The Richmond Flying Squirrels, Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, announced today that the “Voice of the Squirrels” Jon Laaser has been named the new lead broadcaster for Virginia Tech football and men’s basketball.
Laaser 35, will follow the iconic Bill Roth in the Hokies broadcast booth. Laaser has been the lead broadcaster for the Flying Squirrels since their inception in 2010 and has been instrumental in building the team’s brand in all areas. His experienced broadcast partner Jay Burnham will assume the role as the “Voice of the Squirrels” upon Laaser’s departure following Eastern League All-Star break.
“To say I am exceptionally excited to become the voice of the Hokies would be a gross understatement,” said Laaser “However, leaving a team that I had the great fortune to help build will certainly be bittersweet. The Diamond has been my home for the last six years, and the Squirrels and Giants have been my family. It has been an honor to be their voice, and I am heartened that my great friend Jay Burnham will be the one carrying on our proud broadcast tradition. In baseball, we don’t say goodbye, we say so long for now. And with Hokie Nation so present in Richmond, that is definitely true for me.”
“This is a great day not only for Laas and Virginia tech but for the Squirrels as well,” Said Flying Squirrels VP & COO Todd “Parney” Parnell. “Jon is an example of how hard work and dedication beyond the norm is exhibited daily in the Flying Squirrels organization and while we will miss him professionally as well as personally, he is an example to others of the progression that can be made in your career and life. We are very proud of him and look forward to Jay carrying the flag in his own inspired way. We are fortunate to have Jay here to further what Laas has started.”
“Normally it is a great disappointment to lose someone of Jon’s caliber,” Said Squirrels Chief Executive Chuck Domino “But to see Jon get an opportunity like this is really exciting. I consider Jon a friend and I look forward to watching his talents flourish to a wider audience.”
About Laaser: Jon Laaser is currently in his sixth season as the lead broadcaster for the Flying Squirrels. In addition to serving as “The Voice of the Squirrels,” the versatile broadcaster has taken on additional broadcast roles during his time in the RVA. In recent years he has served as the primary television announcer for VCU men’s basketball and has joined Video1HD as a television announcer for regional college basketball broadcasts seen on MASN, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic and SNY. He also frequently contributes to and serves as a fill-in sports talk radio host for Fox Sports Richmond. Laaser is credited with the creation of the Flying Squirrels television show “Flying Squirrels Insider.” Laaser’s Minor League Baseball experience includes stops with the Montgomery Biscuits (Double-A – Tampa Bay Rays), Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Advanced-A – Atlanta Braves), Altoona Curve (Double-A – Pittsburgh Pirates), Yakima Bears (A – Arizona Diamondbacks), St. Paul Saints (Independent) and St. Cloud River Bats (Summer Collegiate). Laaser’s broadcasting resume also includes the role of lead announcer for Charleston Southern University football and men’s basketball, the Minnesota State High School Football/Basketball Championships and Hamline (MN) University football. His broadcasting career began in sports talk radio, with Clear Channel’s KFAN in his native Minneapolis.
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Chris Graham
