"My dream was to keep my job," he said about joining George Grande in the Reds TV booth in 1993. "I've had a series of one- or two-year contracts, which is the life of a sports broadcaster mostly."
It is the first broadcasting award for Welsh.
"I'm very honored. I’m stunned, surprised and humbled," says Welsh, a St. Xavier High School graduate who pitched for the Padres, Expos, Rangers and Reds (1981-86).
It's also the first time a Reds TV announcer has won the award started in 1959 by the NSMA, although former Reds radio voice Marty Brennaman was honored 16 times as Ohio Sportscaster of the Year by the organization.
"We should thank Marty for retiring to allow some other guys to win," Welsh says.
Welsh expects to do about 110 Reds gigs this year — 85 Reds TV road games, 25 radio road games and Reds Live telecasts. Bally Sports also may do five spring training games from Arizona, he says.