Dave Sims ’75 Named Washington State Sportscaster of the Year

BETHANY, W.Va. – Bethany College alumnus and Seattle Mariners broadcaster Dave Sims has been named the Washington State Sportscaster of the Year for the second consecutive year by the National Sports Media Association.

“It’s tremendous to get any type of award,” Sims said. “To be nominated means a lot. There are a lot of great people to choose from.”

Sims is in his 14th year as part of the Mariners broadcast team on ROOT Sports and the Mariners Radio Network. In addition to his baseball duties, Sims co-hosts “Basketball and Beyond with Coach K” on Sirius XM Radio with longtime Duke University men’s basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski, is a correspondent for the MLB Network, and is an announcer for Big East basketball on FS1. Sims also has called NFL games for Westwood One Radio.

“I’ve been unbelievably lucky,” Sims said. “I’ve pretty much nailed everything I wanted to do in broadcast.”

Sims graduated Bethany in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. While at Bethany, he played baseball and football. Even then he had his sights firmly set on his career and gave up baseball when a mandatory practice conflicted with a mandatory communications dinner.

Sims credited Bethany’s small size for helping him gain experience. He was the sports editor for the Tower newspaper and the sports director for WVBC-FM. He also did public address announcing for football and basketball as a sophomore and junior, and play-by-play for football and basketball as a senior.

As a student, he interned for two summers as a reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer. He then began his professional career as a sportswriter for the New York Daily News before switching to broadcasting in 1982.

Bethany has recognized Sims’ distinguished career by inducting him into the Communications and Media Arts Wall of Fame.

On Feb. 10, he will travel to Bethany College where he will speak to students in several classes about his career.

Even after all his years working in sports, Sims said he is still a fan, particularly of the Philadelphia Eagles, and loves the unity of sports.

“Sports brings people together,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, old or young, liberal or conservative.”

Over the years, he’s met many all-time sports greats, and he said he still has some hero worship.

“I thank God every day, or try to,” he said.

In February, Sims will travel to Peoria, Ariz., for Mariners Spring Training. Pitchers and Catchers report Feb. 12, and the first Cactus League game is Feb. 22.

Sims said he plans to take time to travel to Winston-Salem, N.C., in June for the 61st annual National Sports Media Association Awards Weekend to accept his honor.

Sims and his wife, Abby, have two adult sons.

The nonprofit National Sports Media Association seeks to develop educational opportunities for those who are interested in a career in sports journalism. The organization also honors and preserves the legacy of sports media in the United States.

ABOUT BETHANY COLLEGE

Bethany College, founded in 1840, is the oldest private college in West Virginia. The Bethany experience focuses on academic excellence in the area of liberal arts and prepares students for a lifetime of work and a life of significance.