Hens PA announcer extends Toledo roots
Written by Ryan Fowler | | news@toledofreepress.com
Hometown boy makes good.
We’ve all heard those feel-good stories on the television and in the newspaper. Kevin Mullan is setting out to remix the old saying. Mullan is the hometown boy making good in his hometown.
Mullan spends the bulk of his summer days down at Fifth Third Field. His voice reaches far beyond center field out onto Monroe Street as he speaks into the microphone. If you’ve been to a game, you’ve heard the booming baritone sound.
“Now batting, Mike Hessss-man!” Mullan announces with snake-like appeal.
On those steamy summer afternoons, you may hear “Scream for some ice cream!” over the Fifth Third Field speakers.
Mullan has been the voice of the Toledo Mud Hens for the past four seasons.
“I get paid to sit in the best seats in the house and talk about sports,” Mullan said. “Most games I have so much fun that [after the game] I have to remind myself that I’m actually working.”
The Toledo native spent his high school days on Airport Highway at St. John’s Jesuit High School. After graduating a Titan, he became a Red Hawk, enrolling at Miami of Ohio. Four years later, he graduated with a degree in mass communication.
“My parents always questioned what I was going to do with a degree in mass communications,” Mullan said. “I haven’t heard that question since I graduated.”
There is a reason why. If he’s not careful, Mullan’s resume could eat up a ream of paper. At last count, he’s worked about 20 different jobs since graduating from college. That includes gigs in local television at FOX Toledo and NBC 24.
“You have to keep busy in this business,” Mullan said. “If you aren’t moving forward, then you are moving backward.”
Mullan took over the microphone 10 games into the 2004 season. The Hennies needed a new voice after longtime public address announcer Bobb Vergiels got the call up to the Detroit Tigers.
“The Mud Hens have themselves a big leaguer,” Vergiels said of Mullan. “He’s a great announcer. He’s got a great future.”
Mullan’s audible ability during the summer months has led to opportunities year round. He is the voice heard at all UT football games during fall and basketball games throughout winter. He also gives back to his high school as St. John’s public address announcer.
“Yes, I had to get a pro gig before my alma mater trusted me with a microphone,” Mullan joked.
All kidding aside, Mullan’s career ambitions don’t completely revolve around announcing. He is currently the public information officer for The Community Partnership, a nonprofit organization specializing in substance-abuse prevention throughout Northwest Ohio.
“With all the hard work our nonprofit agencies provide, I think there is a definite need to get the message out to the community,” Mullan said.
It’s evident Mullan wears his Toledo pride on his sleeve and is reminded of it often.
“Every time I see a Mud Hens hat or shirt, I smile because it reminds me how much a part of Toledo the Mud Hens are, and I’m thrilled to be a part of that,” Mullan said.
The voice of the Hens dreams of one day making it to the pros inside a basketball arena.
“Announcing in the NBA would be a thrill,” Mullan said. “But it’s not a career.”
Mullan sees himself continuing to work with nonprofit organizations in Toledo while always making time for a “Rally at the Roost” inside the ballpark.
“There is definite room for a long history between the ball club and myself,” Mullan said.
Ryan Fowler is weekend sports anchor at WNWO-TV NBC 24. He may be contacted at news@toledofreepress.com.
