Texas Rangers radio host to miss start of MLB season to treat mental health

Eric Nadel, the longtime radio voice of the Texas Rangers, will miss the start of the 2023 Major League Baseball Season to treat anxiety, insomnia and depression.

Nadel, who was included in the Texas Rangers Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012, made the announcement Wednesday.

A view of the Texas Rangers taking on the Toronto Blue Jays in the top of the fourth inning on Opening Day at Globe Life Field on April 5, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

“As many of you know, for years I have been an advocate for people with mental health issues,” Nadel said in a statement. “I know I find myself dealing with anxiety, insomnia and depression, which are currently keeping me from doing the job I love. So I’m sorry to say I won’t be in the broadcast booth when the season starts.”

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Nadel, 71, has been a part of Rangers broadcasts for 44 years, becoming the main play-by-play voice in 1995.

“I am receiving treatment as I progress through the healing process and I encourage others with similar issues to seek help,” continued Nadel.

Texas Rangers radio sports announcer Eric Nadel waves to cheering fans as he introduces a pregame ceremony honoring Adrian Beltre before a baseball game against the New York Yankees on Friday, September 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas.

Texas Rangers radio sports announcer Eric Nadel waves to cheering fans as he introduces a pregame ceremony honoring Adrian Beltre before a baseball game against the New York Yankees on Friday, September 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, file).

Only two current broadcasters have longer tenures on a team: Denny Matthews with the Kansas City Royals and Bob Uecker with the milwaukee brewersaccording to The Associated Press.

Nadel did not provide a timeline for his return, but thanked radio partners Matt Hicks and Jared Sandler, who will fill in for Nadel in his absence.

“I am tremendously grateful to Matt and Jared for the excellent job they are doing in my absence,” Nadel said in his statement. “Rangers management has been wonderful to me. I thank you for your concern, kindness and understanding. Rangers fans have always been very supportive and I ask for your continued support now and in the future.”

Nadel was selected as the 2014 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, given annually to a broadcaster for “significant contributions to baseball.”

Sammy Long, #73 of the San Francisco Giants, throws to Eli White, #41 of the Texas Rangers, during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field on June 9, 2021 in Arlington, Texas.

Sammy Long, #73 of the San Francisco Giants, throws to Eli White, #41 of the Texas Rangers, during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field on June 9, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

“I’m very excited, happy, tremendously flattered,” Nadel said after being selected for the award. “It’s an amazing thrill for a kid from Brooklyn who grew up a radio junkie.

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“The first time I went I was at summer camp, I think it was 1963 or 1964, and they took us to the Hall of Fame Game on a field trip. She was 12 years old. And we went the following year too. And then I also went back a couple of times with the Rangers when they played in the Hall of Fame Game.”

The Rangers start the regular season 2023 on March 30 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

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