Former Tide Softball Radio Broadcaster Hired by Jacksonville Suns
2/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Softball
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Suns announced that, after an exhaustive search, they have named Jarrod “J.P.” Shadrick as the new play-by-play voice of the team. Hailing from Trussville, Ala., Shadrick joins the Suns after spending a season with the Sioux Falls Canaries of the independent Northern League.
Shadrick replaces former broadcaster Joe Block, who left the team following the 2005 season.
“Finding a new broadcaster is never an easy job,” said Suns General Manager Kirk Goodman. “We received hundreds of submissions but we feel that J.P. really set himself apart with his professionalism and quality broadcasts. He has just what we are looking for to represent the team on the radio.”
“I really wanted to find someone with a great voice who could paint a true picture for our listeners of what is going on during the game,” added team President Peter Bragan, Jr. “We listened to a lot of tapes and found J.P. to be the best guy for the job this season.”
As a student at the University of Alabama, Shadrick served as the first “Voice of Alabama Softball” on the student radio station WVUA, following the Crimson Tide to two Southeastern Conference Tournaments (2002, 2003) and the 2003 Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City. He also announced Alabama men’s basketball, baseball, volleyball and women’s soccer until his graduation in May of 2004.
Shadrick then spent the 2004 baseball season as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Wilson Tobs (N.C.) of the collegiate wooden-bat Coastal Plain League. After the Tobs first postseason appearance since 2001, he reported to Salem, Virginia to finish the Class-A Carolina League season and the first part of the 2003-2004 off-season as the Broadcast Assistant for the Salem Avalanche. During the college football season, Shadrick works with CBS Sports on their coverage of Southeastern Conference football, serving as a spotter and as stage manager in the broadcast booth.
"Being from the Birmingham area, I have great memories of watching the Birmingham Barons play Southern League rivals such as the Jacksonville Suns. When the offer to broadcast for the incredible Suns organization came about, it was an easy decision to accept," said Shadrick. “This is one of the best jobs in any level of Minor League Baseball, and I am honored that the Bragan family and GM Kirk Goodman have given me this opportunity. I am looking forward to a long relationship with the Jacksonville Suns.”
