The Chicago Cubs and WGN announced today that Bob Brenly will leave the booth. There was no reason stated, but the speculation is he will join the Arizona Diamondbacks booth. If the speulation is true, Brenly will replace ex Cub Mark Grace in the booth. Brenly’s heart has always been with the Diamondbacks (since he manage the D’backs to a world series ring). So, the opportunity came and he had no choice but to take the offer. That’s if the speculation is true and it does sound like it is.
Brenly came over in 2004 as he took the place of Steve Stone. Stone is now in the Chicago White Sox booth. As I said, Brenly did manage the Arizona Diamondbacks to a world series champion in 2001. He was the manager of the Diamondbacks until 2004 and then he hopped over to the Cubs booth.
Brenly had to say this about leaving the Cubs; “Working here in Chicago was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional career. The Ricketts family, everyone associated with the Cubs and WGN and, most importantly, Cubs’ fans everywhere, will always be in our hearts, and Joan and I wish nothing but the best for the organization moving forward. I was very blessed to have the best play-by-play man in the game as my partner for eight years and Cubs’ fans are very fortunate to have Len Kasper as the voice of the Cubs. I’ll miss working with him and we look fondly toward returning to Chicago in the future.”
No names has been named on whom could replace Brenly in the booth. However, names that are being floated arounf as possible candidates are … Dan Plesac, Steve Stone and Doug Glanville. Of thse names, I don’t know if any of them will be the new guy or eve under consideration.
I’m sad that Brenly is leaving the booth, but nothing lasts forever. I wish him the best in the Arizona Diamondbacks (if true…).