Andy Freed, a respected radio announcer, has been the voice of the Tampa Bay Rays for nearly two decades. He began his career with the Rays in 2005 and has become an integral part of the team’s broadcast experience.
Freed’s engaging play-by-play commentary and in-depth analysis have endeared him to fans of Rays baseball.
Freed partnered with the late Dave Wills to create a memorable broadcasting duo that narrated the highs and lows of Rays games. Since Wills’ passing in 2023, Freed has continued to carry the torch, ensuring the excitement of each game is vividly conveyed to listeners.
With seasons upon seasons of experience, Andy Freed’s insights into the game have become a staple for Rays fans.
His role at the Tampa Bay Rays Radio Network extends beyond just game commentary; he also participates in shows like “The Week in Rays Baseball” and the team’s official podcast.
Who Is Andy Freed?
Andy Freed is known for his work as a radio announcer for the Tampa Bay Rays. He has been a key voice for the team since 2005, sharing play-by-play and color commentating duties.
Freed’s experience and expertise make him a beloved figure among Rays fans.
Where Did Andy Freed Grow Up?
Andy Freed was born in 1971 in Ellicott City, Maryland. Growing up in this suburban area near Baltimore, Freed developed a passion for sports at a young age.
He attended Towson State University, where he honed his broadcasting skills. His time in Maryland laid the foundation for his future career in sports radio.
Where Does Andy Freed Live?
Andy Freed currently resides in the Tampa Bay area. This location is convenient for his role as a radio announcer for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Living close to Tropicana Field allows Freed to stay connected to the team and the local community. The proximity to the ballpark also provides him with the opportunity to engage with fans and attend games frequently.
Who Is Andy Freed Married To?
Andy Freed is married to Michelle, and together they have built a family that includes their children, Casey and Madeline.
Freed often mentions the importance of family in his life. His family also includes their dog, Charlie Brown. They maintain a relatively private life, but it’s clear that Michelle and their children play a significant role in Freed’s support system.
Andy Freed Baseball Career
Andy Freed is known for his long-standing career as a broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays, but his baseball journey involves early steps in college and roles in broadcasting, rather than playing or coaching at major league levels.
Where Did Andy Freed Play College Baseball?
Andy Freed’s connection to baseball began early, but not as a player in college. He attended the College of New Jersey, where he focused more on broadcasting and other sports-related activities rather than playing college baseball[https://www.collegenetworth.com/how-has-nil-money-changed-college-baseball/].
The College of New Jersey provided an environment that fostered his passion for sports media, laying the groundwork for his future career in broadcasting.
Did Andy Freed Play In The MLB?
Andy Freed did not play in the Major Leagues. Instead, he built his career off the field, focusing on sports broadcasting and commentary.
His primary role in the MLB has been as a broadcaster. Freed worked in various minor league positions before eventually moving up to bigger opportunities. This path underscored his commitment to the sport and his ability to engage with the game in ways beyond playing on the field.
Did Andy Freed Coach College Baseball?
There is no evidence to suggest that Andy Freed coached college baseball. His career trajectory did not involve coaching but rather emphasized his skills in broadcasting.
Early in his career, Freed focused on media roles, avoiding coaching duties. His professional journey highlights his commitment to sports media and his talent in providing insightful commentary.
Did Andy Freed Coach In The MLB?
Andy Freed did not coach in the MLB. His contributions have been primarily through his voice as a broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays.
He began his broadcasting journey in the minor leagues with teams like the St. Lucie Mets, the Pawtucket Red Sox, and the Trenton Thunder before moving to the major leagues. Freed’s enduring presence in radio broadcasts for the Rays, including collaborations with key figures like Dave Wills and Chris Adams-Wall, showcases his dedicated experience in sports commentary, not coaching.
Andy Freed Professional Broadcasting Career
Andy Freed has built a distinguished career in the broadcasting world, notably as the radio voice for the Tampa Bay Rays. His path is marked by key stints at various networks, partnerships with fellow broadcasters, and significant contributions to Major League Baseball (MLB) coverage.
What Network Has Andy Freed Previously Worked For?
Before joining the Tampa Bay Rays, Andy Freed worked for several networks. One of his early roles was with WTMD, a public radio station in Towson, Maryland.
