Eric Nadel stands among the legends of baseball broadcasting, a group that includes icons like Vin Scully and Harry Caray. As the enduring voice of the Texas Rangers, Nadel has been a fixture in the booth for 47 years, 31 of those as the lead radio announcer. His tenure is the longest in Rangers history and one of the longest in Major League Baseball.
In an era where streaming and digital media have transformed how we consume sports, Nadel remains a testament to the enduring appeal of radio. Despite the shift from radio to television and now to digital streaming, there are still fans who cherish the simplicity of listening to a game on the radio.
Nadel understands this connection well. "There are people who still listen to us on their boats, or mowing their lawns," he says, highlighting the unique intimacy radio provides.
As the Rangers prepare for their home opener against the Reds, Nadel will be in his familiar booth at Globe Life Mall. His career has spanned the evolution of sports media, from the dominance of newspapers to the explosion of cable TV and the rise of the internet. The role of radio has certainly changed, but it still holds a special place for many fans.
"There are those who may not be into streaming," Nadel explains, emphasizing that radio remains vital for those who can't access games through other means. Even with the convenience of streaming platforms and apps, the charm of radio persists. Many fans still prefer to "turn the volume down on their TV, and their radio up" to hear Nadel's voice.
The landscape of sports broadcasting has shifted, with radio teams often moved to less prominent locations in stadiums or even broadcasting remotely. This cost-cutting measure, which gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been met with mixed reactions. Some teams, like the Angels and Blue Jays, still use remote broadcasting for away games, while others have returned to on-site coverage.
Nadel, however, remains committed to radio, despite opportunities to transition to television. His love for the medium is clear.
"Once all of the games were on TV, my predecessor wanted to be the TV voice," Nadel recalls. But for him, radio's allure lies in its storytelling power.
"Radio allows me to create the picture," he says.
At 75, Nadel plans to call 100 games this season, with no intention of retiring. His passion for the game and gratitude for his career are palpable. Reflecting on a brief hiatus in 2023 for mental health reasons, Nadel shares, "It made me realize how much I still enjoy doing this."
Eric Nadel's voice continues to be the soundtrack of Texas Rangers baseball, a reminder of the enduring magic of radio in an ever-changing media landscape.