Here’s a bold statement: most people think baseball royalty is all about legendary players on the field, but Tim Neverett ‘88 is here to prove them wrong. His crown? A microphone, not a bat. Emerson College’s very own Neverett carved his legacy not in the batter’s box, but in the press box, and his journey from local New Englander to Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster is nothing short of inspiring. But here’s where it gets controversial: does success in sports broadcasting require more hustle than talent? Let’s dive in.
Neverett, who recently returned to Emerson’s Boston campus for a series of events with the communications department, was a trailblazer in sports broadcasting long before he became a household name. While sporting Emerson’s purple and white as a member of the baseball team, he made history by launching the first-ever broadcast of an Emerson sports game on WECB, the campus radio station. Since then, his career has been a masterclass in versatility, spanning radio, television, and a dizzying array of sports—from Major League Baseball to Olympic hockey, football, basketball, and even a scan-and-bagging competition (yes, you read that right).
And this is the part most people miss: Neverett’s rise wasn’t just about talent; it was about saying ‘yes’ to every opportunity, no matter how unconventional. In an interview with The Beacon, he shared his mantra for aspiring broadcasters: ‘Just gotta find a way.’ Whether it’s calling high school games or hosting a Toys ‘R’ Us competition, Neverett believes every gig is a stepping stone. ‘When you start saying no, they stop asking,’ he warned, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.
Currently, Neverett serves as the play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, a role he’s held since 2019. His resume also boasts stints with the Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, and a wide range of collegiate and Olympic sports. But what sets him apart isn’t just his experience—it’s his relentless curiosity and commitment to preparation. ‘Every day, I try to bring something to the broadcast that no one else knows,’ he said. ‘You can’t phone it in.’
Here’s the controversial question: Is baseball broadcasting more about storytelling or statistics? Neverett’s answer might surprise you. While he admits the 2018 Red Sox—the team he called to a World Series championship—was statistically the greatest in franchise history, he stresses the human element. ‘You have to understand the team, the business, and how to promote it,’ he explained. ‘It’s about relationships and people skills.’
Neverett’s journey to Emerson wasn’t straightforward. With Division I offers in both baseball and track, he wanted to do it all—but collegiate coaches said no. Emerson’s Division III status, however, offered something bigger: the chance to dive into broadcasting immediately. ‘Being in Boston, with the city as your campus, I could get hands-on experience right away,’ he recalled. His adaptability on the field—switching from left fielder to second baseman and eventually becoming team captain—mirrored his off-field versatility, a trait that opened doors.
His first big break? An internship with the Nashua Pirates, where he called his first inning of baseball. From there, opportunities snowballed, including a homecoming with WEEI’s Red Sox Radio. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. ‘The radio station didn’t always understand how baseball broadcasting should work,’ he admitted. Still, he cherishes his time in Boston, especially that 2018 championship season. ‘I have the same World Series ring as Mookie Betts,’ he joked, though their paths now cross in LA.
For students dreaming of a broadcasting career, Neverett’s advice is clear: be curious, build relationships, and never stop learning. ‘If you’re meeting a coach for the first time, just ask questions,’ he said. ‘It’s about being committed to your craft.’
So, here’s the final thought: Is broadcasting a skill you’re born with, or something you build through grit and opportunity? Let us know in the comments—and while you’re at it, share your own unconventional career stepping stones. After all, as Neverett proves, sometimes the road less traveled leads to the biggest mic.
