Michael Araujo will conclude his 14th season as the public address announcer for the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in a career that has quietly become a staple for fans attending games at Angel Stadium. Since assuming the role in 2013, Araujo has announced more home games than any player on the current roster, including Mike Trout, and has become known for his consistent and error-free delivery.
Araujo’s voice has served as a steady presence amid what has been a challenging stretch for the Angels, who are poised to finish what is likely their first 100-loss season. Despite the team's struggles, Araujo said he strives to maintain energy and enthusiasm, bringing excitement to a sport that can often be perceived as slow-paced. “I try to bring the energy,” he said, emphasizing the importance of connecting with fans. The Angels’ director of entertainment and production, Davin Maske, noted that Araujo’s ability to balance excitement with the traditions of baseball is one of his key strengths.
Before joining the Angels, Araujo had built a long career as the stadium voice for the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team, a position he has held since the team’s early days in 1996. His résumé also includes announcing at major international soccer events such as Gold Cup, Copa América matches, and eight World Cup games, including the 2003 Women’s World Cup final. However, Araujo considers his role with the Angels his dream job, citing a lifelong passion for the team since his youth.
Araujo’s path to becoming a PA announcer was not straightforward. A teacher by profession, he initially started working behind the scenes with the Galaxy before stepping into the announcer role during an unexpected vacancy. That same type of opportunity led to his hiring by the Angels following the sudden death of longtime announcer David Courtney in 2012. Araujo auditioned during spring training and secured the position over two other candidates.
On game days, Araujo arrives well before first pitch, preparing with a system he developed to track lineups and player pronunciations across all teams. His workspace is modest, featuring just a microphone and a laptop, and he prefers standing throughout games to keep his delivery dynamic. Despite the demanding nature of his vocal responsibilities, he does not adhere to extensive vocal rituals but carries various cough drops and avoids carbonated drinks before working.
Araujo is one of only three Latino public address announcers in Major League Baseball, reflecting an underrepresentation compared to the significant proportion of Latin American players in the league. Raised in La Verne, California, with a bilingual household, Araujo acknowledges the symbolic importance of his position, especially during Hispanic Heritage Month, as a sign that more opportunities are possible in professional sports beyond playing careers.
While often an unseen presence, Araujo’s voice remains a familiar and essential element of the Angels’ game-day experience, contributing a distinct blend of enthusiasm and professionalism that resonates with fans despite the team’s on-field challenges.