Jack Edwards, the TV play-by-play voice of the Boston Bruins, will retire after this season, ending a 19-year tenure with the team. Known for his colorful phrases, Edwards expressed gratitude for his broadcasting career and announced that he will call Bruins games throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs before retiring. The Bruins and NESN will search for his replacement for the 2024-25 season. Additionally, longtime hockey announcer Jeff Rimer of the Columbus Blue Jackets will also retire after 20 years with the team, concluding a 47-year career in NHL broadcasting.
Longtime Boston Bruins play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards has announced his retirement after 19 seasons with NESN, citing struggles with speech that have affected his ability to meet his own high standards. Edwards, known for his passionate and colorful commentary, has been a fixture in the NHL broadcasting world. Alex Faust is a potential candidate to replace him alongside analyst Andy Brickley.
After 30 years as the Pittsburgh Steelers' play-by-play announcer, Bill Hillgrove, 83, is retiring, but will continue calling University of Pittsburgh basketball and football games. He was handpicked for the Steelers job by late owner Dan Rooney and called four Super Bowls during his tenure. Hillgrove, who also covered Pitt sports for over 50 years, received several broadcasting awards and is known for his storytelling. He leaves behind a legacy of memorable calls, including the interception by Troy Polamalu in the 2008 AFC Championship Game.
Longtime Alabama football play-by-play announcer Eli Gold's contract will not be renewed, prompting a wave of fan reactions. Gold, 70, expressed disappointment at the decision, emphasizing his desire to continue for one more full season before retiring. Fans took to social media to express their sadness and disappointment, with many praising Gold's contributions and expressing concern over the university's decision. Some fans also expressed support for Chris Stewart, who filled in for Gold during the 2022 season.
Chris Stewart, the longtime voice of Alabama basketball, has been named the lead play-by-play announcer for Crimson Tide football, following in the footsteps of the legendary Eli Gold. Stewart expressed excitement and gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing his understanding of the responsibility and the standard set by his predecessors. His full-time appointment coincides with new head football coach Kalen DeBoer taking the reins from Nick Saban, marking a new era in Tide athletics.
After 35 years as the voice of Alabama football, play-by-play announcer Eli Gold will not return to the Crimson Tide Sports Network in fall of 2024. Chris Stewart, the current play-by-play voice for Alabama basketball, will take over the role. Gold, who announced a cancer diagnosis 13 months ago, is expected to call radio play-by-play for the AFL's Nashville Kats professional arena team and will not retire from broadcasting.
NBC Sports California has named Chris Caray as the play-by-play announcer for the Oakland Athletics, joining Jenny Cavnar as the primary TV play-by-play voice. Caray, a fourth-generation MLB announcer, brings experience from calling games for various baseball teams and is excited to join the A's coverage team alongside Dallas Braden. He follows in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, all of whom were prominent MLB broadcasters. Caray expressed his honor and excitement in fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a Major League broadcaster.
Jenny Cavnar has made history by becoming the first woman to serve as the primary play-by-play announcer for live-game coverage of the Oakland Athletics, marking a significant milestone in Major League Baseball. With 20 years of experience in sports media, including 17 years dedicated to covering baseball, Cavnar's new role follows her previous groundbreaking achievement as the first woman to do television play-by-play for an MLB game in 25 years. She will join color commentator Dallas Braden in the broadcast booth, and A's fans can anticipate her debut when baseball returns this spring.
Jenny Cavnar has made history by becoming the first female primary play-by-play announcer in Major League Baseball, joining the Oakland A’s broadcast team after the dismissal of longtime announcer Glen Kuiper, who used a racist slur on live TV last year. Cavnar, a five-time Emmy winner, has a rich background in sports broadcasting and is set to call a majority of A’s games alongside her new broadcast booth partner, Dallas Braden. Her hiring marks a significant step forward for diversity in sports broadcasting, following in the footsteps of other women breaking barriers in play-by-play roles in major professional sports leagues.
Jenny Cavnar has been named the primary play-by-play announcer for the Oakland Athletics by NBC Sports California, making her the first female primary play-by-play voice in Major League Baseball history. With 17 years of baseball coverage experience, Cavnar has previously covered the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres, and is a regular contributor to MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. She is excited to join the A's broadcast team and share her experiences with the loyal fans of the Athletics.
Jason Benetti, beloved broadcaster for the Chicago White Sox, is leaving the team after eight seasons to become the play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Tigers. Benetti signed a multiyear contract with the Tigers and will appear on their broadcasts on Bally Sports Detroit, calling at least 127 games each season. He will also continue his national broadcast duties with Fox, with longtime radio play-by-play voice Dan Dickerson filling in for Tigers games that conflict with Benetti's national commitments. Benetti's departure from the White Sox comes after a strained relationship with the organization and a desire for more clarity and respect in his role. The Tigers see Benetti's hiring as a significant move to revitalize their TV booth and bring legitimacy to their broadcasts.
Rick Jeanneret, the legendary play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres, has passed away at the age of 81. Jeanneret called Sabres games for over 50 years and was known for his iconic calls and passion for the team. He was a member of multiple sports halls of fame and had a lasting impact on the franchise. Jeanneret's final game was in April 2022, and he was honored with a banner raised in his honor. He is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
