CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Power will open the 2018 baseball season at Appalachian Power Park on Thursday night. It will also be the first night behind the microphone in Charleston for the Power’s new play-by-play voice David Kahn.
Kahn says the layout of Appalachian Power Park has been the most impactful part of his new job.
“It’s an incredible ball park. The views are the first things I noticed when I sat down in the press box for the first time,” he explained. “You look out and see all of the buildings, then in the distance directly behind center field all the mountains. It’s just a picturesque ball park.”
Kahn replaces longtime Power radio voice Adam Marco and also serves as the head of marketing and promotions for the team. Old favorites like Two-for-Tuesday, Thirsty-Thursday, and Fireworks Friday nights are back along with some new special promotions. The most significant, according to Kahn, is partnering with a local organization to spotlight up and coming talent in West Virginia.
“We want to support them as they go through the building stage in their career,” Kahn said. “We just installed a new stage at the ball park and at some of the Thursday, Friday, or Saturday games we’re going to bring in local, West Virginia Talent for a pre-game concert.”
Minor league baseball is largely built on the fan experience and insuring a good time. Often, the product ojn the field is secondary, but Kahn says true baseball fans will also be impresssed with the talent level provided by the the Pirates farm system. Pittsburgh is in a rebuildng mode and as a result has acquired a number of highly touted prospects in recent years which will be on the Power roster.
“That’s what teams like the Astros, Cubs, and White Sox have done in recent years and two of those three teams have won World Series in recent years,” Kahn explained. “The Pirates are trending toward that same direction which means more eyes on the minor leagues, more prospects, and more really good talent that is going to develop right here in Charleston.”
The opening day roster inclues six of the Pirates’ top 30 prospects. Most of the team played a year ago for the Power, the West Virginia Black Bears in Morgantown, or the Bristol Pirates in Bristol, Virginia.
The Power open the season with a four game home stand with defending South Atlantic League Champs Greenville Drive.