Fresno State Athletics
The Man You Hear But Don't See
5/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
May 17, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - For college students August is a month to dread, summer is ending and school is starting up. But for Mark Thomas it's his favorite time of year because his family is returning and he gets to do what he loves, announce sporting events.
If you have ever attended a baseball, football, women's basketball, even soccer or volleyball game in the past 11 years you've heard the voice of Mark Thomas.
Thomas always wanted to announce sports but never had the chance until the spring of 1999 when he got a call to announce the remainder of the baseball season. Thomas did so well he was asked to come back the next season.
"Mark is a true professional and we love having him be the voice of Beiden Field," said head baseball coach Mike Batesole. "He's the sound of the stadium and helps get our fans into the game. He's the best PA guy in the WAC, hands down."
Then that summer he was asked to co-host for football and in the fall 1999 the women's basketball PA announcer positioned opened up and was asked to cover that. Ever since then he's been doing those three sports regularly.
Thomas moved to Fresno 20 years ago to start off the radio station 95.7. He worked there for three years and then moved to the radio station 92.9 and worked there for 10 years.
Thomas doesn't think of this as work, "I get paid to watch games and announce PSA's to the crowd. I'm there to add a little color. The fans aren't there to listen to me, they're there to watch the athletes."
For Thomas, announcing the three sports has been an amazing time and has never favored one sport over another.
"They each are so different," Thomas said. "I love them all equally. So which ever one I'm working at the time is my favorite."
Over the years Thomas has developed a style of announcing that has become very familiar to Bulldog fan's ears. Fans have even noticed when it's not Thomas' voice coming through the speakers.
"Fresno State has been great about letting me create my own style," Thomas added. "One thing I like to do before every game I announce is look over the script and edit it so it sounds like me. I want the announcements to go with the flow."
One example is during women's basketball games, when one of the players makes a three-pointer, Thomas will announce the player's last name, then 1-2-3, and then the band will play.
"Mark has such a passion for Fresno State and truly understands what it means to our players to be a Bulldog," said head women's basketball coach Adrian Wiggins.
This past December, Thomas was in the hospital for a couple months and unable to announce for some of the women's basketball games. The entire women's basketball team and Coach Wiggins went to visit him.
"It was the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me," Thomas said. "The hospital staff and patients also got a kick out of it."
Thomas' passion for the athletes and the athletic program have led him to enjoy his time at Fresno State more than any radio station he ever worked at.
"Mark has been a valuable part of our program for many years," said head football coach Pat Hill. "We appreciate the time and energy he puts into the P.A. at our games. It helps keep our fans informed and helps enhance their experience at the games."
Thomas is currently substituting in the Clovis Unified School District.
"Everyone I have worked with from coaches to media relations and marketing have become my true friends," Thomas said. "I have been very blessed to work with a lot of great people."
"We Are Your Team The first place BUlldogs close out the WAC regular season against Sacramento State on MAy21-23 at Beiden Field. For tickets, visit the Bulldogs Ticket Office or call 559-278-DOGS.
