SAN DIEGO (AP) - Deposed San Diego Padres public address announcer Frank Anthony said it’s “hurtful” that he was pushed aside so the team can hold open tryouts.
The Padres announced Tuesday that they are hosting open tryouts for their vacant public address announcer position. The team scheduled a casting call for Jan. 25 at Petco Park. Those chosen as semifinalists will be interviewed, and the finalists will showcase their skills at FanFest on Feb. 8. Fans will choose the top three by casting votes online and on social media.
Anthony, the club’s PA announcer since Petco Park opened in 2004, said Wednesday that the team didn’t explain its reasoning for letting him go.
“I don’t know why they would do this,” Anthony said Wednesday. ’They’re trying to create the impression that someone can walk in off the street and do this, but that’s not the case.”
Anthony said he was on a year-to-year deal with the Padres.
Club spokesman David Holtzman said the change is being made because it coincides with the 10th anniversary of Petco Park “and our desire to give all fans the opportunity to audition for and-or help us choose the voice who will take the ballpark experience into the next decade.”
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