Charlie Slowes – Washington Nationals Celebrates 20 Years as Radio Broadcaster
Charlie Slowes has been the voice of Washington Nationals baseball since the team’s inception in 2005. As the radio play-by-play announcer, his distinctive voice and catchphrases have become synonymous with Nationals baseball for nearly two decades.
His trademark calls of “BANG, ZOOM go the Nationals!” have punctuated countless memorable moments in team history, including their 2019 World Series championship run.
Slowes joined the Nationals when the franchise relocated from Montreal to Washington D.C., making him an original member of the organization. His broadcasting career extends beyond baseball, but he’s found his home with the Nationals where he’s now entering his 21st season behind the microphone.
His partnership with Dave Jageler in the radio booth has provided fans with consistent, insightful commentary through the team’s evolution from expansion franchise to world champions.
The broadcaster’s connection with fans runs deep through social media as well, where he identifies himself proudly as “Radio Play-by-play Broadcaster, World Champion Washington Nationals” on his Instagram profile. Slowes continues to be the steady narrative voice for a franchise that has experienced tremendous highs and challenging rebuilding periods throughout its existence in the nation’s capital.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charlie Slowes, the voice of Washington Nationals baseball, built his broadcasting foundation through education and early career experiences in New York. His journey from the Bronx to becoming a respected play-by-play announcer shows how his educational background shaped his professional path.
Fordham University
Charlie Slowes was born in the Bronx and grew up in Yonkers, New York. His broadcasting career began taking shape during his time at Fordham University, where he worked at the campus radio station WFUV.
WFUV proved to be a crucial training ground for Slowes. The station has a strong reputation for producing professional broadcasters, and Slowes took full advantage of this opportunity to develop his skills.
His time at Fordham gave him practical experience that would serve as the foundation for his later success in sports broadcasting. The hands-on training at WFUV allowed him to refine his distinctive play-by-play style.
Start in Broadcasting
After Fordham, Slowes continued his education at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, where he truly began his play-by-play career. Syracuse’s prestigious communications program helped polish his skills and broaden his professional network.
This educational background gave Slowes the technical skills and industry connections necessary to launch his broadcasting career. His early work demonstrated the attention to detail and game knowledge that would become his trademarks.
Slowes used these educational experiences as stepping stones to professional opportunities. His time at both Fordham’s WFUV and Syracuse University established the foundation for what would eventually become a successful career in Major League Baseball broadcasting.
Career Beginnings
Charlie Slowes built his broadcasting foundation through years of dedication and hard work in the minor leagues before reaching the major league level. His journey showcases the traditional path many successful sports broadcasters follow.
Tidewater Tides and Early Play-By-Play
Slowes began his professional broadcasting career with the Tidewater Tides, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets. During this formative period in the early 1980s, he developed his distinctive play-by-play style that would later become familiar to Washington Nationals fans.
His work with the Tides gave him valuable experience calling baseball games day after day, learning to describe the action while developing his own voice. This minor league apprenticeship proved essential, as it does for most broadcasters who eventually reach the major leagues.
The Tides connection also introduced Slowes to the organizational structure of professional baseball, providing insights into player development that would serve him well later in his career.
Step to Major League Baseball
After honing his craft in the minors, Slowes made an interesting career move that didn’t immediately lead to MLB broadcasting. He became the radio voice of the NBA’s Washington Bullets (now Wizards) in 1986, a position he held for 11 years.
This detour into basketball broadcasting broadened his skills and visibility in the Washington D.C. media market. While basketball occupied much of his professional focus, Slowes maintained his connection to baseball through various assignments.
His path to MLB broadcasting included work with the Baltimore Orioles organization, further expanding his baseball credentials. These experiences culminated in Slowes joining the Nationals when they moved from Montreal in 2004, where he has remained as the team’s play-by-play radio announcer ever since.
Rise to Prominence
Charlie Slowes climbed from a journeyman broadcaster into one of baseball’s most recognizable voices through his distinctive style and memorable calls. His ascent paralleled the Nationals’ own journey from struggling expansion team to World Series champions.
Washington Nationals Radio Voice
Slowes joined the Nationals when the franchise relocated from Montreal to Washington DC in 2005. 2025 marks his 21st season as the play-by-play voice of the team, establishing him as the only broadcaster to call every season in Nationals history.
His distinctive catchphrases became woven into the fabric of Nationals culture. The enthusiastic “Bang, zoom go the Nationals!” after victories and “Goodbye, goodbye!” for home runs turned into rally cries for the fanbase.
Slowes formed a memorable partnership with color commentator Dave Jageler on 106.7 The Fan, creating one of baseball’s most respected radio duos. Their chemistry developed through thousands of broadcasts, with fans often referring to them simply as “Charlie and Dave.”
