Changes In The Booth

[shortround81]

Booth Changes

[tony&rodney]

Saw that earlier today. I guess it wasn't totally unexpected. 

Congratulations to Dick Bremer on a 40 year run in the booth. When he started, not every game was televised and radio was still more or less the voice of a team. Suffice to say that Bremer is identified closely with Twins baseball. He had a wonderful career.

[Riverbrian]

Dick has been a part of my Twins family for 40 years. I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors with the Twins organization. 

Next year will certainly sound different and in time that will be OK as his replacement becomes a new member of my Twins family. 

In search of his replacement, I encourage the Twins to strongly consider two things. 

1. Make sure that females are strong considerations for the job (Marney Gellner for example). I'm not saying that the replacement has to be female but certainly make sure that the door is open wide for strong consideration.  

2. Don't try to recreate the traditional structure that has been in place for decades. Choose personality over experience, over voice or over that traditional smoothness that has been the norm.

You are about to venture off into new territory. You have the potential to reach more consumers on more devices across the entire country. You are no longer limited by the Twins territory regional broadcast footprint.

Baseball does pretty good with the older demographics in the region, to increase audience size, it needs to get younger and it needs more from female demographics.

Changing from the traditional format will help grow your current and future audiences. You can start right here... with this spot.    

 

[JD-TWINS]

Glad for Dick, sorry for the listeners. I was in my 20’s & not watching too many Twins broadcasts in the 80’s when he started - moved to Cincinnati in early ‘91 & missed essentially his whole tenure - got the MLB package in ‘22. Watched maybe 200 games over the last 2 seasons with Bremer at the helm in nearly every one. He spoke for the fans, with curiosity, to his former player color mates - expressed frustration with whomever he thought deserved it - he defended the organization as a long-time employee should - he admired the talent & effort of current players as well as those of the past. GREAT Twins supporter!

I will miss his voice & approach to the broadcast ……..hope he enjoy’s his retirement!

[CRF]

I wish him nothing but the best of luck in whatever his new role turns out to be. I guess it's not really that much of a surprise to most of us, but it's still going to be a big change. He's the only pbp guy I've ever known on the tv side. I moved to Mn right when he started. I wouldn't mind seeing Cory Provus take over for Bremer, but I'm sure a lot depends on what the tv package ends up being. All things have to end at some point. Good luck Mr Bremer!

[Vanimal46]

Congrats on a hell of a run, Dick! His voice has been a comforting, constant sound in my house for my entire Twins fandom. 

[Dave Borton]

8 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Next year will certainly sound different and in time that will be OK as his replacement becomes a new member of my Twins family. 

In search of his replacement, I encourage the Twins to strongly consider two things. 

1. Make sure that females are strong considerations for the job (Marney Gellner for example). I'm not saying that the replacement has to be female but certainly make sure that the door is open wide for strong consideration.  

2. Don't try to recreate the traditional structure that has been in place for decades.

Well thought out and written.

In additional to Marney, Jessica Mendoza, and Jesse Garcia (Milwaukee, news director at smallest TV network; former sportscaster).

Don't put 3 in a booth. Never works for me. Consider Chris Archer in some capacity. Ploufe is good for stories but processes too much info audibly rather than forming thoughts and then speaking.

[Dave Borton]

1 minute ago, CRF said:

Cory Provus take over for Bremer

As a strictly radio listener, this is what I am afraid of. Gladden in shotgun with Atteberry with the reigns.

Oh, goodness...

[Byrdman]

I must be a minority here but I love Gladden on the radio.  The wife and I enjoy his commentary on the way up to the lake during the summer.  I assume Corey goes to TV now. We miss Marney and would be pretty awesome to have her as the play by play on TV. 

[Rod Carews Birthday]

39 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Dick has been a part of my Twins family for 40 years. I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors with the Twins organization. 

Next year will certainly sound different and in time that will be OK as his replacement becomes a new member of my Twins family. 

In search of his replacement, I encourage the Twins to strongly consider two things. 

1. Make sure that females are strong considerations for the job (Marney Gellner for example). I'm not saying that the replacement has to be female but certainly make sure that the door is open wide for strong consideration.  

2. Don't try to recreate the traditional structure that has been in place for decades. Choose personality over experience, over voice or over that traditional smoothness that has been the norm.

You are about to venture off into new territory. You have the potential to reach more consumers on more devices across the entire country. You are no longer limited by the Twins territory regional broadcast footprint.

Baseball does pretty good with the older demographics in the region, to increase audience size, it needs to get younger and it needs more from female demographics.

Changing from the traditional format will help grow your current and future audiences. You can start right here... with this spot.    

 

Completely agree.  Also, don't limit yourself to traditional sources for talent.   Suzyn Waldman from the Yankees is excellent and she was just a baseball fan that they pulled off a theater stage.  (Plus have you heard her sing the National Anthem?!)

