Exploring Local Alternatives to Succeed Dick Bremer

[Seth Stohs]

How do you replace a legend?

Earlier this week, we learned that, after 40 years, Dick Bremer will no longer be the Twins TV play-by-play voice. But who will replace him? The short answer is, “Somebody.” Yes, somebody will get the job. Maybe it will be one of these people. 

Image courtesy of © Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The general belief is that Cory Provus is the odds-on favorite to replace Dick Bremer in the TV booth. But let’s not stop there. Let’s throw out some other candidates (from the sane to the insane) with ties to the Twins. 

The Frontrunner
Cory Provus
Provus joined the Twins as their radio play-by-play voice a dozen years ago as a fresh-faced announcer. He had already worked with legends in the field, such as Bob Uecker with the Brewers and Jim Hughes and Ron Santo with the Cubs. For most of that time, he’s called all spring training games and all games throughout the season. Over the past couple of years, he has missed Saturdays in the fall, calling college football games for the Big Ten Network. 

Most agree that Cory does a terrific job of communicating to all generations of Twins fans through his ability to discuss and appreciate the history of the Twins while at the same time understanding and communicating current trends in the game. 

It should be a seamless transition from Bremer to Provus. Provus has relationships with Justin Morneau, LaTroy Hawkins, and Glen Perkins. He’s fully ingrained in the Twins media and community. 

Frankly, I can’t help but assume that Cory Provus gets job offers reasonably frequently. Moving from the #1 guy on the radio to the lead on the TV broadcast would mean a higher profile in a more secure industry and a decent pay raise. 

Radio Chops
The next group could also be in consideration for the position, but if Provus lands the TV broadcast, these next candidates should be in line for Provus's radio role. 

Kris Atteberry
The best Twins radio broadcasts are when Provus and Atteberry share the booth. Frankly, it’s time for Atteberry to take over the #1 spot on the radio. I don’t think there is more to say than that. It should be clear. 

However, this wouldn’t be a fun article if we only mentioned the favorites. We need more names. So, these next guys should be interviewed and strongly considered for the #1 spot, but with a mind that if Atteberry is #1, they need a quality #2. 

Sean Aronson
The radio and TV voice of the Twins Triple-A affiliates does a fantastic job calling Saints baseball games. Having seen more of his work in recent years, it’s clear that he is remarkably prepared for both the season and individual games. He is a good communicator. He knows the game and the history of the game. And he has had a unique view of Twins players who have spent time with the Saints over the past three seasons. 

Josh Whetzel 
For those who have followed Twins minor-league baseball over the past decade or more, you know Josh Whetzel’s name. He is the play-by-play guy for the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings. He is also the voice of the University of Buffalo’s men’s basketball team. Since the Red Wings joined the Washington Nationals organization, Whetzel has joined the MLB broadcast for a weekend each year. He would be an incredible addition. 

Out of the Box
Erik Bremer 
A sentimental choice, Erik Bremer is the son of Dick Bremer, so how cool would it be to keep Twins TV’s voice in the Bremer name for another three or four decades? However, this is not solely a sentimental choice. 

Erik Bremer has put together a robust portfolio for himself. He has done radio play-by-play for minor league teams and other sports. He has called college basketball and high school football. He has broadcast games in the Cape Cod League as well as minor-league games in cities such as Biloxi (Mississippi), Colorado Springs, Woodbridge (Virginia), and Fredericksburg (Virginia). He spent a winter in Australia calling Brisbane Bandits games in the Australian Baseball League. He has spent the last couple of seasons calling games for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos and also does television for the Pensacola Ice Flyers. 

While he is not yet 30, young Bremer has paid some dues already in his career. He is certainly deserving of an interview and a genuine opportunity. 

Marney Gellner 
She has been a part of Twins Baseball TV broadcasts for a long time. She has done in-studio work. She has done sideline reporting. She has been in the booth a couple of times. In the last couple of seasons, her summer focus has been Minnesota Lynx basketball. She is the play-by-play voice for their TV broadcasts, and she does the sideline reporting and in-studio work for the Wolves. 

