Walton announcer misses cut for Braves job: 'It was a fun experience'

East Cobb resident Atlanta Braves PA announcer

Following up our recent story on Mark Aston, an East Cobb resident who auditioned for the Atlanta Braves’ public address job:

He wasn’t among the final three candidates whom the Braves announced at the end of last week, but tells East Cobb News “it was a fun experience. It was more than I expected.”

The Walton High School public address announcer was one of 12 who had a formal tryout to be the in-game voice at Truist Park, and said the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind.

Everywhere he went—restaurants, shopping, etc.—people in the community were excited for him and wishing him well.

He was at Costco on Sunday, and a woman there told him she had seen a segment involving him on a local television newscast.

“I saw you on Channel 2. You’re famous now, aren’t you?”

For as familiar a figure as Aston is in the Walton sports community, he said he’s still taken aback by the attention.

“It was unreal to go through something for such a highly publicized position,” Aston said. “I appreciate the opportunity. The Braves now know my voice.”

While he waited to hear whether he’d be advancing, Aston looked at his packed schedule—voice-over work for Auburn University athletics and other clients as well as volunteering PA work for Walton sports teams and his regular job in medical sales.

He noticed that if he got the Braves job, with 81 home games to call, he’d have a conflict with just one Raiders football game.

“I thought the audition went fine,” he said. “But you don’t know what they’re looking for.”

For the time being, there’s plenty on the Walton sports docket to tend to. On Tuesday, he’ll be behind the mic as the Walton girls basketball team plays at home in the first round of the state tournament.

And the Walton lacrosse season starts soon, and his son Andrew is a member of the boys varsity team.

Even though he says he’s one of many parent volunteers who helps with Walton sports, Aston doesn’t take his Braves experience for granted.

He was thinking of other parents who’ve expressed their appreciation for what he does, and are especially grateful for such seemingly simple things as pronouncing their child’s name correctly.

“The people out there cheering for you—that makes you feel good,” he said.

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