[CRF]

19 minutes ago, davidborton said:

As a strictly radio listener, this is what I am afraid of. Gladden in shotgun with Atteberry with the reigns.

Oh, goodness...

You're right about that. I listen to the radio at times. Gladden is bad enough, but I can tolerate him for the most part. Atteberry as the full time main guy would drive me insane. 

[FlyingFinn]

20 minutes ago, Byrdman said:

I must be a minority here but I love Gladden on the radio. 

Yes, in the 4th-6th innings when Gladden leads, I'm always wondering what actually happened. I sometimes check the computer to find out but that doesn't tell you everything either. Often Provus fills in what Dan missed.

[Brock Beauchamp]

15 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

Yes, in the 4th-6th innings when Gladden leads, I'm always wondering what actually happened.

Answer: baseball activities

[howeda7]

Provous to TV should be a no-brainer. I have nothing against Marney Gelner but I don't think you go straight to head play-by-play for an MLB team having done no baseball play-by-play previously. I know she's done some Lynx games but I think having done the same sport matters. Further,  I can't imagine her wanting that travel schedule anyway.

[Nine of twelve]

Congrats to Dick on his retirement and on the career that preceded it! He was very good at his job. He was skilled at walking the fine line between being a fan announcing the game and being an insufferable homer. Occasionally a critic, never an apologist, always a fan, which I have come to realize is what I want in an announcer for my favorite team. It will be interesting to see who replaces him, if anybody 😬. With broadcast rights currently held by nobody it's anyone's guess what TV coverage will look like come March. Cory is great, and from a selfish standpoint I'd rather have him on TV because I listen to radio coverage only rarely. I like Atteberry but I certainly understand how others may not. Gladden is good at telling stories and providing a player's insight on the game but he simply doesn't have the talent for doing play-by-play. He's like the player who is a skilled fielder but can't hit a curve ball to save his life.

[Riverbrian]

2 hours ago, davidborton said:

Well thought out and written.

In additional to Marney, Jessica Mendoza, and Jesse Garcia (Milwaukee, news director at smallest TV network; former sportscaster).

Don't put 3 in a booth. Never works for me. Consider Chris Archer in some capacity. Ploufe is good for stories but processes too much info audibly rather than forming thoughts and then speaking.

I'll take it a step further and we might head off in different directions with this further step. 

The color analyst doesn't have to be an ex ball-player. The ex ball player doing color is the traditional format. The same ole' same ole'.  

Baseball needs to attract younger audiences and that is going to require change from the traditional broadcast. 

Yes baseball knowledge is a must but think entertainment first. I would not be afraid of 3 in the booth. I'd be looking for the equivalent of the KFAN Powertrip morning show in the broadcast booth. 

I realize that I probably lost you and I also lost a lot of people with that suggestion but baseball demographics need to be younger and more diverse. The traditional way of broadcasting games... the traditional way of playing games have produced demos that are older than any of the major sports by a large margin... Too large a margin... large enough to seriously having to consider the risk of the sport aging out of mainstream relevance.  

Advertisers want younger demographics than what baseball currently provides. It's time for a change and it's going to take tolerance from us older folks to achieve it.       

[Nine of twelve]

1 hour ago, Riverbrian said:

Advertisers want younger demographics than what baseball currently provides. It's time for a change and it's going to take tolerance from us older folks to achieve it.       

Certainly viewership numbers need to be good, and as you say advertisers pay attention to viewer demographics. But that doesn't mean a change in approach has to be unpleasant for "us older folks". (And I am in that demographic.) As long as the announcers make the game the focus of the broadcast and provide useful and interesting information I feel confident in my ability to adapt to any changes. I just hope that as coverage evolves gratuitous gimmickry is kept to a minimum.

[RpR]

Change for the sake of change is a fools folly.

[Parfigliano]

4 hours ago, davidborton said:

Well thought out and written.

In additional to Marney, Jessica Mendoza, and Jesse Garcia (Milwaukee, news director at smallest TV network; former sportscaster).

Don't put 3 in a booth. Never works for me. Consider Chris Archer in some capacity. Ploufe is good for stories but processes too much info audibly rather than forming thoughts and then speaking.

I think 3 works great for Met broadcasts

[Brad.dahlen]

Congrats to Dick on a great career! He has been the voice of the Twins my entire life! Will be curious to see what direction they go, and whether or not they continue to work with Morneau and/or Plouffe. 

 

Hot take - Dick Bremer could be a top 5 most recognizable member of the Twins in the time since he started. Puckett, Hrbek, Mauer above him for sure but he is up there.

 

Dick is famously from Dumont, MN and when I played on the Amateur Baseball team in Dumont we made many attempts to get him to show up to a game, we never had any luck. 

