Texas Rangers and 105.3 The Fan broadcaster Eric Nadel will not be in the radio booth when the club takes the field on Opening Day against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 30.
In a statement released Wednesday, Nadel said he will remain away from his broadcasting duties while he receives treatment for "mental health issues."
“As many of you know, for years I have been an advocate for those with mental health issues. I now find myself dealing with anxiety, insomnia and depression which are currently preventing me from doing the job I love. So, I regret to say I will not be in the broadcast booth when the season starts.
“I am receiving treatment as I go through the healing process and encourage others with similar issues to reach out for help.
“I am tremendously grateful to Matt and Jared for the superb job they are doing in my absence. Rangers’ management has been wonderful to me. I thank them for their concern, kindness and understanding. Rangers’ fans have always given me tremendous support, and I ask for their continued support at this time and in the future.”
The upcoming season will be Nadel's 45th with the club and his 29th year as the lead voice on the Rangers radio broadcasts.
Nadel was the 2014 recipient of the Ford C. Fick Award, an award given annually for excellence in broadcasting by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
He was inducted in the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame in 2012.
Matt Hicks, who joined the club in 2012 as Nadel's counterpart in the booth, and Rangers pre and postgame show host Jared Sandler will handle broadcasting duties in Nadel's absence.