Davy Returns to Baycats as Play-by-Play Announcer for 2021 Season
BARRIE - The Barrie Baycats Baseball Club announced today that Ben Davy has been named the team's new play-by-play announcer for the 2021 season.
Davy began his broadcasting career in Barrie as a morning radio host in 1999. Two years later, the city had its own Intercounty Baseball League franchise, and in 2005, Ben got his first crack at doing live play-by-play of the broadcasts on Rogers TV.
That year marked the beginning of a six-year run for Ben calling the action for viewers on Rogers TV. After the 2010 playoffs, Ben stepped away from the mic so he would have a few months to rest in the summer months following his rigorous schedule announcing and hosting for the city's OHL junior hockey team, the Barrie Colts.
Davy said he cannot wait to start calling Baycats games once again, while recalling how enjoyable his first stint with the team was.
"That first year on television was so exciting, as many people who hadn't yet been out to a Baycats game in-person got to see the high-level of play right there at home. We noticed right away that the crowds at the ballpark immediately began to grow. When the Baycats made it to the IBL Finals for the first time in their history that year, then overpowered Toronto for the championship, it suddenly seemed like Barrie was now the team every ballclub wanted to beat. Seven championships later, it still feels that way.
"My two kids were still small and just starting to enjoy baseball, and I wanted to make sure I didn't miss those years of experiencing the game beside them in the stands, so that is a big reason why I stopped calling games. Giving them pointers on where the foul balls are landing, enjoying the sunshine and the snacks, showing them where to find players for autographs after the game, that's what baseball is all about. As much of a delight as it is to call the action and focus on the broadcast, I needed to be on the other side of the ballgame experience during those years, and I'm so glad I was.
"What I found, though, was that I was still unintentionally calling the game under my breath, just from the metal benches instead of the press box. I couldn't stop. It was driving my kids nuts, having a continual description of everything happening on the field. They still love baseball, but they're teenagers now so it's a good time to bring my passion back upstairs."
Baycats media director Ryan Eakin said Davy is the perfect choice for this job.
"From being on the mic during the Baycats' championship run in 2005 to being on the mic for the Colts' finals run in 2013, there is no denying that Davy is the voice of sports in the City of Barrie.
"His knowledge of the sport, league, and team can only be a bonus as we bring Baycats games back to the airways for the first time since the 2014 season."
Stay tuned throughout the course of our offseason for more details on our 2021 broadcast plans.
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