There are a lot of things going the Orioles’ way.
They’re the best team in the American League to this point in the season, the “Bird Bath” fan section has been both a smash hit and a highlight of a very fun team, they still have one of the best farm systems in baseball and they have MLB’s most exciting prospect in Jackson Holliday.
And yet, Monday, a report came out that sadly reminded Orioles fans not everything can be perfect: They’re still owned by the Angelos family.
Orioles broadcaster Kevin Brown, the lead play-by-play commentator for Orioles RSN MASN, hasn’t been calling games on TV since July 23, after the Orioles’ series against the Rays.
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According to a report by Baltimore-area blogger Matt Jergensen, Brown was “suspended indefinitely” for saying “the Orioles have won more games against (the Rays) this season than the last two combined.”
Never mind that many broadcasts simply involve reading notes off a prompter, so this may not have even been Brown’s analysis. Also, it’s just a factual statement. For the sake of clarity, Brown was referring to the Orioles’ record at Tropicana Field: The Orioles were 2-7 there in 2022 and 1-9 in 2021. In 2023, they’re 4-2.
Here’s the clip of Kevin Brown’s pregame comments on the Orioles’ recent record against the Rays ahead of a series finale on July 23. Sources tell AA these comments led to Brown’s current indefinite suspension from Orioles’ broadcasts. pic.twitter.com/csURU04fJU
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 7, 2023
The reported reason for Brown’s suspension is remarkably confusing, and seems to show a misunderstanding of production processes — along with a rejection of reality. Not being bad is a relatively new thing for these Orioles. The Angelos family would do well to remember that.
Brown called games for the radio after the comment, a relegation of sorts. Awful Announcing also pointed out confirmation came from commentator and franchise fan Roy Firestone, on an Orioles message board. Take that for what it’s worth.
The Athletic also reported ownership has punished broadcasters for similarly minor offenses, such as not wearing Orioles gear and mentioning players no longer with the team.
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Who are Peter Angelos and John Angelos?
The Orioles owners are no strangers to controversy — particularly the petty kind.
Peter Angelos purchased the Orioles in 1993. Despite starting as an aggressive owner willing to shell out for big contracts, the Orioles in recent years have opted for low-payroll teams and prospect hugging (which, to their credit, has panned out thanks to some incredible development and drafting in recent years).
Angelos was also famously pro-player during the 1994-95 lockout, when he refused to use replacement-level players during the lockout.
On the broadcasting side, however, Angelos has been far less benevolent: He fired famed broadcaster Jon Miller for being too critical of the Orioles in 1996. Clearly, thin skin is hereditary.
To that point, John Angelos has taken over many of the operations for the Orioles. He is responsible for the launch of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), the Orioles’ network which is also used by the Nationals. Angelos would likely be the one responsible for Brown’s suspension, as he is serving as the Orioles chair.
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