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St. Cloud State University
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Bremer remembers SCSU
By Ryan Dale
Published:
Thursday, September 4, 2003
Richard James Bremer is in his 21st season with the Minnesota Twins organization. Only the fans know him as Dick Bremer, the television play-by-play voice that has been calling game-winning homeruns and Twins victories for the better half of two decades.
Bremer got his start in broadcasting right here at St. Cloud State University where he graduated in 1978 with a degree in broadcasting.
While at SCSU Bremer was know as the "Duke of Dark" on KVSC 88.1 FM and was also one of the first members of UTVS-TV over 25 years ago.
"When I was at St. Cloud State University we had a broad background of stuff we had to do," said Bremer. "We had to write, edit- literally edit the film and tape and some on-air experiences. The best thing it (SCSU) did was to allow me to get a broad exposure of the different avenues that were available in broadcasting, and the experiences I had were invaluable."
Bremer and the rest of the original members of UTVS were responsible for building the first news studio in the basement of the Performing Arts Building, where the television station was originally located.
"They gave us a saw, some wood and a couple of nails and told us to go to work," said Bremer. "I was cutting a board and the next thing you know I had sawed right through the news desk. I tried to tell them that we were in broadcasting and not construction."
The technology and facilities the original UTVS members had don't even compare to the luxuries that current members now enjoy.
"In the mid'70s we were excited because we got the very first videotape machine," he said. "The only problem was, we had to actually thread the tape through the machine and it was black and white.
"What we used then has been lapped a thousand times by technology and what UTVS has now is fantastic."
After graduation in 1978 Bremer's first job was an internship at a television station in Iowa. There Bremer learned the tricks of the trade quickly as he was forced to do just about everything.
"In Iowa I was asked to do everything," Bremer said. "I was editing, producing and writing. It was an extension of what I learned at UTVS and St. Cloud State."
Bremer's long list of play-by-play accomplishments includes being the voice of University of Minnesota basketball, football, volleyball and hockey. He has also been the voice of University of Iowa basketball, Minnesota North Stars hockey and, of course, the Minnesota Twins.
His career with the Twins began in 1983, broadcasting games for Spectrum Sports. He stayed with Spectrum until 1985 before leaving to pursue other career options.
After two years away from the Twins, Bremer rejoined the organization in 1987, just in time for the first championship in team history. He then joined Midwest Sports Channel (now Fox Sports Net) in 1989, and the rest is history.
During his stint with the Twins, he has seen three division championships and two World Series championships.
"Last year was so much fun. The championships in'87 and'91 were neat, but last year was special," he said. "To see the excitement in the faces of the fans is something I'll never forget."
For the last decade he has been paired up with Bert Blyleven, the former Twins pitcher and prankster, in the cramped confines of Major League Baseball play-by-play booths.
Blyleven has enjoyed his time spent with Bremer and has learned a lot from the legendary broadcaster.
"Dick and I have been working together for the last nine or ten years and it's probably been the longest nine or ten years of my life. It's been a pain," Blyleven said jokingly.
All kidding aside, Blyleven really does have respect for Dick.
"I think Dick and I have that Odd Couple type of attitude," said Blyleven. "I'm Oscar and he's Felix. Over the years we've worked well together. He's taught me a lot.
"He has a great voice and he knows his Minnesota baseball. Every night during the telecast I think we have an opportunity to teach someone something new about the game of baseball."
After spending all spring, summer and fall with Blyleven, who could blame Dick for not straying far from his roots and coming back up to St. Cloud each winter to take in a couple basketball and hockey games.
"I'm not very busy in the winter so I like to catch at least a few games," said Bremer. "It's a lot of fun and just like I went to college there I still get parking tickets and I'm sure that will never change."
This past July and early August another former Husky filled in for Bremer after surgery. Bremer was experiencing dizziness and shortness of breath, so Clay Matvick filled Dick's shoes along side Blyleven while he recovered from angioplasty surgery.
Since the surgery Bremer has rejoined the Twins telecasts and hasn't missed a beat.
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