Randy Moehlman, a staple at TR Hughes Ballpark since the 2007 season, has decided his 10th season with the Rascals will be his last as the full-time stadium personality. Moehlman attended an open audition prior to the 2007 season and was selected to become the Stadium Public Address Announcer. After three seasons in the press box, Moehlman emerged to handle another job, In-Game Host. The dual role had him walking on and off the field hosting games, presentations, and promotions.
Over the last 6 seasons, Moehlman can be seen (and heard) throughout the ballpark, walking around with his clipboard and headset, not only reading the standard public address announcements, but also inserting some fun, some comedy, and engaging the crowd whether it’s from the press box, the field, a seat in the ballpark, on the concourse, or on a dugout. “I love the interaction with the crowd. I love that there is no dead time. I love walking all around that stadium throughout the game, feeling the energy, the fun being had by grandparents, parents, and kids alike. It energizes me.”, said Moehlman. You never know where Moehlman might appear next throughout a game. “That’s the fun of the Rascals having enough trust in me to handle both roles. They encourage me to ad lib. This is minor league baseball. It’s supposed to be fun and spontaneous. I hope I have delivered that for the crowd”.
Moehlman says he will miss working at TR Hughes Ballpark after the 2016 season. “This has been my home for almost 10 summers. I have met & worked with some really wonderful people. There will certainly be a void when it’s over.” He will be filling the void by spending more of his summer with his wife Karen and three kids (Abby, 14, Bridget 12, and Danny 8). “It will be nice to get my summer’s back, so to speak. My kids are insanely busy. My daughters are very talented dancers and actors. And my son is getting more and more involved in sports. My wife is a saint. She has been my biggest supporter and there is no way I could have put in ten seasons without her blessing. Our relationship is such that we encourage each other to pursue our passions. She knows how much I love this work. And she encourages me every step of the way.”
“Randy has been a big a part of the Rascals family as any player, coach, or front office staff member over the last 10 seasons. He reminds us all on a daily basis to have fun, laugh, and enjoy the experience of working in sports,” said Rascals President Dan Dial. “Although we will truly miss his exuberant personality and amazing skills as an announcer, we encourage our employees to put family first and Randy is a father and husband first and foremost. You definitely haven’t seen the last of him after this season though, he will always be welcomed back to fill in when needed!”
Upon graduating from Mizzou in 1994, Moehlman had immediate opportunities to take jobs doing minor league baseball play-by-play. Life sort of took over, and he took another route. He has spent over 20 years in the Recruiting, Sales, Staff Management, Talent Acquisition space, as his first career. But in 2007, he had an opportunity for a 2nd career to chase his passion and get back into sports announcing. And the Rascals provided him that opportunity. He is forever grateful. “The River City Rascals gave me an opportunity to do what I love, what I am passionate about. I will always be grateful to this organization.”.
Since landing the Rascals gig, Moehlman landed other opportunities. He is currently the Stadium Public Address Announcer for Mizzou Football, PA Announcer for Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Division I Men’s and Women’s basketball, and can be heard around town doing football, baseball, softball, basketball play-by-play. He has worked at every major venue in the St. Louis area except for Busch Stadium, and has even hosted his own sports talk radio show. Moehlman also does some professional Public Speaking, offering unique perspective on Communication Skills tied to growing up in a house with deaf parents. So he will still be busy, even after he “retires” from the Rascals.
Moehlman is very thankful. “I just want to sincerely thank the Rascals organization for everything. Everything I have done, and am doing in sports, is a direct result of the experience and credibility I gained working here. I will never forget it. I also want to thank the fans, especially the season ticket holders and the host families. They welcomed me, always have made me feel like part of their group. They are like extended family to me. I will miss seeing them on a nightly basis.” Moehlman does plan to be available to substitute or fill-in whenever the Rascals need him. “If after 2016, they call me to come fill in, whether that be as the PA Announcer or handling play-by-play for radio, I will gladly come back and help. Let’s face it, I plan to be back and attend a bunch of games as a fan, so I will be around. I’m not falling off the face of the earth”, he says laughing.
The 2016 season is going to be an exciting one. This team, the product on the field led by Manager Steve Brook, has been so exciting and fun to watch the last few years. And the 2016 season is loaded with promotional nights that should rival the best the Rascals have ever had. “I am REALLY looking forward to 2016”, Moehlman says, “from the promotional schedule to another run at a Frontier League Championship. I feel my last season, will be the best season yet!”
