Texas A&M Baseball
* Has watched the dramatic transformation of the past few months, but the last three or four days have been unbelievable. They have been doing work on getting the sound system hooked up and even just getting his computer and touch-screens ready for tonight. 20 years ago, he had his own way of doing it with his walkman, but now it’s all digitalized and way more technologically advanced.
* When it comes to the sentimental pieces, whether it be the national anthem or Mark Johnson’s tribute last year, you can hear the emotion in his voice. When he does the first, “Welcome to Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park and Fightin’ Texas Aggie baseball” intro, it’s going to be tough to get through.
* When he came to A&M in 1985 after serving six years in the Air Force, he was able to sit in his seats in section 105 and learn from D.D. Grubbs. He’s the one who deserves the credit for making Olsen Field what it is. Then they went through a time where they tried totally getting away from that atmosphere, and then another time where they tried too hard to bring back that atmosphere. In his first year as the PA announcer in 1993, he tried to keep some of the things that were so important to Aggie baseball, but at the same time, build on it as well. He’s talked to a lot of people to get their opinions on what would be good for the atmosphere which has helped him create what Olsen is known as today. Yesterday, he was looking at some music and found a Fats Domino song called, “I Wanna Walk You Home” and that will be played when a bases loaded walk happens.
* Living in Oklahoma, his grandfather was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan because back in the 1930’s and 40’s, the St. Louis team was the only team west of the Mississippi River. He was the one who instilled the love of the game in him and he has been so fortunate to be able to work around the game for the past two decades. Truly, he is there to watch Texas Aggie baseball and whatever he does in addition to that is fun, but deep down he is there to watch the game. When he has walked in the gates of Olsen Field in years past, a certain feeling would come over him and when he walks in today, it will be a different feeling.
* His favorite walk-up song of all time is the “Friday the 13th” theme played for Jason Tyner. Jason was such a monster on the bases so he thought it was the perfect fit for a walk-up song. Crazy Train is making a comeback with Mitchell Nau.
* Will miss how easy it was for him to walk the stands at old Olsen Field. He realized last night that he will be colder than ever before because the new windows are huge and he is basically outside with the fans.
Who's ready for some Blue Bell Park?
Notes from Rick Hill interview
* Very excited about the unveiling of Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park today. Been a part of Aggie Baseball for 28 seasons and has been the PA announcer for the last 20. Was up at the new park until 11 P.M. last night uploading and editing all of the walk-up songs and everyone will really enjoy them this season. Not only will the fans be excited about the new park, but the guys have picked some good songs that the fans will be able to latch onto and enjoy throughout the season.* Has watched the dramatic transformation of the past few months, but the last three or four days have been unbelievable. They have been doing work on getting the sound system hooked up and even just getting his computer and touch-screens ready for tonight. 20 years ago, he had his own way of doing it with his walkman, but now it’s all digitalized and way more technologically advanced.
* When it comes to the sentimental pieces, whether it be the national anthem or Mark Johnson’s tribute last year, you can hear the emotion in his voice. When he does the first, “Welcome to Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park and Fightin’ Texas Aggie baseball” intro, it’s going to be tough to get through.
* When he came to A&M in 1985 after serving six years in the Air Force, he was able to sit in his seats in section 105 and learn from D.D. Grubbs. He’s the one who deserves the credit for making Olsen Field what it is. Then they went through a time where they tried totally getting away from that atmosphere, and then another time where they tried too hard to bring back that atmosphere. In his first year as the PA announcer in 1993, he tried to keep some of the things that were so important to Aggie baseball, but at the same time, build on it as well. He’s talked to a lot of people to get their opinions on what would be good for the atmosphere which has helped him create what Olsen is known as today. Yesterday, he was looking at some music and found a Fats Domino song called, “I Wanna Walk You Home” and that will be played when a bases loaded walk happens.
* Living in Oklahoma, his grandfather was a huge St. Louis Cardinals fan because back in the 1930’s and 40’s, the St. Louis team was the only team west of the Mississippi River. He was the one who instilled the love of the game in him and he has been so fortunate to be able to work around the game for the past two decades. Truly, he is there to watch Texas Aggie baseball and whatever he does in addition to that is fun, but deep down he is there to watch the game. When he has walked in the gates of Olsen Field in years past, a certain feeling would come over him and when he walks in today, it will be a different feeling.
* His favorite walk-up song of all time is the “Friday the 13th” theme played for Jason Tyner. Jason was such a monster on the bases so he thought it was the perfect fit for a walk-up song. Crazy Train is making a comeback with Mitchell Nau.
* Will miss how easy it was for him to walk the stands at old Olsen Field. He realized last night that he will be colder than ever before because the new windows are huge and he is basically outside with the fans.
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