His commitment to the team through difficult rebuilding years earned him respect from players and fans alike. Slowes remained the consistent voice as the Nationals transformed from basement-dwellers to contenders.
Notable Broadcasting Moments
Slowes’s career peaked during the 2019 World Series when he delivered the call that Washington fans had waited generations to hear. His voice cracked with emotion as Daniel Hudson recorded the final out against the Houston Astros, securing the first championship in franchise history.
“The Washington Nationals are World Champions! Remember where you are so you remember where you were!” Slowes exclaimed as the team celebrated on the field.
Other signature moments include his call of Jayson Werth’s walk-off home run in Game 4 of the 2012 NLDS and Max Scherzer’s no-hitters. Each call demonstrated his ability to match the energy of the moment while providing clear information.
Slowes maintained his broadcasting excellence beyond championship seasons. During rebuilding years, he kept listeners engaged with his detailed descriptions and baseball knowledge. His preparation and professionalism earned respect throughout Major League Baseball.
His voice became so synonymous with the team that the Nationals featured his calls in promotional materials, making the “Curly W” and Slowes’s voice twin symbols of the franchise.
Partnerships and Influence
Charlie Slowes has built lasting professional relationships throughout his career with the Washington Nationals. His collaborations with broadcasting partners and mentorship activities have helped shape baseball broadcasting in Washington D.C.
Broadcasting Partners
Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler have worked together since 2006, forming the longest-running radio play-by-play duo in Washington Nationals history. Their partnership has spanned nearly two decades, creating a recognizable and reliable voice for Nationals fans through championship runs and rebuilding seasons alike.
The chemistry between Slowes and Jageler is evident in their seamless handoffs and complementary styles. They’ve called over 2,500 games together, including the team’s historic 2019 World Series victory.
Their partnership extends beyond the booth. The duo regularly appears on 106.7 The Fan for special segments and season previews, maintaining a connection with fans year-round.
Mentorship and Impact
Slowes’ influence extends beyond his broadcasting partnership. Now in his 21st year with the Nationals, he’s mentored numerous young broadcasters who’ve passed through the organization.
His approach draws inspiration from broadcasting legends like Bob Costas, Jack Buck, and Vin Scully. Slowes has often cited these icons as personal influences on his descriptive, fan-friendly style.
His impact on Washington baseball culture is undeniable. Slowes’ signature calls, including his famous “Bang, zoom goes…” home run call, have become part of the team’s identity and local lexicon.
Young broadcasters in the Nationals’ minor league system regularly consult with Slowes for guidance on game preparation, voice preservation, and storytelling techniques during the long baseball season.
Signature Style and Techniques
Charlie Slowes brings a distinctive voice and approach to his Washington Nationals broadcasts. His commentary combines colorful phrases with detailed storytelling that has made him beloved by Nationals fans.
Catchphrases and Calls
Slowes’ most famous catchphrase is undoubtedly “Bang, zoom go the Nationals!” which he exclaims after Washington victories. This signature call has become synonymous with Nationals wins at Nationals Park since the team’s arrival in DC.
When a Nationals pitcher records a strikeout, listeners often hear Slowes’ emphatic “Got him!” call, delivered with his trademark enthusiasm.
During home runs, Slowes builds tension with rising intonation: “Going, going, gone! Goodbye!” His excited delivery matches the moment’s energy perfectly.
Slowes and his broadcast partner Dave Jageler have developed natural chemistry behind the microphone. Their banter keeps fans engaged during slower moments of games.
Narrative Storytelling
Slowes excels at weaving stories throughout his play-by-play commentary. He connects historical context to current game situations, helping listeners understand significance beyond just the pitch-by-pitch action.
His preparation shows when describing player tendencies. Slowes might note, “He’s been fouling off inside fastballs all season,” giving fans deeper insight into what they’re hearing.
During tense late-inning situations, Slowes modulates his voice effectively. He builds drama naturally through tone and pacing rather than forced excitement.
Slowes’ tell-it-like-it-is style resonates with the fanbase. He doesn’t sugarcoat poor performances but maintains respect for players while offering honest assessment.
Since 2005, his consistent presence has made him the audio historian of the Nationals franchise, seamlessly blending game action with team narrative.
Personal Highlights and Achievements
Charlie Slowes has built an impressive career with the Washington Nationals, marking numerous professional milestones since joining the team when they moved from Montreal in 2005. His distinctive voice and passionate calls have become synonymous with Nationals baseball.
Awards and Recognition
Slowes has earned respect throughout the baseball community for his engaging play-by-play commentary. His signature call “Bang, Zoom go the fireworks!” has become legendary among Nationals fans, creating an auditory backdrop to the team’s biggest moments.
