Standing in the first-base dugout at Chase Field an hour before Game 5 of the World Series, Texas Rangers General Manager Chris Young talked about his early years. He remembered going to bed to the sound of Rangers games on the radio, then waking up excited to see what happened in the Dallas Morning News sports section. He recognized the voice he heard on those broadcasts as that of veteran Rangers radio commentator Eric Nadel. Young’s experience is not unusual; Nadel has won over generations of baseball fans in Texas and beyond with his kind and charismatic demeanor.

Nadel started his broadcasting career in 1979 with the Rangers, having worked his way up from Brown University as a janitor. He has called more than 6,000 Rangers games over the years, solidifying his place in the radio booth. Nadel has witnessed several important events in the team’s history, such as the first postseason and playoff series victories and Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th strikeout.

For the first time in 45 years, Nadel’s voice was absent from the fan base when he took a leave of absence from the squad in 2019 to address mental health issues. Fans who missed him greeted his return to the booth in August with relief and happiness. Fans adore Nadel because of his ability to bring passion and happiness to his broadcasts; they connect with him on a personal level through his voice.

Nadel’s impact extends beyond his broadcasting career. Aspiring broadcasters like Jared Sandler, who currently works as a radio broadcaster for the Rangers, received mentoring from him. Nadel’s kind demeanor and unwavering commitment to his work have left a lasting impression on everyone he has had the pleasure of working with.

Nadel’s mentor in broadcasting, Mark Holtz, who departed in 1997, had a significant influence on his career path. When Nadel first started working as a color commentator, Holtz was the Rangers’ play-by-play voice. It was from Holtz that Nadel gleaned the wisdom to convey his warmth on the air, a lesson he has applied to his whole career.

Nadel maintains his modesty about his profession and the influence he has had on followers in spite of his accomplishments. He attributes his likeability to staying true to himself and not assuming a broadcast persona while on the air. His approach creates a sense of immersion for fans by balancing conversational and educational elements. Nadel has won over both coworkers and fans with his contagious energy and sincere love for the game.

As Game 5 of the World Series drew near, Nadel thought about the moment’s significance and the possibility of a Rangers championship victory at last. His broadcasting bucket list still includes calling the 27th out of a Rangers no-hitter and winning a World Series. Nadel’s passion and dedication to his craft have made him a beloved figure in the world of baseball broadcasting, and a Rangers championship would be a well-deserved culmination of his career.