Braves consider Brewers announcer to replace Van Wieren

The Braves are considering Brewers radio announcer Jim Powell to replace Pete Van Wieren, according to a person familiar with the situation.

Van Wieren retired in October after 33 years in the Braves’ broadcast booth. The Braves had already lost broadcasting legend Skip Caray, who passed away in August.

Enlarge this image

AJC File

Jim Powell, who has called Brewers games for the past 13 seasons, attended the University of Georgia and called Georgia baseball games in 1985 and 1986.

After listening to audio, do you consider Jim Powell adequate replacement for Pete Van Wieren?
Yes
No
Voter Limit: Once per Hour View Poll Results

• Audio: Hear Powell interview Van Wieren


RELATED STORIES
• Schafer injury of concern to Braves 
• Hanson strong in loss to Nationals 
• Francoeur left out of crowded outfield 
       • More Braves coverage

Powell attended the University of Georgia and called Georgia baseball games in 1985 and 1986. He has been calling Brewers games for the past 13 seasons alongside Hall of Famer Bob Uecker.

When reached on his cellphone Tuesday evening, Powell declined to comment.

The Braves would not comment on specific candidates or a timetable for hires, but with the baseball season rapidly approaching, they are down to about a half-dozen candidates, according to Braves spokeswoman Beth Marshall.

“There are a lot of people under consideration,” Marshall said. “We’re working to get the right person.”

Powell might be familiar to Georgians as the color analyst for the University of South Carolina football and basketball teams in 1993-1995.

He got his professional baseball start at the minor-league level, doing play-by-play for the Charlotte Knights (1990-1991) and the Columbia Mets (1987-89). He made his jump to the majors in 1993 in a reserve role for the Minnesota Twins broadcast team.