Characters of the Dutch: Rick Zolzer

Rick Zolzer is known as the voice of the Hudson Valley Renegades. Zolzer started as the public address announcer for the Hudson Valley Renegades in 1994 when the team was created. He took a three year break from 2001 to 2004 to be the public address announcer for the New Jersey Nets. After being fired by the Nets in 2004 Zolzer returned to the Renegades and has been there since.

Rick Zolzer made history in 1995 when he became the first and only public address announcer to be ejected from a game. Zolzer was unpleased with the several balk calls in the game and showed his view on the calls by making bawk noises from the booth. Then Zolzer announced from his booth that the only way that the umpires would make it to the big leagues is if they bought a ticket. After that statement was heard the umpire threw Zolzer out of the game. Next Zolzer climbed out of his booth window where fans helped him get away. Zolzer was fined by the league for that however the fine was paid by the players of the Renegades.

Rick Zolzer is also the director of the Pitch for Kids Fund which is a charity that is run by the Renegades. Zolzer is a charitable person who likes to give back to the community by running events for the Pitch for Kids Fund. Zolzer has an exciting voice and has vast knowledge of the game of baseball. Zolzer provides a fun environment for everyone at the Dutch.

My favorite thing about Zolzer after listening to him all these years is his home run call. When a Renegades player hits a homerun he says “did you” then he says “yes you did”. I just like the way it sounds and creates a dramatic moment for the 5000 fans in Dutchess Stadium as they watch the ball leave the park. Zolzer is not afraid to speak his mind ever whether it is a bad call made by the umpire or if a fan misplays a foul ball. He is the first one to let you know how he feels. Rick Zolzer is a great announcer he loves what he does and he loves to have fun and make fun of people when they drop a foul ball, or applaud people when they make a nice catch.

Rick Zolzer is beloved by the Hudson Valley James Kelly a season ticket holder said “ Zolz is the reason I come to the ballpark every game. I enjoy listening to his voice and hearing him make fun of people when they mess up. Zolz makes Dutchess Stadium a fun and exciting place to be”. Frank Rutigliano a long time Renegades fan said Zolz is the best public address announcer I have ever heard. He is witty and entertaining and clearly loves what he does. Each time I travel to a different ball park I feel like the experience is not as good as Dutchess Stadium because Rick Zolzer isn’t there.

When asked about his experience has Renegades public address announcer Rick Zolzer said “I have been lucky enough to get paid to things that used to get me tossed out of class in high school. All of the many jobs I do have to do with entertaining people large amounts at the same time and I wouldn't change it! I cannot imagine going to work at a job I hate like many of my friends do. They may make more money but I am having way more fun”.