Governor Vilsack went nine innings with a microphone last (Monday) night. “This is something I’ve though about doing for quite some time and frankly, I’m a little nervous tonight,” Vilsack told radio listeners at the top of the play-by-play broadcast of last night’s Iowa Cubs baseball game. “I’m sure that there’ll be a few times during the course of this broadcast when I make a few mistakes but hopefully we’ll be able to call the game and you’ll enjoy listening to it.” The gig was a gift to the governor from his wife, Christie. Vilsack grew up listening to the Pittsburg Pirates and he knows baseball. “The two-two pitch,” Vilsack said as the first batter stood in the box. “There’s a ground ball deep to short, the long throw to first, one away.” Sportscasters often have trademark phrases for home runs. Vilsack said earlier in the day he hadn’t decided what to say if the Iowa Cubs hit a homer, but he had to make just that call in the first inning. “Way back, way back, and it is gone,” Vilsack said as Corey Patterson smacked one over the fence. “Take the dust off the capitol dome.” The statehouse can be seen over the outfield fence. “Well, that’s the way to get started,” Vilsack said as the I-Cubs took a one-to-nothing lead in the bottom of the first. Vilsack brought in a number of guests to fill in the dead air, including WHO t-v sports reporter Andy Fales. “Governor, how’s this going for you? Is this easier or more difficult than being governor?” Fales asked. “It’s more difficult than it looks, I can tell you that,” Vilsack answered. The game was broadcast on KXNO radio. The Iowa Cubs won.
