Tim Langton, the public address announcer for the Toronto Blue Jays for the past two decades, has been meticulously reviewing his scripts this week as he prepares to lend his voice to the World Series for the first time. Reflecting on his journey from a small radio station in northern Ontario to the prestigious role he holds today, Langton expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
Raised in Kirkland Lake, where his parents were actively involved in the community, Langton found his path into broadcasting when, just shy of graduating high school, he took on a part-time news reading position at a local radio station. This opportunity kickstarted his career, leading him through various radio stations across the country before landing him at the Skydome in 1997.
In 2005, Langton was entrusted with the role of the Blue Jays’ third public address announcer, a responsibility he still finds incredibly humbling and thrilling to this day. Recalling his nervousness during his inaugural game, Langton fondly reminisced about watching Blue Jays legends like Carlos Delgado and Roy Halladay and now enjoys adding his personal touch when introducing current stars like George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
One standout memory for Langton was during the 2016 playoffs when a foul ball hit by Edwin Encarnacion came crashing into his announcer’s booth, resulting in a slightly injured finger. Despite the excitement of the games, Langton emphasized the focus and precision required for his role, ensuring he doesn’t miss a beat in announcing each player and maintaining the game’s flow.
Throughout the years, Langton has stayed engaged with the game by keeping a traditional baseball scorecard, a practice that helps him stay immersed in the action. Beyond introducing players and managing announcements, Langton particularly enjoys the momentous task of sounding the horn for a home run, sparking excitement among fans.
While Langton revels in the electric atmosphere of the Rogers Centre and the unwavering support of the fans, he acknowledged the importance of his role in sustaining the energy levels during games. He described the persona he embodies as the PA announcer as a character, distinct from his usual demeanor, exuding confidence and enthusiasm to match the passion of Blue Jays fans.
Despite the intensity of the games, Langton finds solace in catching up on the post-game celebrations through TV replays after fulfilling his duties at the ballpark. As the Blue Jays continue their impressive season, Langton remains dedicated to his role, ensuring that the energy and excitement of the game resonate throughout the stadium.