January 14, 2011

FOX Sports Ohio Announces 2011 Reds Broadcast Team

Though the parade of announcers that marches through and between the Reds’ radio and television booths has enough people to throw candy to each individual child of parade-going age in the greater Cincinnati area, the quality of announcing is actually pretty darn good. And today it’s made even better by those eleven little words every girl wants to hear: Paul Keels will not be returning to the Reds broadcast booth.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – While FOX Sports Ohio prepares for what will surely be another thrilling season of Cincinnati Reds baseball, the network is excited to announce its 2011 Reds broadcast team.

Thom Brennaman will return for his fifth season to serve as the main play by play voice for the majority of FOX Sports Ohio Reds telecasts.

Chris Welsh, entering his 19th season with FOX Sports Ohio, will once again be the lead color analyst for the network’s Reds telecasts. Also returning to the booth throughout the season will be color analyst Jeff Brantley (fifth season.)

FOX Sports Ohio is excited to welcome former Red Sean Casey to the broadcast team. The former Reds first baseman (1998-2005) joined the MLB Network as color commentator upon his retirement in 2009. Fans can look forward to Casey calling approximately 15 Reds games this season.

Following his first full season as play by play announcer on Reds Radio, Jim Kelch will be taking on an expanded play by play role this season for FOX Sports Ohio. Before joining the Reds Radio team in 2010, Kelch had been the play by play voice for Class AAA Louisville baseball since 1989. During the 2008 and 2009 seasons, he filled in on FOX Sports Ohio Reds telecasts. While taking on this greater TV role, he will maintain his responsibilities on radio.

Paul Keels will not be returning to the Reds broadcast booth this season due to his commitment to Ohio State athletics. FOX Sports Ohio wishes Paul all the best as he tends to his responsibilities as the main play by play voice for Ohio State basketball and football.

George Grande continues to enjoy his retirement. However, when the need arises, he has volunteered to return to the broadcast booth, and fans can expect to hear him on a select number of games.

Jim Day and Jeff Piecoro will both continue in their roles as co-hosts of Reds Live pre- and postgame shows.

4 comments to “FOX Sports Ohio Announces 2011 Reds Broadcast Team”

  1. Zeldink says:

    This may be the best news of the Reds’ off-season. No Paul Keels on the TV? Words cannot express how happy that makes me. I’ll never have to dread another game. Plus, there’s the bonus of A few games by George Grande and Sean Casey. Should be a good year for the broadcast team.

  2. chuck says:

    chris bugs me he talks to much and seems to be a “mister know it all”

  3. chuck says:

    but im elated that sean will be around. hope the reds can find space for him in the organization. my wifes favorite player.

  4. Amanda says:

    In a broadcast booth that includes Thom Brennaman, Chris Welsh is the know it all?? At least Chris actually played.