Bob Brenly Leaving The Cubs’ Organization

Today is rainy day in Chicago. The rain comes in both literal and figurative forms. As most of you discovered over the past couple of weeks, Chicago Cubs television broadcaster Bob Brenly’s contract with the organization expired at the conclusion of the 2012 season. Although there was speculation that Brenly would not return for the 2013 season, there was always an expectation that the Cubs and Brenly would be able to come to some sort of an agreement on a contract extension.

Sep 21, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; General view of Major League baseballs in a bucket before a game between the Houston Astros and Pittsburgh Pirates at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

There would only be one reason to hesitate when making that statement. The reason to hesitate would be because of the fact that Brenly has emerged as one of the top broadcasters within all of Major League Baseball. Brenly joined the Cubs’ television broadcast along with Len Kasper in 2005. Despite criticisms of Brenly at the time of the hiring, the former Diamondbacks manager proved to be one of the more objective and “tell it like it is” broadcasters within the landscape of broadcasters in Major League Baseball. In fact, Brenly’s reputation as a broadcaster grew to the point where he has been a part of broadcast teams that have covered National games in additional to the National League Post-Season.

Unfortunately, the speculation has proved to be accurate. Brenly will not be returning to the Cubs’ television broadcast booth in 2013. Brenly announced on Wednesday that he plans on pursuing other opportunities. The expectation is that Brenly will soon be introduced as the replacement for Mark Grace in the Arizona Diamondback’s television booth.

Brenly had nothing but high remarks while reminiscing about his time with the Cubs.

“It was great fun,” he said. “It was the experience of a lifetime in my professional career, as much ridicuous fun as is humanly possible. The people I worked with, the crew and everyone were all great. I was grateful for the chance and the joy of working at Wrigley Field. And I was extremely fortunate to work with Len Kasper, who undoubtedly is one of the best play-by-play men in the game.” Chicago Tribune

Brenly will truly be missed by the Chicago Cubs fan base. Here’s to wishing that Brenly has best of luck in his future endeavors. Meanwhile, does Brenly leaving the Cubs open the door for Kerry Wood to join Len Kasper in the Cubs’ broadcast booth?