(April 1, 2011) Once again, networking proves to be the best way to achieve success in the sportscasting job market. STAA client Graham Doty is joining the Mobile BayBears as a No. 2 broadcaster as a result of his networking efforts.
The BayBears are the Arizona Diamondbacks Class-AA affiliate. With them, Doty will work alongside Director of Broadcasting and fellow STAA client Wayne Randazzo.
In addition to his role on the play-by-play broadcasts for BayBears home games, Doty will work in sales and media relations, and will help on the BayBears website.
After spending last season as a No. 2 with the Class-A Hickory Crawdads, Doty is excited for his move up the minor league ladder. “I’m at the Double-A level and I’m doing a little bit of everything,” Doty grins.
Doty created his new opportunity by being aggressive.
“Last fall I sent out emails to a lot of Double-A and Class-A teams seeing if there would be any possible openings,” Doty says. “One of the teams was Mobile.”
The BayBears have not had a No. 2 broadcaster for the past several seasons and GM Bill Shanahan told Doty they weren’t sure if they were going to have one this year either.
Doty maintained contact with Shanahan, but several months later, still did not have a commitment. Again, Doty decided to be proactive. On his way to Mobile in late December for college football’s senior bowl, Doty stopped by the BayBears office.
“I got to the stadium on a Friday at 4:30, seriously doubting Mr. Shanahan would be there,” Doty says. “He came out of a meeting to talk to me and pretty much interviewed me right on the spot. Then I got a tour of the Hank Aaron museum and home [next door to the BayBears offices].”
Even though Doty felt encouraged after the visit, he still didn’t have an offer. Finally, after two more months that included an in-depth conversation with Randazzo, Doty was offered the job.
Doty credits STAA with assisting in his pursuit.
“STAA is helpful for a bunch of reasons,” he says. “Your Talent Page is online and it’s easy for people to go online, look at my resume and review my demo material. Number two, [STAA] is helpful because [CEO] Jon Chelesnik is always there for you no matter what you need and he always give you the best advice. Listening to what Jon says, especially about networking…good things will happen if you take his advice.”