This week we meet a gentleman from the Washington, D. C. area who currently works in North Carolina, Joe DeCampo.

DeCampo grew up going to baseball games at DC Stadium, which would later become RFK Stadium, listening to Charlie Brotman announcing for Frank Howard; and going to games at Capital Centre to hear the late Marv Brooks calling Capitals and Bullets games.

It was as an eight grade student at St. Mary’s in Landover Hills, Maryland that his math teacher, Mrs. Mary Jane Thomas asked him to be a Lector at school mass.  As the center of attention, he thrived and holds a similar role in North Carolina to this day.  He does realize that reading at church and sports announcing are two completely different types of announcing.

A true native Washingtonian, DeCampo graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School and the University of Maryland before moving out of town in 1991.  Currently in Morehead City, North Carolina, DeCampo works at Coastal Carolina Community College in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

“Before a game during an American Legion State Tournament, one of the North Carolina State Administrators told me, ‘you have a voice that was made for the ballpark’,” DeCampo said.  “That was extremely gratifying to hear.

As a parent who is behind the microphone, he understands the “names first” mentality that is synonymous with being a P. A. announcer.

“I can appreciate the pride of the players’ parents upon hearing their son or daughter’s name credited for a great play over the loud speakers,” DeCampo said.

DeCampo’s style isn’t solely for the home team, a true trait of a successful sports announcer.

“I’ve learned that the more spectators who enjoy the game, the better,” DeCampo said.  “While most seasoned sports fans understand home-field advantage, it’s best not to let the disappointed visiting fans become focused on the P. A. announcer.”

Home-field advantage is always expected, but some announcers go over the top and show their allegiances too much which does detract from the enjoyment of the game for some fans.  And some of those fans can even be home fans.

DeCampo’s best times behind the mic have come with exciting endings when the crowd noise is so great it really carries the situation.  Though he is unsure how close to a professional sports arena he’ll live, he will always enjoy the P. A. announcer’s position no matter the location.