Back a number of months ago, I lamented that I would miss the fact that Paul Edmonds and his baseball broadcasts would be moving from TSN Winnipeg to the FM dial and Jewel 101. I noted then that Edmonds had proved his worth as a broadcaster for years covering the Goldeyes. But he also became a reliable and professional guy for TSN Sports overall. At one point this year, he was called in to help with hockey play by play when they really needed it.
It would appear that and other good work landed Paul Edmonds a job at TSN Sports on their morning program The Big Show. Along with Troy Westwood and Matt Liebl, Edmonds gets to sports every morning on a wide range of topics.
Paul Edmonds replaced Jay Richardson at the Big Show who for reasons unknown is not there anymore. Richardson continues to do work for the Winnipeg Jets.
The loss of Paul Edmonds from the Winnipeg Goldeyes after 19 seasons is enormous. Not only was he doing the radio play by play but in the off season was an account manager in the front office. Talk about a huge role!
It was obvious the Goldeyes would have the work cut out for them. It would appear they found their guy. They have signed Steve Schuster to be their new radio guy on Jewel 101 FM. He will also do front office work for the Goldeyes operation in the off season.
Schuster comes to the Goldeyes via the Wichita Wingnuts where he was their play by play guy and front office guy for six seasons. With a broadcasting degree and a MBA, it would be difficult to say that many people would be able to fit the bill as aptly. The kicker is that Schuster also has hockey broadcast experience as well.
Wichita is a similar size city as Winnipeg with a large aircraft industry. Nevertheless, the move to Winnipeg is probably considered more big market for sports. Schuster will find there is great interest in all the sports teams in the city.
I have no idea what prompted the move of baseball from TSN Radio to Jewel 101 FM. I can only hope that the broadcast has found a home that will make it successful.
This is a big year for the Goldeyes. On July 28 – 29, they host the American Association All-Star game.
And if past years are any indication, the Goldeyes will have a hard fought season with a major goal of making the play-offs and beyond. It should be a wonderful time in one of the most gorgeous ball parks in North America.
This has been a guest editorial by John Dobbin.
To read more from John, visit his blog Observations, Reservations, Conversations
