Former Seminoles - and rookie color commentators - enjoying time in Howser Stadium TV booth
Absolutely.
That was the shared, enthusiastic response from former Florida State baseball players Brandon Reichert and Chris Chavez when asked prior to the season if they were interested in providing color commentary at FSU home games on ACC Network Extra (ACCNX).
It didn't matter that neither had any experience in a television booth, other than being interviewed by the media during their playing days. And, on the surface, it also sounded fun and easy to make it happen.
"It's like talking baseball with a bunch of your buddies," said Reichert, a starter at first base for the Seminoles in 2007 and former Godby High standout. "But you are doing it in real time during a game .... I was super nervous (first broadcast). It's so much more than I expected."
Chavez, an All-American for the Seminoles during their national runner-up finish in 1999 and last FSU pitcher to throw a no-hitter (1998 against Charleston Southern), was also surprised by the preparation, detailed attention and teamwork behind a streaming broadcast.
"I am always up for a new challenge," said Chavez, who made 109 career appearances with a record of 24-10 from 1996-99. "So much goes into the broadcast, from the production meetings to researching opponents, finding stories to fill air time ,,,
"It's fun because I love FSU baseball and baseball in general."
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Seminoles look to break nine-game losing streak vs. Jacksonville
Chavez and Reichert have rotated ACCNX home games this season. Former FSU softball player Alex Powers has also provided color commentary. Chavez, 47, is scheduled for Tuesday's 6 p.m. home game against Jacksonville and home games Friday and Saturday against Clemson. Thursday's game against Clemson will be televised on the ACC Network.
ACC Network Extra is a streaming-only option, accessible exclusively through ESPN.com/watch and ESPN apps. It's not the same as the ACC Network, but there is no additional cost for ACCNX if you already have the ACC Network.
FSU (12-14), of course, is in a historic nosedive under first-year coach Link Jarrett.
The Seminoles have lost nine consecutive games and 12 of their last 13. To put that in perspective, the previous school-record for consecutive defeats, according to the program's media guide, was six during Chavez's senior season in 1999.
In mid-April that season, the Seminoles opened a three-game home series against Miami with a victory but dropped the next two. They lost their next three at Miami and the series opener at Georgia Tech before ripping off 10 straight wins.
The 1999 team lost to UM in the national title game, 6-5.
This year's struggles are easy to pinpoint.
Jarrett, a former Seminoles player and assistant coach hired away from Notre Dame after leading the Irish to the College World Series in 2022, inherited a team that features 17 freshman. The Seminoles have also lost their top returning pitcher, Wyatt Crowell, to injury. Statistics reflect the team's inconsistency as well. FSU ranks ninth in the ACC in hitting (.290), 11th in ERA (5.28) and 14th in fielding percentage (.964).
"Winning and losing, both can be contagious," Chavez said. "The Jacksonville game is very important. No matter how encouraging coaches can be, as players, when you are struggling it's like 'Here we go again.' I hate it for everyone. They (coaches) really came into a situation tougher than anyone expected."
Reichert, 39, played for Jarrett when Jarrett was an assistant coach at Mercer (2005). Like Chavez, Reichert - who transferred to FSU for his senior season - believes Jarrett will return the Seminoles to national prominence in time. FSU last failed to make the NCAA Tournament in 1977.
"I know what Link is capable of and I know he is going to make this program incredible," Reichert said. "It's not an ideal situation right now and a lot of people probably didn't realize ... he's kind of playing the hand he was dealt."
Reichert and Chavez can measure the Seminoles' progress from the television booth at Howser Stadium.
The pair was recommended to Kirby Kander, director of Seminole Productions, by FSU's Director of Baseball Operations Chip Baker and supported by Jarrett. Following the Clemson series, 11 of FSU's remaining 12 home games will be streamed on ACCNX.
The duo has embraced the opportunity to enhance the streaming broadcasts with anecdotes, stats, interviews and stories from their FSU careers. Even if still surprised by the offer to provide color commentary at home games.
"I thought Kirby was calling about furniture," laughed Reichert, regional manager for Commercial Design Services.
FSU vs. Jacksonville
When/Where: Tuesday, 6 p.m., Howser Stadium
TV/Radio: ACCNX/100.7 FM
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Former FSU players Chavez and Reichert providing color commentary
