Longtime Pirates PA man reduces role

DeBacco: The Pirates have been so good to me over the past 34 years

“I’ve missed a ton of family events over the years. ... I don’t want to miss many more. I wanted more of those warm weather summer nights back.” — Tim DeBacco

BRADENTON, Fla. — Most Pirates games will sound different this season, as longtime public address announcer Tim DeBacco — the team’s primary PA man since 1988 — has chosen to shift into a drastically reduced role, one where he’ll only do weekday afternoongames.

DeBacco, 57, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Friday afternoon that he reached this decision after much “soul searching” following the death of his father a year ago. Having worked over 2,500 games and providing what has become a familiar soundtrack for those perfect summer nights, DeBacco almost beganto feel envious.

“I’ve missed a ton of family events over the years,” DeBacco said. “And although my daughters are in their 20s now, I don’t want to miss many more. I wanted more of those warm-weather summer nightsback.”

After informing the Pirates of his decision, DeBacco said he received a phone call from president Travis Williams, who tried to talk DeBacco into taking some more time and potentially returning for a 35thseason.

DeBacco said he considered it, but he and his wife, Susie, were already far enough down the road planning what they wanted their summer to be like that DeBacco didn’t want to go back on his decision. But he did offer the compromise of weekday afternoon games, whichWilliams accepted.

“Travis was so kind,” DeBacco said. “The Pirates have been so good to me over the past 34 years. It just remains important to me to be as much of an ambassador to the ballclub as I can moving forward. I’m just so very grateful.”

With DeBacco stepping back, the Pirates are in the process of hiring his replacement and have until April 12 — the home opener against the Cubs — to do it, though it’s possible that DeBacco could still work that game as one finalsend-off.

The only PA announcer in PNC Park’s history, DeBacco’s talent and feel for baseball are readily apparent. In an era where far too many yell and scream and try to turn baseball into an NBA game, DeBacco’s polished tone and relaxed delivery fit perfectly along the Allegheny River, in a ballpark that specializes in old-school charm.

Reflecting on his incredible run, DeBacco was quick to point out the playoff games he’s witnessed as some of the high points — but none bigger than the 2013 NL Wild Card Game. DeBacco, who’s also an organist at PPG Paints Arena, has never heard a sports venuethat loud.

“Nodisrespect to the excitement that happens over at the hockey arena, but that superseded anything I’ve ever heard inside at a Penguins game,” DeBacco said. “It was thatloud.”

Among his favorite games, DeBacco actually cited Paul Wagner’sone-hitter in August 1995, when the NL leader in losses at the time came within one strike of a no-hitter. Francisco Cordova and Ricardo Rinconcombining on a no-hitter in July 1997 was also up there,DeBacco said.

As far influences, DeBacco credited his predecessor, Art McKennan, for taking him under his wing — something he certainly didn’t have to do after the Pirates fired McKennan in March 1987 because they wanted someone younger, with a different style. (McKennan had been in that role since 1948. Greg Brown filled in during the 1987 season before DeBacco tookover at age 23.)

“He guided me and became a friend,” DeBacco said. “Had me over to his house. We had many laughs, talked baseball and shop together. He was an instant friend and always completely welcoming to me inmy role as his successor.”

DeBacco also credited Vince Lascheid for his influence on the organist side — DeBacco said he will continue to play at Penguins games — for allowing DeBacco to fill in and helping to nurture him in thatrole.

“He played the piano at my wedding and gave me piano lessons,” DeBacco said of Lascheid. “He always supported me, shared so many laughs withme. Such a talented guy.”

“I’ve really been surrounded by so many talented and great people. They consistently make my job easier and allow me to sound better than Iwould have otherwise.”

DeBacco will continue in his 9-to-5 job as a marketing/ communications director at Northern Audio. The Penguins gig will allow him to scratch his sports itch in the winter. But come summer time, DeBacco said he’s looking forward to having more timewith his family.