Baltimore Orioles Fans Go Viral For Chant Supporting Broadcaster Kevin Brown
Even though Baltimore Orioles play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Brown is reportedly scheduled to return to the airwaves Friday, the team's fans are not letting his suspension slide.
The Orioles were hosting the Houston Astros on Tuesday, leading the reigning World Series champions 6-2 in the bottom of the seventh inning. As captured on the national TBS broadcast, spectators at Camden Yards started a "Free Kevin Brown" chant in support of the MASN announcer.
Brown was reportedly suspended after discussing the Orioles' past struggles at Tropicana Field back on July 23. While the team denied the idea that Brown's suspension was tied to his on-air comments about Baltimore's lack of success against the Tampa Bay Rays, Awful Announcing and The Athletic were among those to report otherwise.
From 2017 to 2022, the Orioles went 336-534 – the worst record in the majors in that span. Baltimore's payroll was also routinely towards the bottom of the league, as the front office traded away All-Stars Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop in favor of giving them long-term extensions.
Brown did not mention tanking or the Orioles' low payroll during his pregame breakdown – simply reiterating facts that were part of the team's own media notes – but he still reportedly caught flak from ownership regardless.
In the 24 hours after reports of Brown's suspension first started to surface, announcers and media personalities from across the league came out in support of the popular young play-by-play man.
The controversy came at a time when the Orioles would have rather been making headlines for their play on the field. Baltimore didn't rest on its laurels after snatching first place in the AL East away from the Rays in July, entering Tuesday having won seven of their last eight.
Baltimore was unable to fend off the Astros on Tuesday night, though, as superstar closer Felix Bautista gave up a grand slam to right fielder Kyle Tucker in the top of the ninth. Houston went on to defeat Baltimore 7-6.
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