Out of Our Minds?
Nash Walker 
Walker is maybe not the #1 choice for this job if Vegas has such wagers available, but he’s #1 in the hearts and minds of Twins Daily. As you know, Nash is from Minnesota, and a year ago, he graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. He has been writing for Twins Daily for several years, and I think you would agree that he has put together some great content. He is a fantastic writer. He is terrific with video. 

In addition, he spent the summer of 2022 calling games for the Palm Springs Power. He was a broadcaster with the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Reno Aces, in 2023. Since the season ended, he has become a full-time Communications Coordinator and will call games for them again in 2024. I mean, unless the Twins go to him. 

Gleeman and the Geek 
It would fit the idea of taking the broadcast in a different direction. Aaron Gleeman and Twins Daily’s John Bonnes have one of the most popular baseball podcasts in the world. Most Fridays, you can listen to their free podcast. In addition, they have one or two Patreon podcasts each week during the season and less frequently in the offseason. 

Well, along with that, how about the two of them chat while watching the ballgame from the booth? Who knows where the conversation will go? Would the graphics team be ready for their statistical analysis? Will they be able to avoid swearing for three straight hours, 162 times per season? 

The Trevors
Trevor Plouffe has successfully made the transition from ballplayer to the media. His involvement at Jomboy Productions is fantastic. Plouffe also joined the Twins TV broadcasts at various times throughout the season in 2023. He was fantastic. Most who listened would likely agree. 

Following the end of the regular season, Trevor May went on his viral Twitch stream and announced that he was retiring from baseball. He will remain active in the game on his Twitch site, and I would think he would have more opportunities because he is good at it, and he’s always been fan-friendly. 

How interesting would it be to hear the analysis and conversations between Plouffe and May? How would they incorporate Morneau and Perkins into their broadcasts? I have do not doubt that they will figure it out. All four of them provide stellar informative content. 

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[Brandon27]

If they don't pick somone local I like to them go get michael kay from yankees I is play by play durning the twins and Bluejays series

[CRF]

Figure out what entity is going to actually broadcast the games first. Then decide on who is going to be the PBP person. I hope it's Provus, but we'll see. At least hire someone with baseball PBP experience. I like Marney, and she's great at what she does...however, I don't think it would be the right move to have her take over that job. One of the minor league PBP guys would be a better choice, if it's not Provus. 

[IndianaTwin]

Provus worked Hall of Famer PAT Hughes in Chicago, not former pitcher Jim. 

[carewser]

All seem like good options, but Cory P seems the best. Gleeman and Bonnes probably wouldn’t work out- Gleeman is a very astute baseball guy and a terrific writer, but I think listeners would soon tire of his  uncontrollable need to dominate every single conversation.

[The Mad King]

For reasons too lengthy to get in to, I had to watch a great deal of Twins games this year with the opposition broadcast. Let me tell you there are some BAD broadcast teams out there. I'm going to miss Mr Bremer.

[Otaknam]

If moving to TV is a promotion for Provus then best of luck to him and he’d be a great choice. Clearly keeping Provus should be a priority, as he is on the top of his profession. But radio play by play requires a specialized skill set many don’t have. It’s not the same as TV. A good radio play by play person has the ability to describe the game in real time so the listeners visualize the game while just listening. Many media people do not have that skill. Gladden is below average in that regard as a color guy, and at times is unlistenable doing his three innings. So preferably he isn’t a candidate for a bigger radio role. I’m pretty lukewarm on Atteberry as a full time radio guy, not a bad choice but not a home run hire. I think he tries too hard to provide background and insight. Hopefully they hire another person as professional as Provus and don’t make a decision based on low salary, parochial ties or political correctness.

[DJL44]

I think Tom Hanson from Anoka is available.

[Peter]

Have to go with provus on TV and atteberry on radio. 

[Karbo]

Whoever they chose will have a hard time filling the huge shoes of Dick. IMO he was one of the best at his craft. I for one will miss him!

