Highlights of "30 Rock" Celebration Night
- Special Pre-Game Show: Bally Sports Wisconsin will air a special one-hour pregame show dedicated to Schroeder's career, featuring notable guests and cherished stories.
- Ceremonial First Pitch: Schroeder will throw out one of the ceremonial first pitches, caught by his longtime broadcast partner, Brian Anderson.
- Star Appearance: Wisconsin native and "Farmer Wants a Wife" star Grace Girard will also throw a ceremonial pitch.
The Bally Sports desk, located beyond the right-field fence, proudly displays a special decal with Schroeder's name and the number "30." Bally Sports Wisconsin analyst Craig Coshun shared a photo of this "30 Rock" stage on his X account, adding to the excitement of the evening.
Schroeder's Journey with the Brewers
- As a Player: Schroeder played six seasons with the Brewers (1983-88) and was the catcher for Juan Nieves' historic no-hitter in 1987. That season, he achieved a career-best .332 batting average.
- As a Broadcaster: Starting in 1994, Schroeder has worked with several play-by-play announcers, including Jim Paschke, Matt Vasgersian, Daron Sutton, and Matt Lepay, before partnering with Brian Anderson in 2007.
During the pre-game show, Paschke, Schroeder's first broadcast partner, praised him: "Catchers make great broadcasters. I'm glad you became a broadcaster. You were easy to work with and understood the rhythm of the booth."
Schroeder humorously recalled his early days: "My first couple of years, I had no idea what I was doing. I'm surprised they brought me back for Year 2." He credited Paschke as a great mentor during his rookie year.
Memorable Moments in the Booth
- Daron and Bill's Buckethead Brigade: This popular segment during Tuesday home games in the early 2000s saw fans receive special T-shirts, making it a fan favorite.
- Instructionals with Dave Nelson: Schroeder also conducted post-game instructional segments with the late Dave Nelson, which were well-received by fans.
Schroeder's dedication to the Brewers extends beyond broadcasting. He has been the director of the Brewers Fantasy Camp, giving fans a chance to experience baseball alongside Brewers legends.
A Health Scare and New Perspective
In late 2019, Schroeder underwent double bypass heart surgery just before Christmas. Since then, he has reduced his travel schedule, focusing on calling home games and prioritizing his health.
Reflecting on his career, Schroeder said, "This job has never been about me," highlighting the players, fans, his broadcast partners, and everyone behind the scenes. "It’s been a blessing to do this for 30 years."
Here's to Bill Schroeder, celebrating 30 years of incredible moments and looking forward to many more!
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