coming soon:

  • J.B. Long, Los Angeles Rams

  • Guy Haberman, Big Ten Network

  • Marc Kestecher, ESPN Radio

  • Nate Gatter, Westwood One

  • Tom Boman, Learfield

  • Vocal techniques from a professionally trained opera singer

  • A Power 4 associate AD who has made two hires in the last decade

  • Much more!

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