Rick “The Zolz” Zolzer is moving to Pamal Broadcasting after 28 years as vice president and announcer for the Hudson Valley Renegades, the New York Yankees’ High-A minor league team.
When did your love affair with baseball begin?
Playing Little League as a 6-year-old in the Bronx. My first glove was a Mickey Mantle model. I once saw him hit two opposite-field home runs in the same game — one batting right, one batting left. I saw Joe DiMaggio hit a home run in an old-timers’ game in the mid 1960s. Everyone in the neighborhood loved the Yankees. I was a fan until the 1963 World Series. I bet my family all my money, $10.47, at 10-1 odds that the Yankees would lose. They all laughed, but the Dodgers won. I also played Little League when we moved to Cold Spring. I pitched a no-hitter, hit a couple guys, hit two home runs and lost, 3-2.
Was the game better then?
I’m not one of those guys who says baseball was so much better back in the day and that the athletes were better. Players today are bigger, stronger, faster, quicker. You’ve got guys throwing a 95 mph changeup. It’s ridiculous to think the game was better in 1962. I like the recent rule changes: the pitch clock, putting a runner on second in extra innings. Attendance has gone up because the games are shorter. I remember going to Shea Stadium, Koufax versus Seaver.* The game was one hour, 57 minutes. They can make more changes to make the game quicker. The only new rule I don’t like is requiring a pitcher to face at least three batters.
What do you like about High-A ball?
They’re the best players in everyone’s organization. They’ve survived rookie ball, instructional ball, the New York-Penn League and short-season Class A. If you’re still playing by High-A, they think highly of you. The 2021 Renegades were the first team affiliated with the Yankees and 15 of those guys are already in the big leagues. Ben Rice was there last year and he’s now their starting first baseman.
Who’s the best player you’ve ever seen in the minors?
Josh Hamilton was the single best baseball player I’ve seen in my life, including the big leagues. Addiction prevented him from becoming something truly special.
What lies ahead for you at Pamal Broadcasting?
I don’t know. I think it will be like the minor leagues, where I wear a million hats. I may do sales for the new Pamal sports network or do sports on some of the other stations. I’ll do whatever they ask except wash windows. I still support the Renegades. After building that brand for 28 years, why would I tear it down? It’s still the best spot for a family to go and have fun.
