The Baltimore Orioles’ ownership group has long been viewed as cheap and petty, and their latest reported actions will only hurt their public perception.
Kevin Brown (unrelated to the former pitcher) began calling Orioles games on the radio in 2019 and took over full-time TV announcing duties for the team last year. Brown has not called an Orioles game in any capacity since at least July 30.
According to multiple reports, Brown is on an indefinite suspension due to a statistical fact he mentioned during a pregame show last month.
Brown gave an introduction during the MASN pregame show ahead of the series finale between the Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Sunday, July 23. The produced segment pointed out how poorly the Orioles had performed at Tropicana Field in recent years, and how they finally had a chance to win a series there.
If you watch the clip, you will be left wondering what Brown did wrong.
Take a look:
Here's the clip of Kevin Brown's pregame comments on the Orioles' recent record against the Rays ahead of a series finale on July 23. Sources tell AA these comments led to Brown's current indefinite suspension from Orioles' broadcasts. pic.twitter.com/csURU04fJU
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 7, 2023
That’s as innocuous as it gets. They were just running a graphic pointing out the team’s recent lack of success at The Trop and how the team had a chance to win a series there later that day.
Nevertheless, Brown was apparently punished for talking about the Orioles’ recent poor play at the Rays. Brown only broadcast on the radio in the ensuing series due to another Orioles announcer reportedly violating the uniform policy.
Brown has been off the air entirely since at least July 30, according to Awful Announcing. The Athletic even confirmed Brown’s suspension and said it was due to an ownership decision.
Baltimore Blitz podcast host Matt Jergensen says Brown is on an indefinite suspension.
Currently suspended indefinitely.
— Matt Jergensen (@MattJergs) August 7, 2023
If that’s all it takes for an announcer to be suspended in Baltimore, maybe Orioles ownership should just have the games be telecast in silence.
