The Unlikely Journey of Tim Neverett: From New England to the Dodgers' Broadcast Booth
In the world of sports, we often celebrate the legendary players who dominate the field. However, Emerson College's baseball royalty, Tim Neverett '88, took a different path, leaving his mark not as a batter but as a broadcaster.
Neverett, a true pioneer in sports broadcasting, began his journey at Emerson, where he not only donned the purple and white as a baseball player but also made history by broadcasting the first Emerson sports game on WECB, the campus radio station. Since then, his career has been nothing short of extraordinary, embracing a diverse range of sports and media platforms.
Currently, Neverett is the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, delivering play-by-play commentary for both radio and television audiences. But his Major League journey began with the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates, and his broadcasting expertise extends far beyond baseball. He has covered Olympic and college hockey, football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, lacrosse, and even swimming and diving. It's safe to say, Neverett has done it all!
For aspiring broadcasters, Neverett's advice is simple yet powerful: "Just find a way." He emphasizes the importance of taking any opportunity, no matter how small, to gain experience. "Sometimes, you have to create your own opportunities. If a local station offers to cover high school games, take it!" Neverett shared with The Beacon.
And his own journey is a testament to this philosophy. One of his earliest assignments post-college was a unique experience—broadcasting a scan and bagging competition hosted by Toys "R" Us. "Stepping out of your comfort zone is crucial," Neverett explained. "Take on any opportunity that comes your way, even if it's unconventional."
Neverett encourages students to get involved with on-campus organizations like Emerson Channel Sports, where they can gain hands-on experience in various roles, from calling games to operating cameras and working on replays. He also highlights the extensive preparation that goes into each broadcast, emphasizing the importance of building relationships and asking questions to enhance one's knowledge and delivery.
"Every day, I strive to bring something unique to the broadcast," Neverett shared. "You can't just mail it in after a while. You have to keep learning and evolving."
Baseball was Neverett's first love and the sport that brought him to Emerson. With multiple Division I offers for baseball and track, he wanted to do it all. But collegiate coaches had other plans. It was Emerson's Division III status and the opportunities it presented that ultimately won him over.
"I was drawn to Emerson because of its location in the heart of Boston. The city becomes your campus, and the hands-on experience in radio and TV was invaluable," he said.
Neverett's versatility and adaptability served him well on the diamond, where he played left field and second base, appearing in every game during his four years. He even served as a team captain for two seasons and was named team MVP his senior year. These experiences laid the foundation for his broadcasting career.
His first big break came while interning with the Nashua Pirates, a minor league team affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he called his first inning of baseball. From there, opportunities kept knocking, including a homecoming of sorts with WEEI's Red Sox Radio.
"Working with WEEI was a unique experience. The flagship radio station had a different approach to baseball broadcasting, and it was a learning curve," Neverett recalled.
Despite the challenges, Neverett cherishes his time in Boston, especially the 2018 World Series champion team. He called every game and even has the same Boston World Series ring as Mookie Betts, who now pursues his dreams in LA. "Statistically, the 2018 Red Sox team was the greatest in franchise history. It was an honor to be part of that team," Neverett said.
When it comes to advice for aspiring broadcasters, Neverett emphasizes the importance of understanding the team and its culture. "You need a solid grasp of the broadcast industry and how to promote and sell the team. It's about being a great fit, which comes with exceptional people skills and a deep commitment to your craft," he shared.
Tim Neverett's journey is a testament to the power of taking risks, embracing opportunities, and never settling for the ordinary. His story inspires us to think beyond the batter's box and explore the endless possibilities that sports broadcasting offers.
