Osceola Magic

Brandon Crotchett

It was Monday, and I was scheduled to run camera for an Osceola Magic game that evening. It was a day just like any other. The preproduction meeting was wrapping up, when I was approached by the game operations manager, Alexa. She had mentioned that their main public address announcer had been called-up to Orlando to work a Magic game Saturday evening. Seeing as there was also an Osceola game the same night, Alexa asked me if I would be willing to fill in. Immediately, I answered yes and booked myself to announce the final regular season game of the season. I have been with the Orlando Magic organization for 6 years, mainly working in the broadcast technology services department. It was my first opportunity to work on the entertainment side, and I made sure I was ready, by doing what I always did: treat it as if it were any other game. My excitement was difficult to maintain at times. Having worked high school state championships and collegiate levels of basketball, I couldn’t wait for Saturday. However, I had learned from many individuals over the years that the key to succeeding was to trust the knowledge that had been passed down to me, the tools that had been given to me, and the people that worked alongside me. So I prepped like I normally would, getting the rosters and pronunciations for both teams, familiarizing myself with the nuances of the G-League game itself, and ensuring I went through the script in its entirety. When I got to the arena, I just did what I always did: attend my preproduction meeting, go over the script again with Alexa and any questions regarding any particular style to how they prefer the game to be called. As much as I pride myself on my particular style of announcing, I pride myself just as much on being able to adapt and do what is also needed of me, while maintaining my own identity throughout the call of the game. When the meeting concluded, I met with the audio engineer, Daniel, a good friend of mine, who took great care in ensuring the sound check went well and we were all set for tip-off. Before tip-off though came the pre-game reads. Once I had gotten through those and any jitters out of my system, I was ready for the starting lineups. The feeling of contributing to the excitement and energy in the arena as the fans heard the home starters over the speakers was amazing. After finishing off the final names, I felt a calmness in the air and it was time for tip-off and to lock-in. The four quarters flew by, taking just under two hours from whistle to whistle. I remember most of the action: my high-pitched “For THREEEEEE” call on shots from behind the arc, keeping track of personal and team fouls on my rosters, and the advertisement reads during any breaks in the action. It was a night that I will always remember and I wouldn’t have gotten through it without the people working with me. From Alexa and Danny, to Ms. Brenda, the official scorer who I’ve worked with at the FHSAA basketball championships for years, to Chuck, Kenny, and the entire in-house broadcast crew. Everyone there was incredible to work with and I am so thankful for them and all of the hard work they did not only that night, but the entire season! I would be remiss to not also thank my lovely and supportive wife Dessie, who was in attendance with our beloved niece, Aubrey, to support me. To be able to see them throughout the course of the game in the stands, as well as right behind me as I wrapped up my final reads meant the world.

I tried to sneak in a chance to get Aubrey on the mic to say goodnight to the crowd, but she was so shy, next time though. Opportunities like this don’t always come around in life. Even when they do, sometimes we have to wait for them. While it’s not always easy to be patient, it’s important to be so, while also ready and willing when the opportunity is given to you!