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, Nine of twelve said:

Gladden is good at telling stories and providing a player's insight on the game but he simply doesn't have the talent for doing play-by-play. He's like the player who is a skilled fielder but can't hit a curve ball to save his life.

For the love of god, quit having Gladden do commercials. Any voice actor would be better than Gladden's flat, uninterested delivery.

[DJL44]

2 hours ago, Riverbrian said:

I'd be looking for the equivalent of the KFAN Powertrip morning show in the broadcast booth. 

If that happens, I'd be looking for the exit. I'd prefer Provus and Gladden and I don't even like Gladden. Yuck.

[Riverbrian]

24 minutes ago, Nine of twelve said:

Certainly viewership numbers need to be good, and as you say advertisers pay attention to viewer demographics. But that doesn't mean a change in approach has to be unpleasant for "us older folks". (And I am in that demographic.) As long as the announcers make the game the focus of the broadcast and provide useful and interesting information I feel confident in my ability to adapt to any changes. I just hope that as coverage evolves gratuitous gimmickry is kept to a minimum.

No worries... It is highly doubtful that they take my suggestions. 

In the end... what I'm suggesting. It's a baseball broadcast so baseball will always be front and center. Someone has to be there to announce that drive laced into the gap.

What can be added to the play by play call of that drive into the gap. 

Well... we currently have an ex ball player talking about how the center fielder was shaded to left or how the runner hit the corner of the 2nd base bag.

Or... you can remove the boundaries that currently constrict what a color analyst does to make the game reachable to those it is not currently reaching.  

[Riverbrian]

3 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

If that happens, I'd be looking for the exit. I'd prefer Provus and Gladden and I don't even like Gladden. Yuck.

Sorry

I'll be there wondering where you went and how easy you went away. 😎

[Road trip]

24 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

 

Well... we currently have an ex ball player talking about how the center fielder was shaded to left or how the runner hit the corner of the 2nd base bag.

Or... you can remove the boundaries that currently constrict what a color analyst does to make the game reachable to those it is not currently reaching.  

I understand and respect what you are saying about the need to grow the fan base, but think I disagree.

I guess, sure, the Twins could follow the ESPN entertainment route and hire a big personality similar to Pat McAfee or Steven A Smith.  Hawk Harrelson would be another example.  Big personalities that create controversy.  More noise than substance.  (And yes, I know that Hawk played MLB, but he's become a caricature).

Maybe it works to increase ratings, but I prefer the insight that ex-players provide. It need not be a big name...could even be someone who never reached the majors, but I want the announcers to know more about the intricacies of the game than I do.  If I wanted controversy, I'd be watching Real Housewives (or McAfee and Smith on ESPN... a station I rarely watch anymore except for live games).

Baseball remains a slow game, and you have to learn it well to enjoy watching it.  It helps if you've played baseball (or softball), and you understand the nuances.  Getting kids to play the sport is the key for future fan interest.  An outside-the-box announcing crew probably won't do much to help attract new fans, and may well annoy your core audience.

[USAFChief]

Best of luck, and congrats on a long and very well done career, Mr Bremer. You are forever a part of this franchise.

 

Side note, but with the contract ending, and Dick not getting any younger, this wasn't hard to see coming. Many of us predicted it during the season.

I vote Provus. Radio loss, but TV gain.

And I would be OK if Atterbury got the radio gig.

 

And dear God please do NOT try to emulate the morning Power Trip. Yeesh.

 

[nicksaviking]

6 minutes ago, USAFChief said:

And dear God please do NOT try to emulate the morning Power Trip. Yeesh.

 

That goes for any and all 'morning radio' shows for me. 

I don't need crank calls to Steve Lombardozzi and call-in give-a-ways sponsored by Kars for Kids.

[ashbury]

44 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Or... you can remove the boundaries that currently constrict what a color analyst does to make the game reachable to those it is not currently reaching.  

Maybe hire Usain Bolt, to explain why it's taking so long for both fielders to reach that drive to the gap.

Or get someone with a Master's of Fine Arts to describe the grace and beauty of the fielders.  Say, do you know that BOTH of Max Kepler's parents were ballet dancers?

[Riverbrian]

LOL

OK... it seems my suggestion didn't go over well and I expected that.  

Alright... I'll meet all of you half way. Take the concept and back it down a notch to somewhere in between Circle Me Bert and giving away Justin Bieber tickets.  

Crank Calls to Steve Lombardozzi on the other hand... That would work perfectly in between pitches. 

[Riverbrian]

3 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Maybe hire Usain Bolt, to explain why it's taking so long for both fielders to reach that drive to the gap.

Or get someone with a Master's of Fine Arts to describe the grace and beauty of the fielders.  Say, do you know that BOTH of Max Kepler's parents were ballet dancers?

Well... now you've got a booth of 1,000 analysts and we had a poster who didn't want any more than two in the booth.