Jeff Francoeur steps back from lead Braves analyst role with Bally Sports
Bally Sports South and Southeast, television home of the Atlanta Braves for the 2024 season, have announced the hiring of former MLB pitcher CJ Nitkowski as analyst for Braves broadcast and Jeff Francoeur's decision to "step back" from an everyday schedule as lead analyst.
Said Francoeur on a statement released by Bally, "It's time for me to enter a new season where my family comes first. I will be stepping back from being the Braves lead analyst as my wife and I are experiencing the reality of the years flying by and I want to watch my children chase their dreams. I'm excited for what is ahead and appreciative that Bally Sports will continue to let me call games for the team I've always loved."
The details of Francoeur's new broadcast schedule were not immediately available.
Nitkowski, 50, has been a fixture on Texas Rangers radio broadcasts for the last seven seasons. He announced his departure to Rangers fans via social media at the same time as Bally's release.
Prior to embarking on his broadcasting career, Nitkowski was a ten-year MLB veteran. Originally drafted at #9 overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1994 MLB Draft, the lefty pitcher played for eight organizations, including the Atlanta Braves for part of the 2004 season, oing 1-0 with a 4.50 ERA in 22 relief appearances.
Nitkowski will join Brandon Gaudin, who is entering his second year as the play-by-play voice of the Braves broadcasts, in the booth for a yet-to-be-determined number of games.
UPDATE: The Braves have released a statement from President & CEO David Schiller welcoming Nitkowski:
"We are lucky to have some of the best announcer in baseball calling Braves games, and C.J. Nitkowski will be a great addition to the lineup. Similar to Jeff and Tom, C.J. has the perspective of a Braves alum and local Atlanta resident that our fans have come to enjoy and rely on when watching our games on Bally Sports South and Bally Sports Southeast. We're looking forward to adding his voice and expertise to the booth this season."
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