Spring training is not just for the players. The coaches, umpires and other team staff all use their time in the Gulf Coast to prepare for the upcoming Major League Baseball season. Spring training is also a proving ground for the broadcasters up in the booth.
Cooper Boardman has always known what he wants to do in life — broadcast baseball. He set out to make it to the major leagues way back in high school. From calling games at his school in Connecticut to broadcasting a plethora of sports in college in New York to now working in the minor leagues, Boardman has seen it all.
“I love baseball," Boardman said. "I love baseball in all forms and all levels.”
Boardman now works for the Worcester Red Sox, the Boston Red Sox's minor league affiliate in Worcester, Massachusetts. He's held a couple of positions with the team and has been working his way up since joining them in 2021.
This spring, Boardman has taken his biggest step yet — calling major league games.
The Red Sox have asked Boardman to call some of their spring training games on the radio for WEEI. Just like the organization is evaluating the players on the field, it is also using its time in Fort Myers to see if Boardman is the right choice to join the major league broadcasting crew.
“I’m aware of the precedent that has been set in this booth, what Joe Castiglione has set," Boardman said, referring to the Red Sox former Hall of Fame broadcaster who recently retired. "I am pinching myself every day.”
Boardman sees his situation just like the Red Sox's younger prospects. He is trying to use every pitch, every swing and every play to show why he deserves to be in MLB.
“You look at it as an opportunity," Boardman said. "You talk to all of these different guys, and they’re all part of the same dream.”
Boardman even uses these preseason games like the players — working through things to get back into peak broadcasting shape.
“It’s kind of getting your legs back under you," Boardman added. "It’s my equivalent of batting practice.”
Boardman isn't the only broadcaster taking batting practice right now. People like John Vittas with the Twins, Jack McMullen with the Marlins and Emmanuel Berbari with the Yankees are all swinging away this spring in their new positions.
“To be around this every single day and calling actual Major League Baseball at the highest level of the sport is pretty amazing," Boardman said.
Spring training is truly MLB's proving ground for everyone involved.