Tim DeBacco has one of the most recognizable voices in Pittsburgh. For more than two decades, DeBacco has been the public address announcer for the Pirates. From announcing players to calling the pierogi race, DeBacco's voice is a familiar one. The perks also are a plus: He gets to watch baseball games and announce for his favorite team.

How did you come across the job?

It was strictly an audition. I knew there were open auditions to be held in April of 1988. I didn't have to bring a resume, didn't have to bring a tape. I just had to show up at an empty Three Rivers Stadium and had a script to read. There were about 12 of us, and I was lucky enough to be selected.

In all these years, have you ever had a health scare or missed games?

I've missed a few games for the birth of my children, for chicken pox; I've had laryngitis a couple times. Fortunately, my back-up for at least 15 years, Joe Klimchak, the ballpark host, has done a wonderful job and fills in for me marvelously.

Has there been one memorable game that really sticks out?

A few come to mind. I don't know if they're in any order. My first game is one for sure, the All-Star Game in 1994. There was the no-hitter from (Francisco) Cordova and (Ricardo) Rincon in 1997. I would say the last game at Three Rivers certainly is very memorable. The first game at PNC Park, with the death of Willie Stargell, and of course the grand opening of the park made it bittersweet and memorable for that reason. Most recently, the All-Star Game of '06 stands out, and I will never forget all the playoff games in '90, '91 and '92.

What do you do in the offseason to stay busy?

I have another job, a 9-to-5 marketing job.

How do you prepare and keep up with your public address skills?

I'm a baseball fan at heart. I try to keep up on who the players are and how to pronounce their names and try to be ready to go when April comes around.

Has there ever been a player's name that gave you a lot of trouble or makes you nervous to say?

Yes. Tsuyoshi Shinjo. That was probably the one that gave me the most fits.

If you weren't the public address announcer for the Pirates, what would you be doing?

Hard to say. I've always had a love for sports and a love for broadcasting. I use to work in radio in Pittsburgh about 10 years ago on the air part time, so maybe I'd be doing that.

Has anyone ever come up to you in the supermarket and say, "Hey, I know you're voice."

Yeah, it has happened on occasion. They usually can't place it, but once I tell them, they usually go, "Oh, yeah, that's it."

Additional Information:

Tim DeBacco

Age: 44

Residence: Oakmont

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