Jack Corrigan – Colorado Rockies: Veteran Broadcaster Marks 30 Years Behind the Mic
When you tune into a Colorado Rockies radio broadcast, you hear the voice of a true baseball institution. Jack Corrigan has been the radio voice of the Colorado Rockies since 2002, bringing over three decades of Major League Baseball broadcasting experience to fans across Colorado. His distinctive play-by-play style has made him a beloved fixture in Rocky Mountain baseball culture for more than 20 years.
Before joining the Rockies’ broadcast team, Corrigan spent 17 years in the Cleveland Indians television booth, giving him a remarkable career spanning multiple generations of baseball talent. The Cornell University graduate has witnessed countless memorable moments in Rockies history, from playoff runs to no-hitters, all while developing a reputation for thorough preparation and authentic passion for the game.
Beyond the broadcast booth, Corrigan has expanded his contributions to baseball and his community. He’s established himself as a cancer fighter and author, while also finding time to serve as an assistant football coach at Regis Jesuit in Denver. His multifaceted career demonstrates the impact a skilled broadcaster can have beyond simply calling the action on the field.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jack Corrigan’s journey to becoming the voice of the Colorado Rockies began in the Midwest with strong family roots, continued through a rigorous Jesuit education, and flourished during his collegiate years where he balanced academics with athletics.
Hometown and Family Background
John Joseph Corrigan was born on September 12, 1952, in Cleveland. He grew up as the second oldest of seven children in a prominent family. His parents were the Honorable John V. and Eileen Corrigan, with his father serving as a respected judge in the Cleveland area.
The Corrigan household emphasized education, faith, and community service – values that would shape Jack’s future career and personal endeavors. His Cleveland upbringing exposed him to the passionate sports culture of the region, particularly baseball and football.
His deep connection to his hometown would eventually bring him back to Cleveland for a significant portion of his broadcasting career before heading west to Colorado.
St. Ignatius High School
Corrigan attended St. Ignatius High School, a prestigious Jesuit institution in Cleveland known for its rigorous academics and strong athletic programs. During his time there, he displayed the work ethic and communication skills that would serve him well in his future broadcasting career.
At St. Ignatius, Jack participated in multiple sports, developing his understanding of game dynamics and team strategies. The school’s emphasis on clear communication and critical thinking provided an excellent foundation for his future work in sports commentary.
The Jesuit education philosophy of developing “men for others” also influenced Corrigan’s approach to his career and community involvement, shaping his perspective beyond just athletics.
Cornell University
After graduating from St. Ignatius, Corrigan attended Cornell University where he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. At Cornell, Jack didn’t just study the games he would later announce – he played them.
He played football for all four years of his time at the Ivy League school, gaining insights into the mental and physical aspects of competitive sports. This firsthand athletic experience gave him a perspective that would later enhance his broadcasting style.
At Cornell, Corrigan also began developing his media skills, laying the groundwork for what would become a successful broadcasting career. His education combined with his athletic experience created the perfect foundation for his future work in sports commentary.
Career Beginnings in Broadcasting
Jack Corrigan’s broadcasting journey spans decades, starting with his early work in Cleveland before eventually finding his voice with the Colorado Rockies. His path demonstrates the persistence needed to build a successful career in sports broadcasting.
First Steps in Cleveland
Jack Corrigan laid the foundation for his broadcasting career after earning his master’s degree in communications from Kent State University. His professional journey began in Youngstown, Ohio, where he cut his teeth in the industry before moving to Richmond, Virginia.
The real breakthrough came when Corrigan returned to Cleveland. In 1985, he started broadcasting Cleveland Indians games on WUAB TV, marking his entry into Major League Baseball coverage.
His Cleveland tenure wasn’t limited to baseball. Corrigan’s versatility allowed him to work across multiple sports, establishing himself as a respected voice in Ohio sports media.
Transition to Colorado
After years in Cleveland, Corrigan made the move to Colorado to join the Rockies’ broadcasting team. As of April 2025, he has accumulated an impressive 37 years as a Major League play-by-play announcer, with a significant portion spent with the Rockies.
At 69 years old, Corrigan remains passionate about baseball and broadcasting. The 2025 season marks his 38th year behind the microphone, demonstrating his remarkable longevity in the industry.
Beyond baseball, Corrigan has pursued other interests, including writing. He authored novels that combine his love of history with storytelling, including a book about his father’s participation in the Battle of the Bulge.
Major League Baseball Announcing
Jack Corrigan has established himself as one of baseball’s most distinctive voices behind the microphone, bringing Colorado Rockies games to life for over two decades. His extensive broadcasting career spans thousands of MLB games and features a unique style that resonates with baseball fans.
