Freed Proud To Be Rays' Radio Storyteller

Andy Freed prides himself on being a storyteller. With the Tampa Bay Rays in the midst of a four-game homestand with the visiting New York Yankees through Sunday's afternoon game, battling for the American League East, Freed, along with his broadcast partner of 18 seasons Dave Wills, will be dishing all the nuances taking place on the field along the team's 17- radio affiliate network.

Detailed honesty is what Rays fans have been expecting and receiving when the red light in the broadcast booth comes on, and Freed adds to the team's words of wisdom.

It is so easy to like and respect Freed's public life. Every word he speaks of the Rays comes across as genuine. He is the quintessential company man without compromising integrity. People like Freed who have not only made it to the top of their profession but have staying power, you most certainly line up behind them in support.

After nearly two decades on the job with the same partner (and a third member of the Rays' radio team, Neil Solondz, who handles the pre-and post-game shows and is now in his 11th season), recognition of Tampa Bay's radio reaches beyond the Gulf of Mexico.

Just two seasons back, subscribers to the sports website The Athletic voted the Rays' radio team as the best in the American League.

It's Freed's journey to Tampa Bay, just as his two partners followed, that screams admiration. The love of the game, and all that goes on in its peripheral, comes across with great excitement and responsibility by Freed.

Paying his dues in baseball's minor leagues, much the same as the players he educates Rays' fans about, is what Freed navigated through. It wasn't a year or two, and hello to Tropicana Field. Freed wasn't so fortunate.

Prior to settling in with the Rays, Freed put in four seasons at the Triple-A level in New England with the Pawtucket (RI) Red Sox, and prior to this, there was a five-year period with the Trenton (NJ) Thunder calling Double-A games.

Want more from the Freed resume? There were two seasons in Class-A ball and before that a four-season learning curve earned in Baltimore. The bus rides, sales calls on behalf of the teams, and wages not reaching a level that could keep a growing family as comfortable as they were anticipating, Freed knew where he wanted to reach, and accepted any temporary situations with the expectation of one day making the big time.

Mentors are important, both for encouragement and guidance on what's working and what needs more attention to get to the next level. There are two broadcast pros from years back who Freed is quick to generously credit for sharing their love of radio with him.

"Chuck Thompson and Bill O'Donnell," Freed says of his days handling post-game Orioles' home games interviews were good fountains of radio information.

Much of Freed's growth as a baseball storyteller in Tampa Bay is perhaps linked to the longevity he is experiencing with Wills.

"It just blows me away. Dave and I have been together longer than my idols. We've been here for the ups and downs of the franchise. We both came out for the minor leagues. We're fathers of daughters, and we have a healthy respect for each other," Freed said during a recent phone conversation from his Manatee County home.

When Freed was offered the position he occupies today with the Rays, like all captivating storytellers, his coming to Tampa Bay has a fascinating chapter.

Remember former Rays' late owner Vince Naimoli?

Well, as it were, prior to the 2005 MLB season, Freed's career may have experienced a few quick palpitations when spring training arrived.

"I don't remember for sure, it may have been in Dunedin that spring. Vince comes to Dave and myself, and wants us to call a 'practice game,' two or three innings."

Right from the start, according to Freed, he and Wills clicked.

"It felt very natural between us. He would pick up on something I had said and finish the sentence. We get along well."

The one-on-one connection with radio listeners remains a top priority for Freed. Jon Miller, last of ESPN fame for calling the sports network's TV Sunday night game for 20 years, and with more than a decade of service in being the primary radio voice of the Orioles, wasn't selfish when it came to dispensing sage advice.

That professionalism and understanding of trust provided to listeners followed Freed through the minors and when joining Tampa Bay. For the club's first seven seasons, Charlie Slowes and Paul Olden were the radio voices of the Rays. Freed recalls his rookie season as an honor to follow such an experienced duo.

Rays' broadcasts aren't about promoting Andy, Dave, or Neil. The radio team promotes the baseball team.

Freed's comfortability level with his work pals runs deep. He easily tells of Solondz's worth to the broadcast, as someone who cares about his craft, and demonstrates having a lot of love for what he's doing.

This is classic Freed. Comfortable in his own role, and spreading well-earned accolades to others. Not once in our conversation does Freed stumble for words. His baseball heart and appreciation for the region that he serves is a continuous pour.

He understands the importance of every player on the bench and in the bullpen.

"We have a lot of air time to fill. Getting a feel for the team, and having a good relationship with them is important."

Freed has witnessed growth within the Rays' organization, including two American League pennants. Top draft picks as Evan Longoria, David Price, and Blake Snell, right on up to current Rays pitching leader Shane McClanahan, Freed has seen all make it to baseball's "Show", and become a World Series champion.

Developing trust with former Rays' manager Joe Maddon ('06-'14), and current Tampa Bay bench boss Kevin Cash is another nugget in Freed's work "to do" list that he appreciates. He recalls the closeness experienced during the Maddon years, and visits to the skipper's home.

When Maddon moved on in 2014 to manage the Chicago Cubs, Freed looked back and thought at the time that relationships in the game could never be the same. He was proven wrong.

"Now, it's just as good," Freed states of his interactions with Cash. "The trust that has been developed, through time spent with Kevin every day, has been great."

Freed tells of some behind-the-scenes information shared with him by the manager, which makes his job on-air that much easier. However, Freed accepts his responsibility by never compromising anyone's position within the organization.

Getting to work inside, at Tropicana Field, as opposed to not having a dome covering a playing surface, as Freed sees the Rays' performances, makes a huge difference.

"I do this every day. I love being at Tropicana Field. It's so comfortable."

The 11 seasons spent learning his craft in the minors isn't something Freed would trade. He looks back of his baseball learning curve as a time when his love of baseball and radio grew. He recalls the teams he was employed by as small businesses, where he had to make it work.

The Trenton years are especially memorable for Freed. This is when he met his wife Amy in New Jersey.

"Baseball was testing me," remembers Freed. "I was ready to make a living at baseball, but I wouldn't have been able to do so without the support of my wife."

As Freed was learning more and more about how a club operates, and how to better communicate with the fans, a piece of advice offered by his Orioles' mentor Miller was never forgotten and often reminded - "Don't make the broadcast about getting to the big leagues. The stars of the show are on the field. Make your broadcasts about them."

Once Tampa Bay made an offer to Freed, there was little, if any, doubt of his worthiness. Freed looks back to his offer to join the Rays full-time as feeling "so ready" for the job. He had done everything asked of him in the minors.

Since relocating to Florida, Freed hasn't introduced a signature call. He simply (and eloquently) tells the story of the game.

Freed's half-hour (give or take a few minutes) drive to and from the ballpark on game days is a time that he appreciates. There is time to think of his three children, Amy, and whatever is in need of his undivided quiet time.

His career and life away from Rays' baseball appear to be separate but equal. Rarely in any profession, but especially in sports, do you come across a person like Freed who demonstrates the passion, when waking up each day, to keep learning, and soaking up his good fortunes.

Look up the definition of a professional, and you will find Andy Freed's name.