Williams Tabbed as New PA Announcer

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Longtime local radio personality and former University of Arkansas student Jon Williams has been named the new public address announcer for the Razorback baseball home games at Baum Stadium as it was announced on Monday.

Williams is certainly a familiar voice to Razorback fans. He has served as the Razorbacks’ public address announcer at gymnastics meets since 2008 and women’s basketball games since 2011. He is the host of a morning radio talk show “The Jon/Deek Show” on 104.9 the X in Northwest Arkansas for the last 22 years.

Williams has been the voice for countless Arkansas events over the years, including the AT&T Razorback FanZone pregame tailgate festivities, the 2014 Red/White Game and the Red Tie Dinner and Auction.

“The public address announcer is such an important element of the Baum Stadium experience and I know fans will enjoy the enthusiasm Jon brings to the microphone,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. “He has a tremendous passion for the Razorbacks and the game of baseball. Baum Stadium already has a national reputation as one of the best venues for college baseball and Jon’s addition we only enhance that game day atmosphere.”

He has also served as the PA announcer for the Kansas City Royals AA affiliate, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, since 2008.

Williams attended the University of Arkansas from 1991-95 as a broadcast journalism major. He and his wife, Judy, are regulars at numerous Razorback events. Jon also has a 13-year old son named Jack. Williams takes over for Pat Kelly, who relocated to pursue other professional opportunities.

“I want to thank Director (Jeff) Long, Coach (Dave) Van Horn and Kevin Trainor for this incredible opportunity to follow in the enormous footsteps of Larry Shank and Pat Kelly as Diamond Hog public address announcer,” Williams said. “To able to be a part of college baseball’s greatest atmosphere in front of the most passionate and knowledgeable fan base anywhere is an absolute honor. Go Hogs!”

No. 16 Arkansas opens its 93rd season of baseball this weekend, welcoming North Dakota to town for a three-game series at Baum Stadium. First pitch on Friday is slated for 3 p.m. on Friday, followed 1 p.m. starts on Saturday and Sunday.