Dewayne Staats has been a familiar voice in Major League Baseball for over four decades. Currently, he serves as the television play-by-play commentator for the Tampa Bay Rays on Bally Sports Sun.
He has been with the Rays since their inception in 1998, marking this year as his 27th season with the team. Staats’ dedication and longevity in the sport have made him a beloved figure among Rays fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.
Aside from his long tenure with the Rays, Dewayne Staats has had an illustrious career, covering more than 7,000 MLB games. He has worked with several teams and called numerous memorable moments, including 10 no-hitters.
His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the game offer viewers rich insights and an engaging viewing experience, making him a cornerstone of Rays’ baseball broadcasts.
Staats’ work extends beyond local broadcasts; he has also handled play-by-play duties for FOX Sports’ national baseball coverage. He has announced plans to take off 20-30 games this season, mainly during road trips, although there are no plans for his retirement anytime soon. For fans eager to catch his broadcasts, Staats remains a significant part of the Rays’ television experience, making each game memorable.
Who Is Dewayne Staats?
Dewayne Staats is a celebrated American sports broadcaster known for his work with the Tampa Bay Rays. With a career spanning over four decades, he has become a staple in baseball broadcasting.
Where Did Dewayne Staats Grow Up?
Dewayne Staats was born on August 8, 1952, in Advance, Missouri, before moving to Illinois in his youth. He grew up in the small town of Wood River, Illinois, where he began his journey toward becoming a sports broadcaster.
In his childhood, Staats was inspired by listening to baseball games on the radio, which stoked his passion for the sport and broadcasting. His early heroes included St. Louis Cardinals broadcasters who played a pivotal role in shaping his career aspirations.
This exposure to the world of sports broadcasting laid the groundwork for his future success as a professional announcer.
Where Does Dewayne Staats Live?
Dewayne Staats currently resides in Florida, where he continues his role as the television play-by-play commentator for the Tampa Bay Rays. This location is fitting, as it keeps him close to Tropicana Field, the home stadium of the Rays.
Staats and his wife, Carla, have made Florida their home, actively participating in the local community and various charitable activities. They are involved in supporting military combat veterans through their charity, Warriors and Athletes Relief (W.A.R.).
Their Florida residence allows them to stay engaged with the community and close to the Tampa Bay sports scene.
Who Is Dewayne Staats Married To?
Dewayne Staats is married to Carla Staats. The couple is dedicated to numerous causes and has a strong presence in the Tampa Bay area. Together, they support multiple charitable organizations, reflecting their commitment to giving back to the community.
Carla and Dewayne have a blended family that includes children and grandchildren. Among them are their daughters Stephanie and Alexandra. They also have grandchildren named Gabriel, Zachary, and Evie. Their family life is kept relatively private, but it’s clear that family is an important aspect of their lives.
Dewayne Staats Baseball Career
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Dewayne Staats has enjoyed a remarkable career as a sports broadcaster, covering various teams, with extensive work in Major League Baseball and a long tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays since their inception in 1998. These subsections will explore his journey and contributions to baseball.
Where Did Dewayne Staats Play College Baseball?
Dewayne Staats did not play college baseball. Instead, he focused on developing his broadcasting skills. He attended Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he majored in Mass Communications.
His early involvement in broadcasting paved the way for a career in sports journalism and commentary. Staats’s priority was more towards perfecting his announcing abilities rather than playing on the field.
Did Dewayne Staats Play in the MLB?
Dewayne Staats did not play in Major League Baseball. His passion was always in sports reporting and commentary. Instead of pursuing a career as a professional player, he chose to focus on the broadcast booth.
This allowed him to create a significant impact on how fans experience baseball, rather than participating as an athlete.
Did Dewayne Staats Coach College Baseball?
Dewayne Staats did not coach college baseball. His career path was firmly rooted in sports broadcasting. By dedicating his time to understanding the nuances of the game and improving his announcing skills, Staats was able to become a respected voice in baseball without ever stepping into a coaching role. His insights have been appreciated by fans and players alike.
Did Dewayne Staats Coach in the MLB?
Dewayne Staats did not coach in Major League Baseball. His expertise has always been on the broadcasting side of the sport. Over his 40+ year career, Staats has provided commentary for several teams, with a significant portion of his career spent with the Tampa Bay Rays.
His ability to convey the excitement and intricacies of baseball has made him a critical figure in MLB broadcasting.
