This past Tuesday, I was invited to tour the new radio station of 97.5 The Fanatic and hang out with former Phillies catcher, Darren Daulton, during his “Talking Baseball With Dutch” radio show.  The Fanatic provides both local and national sports talk programming on an FM station.  The result is a crisp, clear broadcast without the old AM radio static.

The new studios provide up-to-date technology and programming, plus quality shows with experienced and entertaining hosts, like Darren Daulton.  Take a look at some of the equipment and the studio set-up:

Back when I was a disc jockey, many moons ago (1988-1990, 1995-1997), we did not have any of these fun toys.  It was CD players, reel to reel and cart machines.  You know, like in the Dinosaur age.  When we got out very first 4-track digital recorder, everyone was afraid to use it in case it broke or they programmed it wrong.  These days, it is all computerized.  Must be nice ;o)

Anyway, if you do not live nearby, simply tune in on the internet from anywhere in the world.  The Fanatic also has Facebook and Twitter sites as well as an iPhone app.

While I had net Darren Daulton before, I never actually got to hang out with him before.  On Tuesday, I sat and chatted with him before his show, during commercial breaks and afterwards, when we took some photos and he signed autographs for me.  He told me, “Call me Dutchy.”

If you have ever met a sports figure or any famous person before, you never really know what to expect.  With Dutch, it was like hanging out with an old friend.  He is personable, very down to earth and really funny.  If you had met him at a party and did not know who it was, you would just think, “This is a really cool guy.”  There are no airs about him and he has a great sense of humor.  Dutch is a super nice guy and I feel fortunate to have been able to spend time with him.

Here is Dutch in the studio:

And here are some photos of Dutch hanging out:

Dutch’s “posse” was there with him and they kept me company while the show was airing.  You can tell who a person is by the company he keeps and his friends were really great.  These three guys were very amiable and I had fun chatting with them as well.

I would like to thank Darren Daulton, the “Posse” and everyone at 97.5 The Fanatic for a terrific experience.  It is something I will remember for a long time.

 

Photos by Jenn Zambri Photography

*Read more about the Phillies at my other home page, Phightin’ Phils Phorum in the My Team Rivals network