NBC Sports California has named Jenny Cavnar the primary play-by-play announcer for its live coverage of the Oakland Athletics, it was announced Tuesday.
The 20-year media veteran, with 17 years of experience covering baseball, became the first female primary play-by-play voice in Major League Baseball history. It will call the majority of “A” games.
For the past 12 years, Cavnar has served as a backup play-by-play announcer, pregame and postgame host, and reporter for Colorado Rockies regional television coverage. During her time covering the Rockies, she became the first woman in a quarter-century to call a television MLB game in 2018, and in 2015, she was the first woman to provide analysis of a National League Series on radio. . She previously covered the San Diego Padres for nearly five years as a reporter and anchor.
“Jenny is a very talented broadcaster with a wealth of experience covering baseball,” said Matt Murphy, president and general manager of NBC Sports California and NBC Sports Bay Area. “She has been a trailblazing professional who has won the admiration of fans and peers throughout her career. We are very excited to have her join our premier team and lead our A-coverage starting this season.”
Cavnar is also a regular contributor to MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM throughout the regular season and postseason. She also calls men's and women's college basketball on FS1 and Pac 12 Networks. A five-time Emmy Award winner, Cavnar became the first woman to be named Sportscaster of the Year in Colorado by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) in 2021 .
“It is a dream come true to join the broadcast team for the Oakland A’s and their rich history in baseball,” Cavnar said. “Growing up as the daughter of a baseball coach, I have loved the game since I was young, along with the stories, history and relationships that the game provides. I am excited to begin my 18th season as a major league broadcaster with my dear friend, Dallas Braden, and to share our experiences with loyal Athletics fans as we go on this journey together.” .
Cavnar has covered many other teams and sports as a reporter, broadcaster, and host. She has served as a host covering the NHL's Anaheim Ducks, co-hosted a show for the Olympics and spent nearly five years as a sideline reporter and show contributor covering San Diego State University athletics.
A graduate of Colorado State University, where she was a member of the lacrosse team, Cavnar began her media career as an intern at KUSA/NBC Channel 9 in Denver, and as a sports reporter for a radio station in Fort Collins, Colorado. In both sports media and lacrosse, including as an assistant coach at UCLA for two seasons.
More Stories
Cardinals acquire pitcher Eric Fedde from White Sox in three-way deal with Dodgers
Detroit Tigers trade Carson Kelly to Texas Rangers
Rafael Nadal wins Olympic singles tennis title, sets up Novak Djokovic next round