Fresno, California -  After calling hockey games for the Fresno Monsters and baseball games for the Visalia Rawhide for years, Monsters play-by-play announcer Donny Baarns experienced life in Major League Baseball once again this past Spring calling games for the Oakland Athletics.  The Major Leagues aren't unfamiliar territory with Donny as it was his third tour into MLB spring training as he previously called spring games for the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks.  For this past March, Donny called all of the Oakland A's spring games from the scorching Arizona desert, applying his lifetime of expertise for the listeners of the Athletics. 

Donny's immense ability for painting a picture for  his listeners is a distinct reason why he continues to be revered in his profession, and earned him Ballpark Digest's Minor League Broadcaster of the Year in 2012. "Donny is a true professional" stated Head Coach/General Manager Bryce Dale. "His knowledge, professionalism, and broadcasting ability are a few reasons on a long laundry list why Donny is among the best in the country.  He is a phenomenal play-by-play announcer and most of all a phenomenal person.  It's been a privilege to have Donny paint a picture for our fans for the past five seasons."

His talents aren't conducive to baseball only - Donny has entertained fans across all sports platforms from Fresno State & Fresno Pacific Athletics, Fresno City College Football, as well as the Monsters. 

Donny's talents will continue to echo through Monsters fans headsets until he receives his permanent call up to the Big Leagues.  Right now, fans can catch him this summer calling games for the Visalia Rawhide, where he is the Director of Broadcasting for the Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate. "Calling Major League Spring Training Games for Oakland was an amazing experience, and I'm grateful to the Monsters for giving me a platform to help develop my skills since their inaugural season in 2009" said Baarns.  

The skills that Donny honed over the years calling Monsters, Bulldogs, and Rawhide games have brought joy and exctiement to fans all across the Valley for many years.  It's only a matter of time when he takes his skills to the next level and fans all across the nation have the privilege that Central Valley sports fans have been experiencing the past five years.

For more information on Donny and to listen to his interview with NHL Hall of Fame Announcer Doc Emrick, visit donnycast.com.

To listen to Donny this summer, check out the Rawhide's website at http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t516.