How could the SF Giants let the voice of the ballpark go over money?

SF Gate ^ | 3/18/2024 | By Dave Tobener

[NohSpinZone]

Sometimes, it feels like the San Francisco Giants just can’t help themselves.

Another unforced error after an offseason spent repairing the damage from Greg Johnson’s “somewhat break even” debacle, this time in the form of letting longtime public address announcer Renel Brooks-Moon go after what appears to be a contract dispute.

In a press release hilariously titled “Ahead of the 2024 Season, Giants Name Renel Brooks-Moon Public Address Announcer Emeritus” — I’m still dizzy from all of that spin — the Giants casually mentioned that after exchanging contract numbers with Renel, a new deal could not be reached and she would receive the completely made-up “emeritus” title and have the PA booth at the ballpark named after her.

The voice of the ballpark since it opened 24 years ago, the one who’d been there for countless ceremonies, on-field moments, and three World Series championships, was gone, seemingly out of the blue.

Fan response was swift, with an overwhelming majority of Giants fans reacting with shock and anger directed squarely at the organization. How could they let the voice of the ballpark go over money?

[NohSpinZone]

How could they let the voice of the ballpark go over money?

How? Easy, because this is supposed to be a going concern, not a public utility. Baseball players leave or get released for money reasons all the time. Why should this employee who works under a contract be any different? Besides, when I think of the "voice of Giants" people like Russ Hodges, Lon Simmons, Hank Greenwald, or even Jon Miller come to mind, not this woman.

[DesertRhino]

AI should be able to replace her just fine. Or dozens of of local radio based sports announcers.

[Fido969]

SF Gate is all outraged because SOMEONE ELSE isn’t coming up with dough.

[GSWarrior]

The announcers you mentioned did play by play on the radio. This woman announces who is coming to bat, etc. Not that it makes any difference.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Oh, the PA announcer - I read the headline and for a brief, terrible second I though the Giants let Jon Miller go.

[NohSpinZone]

Right. I’d actually rather have Kruk or Kuip announce the next batter, anyway.

[Fiji Hill]

The Giants are a business, yes, and have every right to conduct themselves as one, but for the past few decades there has also been a sense of family and community there to balance the business side with. Guys found their way back to the organization, players were invested in the team and the city, and there was a real camaraderie with the fan base.

Sounds like a description of the Los Angeles Rams in the late sixties, when George Allen was the coach. When the owner tried to fire him, the players and fans revolted, and the owner backed off.

[Mariner]

Women have no business announcing baseball games.

[GSWarrior]

I don’t have a problem with women calling games, as long as they are knowledgeable about the sport and whose voices don’t grate. But not everyone can be Doris Burke.

[moovova]

Wait'll the Giants start giving illegal "NEWCOMERS" free seats out of inclusion and diversity.

"Sorry fans...that season pass you're used to buying? In the upcoming season, we're giving your seats away to Jośe, Mamacita and their seven kids. We'll be making the official announcement on All You Can Eat Free Taco & Cerveza Night".

[HIDEK6]

The Reds used to have an announcer, can’t remember his name. Who used to repeat the last name of each player in the lineup. He would intone. “At second base, Pete ROSE … ROSE.”

The fans reacted. When he said, “Pete ROSE,” the fans would all reply. “Who?”

The announcer would continue, “ROSE!”

[HIDEK6]

Correcting auto-correct: …can’t remember his name, who…

[HIDEK6]

Correcting auto-correct again: … intone, Pete …

[USAF1985]

“Women have no business announcing baseball games.”

Amen to that, but it should be ALL men’s sports. I have turned off games because I cannot handle the squeaky voices trying keep up with the action. I always check first who’s going to be in the booth before I turn on a game.

[T.B. Yoits]

San Francisco?

Are they looking for someone with a fabulous lisp?

...a "woman" with a prominent Adam's Apple and a resonant baritone voice?

[Shady]

No one will rival Bob Sheppard.

[Kharis13]

I don’t have a problem with women calling games, as long as they are knowledgeable about the sport and whose voices don’t grate.

My biggest complaint is they all sound, uh, rather mannish (sorta like a husky lesbian). I'd rather hear a woman who is knowledgeable but still sounds like a woman.

[Hot Tabasco]

I remember when Tom Monaghan, owner of the Tigers, screwed up royally when he fired Ernie Harwell back in 1990....He was the voice of the Tigers for 42 F'n years.....

Harwell was one of the greats. Just listening to him gave you the feeling that you were actually there.

My favorite quote:

"He stood there like the house by the side of the road, and watched it go by."

[Jolla]

Hank Greenwald was great.

[irishjuggler]

“No one will rival Bob Sheppard.”

Sheppard was a truly great announcer, but did you ever hear Roy Steele in Oakland 1968-2005? Helluva great announcing voice that man had.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LB13dBovoA&t=11s