In 2019, Slowes reached his 21st year with the Nationals organization, a remarkable achievement in broadcasting longevity. His consistency behind the microphone earned him recognition from the Washington D.C. Sports Hall of Fame as one of the city’s most influential sports voices.
The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association has frequently nominated Slowes for excellence in baseball broadcasting, acknowledging his detailed game preparation and ability to paint a vivid picture for radio listeners.
Memorable Seasons
The 2019 season stands as the pinnacle of Slowes’ broadcasting career. His call of the final out of the 2019 World Series remains etched in Nationals fans’ memories as the team captured its first championship.
During that historic postseason run, Slowes masterfully narrated Stephen Strasburg’s dominant pitching performances, which ultimately earned Strasburg the World Series MVP award. His excitement during Ryan Zimmerman’s first World Series home run—the veteran’s crowning achievement—perfectly captured the moment’s significance.
| Season | Team Achievement | Notable Calls |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | World Series Champions | Final Out, Zimmerman’s HR |
| 2012 | First Postseason Appearance | Game 4 NLDS Walk-off |
| 2016 | NL East Division Champions | Division-clinching game |
Slowes also shined during the Nationals’ first-ever postseason appearance in 2012, delivering passionate calls during their dramatic NLDS series against the Cardinals.
Beyond the Broadcast Booth
Charlie Slowes has made a significant impact outside the broadcast booth through his community involvement and personal interests. His play-by-play duties aren’t the only way he contributes to baseball. His personality also shines through in various non-baseball activities.
Involvement in Baseball Community
Charlie Slowes actively participates in numerous Washington Nationals community initiatives. He regularly appears at fan festivals, charity events, and youth baseball clinics throughout the D.C. area.
Slowes serves as a mentor to young broadcasters. He often hosts workshops for aspiring sports commentators. His expertise has been valuable to journalism students at local universities.
He has worked with the Nationals’ youth baseball programs, helping to grow the sport at the grassroots level. These programs reach thousands of children annually.
Slowes has also been involved with broadcasting workshops for ESPN and CBS Sports Radio. He shares his knowledge with the next generation of sports announcers.
| Community Work | Frequency | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Fan Festivals | 8-10 annually | 50,000+ fans reached |
| Youth Clinics | Monthly | 2,000+ young players annually |
| Broadcaster Workshops | Quarterly | 200+ aspiring broadcasters |
Charlie Slowes Beyond Baseball
Outside of baseball, Slowes maintains diverse interests that balance his professional life. He’s an avid reader, particularly enjoying historical non-fiction and biographies of sports figures.
Slowes occasionally appears on NBC Sports Washington for special segments. There, he brings his distinctive voice and baseball knowledge to television audiences.
Family plays a central role in Slowes’ life away from the diamond. He values his time at home during the offseason, using it to recharge for the demanding 162-game schedule.
His distinctive voice has made him a sought-after narrator for documentaries and commercials. These opportunities have allowed him to showcase his vocal talents beyond baseball commentary.
Slowes maintains a relatively private personal life, but fans appreciate his authenticity and genuine personality both on and off the air.
The Voice of The Nationals
Charlie Slowes has been the definitive voice of Washington Nationals baseball since the team’s inception, becoming a fixture in the broadcast booth and calling many of the franchise’s most memorable moments.
Nationals Park and Home Games
Charlie Slowes delivers the soundtrack to Nationals baseball at Nationals Park with distinctive enthusiasm and precision. As the original voice of the Nationals since February 24, 2005, he’s been behind the microphone for the team’s entire DC history.
From his perch in the radio booth, Slowes captures the rhythm of home games with signature calls and detailed descriptions that transport listeners to the ballpark. His voice rises with the crowd during big moments, creating an immersive experience even for those not in attendance.
Slowes works alongside broadcast partner Dave Jageler, forming one of baseball’s most respected announcing duos. Their chemistry in the booth enhances the broadcast experience for Nationals fans throughout the DC metro area and beyond.
Narrating Road Games
When the Nationals hit the road, Slowes travels with the team. He maintains the same level of energy and detail in his broadcasts. His preparation before away games is meticulous.
He familiarizes himself with opposing ballparks and their unique characteristics.
Slowes has mastered the art of painting word pictures for listeners. He makes road games vivid for the radio audience. His descriptions of unfamiliar stadiums help fans visualize the action despite being hundreds or thousands of miles away.
As part of the radio voice of the 2019 World Champion Washington Nationals, Slowes called some of the team’s most important away victories during their championship run. His excited “Bang, Zoom goes the cannon!” home run call has become instantly recognizable to fans regardless of where the team is playing.
