51s announcer Langer to get his shot at ‘bigs’

Tuesday, June 10, 2003 | 9:29 a.m.

51s broadcaster Russ Langer has had several close calls, but has never been able to land a gig calling major-league games.

He was too associated with the Triple-A Phoenix Firebirds in 1998 to get a job with the expansion Diamondbacks. When a position opened up with the Phillies, they went with a hometown hero instead. And on weekends, he appears on the Dodgers' pregame show, but only to talk about the happenings at the Triple-A level.

Monday afternoon, though, Langer found out he will get to realize his major-league dreams ... if only for a week.

With the Montreal Expos acting as the foster franchise of the other 29 teams, frugal budgeting means they can take only one English broadcaster with them to road games.

During the 51s' home series against the Tucson Sidewinders last month, Tucson broadcaster Brett Dolan told Langer that he'd be doing Expos games at Arizona. Langer inquired with the Expos organization if he could get in on the action, as well.

"I sent my materials to the gentleman in charge in Montreal, and I had not heard anything back from them," said Langer. "I didn't want to come on too strong and sour them with too much contact, but on the other hand, I didn't want to let it drift. I called the gentleman today, and asked if he could give me an idea of where we were in the process."

That's when Langer found out he'll be calling Expos games at San Diego on Aug. 22-24. He also expects to call at least one Expos game against Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium the week before, and may even work the Expos' series at the New York Mets after the 51s' season ends in September.

"I've been working since 1987 for a full-time opportunity like that," he said.

Tim Neverett is tentatively scheduled to fill in for Langer.

By Nick Christensen