A tale of divided loyalties and a shared passion: how the Mets and Phillies shaped a father-son broadcasting duo.
In the vibrant state of New Jersey, a perennial springtime dilemma arises: Mets or Phillies? This unique situation arises from the state's proximity to two major cities without its own Major League Baseball team. North Jersey leans towards the Mets and Yankees, while South Jersey cheers for the Phillies.
But what about the families caught in the middle? Meet the McCarthys, a broadcasting dynasty with a unique twist.
'A Family Divided': The McCarthys and Their Baseball Legacy
Tom McCarthy, the iconic voice of the Phillies, has an intriguing story. He and his son, Pat, have forged successful careers in baseball broadcasting, but for different teams. Tom has been the Phillies' commentator for nearly two decades, while Pat is entering his fourth season with the Mets' radio team in Flushing, New York.
Their journey began in New Jersey, broadcasting for the Trenton Thunder, a now-defunct Yankees Double-A affiliate. Tom recalls, "Patrick's first professional game was a Thunder game, just like mine. He was still in college then."
Following in Father's Footsteps
Tom initially thought his younger son, Tommy, would follow in his broadcasting footsteps. Pat, however, had a different perspective. He understood the sacrifices his father made to pursue his dream, often missing family dinners and Little League games. As Pat grew older, he began to appreciate his father's unique career path.
Around this time, Pat discovered his passion for broadcasting. In high school, he became hooked on video production and the morning show, setting him on the path to a broadcasting career.
A Career Almost Not Meant to Be
Tom's broadcasting career almost didn't happen. After graduating from Trenton State College, he worked as a backup Phillies beat writer and then for the Trenton Thunder in various roles, including broadcasting. He also took on other broadcasting gigs, such as Princeton basketball and football, to gain experience.
Tom's love for broadcasting shone through, and he often came home in a good mood, a stark contrast to his days in baseball administration. He eventually landed a pregame and postgame radio role with the Phillies, his first big-league job.
The Unforgettable Years with the Mets
Tom spent five years with the Phillies, but his big break came with the Mets in 2006. He worked alongside the legendary Howie Rose in a radio role for two unforgettable years. During this time, young Patrick and Tommy often joined their father at the ballpark, witnessing the Mets' success and their Amazin' nickname.
However, heartache followed. After defeating the Dodgers in the divisional round, the Mets lost to the Cardinals in a seven-game series. Tom described it as his first taste of playoff baseball, a narcotic he wanted every year.
The Phillies' Triumph and a New Beginning
The Mets' heartbreak in 2007, when they blew a seven-game lead, led to Tom's return to the Phillies. He joined the TV broadcast team, including the legendary Harry Kalas. Tom's transition back to being a Phillies fan was smooth, and the team's success, including their World Series win, further solidified his role.
Tragedy struck on April 13, 2009, when Kalas, the voice of the Phillies, passed away. Tom stepped up, handling the situation with grace. Pat, unable to watch the game due to his TV provider, remembers going to a neighbor's house to catch the pregame show, a moment that has stayed with him for over a decade.
A Family of Broadcasters
Pat's college years at Syracuse and later at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) were marked by his passion for broadcasting. His younger brother, Tommy, also attended TCNJ and played baseball, while both McCarthy daughters, Maggie and Kerri, followed in their mother's footsteps as teachers. Tommy now works for Victus Sports, a wood bat supplier to the big leagues.
It was during Pat's time at TCNJ that Tom realized his son had the potential for a professional broadcasting career. Pat's climb to the big leagues was gradual, and he eventually landed a job with the Mets' radio team, mirroring his father's path with the Phillies.
Pat's role has expanded each year, and he's set to get even more airtime with legendary broadcaster Howie Rose scaling back his schedule.
Pat admires his father's broadcasting skills and, even more so, his character. Tom treats everyone, regardless of their role, with the same respect, a trait he has passed on to his children.
The McCarthys' story is a testament to the power of family, passion, and the unique bond that baseball can create.
