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Salem Red Sox introduce new radio play-by-play man

Chris Graham

salem red soxThe Salem Red Sox are proud to introduce Kevin Burke as the new Voice of the Salem Red Sox. A native of Leesburg, Burke replaces Evan Lepler, who had been the team’s radio broadcaster since 2009.

“I would like to thank Ryan Shelton and Allen Lawrence for providing me the opportunity to be the new voice of the Salem Red Sox, Burke said. “I’m extremely excited to return to the Roanoke Valley and work with the outstanding people involved in the organization and the community. I’ll strive to uphold the strong precedent that Evan Lepler has set forth during his tenure.”

Burke is no stranger to the Salem Red Sox or the Roanoke Valley area; he served as Lepler’s broadcast intern and on-field emcee for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech where he also served as the play-by-play broadcaster for multiple Hokie sports and interned with IMG Sports Network.

Before returning to Salem, Burke served as the Director of Broadcasting for the Traverse City Beach Bums of the independent Frontier League. He has also spent time as the broadcaster with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and the Corvallis Knights of the West Coast collegiate baseball league.

“Kevin Burke is a superb choice to be my successor,” Lepler said. “In many ways, it is sad for me to move on from broadcasting in Salem, but I know that Kevin’s style will quickly be embraced by the many loyal listeners that I’ve grown to appreciate so much. I look forward to tuning in.”

Burke can be heard on ESPN Radio 1240 AM. His debut will come on Thursday, April 9, when the Salem Red Sox begin the season on the road at Carolina.

One week later, on Thursday, April 16, the Salem Red Sox will return to LewisGale Field for the 2015 Home Opener.

Fans wanting more information or to place an order can call (540) 389-3333.

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Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, TikTok, BlueSky, or subscribe to Substack or his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].