Vince Turner was a play by play reporter. He grew up in Southern California, where he listened to the Dodgers and the Angles on the radio as a young boy. His radio was his best friend throughout life, it was always with him and never disappointed. “My grandfather used to joke…the only way to get me to do work is to make sure I had batteries,” explained Turner.
“Vince Gulley influenced me because he painted a picture of the game, and I used to close my eyes and I could see the game happening in my mind.” Turner believed that sometimes the less said the better. He thought the best radio moment was in the 1980 Olympics where the Russian hockey team were undefeated but a miracle occurred and all the reporter did was let the sound of the crowd say it all. He was completely inspired by all the different ways people can tell a story, and he just couldn’t resist the opportunity t0 tell stories in his own way.
As Turner’s career in play by play continued he became more comfortable and fluent in creating an image in his listener’s heads. “One of the things that makes me the best broadcaster is preparation,” said Turner. In his eyes every game was a new story, a new adventure that every team has, and Turner was honored to be able to explain those adventures.
“I really, really like change.” Turner for 10 years took a break of broadcasting and went to work at Bashor Children’s Home. For the experience to give back and witness lives change around. He was a foster child so he thought it was his calling to give back. Turner explained that the experience deepened his faith with god and his family. “If I was willing t0 leave broadcasting it was for something so special,” Turner said.
After the 10 years at Bashor Turner then was given the opportunity to work at MutualBank as a vice president, and regional manager. He also, serves on the Write on Sports board of directors. As of right now Turner still watches a variety of sports, and every now and then he’ll just practice his play by play while watching a game on the television.
Kathryn Detweiler