Don Orsillo has called his last game for the Red Sox. (Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)
Between the eighth and ninth innings in Sunday’s season finale against the Indians, outgoing NESN broadcaster Don Orsillo offered a statement of thanks for his 15 years calling Red Sox games.
Here’s the statement in full:
“Well my first Red Sox game at Fenway Park was June 24, 1978. I will never forget it. My friend Luis Tiant pitched in that game and he won. My friend Jerry Remy played in that game as well. I grew up up in Madison, N.H. Listening to the great Ken Coleman on Red Sox radio, and I was so fortunate to sit next to Ken for his last broadcast in 1989 as his intern, as well as sit next to my friend and teacher, Joe Castiglione. Twenty-six years later, I now broadcast my last Red Sox game, after 15 years as the voice of the Boston Red Sox and just shy of 2,000 total games.
“I want to thank my friend and partner, Jerry Remy. For 15 years, we’ve been through so much together on the field and off the field and I thank you so much for being one of my very best friends. My director and my friend Michael Naracci, who I have worked with for 17 years dating back to the Pawtucket Red Sox, and I thank him so much for everything he has done. And our great crew at Fenway Park, who have been with me for the 15 years.
“To my parents, who made my 10 years of minor league work possible. The Orsillos and Nolans, to all of you, from Chelsea to Melrose to Stoneham. My Cathy, my daughters Sydney and Madison, but mostly I want to thank the fans of Red Sox Nation.
“I thank you for your incredible support and your loyalty. I heard all of you and never forget your words, as they touched me so very deeply. Thank you for letting me into your homes, into your families for the last 15 years. Last Sunday at Fenway will be my greatest memory of my life. I can tell you that right now. Your tribute to me I will never forget. Ever.
“I’ve been asked many times over the last six weeks how I would like to be remembered. And to be remembered at all is enough for me. Thank you.”
Last 30 seconds of Don Orsillo’s farewell on NESN pic.twitter.com/Z0LPMy4kYP
‘ Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) October 4, 2015
