(February 15, 2011) After a year away from broadcasting, Brett Pollock is back in the game. An STAA client, Pollock is joining the Class-AAA Omaha Royals as their No.2 play-by-play broadcaster.
It represents a return to broadcasting for Pollock after his five-year stint with the Class AA Huntsville Stars ended in 2009.
“Obviously, I’m excited to get back after the year away,” Pollock says. “Especially to do it with such a solid organization, and in Triple-A. They are also opening a new ballpark, so that makes it that much better.”
Pollock will be broadcasting home games with Mark Nasser but will not travel. When the team is on the road, Pollock will be hosting pre and post game, and producing the broadcasts from the radio station.
After a year away, Pollok admits to having felt some concern about his ability to get back in.
“I was very concerned. I’ll be honest with you — I’m not going to lie. I was trying to stay positive and upbeat.
Pollock credits his friend, Birmingham Barons broadcaster Curt Bloom, with helping him stay positive.
“Curt has been tremendous at offering support and encouragement, trying to keep me positive and upbeat and serving as a sounding board and a genuinely good friend,” Pollock says. “He said,’ You’re experienced enough and good enough that you’re going to be able to find your way back in.”
When Omaha’s long-time No. 2 Kevin McNabb resigned after last season, the Storm Chasers didn’t originally plan on replacing him. However, when Pollock saw Nasser at the Winter Meetings, he learned the plan had changed. Now, Pollock is grateful to be back in the game and encourages other broadcasters who are between jobs to remain optimistic.
“First and foremost, believe you have the ability to get back and do it. The way things played out for me last off-season, I knew [not getting a job] wasn’t a reflection of my ability or anything I did. I’ve been around the game long enough to develop relationships with enough people who were willing to put in a good word for me. Definitely maintain those relationships without being overbearing about it.”
Pollock also credits STAA.
“STAA has been great. Being able to send the link to my Talent Page makes things so much easier — not having to send a disc and a hard copy. I love it. I think it’s tremendous. It’s been extremely useful and valuable and has made the job application process much easier. STAA has certainly been a valuable resource and tool for finding out about opportunities.”