August 25, 2015

Don Orsillo Out As Red Sox Announcer At End Of Season

Red Sox play-by-play announcer Don Orsillo, who has been with NESN calling Red Sox games since 2001, will not be offered a new contract at the end of this season, according to multiple reports.

Chad Finn, Boston Globe:
[Orsillo] is expected to be replaced by Dave O'Brien, who currently is part of the Red Sox radio broadcast team on WEEI and also has a high-profile, multi-sport play-by-play role at ESPN. ...

Orsillo signed a contract in November 2011 that included an option for 2015. NESN showed no urgency in picking up the option last summer, making Orsillo wait out his fate. The deal was quietly picked up late in the season, without any fanfare. ...

According to industry sources, Orsillo was never a favorite of Joseph Maar, NESN's vice president of programming and production/executive producer who arrived at the network in July 2012. ...

Though the writing was on the wall for a while regarding his status, it was made clear over the weekend to Orsillo that he would not be returning. According to industry sources, consideration was given to removing him from broadcasts immediately. NESN was not planning on announcing his departure until January.

5 comments:

allan said...

There is no word on whether Jerry Remy will be back, but I pray he gets let go, too. NESN should bring in someone who will add some actual analysis to the broadcast. ... I grew very tired of the Orsillo/Remy schtick years ago -- so it looks like I'll listen to Red Sox games with sound in 2016!

hrstrat57 said...

I think Don has a decent personality. I too am looking to getting back to talking baseball in 2016 however. Time for a change.

laura k said...

NESN should bring in someone who will add some actual analysis to the broadcast.

As if!

FenFan said...

Who's going to tell us how many minutes the pitcher has waited on the bench?

Unfortunately I have a feeling that Remy WILL be back. If I had to choose between him and Orsillo, I would take the latter in a heart beat.

Dr. Jeff said...

I've been hoping for years they would get rid of him. Meaning Remy. And then they let Don go? Makes no sense.