Nearly 20 Years and Counting: Richard Bailey is Voice of Indian Basketball, Wrestling & Volleyball
By Julie Perine on January 24, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Richard Bailey may be the one at the microphone during Bridgeport High School indoor sporting events, but he’s never forgotten various words of wisdom which have fallen upon his ears.
Former BHS Principal Lindy Bennett once told him to be neutral in his announcing and for nearly 20 years, that is what he has tried to do.
Bailey first came to BHS in 1995 – to teach history at the beginning of the second semester. Announcing BHS basketball at the time was Philip "Sonny" Nicewarner. Bailey had the same PA duties at Lincoln High School, where he taught before coming to BHS.
“I started doing public address while teaching at Lincoln, just doing JV (basketball) in 1985,” said Bailey, who had formerly kept the scoreboard at Roosevelt -Wilson High School back in 1975-76. “When the previous announcer transferred, I took over basketball and football at LHS.”
Bailey said he often talked shop with Nicewarner, who during his longtime tenure at Bridgeport High School and Bridgeport Junior High, also announced high school football games.
"My Dad started teaching in 1955 at the old Bridgeport High School on the hill. He taught civics and world history," said his son, Phil Nicewarner. "When the 'new' high school was built, he stayed at the 'new' junior high and continued to teach until he became assistant principal under Bernard Sullivan. Once Mr. Sullivan retired, Dad became principal until he retired in 1988."
"He was and still is a well-respected gentleman," said Bailey of Nicewarner, who after suffering an illness passed away in 1999.
Nicewarner had announced football games for BHS until the broadcasts hit the radio airwaves. He also did PA for basketball until Bailey took over announcing responsibilities in the late 1990s.
“I lived close – on Philadelphia Avenue, right next door to Helmick’s Market at the time,” he said, “so it was just a short walk to BHS.”
Thinking back on those early days, Bailey recalls another piece of advice, one given to him by former ‘Voice of the Mountaineers’ Frank Stevens.
He said, "If you're not sure, don’t say it,” said Bailey, adding that it was – and continues to be – important to him to be well prepared for games. Bailey has always made a habit of arriving an hour prior to game time to make sure his notes are in order and that he has correct name pronunciations for players and coaches.
In addition to basketball, Bailey eventually began announcing volleyball and wrestling. To this day, he still announces those sports, as well as varsity, JV, girls and freshman basketball. His duties also include introduction of the BHS Danceline during halftime performances.
When asked how he keeps it all going, he replied:
“Sometimes I wonder. But, it is for the kids - the players - that I do it,” he said. “I am not perfect, but I always try to improve. I enjoy meeting new parents and players every year. It is like a renewal.”
He said he also enjoys working alongside many parents, students and others who keep the scoreboard and scorebook. He can rattle off dozens of names, but hesitated to offer any shout-outs in fear he would leave someone out.
Indeed, Bailey’s job is exciting. But it’s also a bit of an emotional roller coaster, he said. Seeing new freshman talent come in every year is a high point and seeing the seniors move on is a low point.
“It is always a little sad to see the seniors and their parents out on the floor being recognized (during senior night),” he said. “Every season seems to fly by. I am 68 now and feel I have a little more time announcing.”
Bailey said the current season has been a little more restrained than in years past. That’s because announcers have a list of WVSSAC rules to abide by.
“...He shall not be biased or provoke too much emotion or rivalry during the games,” he said. “While the game is in progress, he must not make any announcements or comments.”
Bailey said he has announced more tournaments than he can list, including the WVSSAC Class A basketball tournament held at BHS a few years ago.
He said he has tried to pattern his announcing after that of Frank Stevens and Frank Blake, the latter who announces events at the Charleston Civic Center.
In addition to keeping audiences apprised of athletic event happenings, Bailey is also known for setting the game tone with a variety of tunes - from old-school rock and roll to top 10 pop and rap. Some of those tunes are requested by students; others chosen just for the occasion by Bailey.
He considers it a privilege to announce BHS basketball and has respect for all the coaches and the players. He said he tries not to get too wrapped up in the game hype.
After all – as Coach Ed Carder told him several years ago:
“Everyone gets all excited about the game on that day, they play the game and after the season, they place the scorebook in storage and it turns yellow with age. The only ones who remember the games were usually the ones playing.”
What Bailey does get wrapped up in is seeing the players and coaches do well and witnessing good sportsmanship. For as long as it lasts, he’s grateful for the opportunity.
“If I didn’t enjoy it somewhat, I could not do it,” he said. “And the administration knows that when they feel like someone else can jump in, I am fine with that.”
