January 22, 2016

Don Orsillo Discusses His Unexpected Departure From NESN

Don Orsillo, who will be calling Padres games in 2016:
I really don't know [why NESN replaced me], still. I've read things in articles and things that have been said. I've heard terms like "upgrade" and "re-energize" and both really kind of upset me, because obviously we had a lot of energy and I felt like we were quite good. Over the last 15 years and over the last five years, especially, with the way that we did have so many fill-ins, NESN's No. 1 product is Red Sox baseball, and I felt like it was done very well over that period. Unfortunately, they didn't agree. And so that was a big surprise. ...

First of all, the last home game, which I mentioned with the fans, and the great video tribute that the Red Sox did do, followed by the fans' reaction and then chanting my name in Fenway is something I'll never forget. I missed two batters afterwards. Jerry [Remy] picked it up, because I couldn't speak, I was so emotional. And then in Cleveland, to have the entire team come out and salute me at the end was something I never expected.

7 comments:

Docvino said...

Every one LOVES Don and Jerry!We will just have to watch Padres games to catch up with this world class announcer.I wish him the best and really feel like it's "NO Worries" for Don!He is the best,and I wish all the best for him.I'm on the west coast now so you can rest assured I will be watching the Padres ,just to listen to Don.I'm thinking the RemDog is not long for the Red Sox crew either.Don,May All Your Pains Be Champagnes!

allan said...

Every one LOVES Don and Jerry!

Not everyone. I can't stand them and have not watched a game with NESN audio in 2+ seasons.

Unknown said...

Well Allan, maybe when you wake up from whatever nightmare you're in, you'll realize what you have been missing. Until then, keep your lips together.

allan said...

Here's an exercise you can try: Express your opinion without being a dickhead.

And if you don't want to read my opinions, then stop visiting the blog. It's quite easy - and you won't be missed.

laura k said...

Why do some people, after expressing a difference of opinion, need to tell the other person to shut up?

It's especially stupid in this context where all the guy has to do is click on something else. Presumably something that confirms the soundness of his own opinion.

allan said...

"History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awake."

FenFan said...

Well Allan, maybe when you wake up from whatever nightmare you're in, you'll realize what you have been missing. Until then, keep your lips together.

Wow, seriously, John? Who pissed in your cornflakes? Did you even bother to click on the link Allan provided?

I enjoyed Don in small portions and he and Jerry had good chemistry, but like Allan I found it difficult to take more than a few innings of their shtick. That said, I would willing to bet good money that many of the problems Allan outlined will continue with O'Brien at the mike.

Don't let the door hit your ass on your way out, John.