Jenny Cavnar Hired by Athletics; 1st Female Primary MLB Play-by-Play Voice Ever

NBC Sports California announced Tuesday that Jenny Cavnar will be the lead play-by-announcer for their broadcasts of Oakland Athletics games starting with the 2024 season.

She becomes the first woman to handle full-time play-by-play duties in MLB.

"Jenny is a very talented announcer with significant experience covering baseball," NBC Sports California president Matt Murphy said. "She's been a groundbreaking professional who's earned the admiration of fans and her peers throughout her career. We're very excited for her to join our excellent team and lead our A's coverage starting this season."

Cavnar is coming off a 12-year stint as part of the Colorado Rockies' broadcast crew, and before that she was a reporter and anchor for San Diego Padres games.

Cavnar previously made history in 2015 when she became the first woman to call a National League game on the radio. Three years later, she subbed in on Rockies television broadcast, the first time a woman was on television play-by-play duty since 1993.

The experienced announcer said joining NBC Sports California to call A's games is "a dream come true."

"Growing up the daughter of a baseball coach, I have loved the game from a young age, along with the stories, history and relationships the game provides," she said. "I'm excited to start my 18th season as a major league broadcaster with my good friend, Dallas Braden, and share our experiences with the loyal fans of the Athletics as we go on this ride together."

The Athletics start spring training Feb. 24 against the Colorado Rockies, and they host the Cleveland Guardians for Opening Day on March 28.