Title: Orioles Remove Broadcaster for Controversial Comment on Team’s Performance
Subtitle: Kevin Brown’s absence overshadowed the Orioles’ triumphant season
Date: [Current Date]
[Vibrant Image of Orioles’ logo or a game]
In the world of Major League Baseball, the storylines often revolve around the players’ accomplishments on the field. However, sometimes the actions of those behind the mic can steal the headlines. This was the case for the Baltimore Orioles, who reached a significant milestone of 70 wins on Sunday. Despite being heralded as a young and exciting team, the news on Monday was dominated by the surprising absence of broadcaster Kevin Brown from the MASN booth.
As reported by Awful Announcing, Brown’s two-week absence was a consequence of remarks he made on July 23 regarding the Orioles’ success at Tropicana Field in 2023 compared to the previous two years. The team’s game notes notably highlighted their improved performance, winning three of the first five games in The Trop this season, as opposed to only three victories in 21 games played in St. Petersburg from 2020 to 2022.
Accompanying this fact was a graphic titled “Trop-ical Disaster,” created by MASN, the team-owned network. It is important to note that Brown, responsible for delivering the game notes, was neither involved in crafting the graphics nor writing the factual information. Yet, he found himself at the center of controversy for a seemingly harmless statement.
Sources familiar with the matter claim that John Angelos, a figure possessing unmatched authority within the organization, took offense to Brown’s comment. Angelos’ power and influence are so immense that no one dares to question his decisions, regardless of how misguided they may seem. Although the Orioles’ struggles in recent years have been widely known, and Angelos himself expressed a desire to emulate the Tampa Bay Rays’ success on a limited budget, he deemed Brown’s comment unacceptable. It appeared that Angelos was concerned about the optics, as the owner of a team with the 29th-best payroll, looking frugal.
Rather than publicly addressing the situation as a suspension, it was carefully worded by top team officials so as to avoid drawing further negative attention. They consistently maintained that Brown would be back with the Orioles in the near future, without divulging any specific details.
The Orioles declined to comment on the matter when approached by The Athletic, while a spokesperson for John Angelos denied the existence of any suspension but refused to provide further comments on record. Nevertheless, the action taken against Brown speaks louder than any explanation or denial.
This incident is not an isolated event within the Orioles organization. Previous cases include the departure of loyal broadcasters like Gary Thorne and Jim Hunter, as well as the abrupt dismissal of public address announcer Ryan Wagner just hours before the team’s 2021 home opener. Angelos’s previous public chastisement of sportswriter Dan Connolly further highlights what some perceive as his inclination toward pettiness.
Amidst all the controversy, it’s important to acknowledge Kevin Brown’s significance to Orioles broadcasts. He has become a popular figure on the airwaves, appreciated for his intelligence, expertise, and undeniable passion for his job. Having weathered the team’s challenging years, he should be able to convey the excitement of this season’s success from an informed perspective.
It begs the question of why losing to the Tampa Bay Rays in previous years, an organization the Orioles aim to emulate, is considered embarrassing. The organization has a history of implementing rules against mentioning certain former players on-air, and even pushing out Jon Miller decades ago for not being enough of a “homer.” While John Angelos has achieved notable successes, such as the hiring of general manager Mike Elias and granting autonomy to the baseball operations, this incident raises concerns about job security and the potential consequences of innocent remarks.
Sources familiar with the matter suggest that Kevin Brown is expected to make a return to the broadcast booth on August 11. His reappearance will undoubtedly be welcomed by fans and viewers. However, one cannot help but contemplate the repercussions of this incident for the entire organization, as individuals now face the possibility of being removed from their positions without warning, while Brown’s return may come with the anxiety of having every word scrutinized and twisted out of context.
Amidst their impressive on-field achievements, the Orioles’ recent headlines serve as a reminder of the challenges they continue to face off the field. As the team progresses, it is crucial to foster an environment that encourages open dialogue and respects the contributions of all individuals associated with the organization.
[Photo Credit: Karl Merton Ferron / The Baltimore Sun / Tribune News Service via Getty Images]