Longtime local announcer replaces Pat Lafferty

JAMES DAY
Statesman Journal
February 26, 2008

Veteran local radio broadcaster Mark Gilman is the new voice of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes.

Gilman, 47, replaces Pat Lafferty, who retired after broadcasting the Volcanoes' first 11 seasons.

"We got our man," said Volcanoes co-owner Jerry Walker. "Mark is an entertaining, local grown announcer with an unbridled enthusiasm for sports."

"I love the minor league game," said Gilman, who said he takes in 10 to 12 Volcanoes games each summer.

Gilman is a teacher at North Salem High and the summer-only Volcanoes schedule dovetails nicely with the school year.

"We get out of school, I'll have three days rest and then I'll be off and running," he said.

The Volcanoes will be aired on KBZY (1490 AM) this season after 11 years on KYKN (1430 AM). Gilman has been a fixture on high school games at KBZY.

The Volcanoes open June 15 with an exhibition game at Volcanoes Stadium and begin defense of their Northwest League title June 17 at home vs. Yakima.

jday@StatesmanJournal.com or (503) 399-6801

The Gilman file

AGE: 47 HOMETOWN: Salem FAMILY: Wife Theresa; daughters Heidi (22), Jamie (20) and Kristy (15). BROADCASTING BACKGROUND: More than two decades of high school and college broadcasts, most recently at KBZY. Co-founder of FullAccessSports.com. DAY JOB: English and video production teacher at North Salem High School. BROADCASTING HEROES: Bob Costas, Dick Enberg, Jack Buck