Dodgers hire Todd Leitz as new public address announcer

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers on Friday announced that former radio broadcaster Todd Leitz has been hired as public address announcer at Dodger Stadium for the 2015 season.

Leitz was an anchor and news reporter at KNX 1070 AM for 10 years, and a news reporter at KABC 790 for two years. Since 2012, Leitz was the public information officer for MySafe:LA, an organization dedicated to educating residents of Los Angeles County on fire and life safety.

"I couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to be part of a world-class organization like the Los Angeles Dodgers," Leitz said. "I can’t wait to start working with the crew that does such a great job making the Dodger Stadium experience second to none for the best baseball fans in the world."

Leitz, 51, graduated from UC San Diego. His first game will be Saturday night's Freeway Series finale against the Angels at Dodger Stadium.

Thrilled to be named the PA announcer for the #dodgers and can't wait to "get in the game" at the Ravine tomorrow night.

— Todd Leitz (@TODD_LEITZ) April 3, 2015

"Todd is a terrific broadcaster and a lifelong Dodger fan," said Dodgers chief marketing officer Lon Rosen. "He was the perfect choice to be the next Dodger Stadium public address announcer."

Leitz replaces Eric Smith, who had been the club's public address announcer since 2002. Smith, a high school history teacher who also works public address at Clippers and USC games, "could not fulfill the season schedule because of other commitments," according to the Dodgers.