Dewayne Staats Professional Broadcasting Career
Dewayne Staats has had a noteworthy career as a sports broadcaster, spanning several decades and several networks. He began his career with various teams and networks, gaining widespread recognition for his work in baseball commentary.
What Network Has Dewayne Staats Previously Worked For?
Dewayne Staats started his broadcasting career while still in college, where he worked at WSIE, the radio station for Southern Illinois University. He then went on to join the Oklahoma City 89ers.
Staats later achieved significant milestones by working for the Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs. He spent several years with the Yankees and the Houston Astros, covering various seasons and notable games.
Staats also contributed to ESPN, adding college basketball and college football to his resume.
What Network Is Dewayne Staats Currently Working For?
Staats is currently the voice of the Tampa Bay Rays, a role he has held since the team’s inception in 1998. His work is primarily featured on Bally Sports Sun, where he is known for his in-depth knowledge and ability to capture the excitement of the game.
The Rays TV broadcasts have become a staple for Rays fans, offering comprehensive coverage of the team’s journey through each MLB season.
Who Is Dewayne Staats Broadcast Partner?
Staats is partnered with color commentator Brian Anderson for the Tampa Bay Rays broadcasts. This duo has been providing fans with intricate play-by-play and color analysis, making the viewing experience more engaging.
Additionally, other team members like Doug Waechter, Matt Joyce, and Neil Solondz occasionally join the broadcast team, adding more depth to the coverage.
Does Dewayne Staats Want to Cover the MLB?
Staats has expressed a continuing passion for covering Major League Baseball (MLB). His long tenure with the Rays indicates his dedication to the sport and his commitment to delivering high-quality broadcasts.
He enjoys narrating the thrills and spills of the baseball season, bringing the games to life for fans watching at home.
What Are Dewayne Staats Future Prospects?
While Staats remains dedicated to his current role with the Tampa Bay Rays, there is no public indication of him seeking new opportunities. His numerous accolades and consistent performance make him a valued broadcaster in the industry.
His future likely includes continuing his work with the Rays and possibly engaging in private speaking engagements or writing more books, drawing on his extensive career and experiences.
Dewayne Staats Major Achievements and Awards
Staats has several major achievements, including being inducted into the Tampa Bay Sports Club Hall of Fame in 2018. In 2021, he also won a Suncoast Sports Emmy Award for his broadcast of Wander Franco’s debut.
Additionally, Dewayne authored “Position to Win: A Look at Baseball and Life From the Best Seat in the House,” which chronicles his life and career in sports broadcasting.
Similar Announcers to Dewayne Staats
Similar announcers include legendary broadcasters like Harry Caray and Jack Buck, who had significant influence on baseball broadcasting. Other contemporaries include Gene Elston and Joe Magrane.
These announcers have set high standards in the field, much like Staats, and have been recognized with awards and accolades for their contributions.
Does Dewayne Staats Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Yes, Staats engages in private speaking engagements, where he shares insights from his extensive career in sports broadcasting. These events can range from corporate functions to sports symposiums, allowing him to connect with audiences on a more personal level.
His skill as a storyteller and his vast knowledge of the game make him a sought-after speaker for various events.
Does Dewayne Staats Have a Podcast?
Currently, there is no public information about Dewayne Staats having his own podcast. However, he has appeared as a guest on several podcasts related to sports and the Tampa Bay Rays.
Fans interested in hearing more from Staats can often find him sharing detailed anecdotes and professional insights in these guest appearances.
What Is Dewayne Staats Net Worth?
Dewayne Staats, the veteran sports broadcaster for the Tampa Bay Rays, has amassed significant wealth over his long career. His earnings from his contract and annual salary contribute to his impressive net worth.
How Much Is Dewayne Staats’s Contract For?
Dewayne Staats has been with the Tampa Bay Rays since their inception in 1998. His contract details are not fully public, but his longevity with the team suggests a favorable deal.
Given his extensive experience, including broadcasting over 7,000 MLB games, it is likely that his contract includes various bonuses and benefits. To put it in perspective, he anchors the Emmy Award-winning Bally Sports Sun telecast, highlighting his value to the network.
How Much Does Dewayne Staats Make in Salary Per Year?
Dewayne Staats earns approximately $98,789 per year as the television play-by-play commentator for the Tampa Bay Rays. This salary reflects his experience and expertise in baseball broadcasting.
Over the years, his contributions to the sports broadcasting community have cemented his reputation as one of the top commentators in Major League Baseball. For those interested in his career specifics, check out more details about his work at the Tampa Bay Rays here.
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