Four Inane Questions with Royals announcer Joel Goldberg

Photo Courtesy of Joel Goldberg

Joel Goldberg has been calling ‘em like he sees ‘em for more than thirty years. The sports junkie has served as the pregame and postgame show host (and in-game reporter) for all Kansas City Royals broadcasts since 2008.

The renaissance man has also created his own cottage industry as a revered motivational speaker, talking to organizations about building winning trust and a stronger culture.  

He also helms a popular podcast Rounding The Bases. And if that weren’t enough, Goldberg just unleashed his second book into the cosmos last month. Entitled Small Ball Big Dreams, the book touts how fundamentals like bunting, stealing bases, and advancing the runner translate as much in business as they do in baseball.

We caught up with the Emmy-award-winning broadcaster on his book tour to annoy him with our zany questionnaire. Dare we say, he hit it outta the park. Bless.

Photo Courtesy of Joel Goldberg

The Pitch: What’s the worst job advice you’ve ever received? 

Joel Goldberg: I was told early on in TV to follow a script and to rehearse over and over and try to make everything perfect. My desire to prove myself to everyone, fit in, and be flawless could be paralyzing at times. I always felt I had to get it right if I wanted resume tape material that would land me the next big job.  

Eventually, I learned to trust myself. I’m not a script guy, for better or worse, but I’m myself when I’m not contained. Memorization works for some, but I lose my personality.  

What’s a song that is collectively despised, but you secretly enjoy? 

I’m the guy who usually is part of the collective hate. I’m not a fan of cheesy or overblown songs. But for some reason, “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba is impossible for me not to sing. The song name is weird, the band name sounds weird, and the lyrics? “He drinks a whiskey drink, he drinks a vodka drink, he drinks a lager drink, he drinks a cider drink. He sings the songs that remind him of the good times. He sings the songs that remind him of the better times.”

Not much depth, but I always remember the words. 

Photo Courtesy of Joel Goldberg

What article of clothing in your closet should have been thrown out years ago, but you can’t bear to part with it? 

An NFL player with the St. Louis Rams gave me this extravagant brown Versace fur-lined, suede coat. This was probably the early 2000s and I have no recollection to this day why he gave it to me, but I think he had multiple coats. He insisted I have it. It was too fancy to wear for me but too nice to get rid of. I used it as a Halloween costume one year and recently donated it.

You can erase one season from the calendar. What are ya choosin’?

Easiest question you’ve asked—Winter is the only answer. I love spring and fall and the mild temperatures. Summer may be too hot here, but it’s baseball season. 

I hate being cold. People who love winter should probably live or visit Colorado. Who loves winter in KC? I’m sure someone, but not me. This coming from a guy who broke into TV in Northern Wisconsin. I do not miss covering the World Championship Snowmobile Derby.

Bonus 5th Question: What Olympic sport could you—in theory—take the bronze in? 

None? I’m a talker, not an athlete. But if I were to shoot for the bronze, I have to go with water polo because of my history in the sport. My senior year of high school in Chicago, I decided to go out for the water polo team. I was a mediocre varsity soccer goalie during the fall season and thought my skills might translate. I’m not much of a swimmer but as a goalie, it seemed doable. I quit after a week because 5 a.m. wake-up calls were not my thing. I have unfinished business.