After 25 seasons, thousands of introductions, countless memorable moments and a whole lot of laughs, the voice of the Joe received a celebration unlike any other.
The Charleston RiverDogs honored legendary public address announcer Ken Carrington on Friday as he continues to conclude his 25th and final season behind the microphone at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
“Ken has been such a special part of the fabric of the RiverDogs and of The Joe for 25 years,” said RiverDogs President and General Manager Dave Echols. “His multi-faceted style, his personality and the way he connected with our fans made him truly one of a kind. We were thrilled to give Ken the celebration he deserved and send him off in true RiverDogs fashion.”
The celebration began before the gates opened with the dedication of the “Ken Carrington Public Address Booth,” as new signage was unveiled in his honor. Former RiverDogs promotional directors Nate Kurant (2016-2020) and Jim Pfander (2005-2010) also returned to the ballpark to share memories, stories and surprises for the man who had been a fixture at “The Joe” for a quarter century.
Prior to first pitch, Carrington was honored in a special on-field ceremony that included a proclamation from the City of Charleston officially declaring Friday “Ken Carrington Day.”
The tributes continued with:
- The presentation of both a vintage RiverDogs jersey and a current RiverDogs jersey
- A special microphone trophy recognizing Carrington’s 25 seasons behind the mic
- A commemorative watch
- A special performance of the National Anthem by Ken’s sons
- A video-board tribute featuring season ticket holders sharing their favorite Ken Carrington memories
- A chance for fans to sign a gigantic retirement card for Carrington throughout the night
The celebration didn’t stop at the pregame ceremony.
Throughout Friday night’s game, the RiverDogs incorporated Ken’s favorite in-game competitions and promotions, turning the entire evening into a Ken-themed experience. Cardboard cutouts of Ken could be found throughout the ballpark, while the first 1,000 fans received their very own cardboard Ken face fan.
Fans also enjoyed a special cake celebration created in partnership with Harris Teeter, large enough to feed a couple hundred people, along with special Ken Carrington cookies.
When the final out was recorded, the celebration still wasn’t over. The night concluded with a postgame fireworks spectacular set to Ken’s favorite songs, providing a fitting soundtrack to the final game of an unforgettable 25-season run.
For 25 seasons, Carrington’s voice was part of the soundtrack of summer at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park. He welcomed generations of fans, celebrated big moments, added his own unmistakable personality to countless promotions, and helped bring the ballpark to life.
On Friday, the RiverDogs gave the voice that helped define “The Joe” one final, unforgettable spotlight. With the RiverDogs beginning the playoffs at home on Thursday, September 10, there are still opportunities to catch Ken at the ballpark one more time.