Marty Brennaman will get his share of tear-stained, sentimental goodbyes Thursday as he leaves the Reds broadcasting booth for the last time. On Wednesday night, predecessor Al Michaels sent him a cheerful one.
How could Cincinnati do better than Al Michaels to Marty Brennaman. pic.twitter.com/S306nPUafV
— Cris Collinsworth (@CollinsworthPFF) September 26, 2019
In a video posted to Twitter by Pro Football Focus owner Cris Collinsworth, Michaels congratulated Brennaman on spending nearly five decades with the Reds and joked about the circumstances that first landed him with the team.
“I’m just happy I was able to warm the chair for you,” he said. “I did three years. You only did 46. I, of course, after those three years, took the money and ran to San Francisco.”
Michaels announced for the Reds from 1971-74 and did well for himself after, announcing for the 1980 Winter Olympics, 1989 World Series and a host of other sporting events.
Brennaman replaced him at Great American Ballpark and never left. As the Reds’ announcer, he commentated perfect games, no-hitters and three World Series victories with a frank, enthusiastic style.
Here’s what Michaels had to say to him in full:
"Al Michaels here with major, major, major congratulations and kudos to the great Marty Brennaman, wrapping up a spectacular, phenomenal, tremendous career, and Marty, I’m just happy I was able to warm the chair for you. I did three years. You only did forty-six. I, of course, after those three years, took the money and ran to San Francisco, where I inherited one of the worst baseball teams of all time and left you with one of the best baseball teams of all time and a couple of World Series in 1975 and 1976. You have made the most of that spectacular run. I congratulate you. It’s been fantastic. I’m so proud of you. Forty-six years. Man alive. Now, go enjoy the rest of everything."
