But none - in his view - compare to calling major-league baseball games, something he'll do full-time as the replacement for Lanny Frattare as the Pirates' play-by-play announcer.

"Going to the ballpark and calling the press box my office is not a bad deal," Neverett said.

Neverett's resume includes broadcasting USA basketball games in the 2008 Olympics in China. He covered three other Olympic Games, did play-by-play for college football and basketball and hosted a weekend talk show for the nationally syndicated Sporting News Radio Network, where his show was heard on over 160 stations nationwide.

But through it all, he knew he was destined for the baseball diamond.

"I told (Pirates chairman) Bob Nutting, 'I want this to be my last job, not my next job,'" he said.

Neverett got a taste of baseball broadcasting at a young age. At 19, he called games for the Nashua Pirates - who were Pittsburgh's Double-A affiliate in the Eastern League.

Neverett was persistent enough and talented enough that when he was given an opportunity, he ran with it. By the end of his first year at WSMN Radio in New Hampshire, Neverett called 40 games and made quite the impression.

"Frank Teas (at WSMN) was the guy who really kicked open the door for me," said Neverett, a New Hampshire native. "That was my first job out of school."

Neverett dabbled in baseball broadcasting throughout his career. He worked for the Dodgers' and Padres' Triple-A teams. Throughout four years with FSN Rocky Mountain, he called games for the Colorado Rockies. Last season, he served as the pregame and postgame studio host for the Rockies games.

The opportunity with the Pirates, Neverett said, is unique. He will work on the radio some nights and on television during the others. His familiarity with the Pirates organization also attracted Neverett, who turned 43 Thursday.

"This is one of the rare jobs in baseball where you can do TV and radio," Neverett said. "I enjoy both."

Neverett will join a mostly veteran staff, including play-by-play announcer Greg Brown and color commentators Bob Walk, John Wehner and Steve Blass, but it didn't take long for Neverett to make an impression on his broadcasting partners.

"He's not flashy, but he's to the point," Wehner said. "He has the broadcaster voice. He's very serious about this.

"He fits in with the personalities here. Being comfortable with your partner is a very important part of calling the game."