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Chris Ivy, Durham Bulls scoreboard operator

A Durham Bulls triple: T-shirt tosses, a hidden lair and a smooth baritone

In a special 9th Street Journal summer series, reporter Travis Swafford takes a look at three characters who shape the Durham Bulls’ fan experience. Scoreboard operator Chris Ivy (pictured above) follows the game from his unique hidden perch behind the Bulls scoreboard.

Jatovi McDuffie, on-field announcer for the Durham Bulls
T-shirt tosses, tug-of-war — it’s all in a day’s work for Jatovi McDuffie, the Durham Bulls’ on-field announcer. Photo by Travis Swafford — The 9th Street Journal

Jatovi McDuffie , meanwhile, keeps fans energized when the score is sagging, with everything from T-shirt tosses to tugs-of-war. Rounding out the trio is longtime “voice of the Bulls” Tony Riggsbee, who has followed the team for 40 years.

Tony Riggsbee is "the voice of the Durham Bulls"
Durham Bulls announcer Tony Riggsbee has been covering the team for more than 40 years. Photo by Travis Swafford — The 9th Street Journal

Pictured above: Chris Ivy keeps score from his hidden spot behind the Bulls’ scoreboard. Photo by Travis Swafford — The 9th Street Journal