(March 18, 2015) Joey Zanaboni’s baseball broadcasting career is on a perfect trajectory. Last summer, he spent June and July broadcasting a full season for a summer collegiate team in Derby, KS. In August, it was onto an independent league team when the River City Rascals needed someone to finish their season. This summer, Zanaboni graduates to affiliated ball. An STAA member, Zanaboni has been hired as Director of Media and Communications for the Orem Owlz.
The Owlz are the Class-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
“The chance to get into affiliated minor league baseball has long been a dream of mine,” says Zanaboni. “I don’t think there could be a better way to break in than as a part of the Owlz and the greater Angels organization.”
Zanaboni landed the Orem position after being notified about it in an STAA job leads email, then receiving an assist from one of his friends at Rockhurst University in Kansas City. MO.
“I had a friend from college named Mark Sappington who pitched with the team shortly after being drafted by the Angels. He always talked about what a terrific organization it was, and everything I read, watched and heard said the same. Mark, who is one of the most gregarious people I have ever met, enthusiastically endorsed me for the position, a recommendation that helped enormously.”
Zanaboni is currently the announcer and Sports Information Director at Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, MS. “Another job I was able to get using the tips I discussed [with STAA CEO Jon Chelesnik) and that I learned on the STAA website,” Zanaboni says. He will return to the Coahoma job at the end of the Owlz season.
When asked what tips he has learned from STAA that have been particularly helpful, Zanaboni replies, “Too many to name! The main thing that I have taken away from my time with STAA is the importance of being confident. Always be professional, always be courteous, but when looking for a job, remember to let the belief in yourself shine through. Never stop working on your craft, stay persistent, and great things will follow!”
Orem drew some of the biggest viewing/listening audiences in all of minor league baseball last year through their online broadcasts, MiLB.tv and local TV. “Reaching such a large audience will be terrific, and the opportunity to continue to help us expand is something that I am looking forward to a great deal,” Zanaboni says excitedly.
“From my time with the River City Rascals of the Frontier League, I know what a tremendous adventure professional baseball is. The opportunity to hone my craft in the historic Pioneer League and to travel the American West this summer will be a journey I will never forget.
“Thanks so much for STAA! This website has been invaluable for me breaking into the industry over the past year.”
(Visit Joey’s STAA Talent Page).