With the Colorado Rockies
Jack Corrigan joined the Colorado Rockies in 2002 as their radio play-by-play announcer, beginning what would become a remarkable tenure with the organization. Now in his third decade with the team, Corrigan has called more than 3,000 Rockies games on the KOA Rockies Radio Network.
Prior to Colorado, Corrigan spent 18 years as a television announcer, but it’s with the Rockies where he’s truly made his mark. His voice has become synonymous with baseball summers in the Rocky Mountain region.
Corrigan reached a significant milestone in his career when he called his 3,000th Rockies game at Coors Field, adding to his impressive total of more than 5,000 MLB broadcasts throughout his career.
Play-by-Play Style and Techniques
Corrigan’s announcing style blends meticulous preparation with natural storytelling abilities. His home run call—”Touch ’em all time!”—has become his signature phrase that Rockies fans eagerly anticipate during big moments.
His approach combines detailed knowledge of baseball strategy with accessible explanations for casual fans. Corrigan’s voice modulation adds drama to crucial game situations without overplaying routine moments.
Over the years, he’s worked alongside several broadcasting partners, including Jerry Schemmel, forming chemistry that enhances the listening experience. While TV broadcasts feature Drew Goodman, Jeff Huson, and Ryan Spilborghs, Corrigan has maintained his position as the constant voice on radio.
His preparation includes detailed player cards and statistical information that allows him to fill broadcast time seamlessly during pitching changes or game delays.
Memorable Game Coverage
Through nearly two decades with Colorado, Corrigan has called numerous significant moments in franchise history. His voice narrated the Rockies’ 2007 “Rocktober” run to the World Series, including the unforgettable tiebreaker game against the Padres.
The emotion in Corrigan’s call of Todd Helton’s final home game resonated with fans, showcasing his ability to capture the human element of sports. His description of Nolan Arenado’s cycle-completing walk-off home run in 2017 remains one of his most electrifying calls.
Coors Field’s unique environment—with its mile-high altitude affecting gameplay—has given Corrigan plenty of high-scoring affairs to describe. He’s developed expertise in explaining the park’s offensive tendencies to listeners.
During the 2022 Father’s Day broadcast, Corrigan and his colleagues wore powder blue to support MLB’s initiatives for men’s health awareness, showing his commitment extends beyond just calling games.
Author and Literary Works
Beyond the broadcast booth, Jack Corrigan has built a respectable career as an author. His novels blend his passions for sports, history, and storytelling, creating narratives that resonate with baseball fans and history buffs alike.
Published Books
Corrigan has published multiple novels that showcase his literary talents. His first work, “Warning Track,” delves into the complex world of professional baseball during the steroid era. The novel follows an aging player facing moral dilemmas, reflecting Corrigan’s intimate knowledge of baseball’s culture and challenges.
His second novel, “Night of Destiny,” shifts focus to historical fiction, specifically centered on December 24, 1944—a pivotal date during World War II. This work demonstrates Corrigan’s range as an author, moving beyond sports to tackle significant historical events.
Corrigan’s books are published through Peakview Press, allowing him creative control over his literary projects.
Contributions to Sports Literature
Corrigan’s writing extends beyond novels, drawing from his decades of experience in baseball broadcasting. His work offers unique insights into America’s pastime from someone who has lived it daily.
What sets Corrigan’s sports writing apart is his ability to weave historical context with contemporary baseball narratives. This approach stems from his passion for both writing and history, creating literature that appeals to diverse audiences.
During baseball’s shutdown periods, Corrigan has used the time to further his writing projects, showing his dedication to his craft even when away from the microphone.
Community Involvement and Charitable Work
Jack Corrigan’s impact extends far beyond the broadcast booth, as he dedicates significant time and resources to various charitable causes throughout Colorado and beyond. His community work spans education initiatives and health advocacy efforts.
Education and Youth Programs
Corrigan has maintained strong connections to educational institutions throughout his broadcasting career. The Cornell University alumnus regularly visits Regis Jesuit High School in Colorado, where he mentors aspiring broadcasters and writers.
His involvement with Boys Hope/Girls Hope stands out among his educational initiatives. This program provides scholarships and support for academically capable children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Corrigan hosts an annual fundraising event that has raised over $250,000 for the organization over the past decade.
The veteran broadcaster also created a summer internship program with the Rockies’ radio team, giving college students hands-on broadcasting experience. Several of his former interns now work in professional sports media.
Health Awareness and Support
After his father’s battle with illness, Corrigan became a passionate advocate for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. He regularly participates in their fundraising events and awareness campaigns.
