Athletics Hire Jenny Cavnar As MLB’s First Woman Primary Play-by-Play Announcer

Jenny Cavnar was named the Oakland Athletics’ play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports California on Tuesday making her the first woman to become a primary MLB play-by-play announcer in league history.

This will also be Cavnar’s first time being the primary play-by-play announcer for a professional sports team, although she’s been in the business for 20 years holding different announcing roles.

“It is a dream come true to join the broadcast team for the Oakland A’s and their rich baseball history,” Cavnar said, via a press release. “Growing up the daughter of a baseball coach, I have loved the game from a young age, along with the stories, history and relationships the game provides. I’m excited to start my 18th season as a major league broadcaster with my good friend, Dallas Braden, and share our experiences with the loyal fans of the Athletics as we go on this ride together.”

Cavnar’s new broadcast booth partner, former A’s pitcher Dallas Braden, posted a video congratulating his new announcing sidekick.

“I could not be more excited to roll up the sleeves and get to work with somebody who I have known for a very long time,” Braden said. “Her depth and wealth of knowledge when it comes to the baseball diamond is going to be apparent from the first pitch.”

Cavnar spent the last 12 seasons working for the Colorado Rockies as a backup play-by-play announcer, host for their pregame and postgame shows and as a reporter.

She’s also covered NHL, specifically the Anaheim Ducks, and men’s and women’s college basketball.