Last week, Hall of Famer broadcaster Dick Enberg announced he will retire as Padres play-by-play man following the 2016 season. Enberg, now 80, has been calling Padres games since 2009 and has been broadcasting professionally since 1965.
On Wednesday the Padres announced the hire of their replacement for Enberg: longtime Red Sox play-by-play broadcaster Don Orsillo. Orsillo has done Red Sox games for NESN since 2001 but was let go this year, effective the end of the season. It didn't take him long to find work though.
"We are excited to add Don to our broadcast lineup," said Padres President and CEO Mike Dee in a statement. "Over his 15 years broadcasting Major League Baseball, Don has established himself as one of the premier play-by-play men in the game. We look forward to both his fun-loving personality and outstanding play-calling ability resonating with Padres fans during what we expect will be a very long career in San Diego."
Dee served as Red Sox COO from 2002-09 and was surely familiar with Orsillo's work from his time in Boston. Orsillo received a long-term contract, according to the Padres. He will work select television and radio broadcasts in 2016 before taking over as the primary play-by-play man in 2017.
The Padres also announced Mark Grant will return as their lead color analyst for the 21st season. Ted Leitner will return to the radio booth for his 37th season and Eduardo Ortega will return for his 30th season as the team's primary Spanish language broadcaster.
