Clarke named Nationals PA announcer

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The Washington Nationals have named Jim Clarke, a former disc jockey in Detroit and New Orleans, as their public-address announcer.

Clarke, of Burke, spent 20 years in broadcasting, mostly as the host of morning and afternoon drive-time programs. He also worked six years as a PA announcer for the New Orleans Saints.

Clarke, 53, left radio in 1998 when he and his wife, a District public-relations executive, adopted a Romanian boy and since has worked in a variety of sales jobs to stay closer to home. In recent years, Clarke also served as PA announcer for Lake Braddock High School basketball games.

"You could knock me over with a feather. I had no idea I was going to get this," Clarke said. "After my audition last week, I thought there was no way this was going to happen."

Clarke won a competition for the part-time job over more than 100 initial applicants and then 21 other finalists at an audition last week in Bowie.

"None of the finalists were easily dismissed, but Jim had not only the voice but also the passion we were looking for," said Josh Golden, Nationals director of entertainment and events. "He was entertaining, came through with conviction and really showed he could cover the gamut of assignments we need him to do."

The PA announcer will present starting lineups, announce pitching changes, read promotional spots and lead in-game fan contests for each home game.

The Nationals also have selected a backup PA announcer for Clarke but have not announced the person's name.

Charlie Brotman, the longtime PA voice of the Washington Senators, will reprise his role Sunday during the Nationals' exhibition against the New York Mets at RFK Stadium and again April 14 for Washington's home opener.