Tom Werner: NESN Red Sox Play-By-Play Announcer Change ‘A Tough Call’

Boston Red Sox chairman Tom Werner said in a recent New York Times interview that changing the team’s NESN play-by-play announcer for the 2016 season was “a tough call,” but the opportunity to hire Dave O’Brien “was a unique one.”

Don Orsillo has been the Red Sox play-by-play voice on NESN for 15 seasons.

“We love Don,” Werner told the Times in a story published Friday night. “He’s an excellent broadcaster. Obviously, this was a tough call for us.”

Added NESN president Sean McGrail: “Don is a great broadcaster. But we decided to make a change.”

Orsillo was informed on Aug. 13 that he wouldn’t return to the NESN booth, contrary to a Boston Globe report that the intention was not to tell him of the decision until January. The Globe since has clarified that statement and also another that pro-Orsillo signs were taken from fans during a recent game at Fenway Park.

“I understand fans are upset about our decision,” Werner told the Times. “But I also believe the stories in The Globe distorted fan reaction.”

Werner and McGrail said they are trying to help Orsillo find another baseball play-by-play job. Werner and McGrail also believe fans will respond well to O’Brien, who has been the Red Sox play-by-play voice on WEEI Radio for nine years.

“We did this because we actually care about what’s in the best interests of the team and the fans,” Werner told the Times. “The opportunity to get Dave on board was a unique one.”

O’Brien’s previous play-by-play experience also includes time with the Atlanta Braves (1990-91), Florida Marlins (1993-2001) and New York Mets (2003-05). He has called games on TV for ESPN (2002-present) and ESPN Radio during the last few years, and broadcast NFL, NBA, college basketball and soccer.

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