In a groundbreaking move for Major League Baseball history, Jenny Cavnar has made her mark as the first female primary play-by-play voice. The 41-year-old announcer has been selected by NBC Sports California to cover a majority of the Oakland A's games, cementing her place in the sport's rich tapestry.
With a career spanning 20 years in the media industry, Cavnar brings with her a wealth of experience, including 17 years of covering baseball. Her appointment as the Oakland A's announcer has been met with excitement and anticipation, as she takes on the role alongside her good friend, Dallas Braden.
Cavnar's love for baseball dates back to her childhood, growing up as the daughter of a baseball coach. This deep-rooted passion has fueled her dedication to the sport and her desire to share its stories, history, and relationships with fans. She expressed her enthusiasm about joining the Oakland A's broadcast team, stating, 'It is a dream come true to join the broadcast team for the Oakland A's and their rich baseball history.'
Prior to this milestone achievement, Cavnar served as a backup play-by-play announcer, pregame and postgame host, and reporter for regional TV coverage of the Colorado Rockies for the past 12 years. During her time covering the Rockies, she made history as the first woman in 25 years to call TV play-by-play for an MLB game in 2018. In 2015, she also became the first woman to provide analysis for a National League series on radio. Her previous experience includes covering the San Diego Padres for nearly five years as a reporter and anchor.
Matt Murphy, President and General Manager of NBC Sports California and NBC Sports Bay Area, has lauded Cavnar's talent and extensive baseball coverage experience. He affirmed their excitement for her to lead the A's coverage, emphasizing her groundbreaking achievements and the admiration she has earned from fans and peers throughout her career.
Cavnar's contributions to the world of sports broadcasting extend beyond baseball. She is a regular contributor to MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM during the regular season and postseason. Additionally, she calls men's and women's college basketball on FS1 and Pac 12 Networks. Her versatility as a sports broadcaster has allowed her to cover various teams and sports, including hosting the NHL's Anaheim Ducks and contributing to Olympics shows.
Cavnar's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as she has received recognition for her outstanding work. She is a five-time Emmy Award recipient and was named Colorado Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) in 2021, making her the first woman to receive this prestigious title.
As Jenny Cavnar embarks on her newest role, she continues to break barriers and pave the way for future generations of women in sports broadcasting. Her talent, passion, and dedication serve as an inspiration, proving that gender is no barrier to success in this field. With each game she announces, Cavnar provides a reminder that progress knows no boundaries, and the world of sports becomes richer and more inclusive with each milestone reached.
