We have personnel news to report from the Potomac Nationals (High A; Carolina League) and the Gary South Shore Railcats (independent; American Association).
In Potomac, the Nationals are adding Mike Weisman to their broadcast team.
Weisman, of Marblehead, MA, will join Bryan Holland, Voice of the Potomac Nationals, throughout the season and potential playoff contests on the Potomac Nationals Baseball Network as a play-by-play announcer and color commentator. A product of the University of Miami, Weisman will also assist the P-Nats’ Media Relations Department.
A 2011 Miami graduate, Weisman has spent the past two seasons working for the Clinton LumberKings, Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. In 2014, he worked as the #2 Broadcaster and Assistant Director of Media Relations, and then stepped into the lead role in both departments in 2015.
“I’ve known Bryan since the 2013 MLB Winter Meetings in Orlando, and was thrilled to be presented with the opportunity to work alongside him in 2016,” said Weisman. “Hopefully 2016 can mark a return to the Carolina League Playoffs for the Potomac Nationals.”
In addition to his two years in Clinton, Iowa, the 27-year-old spent a summer in Washington state where he broadcast for the Bellingham Bells, a summer-collegiate team north of Seattle, and spent four years covering University of Miami football, baseball, and men’s and women’s basketball. Weisman’s time at Miami included the opportunity to cover multiple Miami football games as well as numerous ACC Baseball Tournaments and the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2012.
“Mike’s a true professional within our industry,” said Holland. “He’s going to serve as an invaluable asset both behind the microphone and in our Media Relations department. Mike’s versatility is what sets him apart, and I’m excited to work alongside him during the upcoming 2016 season.”
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A similar move was made in Gary, with Michael Shively joining the Railcats’ in radio and media relations. Shively will join veteran broadcaster Dan Vaughan in the booth for all home RailCats games and serve as the primary media contact during the season.
“Michael is going to be a perfect addition to our entire baseball family,” said Dan Vaughan. “Being a part of the RailCats family is more than just a job it is the ability to add something special and make our family stronger and Michael will do that for us.”
Shively is set to graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in early May, where he is majoring in Broadcasting and Advertising/Public Relations. This will be his first professional season but he brings a wealth of experience from his time at Nebraska. Shively’s previous work experience includes KRNU radio (Lincoln, NE), the Time Warner Cable Sports Channel, and the Big Ten Network. In the fall of 2014 he was recognized for his play-by-play efforts with the NCAA Radio Call of the Week for his call of a game-winning Ameer Abdullah touchdown.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to be given this position with the RailCats. The chance to build my sports broadcasting career with a respected professional baseball team is a great opportunity,” said Shively. “I am thrilled to get to work with the phenomenal people in the RailCats organization. I look to bring a strong work ethic and communication skills to the RailCats’ office and broadcast booth.”
Shively is a native of Lincoln, Nebraska where he was active in the community as an Eagle Scout, a Board Member of the local non-profit Students Together Against Cancer, and as a leadership mentor through the Nebraska Human Resources Institute. In addition to broadcast and media relations, Shively will be a part of the expanding RailCats social media footprint and will contribute in the growth of new media for the ball club.