There are few voices as recognizable in Indiana sports as Greg Rakestraw. Whether he’s calling an Indy Eleven match, hosting Colts pregame coverage or capturing the raw emotion of an IHSAA state championship, Rakestraw has spent over two decades serving as the soundtrack to the state's most triumphant athletic moments.
During a recent interview at Quills Coffee in downtown Indianapolis, the veteran broadcaster reflected on a career defined by bold pitches, adaptability and a deep-seated love for the local sports community.
The 25-Year-Old Architect
Rakestraw’s journey into the booth was fueled by an early, relentless hustle. He knew from a young age he wanted to work in sports. Though he initially considered the University of Evansville, he ultimately accepted a full ride to the University of Indianapolis, where he also played Division II tennis. He got a massive head start in the job market, landing a role at 1260 AM at the end of his sophomore year and getting hired full-time a month before he even graduated in 1998.
However, his first major career pivot came during a turbulent time for the media landscape. Following 9/11, local station donations at 950 AM, a pay-for-play station where he worked, were plummeting. At just 25 years old, Rakestraw saw an opening.
"I sent a blind email to ABC Radio," Rakestraw recalled. "Hi, here's who we are... 24/7, we would like to carry your programming."
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Three hours later, the phone rang. Within a week, the deal was done. Rakestraw became the program director and afternoon drive host, officially bringing ESPN Radio to Indianapolis in the summer of 2002.
Expanding the Playbook
While Rakestraw had established himself in radio, his next major career break required him to completely expand his broadcasting playbook. When he transitioned to HomeTown Sports Indiana in 2009, the job demanded immense versatility. With legendary broadcaster Jerry Baker taking the marquee games, Rakestraw was tasked with everything else.
"Learn how to do volleyball. Learn how to do soccer," he said.
That willingness to adapt led to monumental opportunities. When the Indy Eleven franchise was forming, Rakestraw attended an Inter Milan vs. Chelsea match at Lucas Oil Stadium and saw an opportunity. He and his team pitched the new soccer club on buying weekly airtime on a station that already hosted the Colts, Pacers and the Indy 500, making the new team "cool by association."