During Rockies broadcasts, Corrigan frequently promotes health screenings for listeners, particularly men over 50. His candid discussions about preventative care have earned praise from health professionals throughout Colorado.
| Charitable Initiative | Years Involved | Estimated Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Boys Hope/Girls Hope | 12 years | $250,000+ raised |
| Prostate Cancer Foundation | 8 years | 5,000+ screenings |
| Regis Jesuit Mentorship | 15 years | 75+ students mentored |
Corrigan also leverages his identity as an author by donating proceeds from his books to various health-related charities. His annual baseball memorabilia auction brings fans together while supporting cancer research.
Awards and Recognition
Jack Corrigan has established himself as one of the most respected voices in Colorado sports broadcasting. His talent behind the microphone hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The longtime Colorado Rockies radio announcer has been recognized by his peers with an impressive 13 Colorado Sportscaster of the Year honors from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association as of 2017.
This remarkable achievement highlights Corrigan’s consistency and excellence in his craft. Few broadcasters can claim such repeated recognition, demonstrating the respect he’s earned throughout the industry.
Since joining the Rockies in 2002, Corrigan has become synonymous with the team’s radio broadcasts. Before that, he spent 18 years as a television announcer for another organization, building the foundation for his decorated career.
His broadcasting style combines deep baseball knowledge with clear delivery, making complex game situations accessible to fans of all experience levels.
Beyond the booth, Corrigan has expanded his communications portfolio. He’s ventured into writing and even serves as an assistant football coach at Regis Jesuit in Denver, showing his versatility in sports communication.
Corrigan, a Cornell University graduate, represents the gold standard for regional sports broadcasters. His longevity with the Rockies organization speaks to both his talent and professionalism.
His voice has become inseparable from Colorado baseball, creating the soundtrack for countless memorable moments in Rockies history.
Personal Interests
Jack Corrigan’s life extends well beyond the broadcast booth, with passions that span from competitive sports to the performing arts. His rich background in athletics and entertainment showcases a multifaceted personality that has helped shape his distinctive broadcasting style.
Sports Beyond Baseball
Before becoming the voice of the Colorado Rockies, Corrigan maintained deep connections to football. He served as an assistant football coach at Regis Jesuit in Denver, mentoring young athletes while maintaining his broadcasting career.
His football expertise runs deep. Corrigan worked as an NFL analyst earlier in his career, bringing the same detailed approach to football that Rockies fans now enjoy during baseball broadcasts.
College football holds special significance for Corrigan, who attended Cornell University. His Ivy League background gave him a unique perspective on collegiate athletics that he occasionally references during broadcasts.
Perhaps most charming is Corrigan’s well-known affinity for Wiffle Ball, which he’s mentioned during rain delays and pre-game segments. The simple backyard game remains a personal favorite.
Theater and Performing Arts
Corrigan’s communication skills weren’t developed solely in press boxes. His background in theater and performing arts significantly influenced his broadcasting style.
The veteran announcer studied theatrical techniques early in life, helping him develop the commanding voice and precise diction that have become his trademark during Rockies broadcasts. This theatrical training enables him to create dramatic moments during key game situations.
Public speaking comes naturally to Corrigan, who occasionally participates in community theater productions during the baseball offseason. These performances allow him to exercise different creative muscles while maintaining his vocal strength.
His performing arts background also explains his frequent literary and cultural references during broadcasts, adding depth to his game calls that more traditionally-trained announcers might lack.
Legacy and Influence
Jack Corrigan has established himself as one of baseball’s most enduring voices. Since 2003, he’s been the Colorado Rockies play-by-play announcer, making him a fixture in Denver sports broadcasting.
His remarkable career spans 37 years in Major League broadcasting. He started in the Cleveland Indians television booth in 1985. Before Colorado, Corrigan built his reputation in Cleveland, where he worked alongside broadcasting legend Joe Tait.
Corrigan’s versatility extends beyond baseball. He called Cleveland Cavaliers telecasts and developed his craft across various collegiate conferences, including the Ivy League, Mid-American Conference, and Patriot League.
What separates Corrigan from many peers is his commitment to storytelling beyond the booth. He’s also an accomplished author, combining his passion for writing with historical themes.
Corrigan’s influence on younger broadcasters is significant. Many cite his meticulous preparation and conversational style as inspirational for their own careers.
His battle with cancer, which he openly discusses as a “Cancer Fighter” on his social media, has added another dimension to his legacy, showing strength and resilience that transcends sports.
Career Broadcasting Statistics
| Organization | Years | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Rockies | 2003-Present | Radio Play-by-Play |
| Cleveland Indians | 1985-2002 | Television Broadcaster |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Various Seasons | Television Broadcaster |
| College Sports | Various | Play-by-Play (Multiple Conferences) |
