Expert: Geoff - 6/2/2006

Question
Geoff, This is a strange one, hope you don't mind...Dewayne Staats,as you know,is the play-by-play guy for our local Devil Rays. His last name is a palandrome, that is, it is spelled the same way forwards and backwards...S_T_A_A_T_S. do you know of any other baseball broadcaster with the same odd distinction. Note:I believe that Toby "Harrah" of the Rangers was the only baseball PLAYER with a palandromic name, and Jim "Otto" of the Raiders was the only footballer. Respectfully submitted, Bill Goode  

Answer
Hi Bill,

Thanks for writing.

Actually, there have been several Major League Baseball palindrome names over the years:

Mark Salas
Dick Nen
Robb Nen
Eddie Kazak
Toby Harrah
Johnny Reder
Dave Otto
Truck Hannah

In looking over some lists of team announcing staffs though, I didn't find any palindromes other than Staats.  Lots of teams have Spanish and Japanese broadcasters though sending the games all over the world so the list of possible announcers out there with palindrome names is pretty large.  For now though, it appears Staats is one of a kind!

Best Wishes,

Geoff