The 2023 MLB season brought about some changes in the broadcast booth for the Baltimore Orioles. Longtime play-by-play announcer Gary Thorne, who had been with the Orioles since 2007, was not retained by the team for the 2023 season. His departure left many Orioles fans wondering what happened and why Thorne was not returning.
Gary Thorne’s Orioles Career
Gary Thorne first joined the Orioles’ broadcast team in 2007 after having previously called games for the New York Mets and ESPN. Over his 15 years in Baltimore, Thorne became a beloved figure among Orioles fans for his passionate and entertaining calls of the action on the field. He formed a popular broadcasting duo with color commentator Jim Palmer and became known for his signature home run call of “Goodbye! Home run!”
Some of Thorne’s most memorable calls included Miguel Tejada’s walk-off home run in the 2007 ALDS, Cal Ripken Jr’s farewell game in 2001, and the Orioles’ division-clinching victory in 2014. His broadcasting career in Baltimore coincided with some of the franchise’s highest and lowest moments, and Thorne was there through it all bringing energy and wit to each game.
Departure from the Orioles
In early November 2022, news broke that the Orioles would not be bringing Gary Thorne back for the 2023 season. The Orioles offered no explicit reason for the change, saying only that they were undergoing a “broadcast reset” as they entered a new chapter as a franchise. Thorne confirmed his departure in a classy tweet thanking Orioles fans for their support over the years.
The decision not to retain Thorne after 15 years came as a shock and disappointment to many Orioles fans who had grown accustomed to hearing his voice call games. Thorne had become an integral part of the Orioles game experience and formed part of the fabric of Baltimore baseball. His removal signaled the end of an era for the franchise.
Replacement in the broadcast booth
To fill the vacant play-by-play role, the Orioles announced the hiring of Kevin Brown, who had previously called games for the Toronto Blue Jays on the radio. He filled the position alongside continuing color commentator Jim Palmer.
Brown brought plenty of broadcasting experience to the Orioles, having called MLB games since 2002. However, he had big shoes to fill replacing the popular and established Thorne. Early reviews of the new broadcast duo were mixed, with some fans still lamenting the loss of Thorne’s energetic style.
Why did the Orioles part ways with Thorne?
While the Orioles did not give explicit reasons for letting Thorne go, several factors may have contributed to the decision:
– New team leadership: The Orioles brought in a new General Manager, Mike Elias, and manager, Brandon Hyde, in recent seasons. With new leadership often comes changes in many facets of the organization.
– Desire for a fresh perspective: After 15 years, the Orioles may have wanted to inject some new energy and style into their broadcasts. Bringing in Brown allowed for a different voice and approach.
– Cost savings: Thorne was likely one of the higher paid broadcasters in baseball after his long tenure. The Orioles may have made the change for financial reasons and to go with a less expensive option.
– Ratings decline: Orioles television ratings have fallen in recent losing seasons. The team may have wanted to change up their broadcasts to combat the declining audience.
So while not explicitly stated, it seems the Orioles were ready to turn the page and go in a new direction with their game broadcasts, leading to the difficult decision to part ways with Gary Thorne.
Gary Thorne’s Legacy
Though his tenure as Orioles broadcaster has come to an end, Gary Thorne leaves behind an incredible legacy from his 15 years in Baltimore:
Lasting popularity
Even after his departure, Thorne remains extremely popular among Orioles fans. His memorable calls and catchphrases are etched in the memories of a generation of O’s fans. He connected with the fanbase in a way few broadcasters do.
Calls of Orioles history
Some of the franchise’s most iconic moments will forever be linked to Thorne’s dramatic calls. His voice was the soundtrack for Orange and Black baseball for over a decade.
Distinctive broadcasting style
Thorne had an energetic, distinctive broadcasting style all his own. His calls were infused with wit, humor and catchy phrases that stuck with viewers. He forged a personal connection through the airwaves.
Part of community fabric
Beyond just the games, Thorne became ingrained in the Baltimore community through his charity work and public appearances. He became a trusted voice and Baltimore institution.
Mentorship and partnership
He helped mentor younger broadcasters and formed an ideal pairing with Jim Palmer that set the standard for Orioles broadcasts.
What’s Next for Gary Thorne?
Though Gary Thorne is no longer the voice of the Orioles, his distinguished broadcasting career is far from over. Several possibilities exist for the next phase for Thorne:
Join a new MLB team
Thorne’s talent and experience could entice another MLB club in need of a play-by-play announcer to hire him for their own broadcasts. He would bring instant credibility and talent.
College sports broadcaster
Thorne got his broadcasting start calling college hockey and football games in the 1980s. A return to the college ranks with a top program is a viable option.
National broadcasting role
Thorne could lend his voice and insights to a national MLB broadcast role with networks like Fox, ESPN or MLB Network. A semiretirement gig calling select games across the league remains possible.
Radio/podcasting
From radio shows to podcasting, Thorne has versatility to succeed in audio only mediums. He could launch a new chapter in a different broadcast platform.
Announce retirement
At age 73, Thorne could also elect to fully retire from the game and leave the booth for good. After over three decades calling games, he’s earned the right to hang it up.
Knowing Thorne’s lifelong devotion to baseball and broadcasting, the most likely scenarios see him continuing his career in some capacity. But even if he should retire fully, his legacy as the voice of the Orioles for 15 years will live on in team lore.
Conclusion
Gary Thorne’s unexpected departure from the Orioles broadcast booth after over a decade as the team’s play-by-play announcer came as sad news for many fans. While economic factors and a desire for change likely precipitated the decision, it marked the end of an era in many ways.
Though no longer calling games at Camden Yards, Thorne leaves an indelible legacy on the franchise from his golden voice, signature calls, and connection to the fanbase. The Orioles are moving in a new direction, but the memories of Gary Thorne’s time in Baltimore will persist for generations of O’s fans.
As for what’s next, the beloved broadcaster still has much to offer the game in some capacity if he so chooses. Though the “Goodbye!” home run calls are no more, Gary Thorne will forever hold a special place in Orioles history for bringing the action to life all those summers.
Year | Role | Broadcast Partner |
---|---|---|
2007-2022 | Baltimore Orioles Play-by Play Announcer | Jim Palmer |
2002-2006 | New York Mets Backup Play-by-Play Announcer | Ralph Kiner |
1992-2002 | Lead Play-by-Play Broadcaster for ESPN’s Major League Baseball Coverage | Multiple |
1985-1989 | Backup Play-by-Play Broadcaster for ESPN’s Major League Baseball Coverage | Multiple |