Better Know A Broadcaster: Michael Polak — College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects

With baseball paused for the foreseeable future, Baseball America has decided to introduce you to some of the men and women who work as broadcasters for each club.

Michael Polak 1 · Michael Polak Long Island Ducks Play-By-Play Highlights

What Is Your Name?

Michael Polak

Which Team Do You Work For?

The Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League

Which Other Baseball Teams Have You Broadcasted For?

I have previously broadcasted baseball games for Ithaca College, my alma mater.

What Other Sports Have You Broadcasted?

Professionally, I have broadcasted ECHL Hockey for the Ontario Reign. I have also called hockey games for multiple local junior hockey showcases in the North American Prospects Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League Premier. While in college, I broadcasted football, basketball, softball, lacrosse and soccer in addition to baseball.

Who Is Your Favorite MLB Broadcaster Of All Time?

This is a tough question, as I have a ton of respect for many broadcasters. Vin Scully is probably my all-time favorite. I also have a tremendous amount of admiration for the job Kenny Albert does. Bob Uecker is probably the most fun broadcaster to listen to.

Where Is Your Favorite Road City?  

Among all the Atlantic League ballparks, Sugar Land, Texas is my favorite road city. The hotel, town square and ballpark down there are top notch. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a place that has Torchy’s Tacos.

What Is Your Career Highlight?

I have called three Atlantic League championship victories and seven Atlantic League Championship Series overall, so there have been many. But far and away the best was calling Dan Lyons’ walk-off bunt single in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the 2012 championship. I’m not sure anything will ever top that.

Calling Lenny DiNardo’s no-hitter when he was pitching for the Lancaster Barnstormers against the Ducks was also pretty special.

What Unseen Parts Of The Job Do You Feel People Should Know About?

Aside from my broadcasting role, I handle all of the team’s media relations responsibilities. This includes coordinating interviews, producing all print and game day materials, running the team’s website, social media accounts and blog and writing press releases and game recaps.

I also have responsibilities in many other areas. I am active in sponsorships and ticket plan sales and assist with some group sales as well. I also help out with ballpark operational duties when needed and am part of the tarp crew. Every department helps out each of the other departments in our organization.

What’s Your Best Story From The Road?  

I’ve seen two championship clinches while on the road, so those are up there. My best story from the road though came back in 2011.

We were on a bus trip from one city to the next, and one of our players took the microphone and started emceeing the trip. Everyone had to come up to the front, introduce themselves, answer questions from the team and then do some karaoke. When I was called up, I started rapping some Eminem lyrics. Needless to say, the whole bus went crazy.