John Fitzgerald is returning as the voice of the Illinois State University Redbirds, a position he held 18 years ago.
Fitzgerald previously served as Voice of the Redbirds from 2002-2004. This time around, he will call play-by-play ISU football and men’s basketball. He’ll also host coaches shows and the new Illinois State Athletics “In the Nest” podcast.
“I have felt a great affinity for Illinois State and the Redbird community since I first held the position,” Fitzgerald beams.
His resume is truly unique. It includes 15 years of Division I play-by-play at ISU, Loyola-Chicago and the University of Chicago. There is another 15 years as a head baseball coach at North Central College, University of Chicago and Lewis University.
Fitzgerald has also broadcast minor league baseball and spent seven years as a network sports anchor and talk show host on Sporting News Radio. He’s excited now to follow a line of legendary ISU voices that includes Joe Tait, Jim Durham, Art Kimball, Mark Johnson and Dick Luedke.
“The opportunity to return to the area and serve in this role is one that I truly cherish,” Fitzgerald smiles.
Six STAA members have accepted DI play-by-play jobs this off-season; four have been announced. They are:
- John Fitzgerald, Illinois State
- Blake Olson, Northern Colorado
- Zach Mackey, Virginia Tech
- Brad Klein, Western Kentucky