(February 8, 2017) Logan Ratick’s sportscasting career takes flight in Minor League Baseball this summer. An STAA Member, Ratick has been named Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Idaho Falls Chukars.
The Chukars are the Kansas City Royals affiliate in the Pioneer League. Ratick is replacing fellow STAA Member Andrew Haynes who was the team’s broadcaster for the 2016 season.
“I don’t think I could have found a better opportunity to start my career,” Ratick smiles. “I’ve wanted to get into baseball play-by-play since I was 8 years old and the Chukars are allowing me to broadcast all 76 games on the local ESPN Radio affiliate. It’s a great chance for me to get reps, and an opportunity for me to improve as a broadcaster and a writer.”
Ratick’s previous experience includes gigs with the Orleans Firebirds, (Cape Cod Baseball League) Syracuse Jr. Chiefs (NYCBL), and LeMoyne College Dolphins baseball team.
When the time came for Ratick to hunt for his first post-college opportunity, he employed a proactive strategy and came up big.
“I cold-called most short-season Minor League Baseball teams to inquire about potential availabilities for play-by-play. I didn’t want to limit myself geographically because this is such a competitive industry.”
[Read STAA’s eBook, “The Smart Way to Get a Broadcasting Job: A complete guide to cold contacting employers.”]Ratick appreciates the advantage provided by STAA Job Lead emails and wisdom.
“Jon Chelesnik, the [CEO], is a great guy and gives some of the best advice around. There’s a reason that STAA Talent is so successful and it’s due to Jon’s passion for helping young broadcasters establish themselves in the industry.”
Now, the soon-to-be Newhouse alum is eager to get started in Idaho Falls.
“I grew up in Connecticut and go to college at Syracuse University in New York, so I’m a Northeast guy through-and-through, but I am looking forward to moving out West. I am excited for the opportunity to see the country, to call games and to work for a fine organization.”