Don Orsillo
As ESPN’s Gordon Edes points out, of all the seismic shifts, nothing seems to have rocked Red Sox Nation more than the dismissal by New England Sports Network (NESN) of longtime announcer Don Orsillo.
Not Shane Victorino, not Mike Napoli, not Larry Lucchino, not Ben Cherington, not even Dave Dombrowski or John Farrell—with all due respect to each of those formidable men—have generated this kind of response.
After the steady drip of change, is the outpouring of support for Orsillo just a case of “enough’s enough,” or is it something more?
No Red Sox fan could reasonably expect status quo after the years we’ve endured following this team. Frankly, no true fan should want status quo.
And while the prospect of yet another offseason more exciting than the season it follows is unfortunate, it’s also exhilarating. Without change we’re stuck where we are, and no one wants to be where we are.
I don’t think the support for Orsillo was a straw that broke the camel’s back. I think fans, while perhaps quibbling over one particular change or another, are generally supportive of change, writ large, for the Boston Red Sox. Big, clear, obvious change to fix what is broken.
But changing the television announcer? I suspect that wasn’t on most fans’ radar.
What can I do?
There’s no way to know if NESN or the Red Sox, which owns 80% of the network, will bow to public pressure on Orsillo, but that shouldn’t stop you from voicing your opinion none the less. As Sports Illustrated‘s Richard Deitsch tweeted about the matter, “You have more power than your realize. Suits are afraid of a mass PR backlash.”
As of this writing nearly 45,000 people have signed a petition at change.org to save Orsillo’s job.
There’s no harm in speaking your mind. Tell NESN what you think by tweeting them at @NESN. You can also call them at 617-536-9233. The Globe reported that the Orsillo decision was made by NESN executive Joseph Marr. Let him know what you think at @JMaar. You can email him at jmaar@nesn.com.
NESN relies on subscriber fees but also on advertising, and advertisers want your business. If you’re thinking of changing your buying habits as a result of the decision, let them know. Here are some major NESN sponsors:
- @AceTicket
- @Amica
- @BerkshireBank
- @DunkinDonuts
- East Boston Savings Bank (Facebook)
- @EasternBank
- @DCUCreditUnion,
- @DraftKings
- @GraniteCityElec
- @NewEnglandHonda
- @JordansFurn
- @Kia
- @MensWearhouse
- @99restaurants
- @PeoplesUnited Bank
- @Pizzaria Uno
- @SabaruOfNewEng
- @Scion
- @SouthwestAir
- @TDBank Ameritrade
- @WBMasonCo
- By now, you surely know how to reach Giant Glass: 1 800 54 GIANT.
Just about none of these companies, except for NESN, have an exclusive on their products. I can buy tickets, furniture, cars, office supplies, and insurance anywhere. I can bank anywhere. I say register a complaint, shop elsewhere.
No explanations, no accountability
Media accounts agree that Orsillo knew his contract wouldn’t be extended past 2015 a few days ago, but the news wasn’t supposed to be public until January. When WEEI leaked it Tuesday morning (and got over 300 negative responses in reply), you’d have thought NESN would be forced to confront the news head on. But instead, NESN and Red Sox ownership said nothing until issuing a terse press release minutes before the Sox game in Chicago.
And since then, nothing. No explanation, no accountability for the unpopular decision to the paying customers known as fans.
What happened to the smooth, analytical, intelligent, professionally run Red Sox organization? How can a business as big as this one bungle so many personnel decisions in such a short time?
Cast aside
Most of us won’t know Don Orsillo personally, so we rely on people closer to the game to tell us about him—and just look at the stories we’ve heard in just the past day and a half.
Boston’s Channel 5 sports anchor Mike Lynch said, “Orsillo is family.”
The Boston Herald’s John Tomase said Orsillo’s likability is genuine, not an act.
The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn tweeted a warning that any attempt at character assassination (think back to Terry Francona‘s departure) would be trumped-up nonsense, “If NESN ever tries to claim Orsillo did something wrong, don’t believe it. It’ll be a crafted response to your backlash. He didn’t, ever.”
Even Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay joined the fray tweeting that if Orsillo wasn’t leaving on his own, “this decision baffles me,” calling Orsillo a “class man, awesome announcer and respect throughout the sport.”
And Jerry Remy, well, it was tough to hear him talk about it after Tuesday’s game. He summed it up well, though. “I love him,” Remy said, openly emotional.
Orsillo has received support from celebrities like late night comedian Seth Myers, Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys, Steven King and, late Wednesday, the Globe’s Nick Cafardo reported that baseball’s former commissioner Bud Selig had reached out to Orsillo with well wishes.
But it has been the outpouring of support from everyday fans, the real denizens of Red Sox Nation, that has been the loudest.
It would be impossible to capture all of the sentiments here, but suffice it to say, Orsillo is, as Lynch said, part of the family. Someone we’ve welcomed into our homes countless times. Someone who helped us make the best of a bad situation, but who joined with us in celebration quite a few times, too.
Don seems a good man and the people who know him seem unanimous that his is, both on-screen and off.
And so, while the Nation endures many changes, it can’t wrap its collective head around how a cherished member of the family can be so carelessly cast aside.
Actions do speak louder than words, and unfortunately what we’re witnessing from the Red Sox and NESN is worse than inept, it’s disgraceful.
It is really a shame that you people are getting rid of don orsillo who is the best baseball announcer,Why?What is the reason? I think it sucks..Probably money I’m sure,Well sometimes it pays for a good announcer..Great man and he isn’t just an announcer,he is dedicated,funny,and a stand up man,Nesn sucks!!!!!!
