We have personnel news for the Salem Red Sox (High Class A; Carolina League) and the Sussex County Miners (independent; Can-Am League).
In Salem, Kevin Burke is the new Voice of the Salem Red Sox. Originally a native of Leesburg, Va., Burke replaces Evan Lepler, who had been the team’s radio broadcaster since 2009.
“I would like to thank Ryan Shelton and Allen Lawrence for providing me the opportunity to be the new voice of the Salem Red Sox, Burke said. “I’m extremely excited to return to the Roanoke Valley and work with the outstanding people involved in the organization and the community. I’ll strive to uphold the strong precedent that Evan Lepler has set forth during his tenure.”
Burke is no stranger to the Salem Red Sox or the Roanoke Valley area; he served as Lepler’s broadcast intern and on-field emcee for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech where he also served as the play-by-play broadcaster for multiple Hokie sports and interned with IMG Sports Network.
Before returning to Salem, Burke served as the Director of Broadcasting for the Traverse City Beach Bums (independent; Frontier League). He has also spent time as the broadcaster with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Class AA; Southern League) and the Corvallis Knights (summer collegiate; West Coast League).
“Kevin Burke is a superb choice to be my successor,” Lepler said. “In many ways, it is sad for me to move on from broadcasting in Salem, but I know that Kevin’s style will quickly be embraced by the many loyal listeners that I’ve grown to appreciate so much. I look forward to tuning in.”
Burke can be heard on ESPN Radio 1240 AM. His debut will come on Thursday, April 9, when the Salem Red Sox begin the season on the road at Carolina.
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In Sussex County, Andrew Luftglass is the new Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Miners. In his new role, Luftglass will provide play-by-play broadcasts that will be accessible to fans online at scminers.com. Luftglass will also lead communications for the Miners, taking on responsibilities for the team’s media relations.
“Andrew is a polished broadcaster who will bring energy, enthusiasm and knowledge to the Miners’ online webcasts. He is a superb communicator who is experienced at building profile and acting as a liaison to fans and to the community. We are delighted to have him on board,” said Dave Chase, general manager of the Miners. “Fans are going to love Andrew’s clear, energetic style as they watch games live on scminers.com. In our inaugural year, he’s a great asset to the team.”
Luftglass began his career in professional baseball in the summer of 2012 as the lead broadcaster for the Burlington Royals (rookie; Appalachian League). During his two years at the Royals, he also worked in the league office for both the Can-Am League and the American Association. During the 2014 season, he served as broadcasting assistant for the Brevard County Manatees (High Class A; Florida State League).