[Whitey333]

Nice article Seth.  Although Cory Provus would be the best and most logical choice for the TV gig, I would sure miss him on the radio. .since thousands of us have been unable to watch the Twins on tv due to most streaming and cable companies not carrying bally sports the past two years;  we are following g the team almost exclusively on radio. Provus is great and i happen to like Gladden as well but he could be better.  I have to disagree with you on Atteberry.  He obviously is well informed, does his homework well as his research is impeccable.   He has a great voice but uses it way too much.  He is many times difficult to listen to and follow.  It seems his goal is to fill as mu h air space as possible with his banter.  Many times the listener is left to wonder what us going on the field while tells us personal stories and experiences.  He seems to forget sometimes that there is an actual game being played on the field.  I think he could be great if he would tone it down some and take a breath.  I think in that regard he would come across much better imo.

Any inside scoops as to what our new TV deal may look like and from whom?  Also what's your opinion on some written stories that Bremer didn't step aside on his own accord?  And that the club wanted to make a change without creating too many waves.

  

 

[qwerty2582]

I enjoy Cory Provus.  He would do a great job in the role.

However, I don't see a big difference between Bremer and Provus.  If the intent is truly to go in a different direction, I don't see Provus being that change.  But I also don't know what a new direction looks like to the Twins.  Is it just getting someone younger?  Is it someone more statistically minded?  I saw Bremer as being welcoming to the new trends in baseball, so I still fail to see the goal.

If Erik were the choice to take over for Dick, you would think they would've buttoned that up and announced it all together.

100% in for Marney on the call.

Without knowing the problem they're trying to solve, I'm not sure we can make any serious guesses - but it's fun to think about.

Also, Gleeman and the Geek should absolutely start doing live podcasts during games.  Ignore the fact that Gleeman is already busy writing about the game and the Geek is already 3 beers deep at first pitch...

[Johnny Ringo]

If given a vote, I would cast it for Cory out of the likely options. He is knowledgeable, polished and an easy listen. 

As for his color commentary partner, I hope that the powers-that-be are open-minded. The default, of course, is to get a recognizable ex-player.

Bert, Morneau, Perk, etc. 

Justin, for all the world, seems like a great guy. But he talks ENDLESSLY and never lets the game breathe. He always seems like he is on a first date; terrified of silence. 

If they put me in charge, I would go to Jessica Mendoza (or someone like her) and recruit hard.

Whip smart, funny, engaging. She is as refreshing as the first day of spring training. Suzyn Waldman of the Yankees opened this door. Twenty years in, she is still great. 

It's a new era for the Twins on many fronts. Let's break the mold.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

I’m 100% behind Marney! She’s an awesome announcer and a regional legend. Marney or Bust!

Better call mama!

[Galen]

I've not heard anyone else say it...but Kris Atteberry is unlistenable to me.  Just about anyone else will do.

[CRF]

1 hour ago, Galen said:

I've not heard anyone else say it...but Kris Atteberry is unlistenable to me.  Just about anyone else will do.

Agree. He must love the sound of his own voice, because he never stops talking. Just one cliche after another. Barely talks about what actually is happening in the game, like a PBP guy should. I wish some other organization would "steal" him from us. 

[chinmusic]

1 hour ago, Johnny Ringo said:

It's a new era for the Twins on many fronts. Let's break the mold.

Enjoyed your post, and agree with most of it. I,too would cast a vote for Provus.  Also quite fond of Suzyn Waldman (3 cheers for septuagenarians)! How about Tom Hamilton? His call of the Jose Ramirez/Tim Anderson dustup was priceless...

One thing you said puzzled me. If Morneau is a bit verbose at times, I find Jessica Mendoza an absolute motormouth; almost unlistenable. Oh well, chacun a son gout.

BTW.. You were great in the new Beatles "Now and Then " video. Good job😊

 

[Dan In Real Life]

Gellner would be fantastic. My absolute #1 choice. Provus would also be a great choice. Regardless, please please please stay away from the John Gordon type. I know he's a legend to some, but that contrived voice grated on my nerves, especially after growing up with Herb. God I miss Herb.

[Jocko87]

1 hour ago, Galen said:

I've not heard anyone else say it...but Kris Atteberry is unlistenable to me.  Just about anyone else will do.

I'll say it too. Why are we crowning Atteberry in the article? That's the first time I've ever heard that sentiment about him. He is flat terrible.

My primary source of baseball audio has always been the radio. I sync radio audio to any game I watch because most TV announcers just don't give enough information due to the medium. I've sampled a lot of announcers.