The Red Sox are believers in public relations , it’s their God and they worship at its altar everyday. They are terrifed of losing the casual fans. The hardcore fans they have, but the “pink hats” they value and need. So the firing of Don Orsillo is confusing. The anger towards Nesn and the Red Sox is real, the silence from the Red Sox is only increasing the anger even more. The bad PR they so desperately fear is knocking on the door, and they can’t hide from it. John Henry could and should reverse this, the sooner the better.
It’s disgraceful what they are doing trying to break up the best broadcasters Don and Jerry NESN can shove it for the past 2 years only reason people stillare wawatching is cause of Don and Jerry they make people laugh
There are many people from Red Sox nation whom I think should be “Let Go”, but Don Orsillo is not one of them. He and Gerry provide more entertainment than some of those boring players. NESN is making a big mistake.
i am in total shock. What are you thinking over the years watching the Red Sox would be unbearable if not for the entertaining announcing of don and jerry. I have enjoyed many a horrible game just because of the wonderful stories and antics of don orsillo and would also miss his sun dolphin stories. Please reconsider and keep Red Sox nation at least well entertained while our team struggles
Not sure if watching the sox in 2016 will be all that enjoyable. don and Jerry make Red Sox nation what is today!!! Don’t fix what’s not broken!!!!!!
Getting rid of Don is like a restaurant firing the waiter because the chef can’t cook! John Henry and Company should sell now, they don’t deserve the Red Sox Brand anymore!
I’m not personally in favor of new ownership for the Red Sox. I remember old ownership and this, warts and all, is better than that was. Far better. Three Championships is the biggest improvement, but not the only one. Walking around Fenway Park is all I need to do.
That said, as paying customers, I think its legitimate to question an organization this big that can’t handle basic personnel moves without seeming to blunder along. Moving Cherington out, for example, had to happen. But look at how poorly it was executed, with even basic disagreements in the competing press conferences over the timeline of events. The news of Lucchino’s departure leaked out and so, instead of orchestrating an orderly transition of responsibility, you had bumbling explanations and last-minute press releases.
Ownership has portrayed itself as a professional, analytical, well oiled machine and, for the most part, they’ve lived up to that reputation. But lately, it seems as though the wheels have fallen off the bus. If I were CEO there, where every move is so carefully scrutinized by the public, I’d be very concerned about that.
Instead of firing Don Orsillo, who does a brilliant job even with a less than stellar product, why not fire the idiot who thinks he knows how to do “programming and production” when it’s obvious he’s never been on the front line of either! Dump Joe Maar NOW, before Don moves on to something better than NESN (which won’t be hard, after all). I won’t be watching the Red Sox on NESN once Don is gone. I would rather subscribe to MLB.TV and watch the other team’s broadcasters than give another moment of support to the twits at NESN and those at Fenway Sports Group who are sitting by and letting this happen. Cowards!
I am deeply upset by Don Orsillo being let go. He, in my opinion, along with Jerry Remy are the best duo on television. When things aren’t going so well for the Sox, which has been quite a bit in the last few years, they have kept us entertained and tuning into NESN. The comfort between Don and Jerry is so evident. Their banter back and forth makes you feel like they are sitting in your living room. Over the years, we have seen Don have to deal with 26 color analysts and do it brilliantly. Sometimes he did not have a lot to work with as some of them were just down right awful. I love my Red Sox, but I love our announcers too! I’ve listened to other broadcasts and they just cannot compare. I think the treatment of Don Orsillo after all these years of above average commentating is just classless. I do believe that if you have done this to attract or keep your existing fans, you have defeated your purpose…..Badly!!!!!
Susan — Thanks for commenting. I agree with what you’ve written. When you say, however, that
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I am shocked over the loss of Don Orsillo. Remy and Orsillo are the face of the RedSox. They completely complement one another. The chemistry between them to me is irreplaceable
I knew Don when he worked at pawtucket. What you see is what you get. He is the real mccoy. I was told this was like a playground fight between Donnie and john maar (sp)and maar is just flexing muscles. He doesn’t like don
Are you kidding me? Have the redsox suits ever listened to/watched don and Jerry when they’re on? I haven’t had many better laughs in my life. They are family, is definitely right. Why would anybody intentionally wreck that–don’t answer that.
Oh my, NESN is the new Roger Goodell! Have they not learned anything?! This year, I have been to more games at Fenway, then ever, and in very good seats. My problem this season was I could not listen to Don and Jerry.
I will not buy another ticket to Fenway, because NESN doesn’t get it, nor can they get their shit together to treat people respectful. It’s like the tail is wagging the dog. I will miss Don greatly, but I will watch to support Jerry. Shame on you NESN. Don your a class act! I hope they can find a way to return you to the family, but I know you will be snatched up quickly and do extremely well, no matter where you land.
I am very upset over this decision that NESN and The Red Sox have made to fire Don Orsillo. He has been a mainstay to Red Sox Nation for nearly 15 years. Don and Jerry in the broadcast booth are by far the best broadcast duo in the business and breaking them up is quite possibly the worst decision that NESN and The Red Sox have made. Don & Jerry have been a lifeline between fans and The Red Sox and I have difficulty believing that replacing Don with Dave O’Brien will improve or as Mr. Werner put it, Re-Energize the broadcasts. I have nothing against Dave O’Brien he is an excellent broadcaster in his own right. My feeling on this is if it isn’t broken, why fix it…
Red Sox nation what a joke . John Henry fix this before you lose anymore fans,fire j marr not Don Orsillo. Don’t be the billionaire that doesn’t care or listen to Red Sox fans!!!!!!!!