Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State Baseball fans are in for a treat as the remainder of the 2024 season will be accompanied by a familiar voice on their ESPN+ broadcasts. Eli Gold, a seasoned broadcaster with over 50 years of experience, will step into the play-by-play role, bringing a wealth of expertise to the Gamecocks’ games, starting with the March 19 matchup against Samford.
The announcement was made by Jax State Athletics Director Greg Seitz, who expressed excitement about the addition of Eli Gold to the broadcasting team. With Gold’s extensive career that spans various sports and levels of competition, Seitz sees this as a significant enhancement to Jax State athletics.
“We are always looking for ways to enhance Jax State athletics, and adding someone with Eli Gold’s experience and character will do just that,” said Seitz. “We already have a hall of famer in Mike Parris in our radio booth, so to add another in Eli to our television booth will afford our fans an unparalleled opportunity to follow Gamecock Baseball.”
Eli Gold, known for his 36-season tenure as the radio announcer for the University of Alabama’s football team, has an impressive resume. His broadcasting career includes play-by-play duties for football, basketball, and baseball, making him a versatile and seasoned commentator. Gold was recently named the play-by-play voice for the Nashville Kats of the Arena Football League, further highlighting his continued impact in the sports broadcasting arena.
Throughout his career in Alabama, Gold has been a fixture in the sports broadcasting landscape. From handling play-by-play duties for the Birmingham Barons to being the voice of the UAB basketball team and the Birmingham Bulls hockey team, he has left an indelible mark on the state’s sports scene.
Gold’s achievements in the broadcasting world have earned him several accolades, including being named the Alabama Sportscaster of the Year four times. His contributions were further recognized with inductions into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the Broadcasters Wing of the College Football Hall of Fame, and the University of Alabama College of Communications and Information Sciences Hall of Fame. In 2019, Gold received the National Football Foundation’s prestigious Chris Schenkel Award.
Notably, Gold spent 41 seasons in multiple roles with NASCAR’s Motor Racing Network, showcasing his versatility as a host, anchor, turn announcer, and pit reporter. His diverse experience also extends to play-by-play announcing for SportsUSA Radio’s coverage of the NFL, where he handled one game per week, and serving as the play-by-play announcer for various hockey teams, including the NHL’s St. Louis Blues and Nashville Predators.
As Eli Gold steps into the booth for Jacksonville State Baseball, fans can anticipate an enriched viewing experience, guided by the expertise and passion of a broadcasting legend.