Kris Atteberry delivers the least information per word of anyone I've ever heard. Combine that with apparently not needing to breathe he just never stops. Just shut up Kris, for 3 seconds and see what happens.

The opinions expressly expressed in the article do not represent the views of my part of Twins Territory, many areas around these parts and pretty much every one I've heard talk about him. My impression was that he was pretty universally tolerated at best.

You can try to speak it into existence but I'll be trying to speak it out. If the fan base didn't have Gladden to laugh at Atteberry would be exposed big time.

[Nine of twelve]

38 minutes ago, Dan In Real Life said:

Regardless, please please please stay away from the John Gordon type. I know he's a legend to some, but that contrived voice grated on my nerves, especially after growing up with Herb. God I miss Herb.

Those who came close to Herb Carneal are few and far between. So it's not really fair to have expected Gordon to match that but there was something about his delivery--contrived voice is a good way to say it--that I just never really liked.

[DJL44]

I think Atteberry's fine but he doesn't have any chemistry or really anything in common with Dan Gladden so they make a really odd couple. His voice is also too high pitched (nothing he can do about that) which is where some of the complaints come from.

[jorgenswest]

Lots of great suggestions. Love Provus on radio. Gelnar would be my choice for TV.

[bigdave]

If the Twins were looking to replace someone, it should have been Gladden, not Bremer. Gladden's raspy voice is annoying and there are times he seems disinterested in the games. Not a fan of Atteberry either. He talks way too much, just for the sake of hearing his own voice. He's not very informational.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

I can't get into this conversation yet. I am still grieving the loss of my all time favorite sports announcer, Dick Bremer. He was simply the best in my opinion. I wish him well in the future.

[MGM4706]

Saying Morneau and Perkins provide "Stellar Content" is absurd!! Morneau feels he has to fill every second of every broadcast. Talks way too much. And when he is with Perkins all they do is talk Spin Rate and arm slot of every single pitch. Guys. We are watching on TV. We can see what kind of pitch it was. I turn on the other teams announcers. What a breath of fresh air. Almost none of them talk spin rate and arm slots!! Put Smalley on more. He talks Baseball!!

[Craig Arko]

Marney! Marney! Marney!

[USNMCPO]

8 hours ago, Otaknam said:

If moving to TV is a promotion for Provus then best of luck to him and he’d be a great choice. Clearly keeping Provus should be a priority, as he is on the top of his profession. But radio play by play requires a specialized skill set many don’t have. It’s not the same as TV. A good radio play by play person has the ability to describe the game in real time so the listeners visualize the game while just listening. Many media people do not have that skill. Gladden is below average in that regard as a color guy, and at times is unlistenable doing his three innings. So preferably he isn’t a candidate for a bigger radio role. I’m pretty lukewarm on Atteberry as a full time radio guy, not a bad choice but not a home run hire. I think he tries too hard to provide background and insight. Hopefully they hire another person as professional as Provus and don’t make a decision based on low salary, parochial ties or political correctness.

Provus also does TV play by play for football so he is familiar with the medium.

[Teflon]

Dick Bremer, like Herb Carneal, became a soundtrack to our spring and summer evenings. His departure has some of the same feeling as when Carson or Letterman signed off. You were so familiar with them - almost like someone in your family. I doubt the next Twins TV play-by-play choice will have that kind of run, especially as media continues to change. 

I seriously loved when MLB.com used to have the option to just pipe in the ballpark soundtrack without the announcers. There's more than enough graphics these days to keep up with all the details of the game.

[HerbieFan]

I'd guess it'll be Provus.  He's SO good.  As someone who still enjoys listening to games on the radio, I'd hate to see him move.  I'll admit I'm not a big Atteberry fan.

[Greglw3]

I also have thought of Nash Walker in the last few days!

I watched with deep appreciation of his astonishing growth hosting Locked On Twins. He has a good feel for the game. And most telling, I thought, even when he was doing Locked on Twins, that he was destined to broadcast Twins games someday.

It would be a really fresh move. I’m voting for Nash Walker as the new TV play by play man. As a bonus, you’ll get the same passion as from Dick Bremer.

Are you listening, Mr. Falvey?