Big news hit the airwaves this Tuesday. Jenny Cavnar steps up as the primary voice for NBC Sports California’s Oakland Athletics coverage. Yep, you read that right. She’s making history as the first woman to take on the play-by-play announcer role in the league. And who’s joining her in the booth? None other than former A’s pitcher, Dallas Braden. Talk about a dynamic duo.
“It is a dream come true,” Cavnar didn’t hold back her excitement. She’s been around baseball her whole life, thanks to her dad. Now, she’s gearing up for her 18th season in the big leagues, alongside her buddy Braden. They’re ready to dive deep into the A’s stories, history, and what makes this team tick.
Before this gig, Cavnar wasn’t just waiting in the wings. She had her hands full as the Colorado Rockies’ backup announcer. Not to mention, she was the go-to for pregame and postgame shows, and even took on reporting duties.
Oh, and let’s not forget 2018. That year, Cavnar broke a nearly 25-year silence by being the first woman to call an MLB game. And back in 2015? She was the first woman offering analysis on the radio. Before her Rockies stint, she spent five years covering the San Diego Padres. And yes, she even lent her voice to MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM during the 2023 season and playoffs.
Just when you thought the news couldn’t get any more groundbreaking, MLB dropped another bombshell. Just 24 hours before Cavnar’s announcement, Jen Pawol got the nod to umpire spring training games. This could very well set the stage for Pawol to become the first female umpire in MLB.
It’s clear. The times are changing, and baseball is right there with it. Jenny Cavnar’s historic step into the play-by-play role isn’t just a win for her; it’s a leap forward for the sport. And with friends like Dallas Braden by her side, the upcoming Athletics’ games are sure to be nothing short of exciting.