Additionally, he honed his skills in the minor leagues, announcing for teams like the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Trenton Thunder. His experience expanded as he contributed to ESPN Regional, where he provided coverage for various collegiate sports events.
These roles helped shape Freed into a versatile broadcaster, ready for the major leagues.
What Network Is Andy Freed Currently Working For?
Currently, Andy Freed serves as a radio broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays. He has been with the Rays since 2005, forming a familiar voice for Rays fans.
His broadcasts reach listeners through the Tampa Bay Rays Radio Network, which includes platforms like TuneIn Radio, iHeartRadio, and local radio stations. Freed’s role involves play-by-play and color commentating, bringing the excitement of each game to the fans.
Who Is Andy Freed Broadcast Partner?
For many years, Andy Freed partnered with the late Dave Wills. Together, they shared play-by-play duties, offering a dynamic and engaging broadcast experience.
Following Wills’ passing in 2023, Neil Solondz was promoted to join Freed in the radio booth. Solondz, previously the pre- and post-game host, seamlessly transitioned into this role, maintaining the quality and continuity listeners had come to expect.
Does Andy Freed Want To Cover The MLB?
Andy Freed has always expressed a strong desire to cover Major League Baseball. His passion for the sport dates back to his childhood in Baltimore, where he practiced announcing games in his backyard.
His ultimate goal was to become a major league announcer, which he achieved when he joined the Tampa Bay Rays. Freed’s dedication and love for baseball have kept him deeply involved in covering MLB games, sharing his enthusiasm with the listeners.
What Are Andy Freed Future Prospects?
Looking ahead, Andy Freed’s future appears promising within the broadcasting realm. He is poised to continue his role with the Tampa Bay Rays, possibly expanding his impact within the network.
Freed’s infectious personality and experience make him a strong candidate for additional roles, such as hosting broader MLB coverage or taking on more prominent positions within the broadcasting industry. His reputation and skills position him well for future opportunities.
Andy Freed Major Achievements And Awards
Andy Freed has achieved significant milestones in his career. Along with his long tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays, he signed a contract extension in 2016, solidifying his importance to the team.
Freed has also been part of memorable moments, including broadcasting no-hitters and key games in the Rays’ history. His ability to create vivid radio calls has earned him recognition and respect among fans and colleagues.
Similar Announcers To Andy Freed
Several announcers share similarities with Andy Freed in approach and style. Jon Miller, known for his work with ESPN and the San Francisco Giants, and Rock Riley, known for his engaging sports coverage, both exhibit a similar passion and dedication.
These announcers, like Freed, emphasize clarity, enthusiasm, and a deep understanding of baseball, making them favorites among listeners.
Does Andy Freed Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Andy Freed does participate in private speaking engagements, sharing his experiences and insights. He often speaks at events like sports conventions, charity fundraisers, and community gatherings.
His experiences in broadcasting and baseball provide rich content for speaking engagements. These engagements allow Freed to connect with fans and aspiring broadcasters, further expanding his influence within the sports community.
Does Andy Freed Have A Podcast?
As of now, Andy Freed does not have a dedicated podcast. However, he frequently appears on various sports podcasts, sharing his insights and experiences.
His guest appearances can be found on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.
What Is Andy Freed Net Worth?
Andy Freed has been a voice for the Tampa Bay Rays for years, making significant strides in his career with various contract extensions and updates to his salary.
How Much Is Andy Freed’s Contract For?
Andy Freed signed a multi-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016. This agreement allowed him to continue sharing play-by-play and color commentary duties.
Freed’s contract was renewed again in 2019, ensuring his presence in the Rays radio booth for several more seasons.
Such contracts typically reflect his experience and value to the team, though specific figures are not public. These deals are designed to keep valued personnel like Freed secured long-term, highlighting his critical role in the Rays’ broadcasts.
How Much Does Andy Freed Make In Salary Per Year?
While the exact salary figures for Andy Freed are not disclosed publicly, sports radio broadcasters in major markets often earn substantial incomes.
Given his long tenure and the importance of his role, it’s reasonable to estimate Freed’s annual salary could be in the six-figure range.
Broadcasters with similar experience and duties typically earn between $150,000 to $200,000 annually.
His total compensation likely includes benefits and bonuses tied to contract terms and team performance.
For more details on Freed’s career and contributions, visit the Tampa Bay Rays website.