Gary Thorne

Gary Thorne is a renowned American sportscaster, best known for his work as a play-by-play announcer for Baltimore Orioles games on MASN and Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, as well as his national broadcasts on ESPN, Fox Sports, and MLB Network. Thorne has had a distinguished career, calling games for various teams, including the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox, and has worked alongside notable analysts like Bob Brenly, Rick Sutcliffe, and Tom Verducci. He has also covered numerous high-profile events, such as the World Series, All-Star Game, and Postseason. Thorne's extensive experience has earned him recognition from peers and fans alike, including Vin Scully, Al Michaels, and Joe Buck.

● Early Life and Education

Gary Thorne was born in Bangor, Maine, and grew up in a family of sports enthusiasts, often attending Boston Red Sox games at Fenway Park with his father, a Dartmouth College alumnus. Thorne developed a passion for sports broadcasting at a young age, influenced by legendary announcers like Mel Allen, Red Barber, and Ernie Harwell. He attended Maine Central Institute and later enrolled at University of Maine, where he studied Journalism and began his broadcasting career, calling games for the University of Maine Black Bears and working at local radio stations, including WABI (AM) and WVOM.

● Career

Thorne's professional broadcasting career spans over four decades, with stints at various networks, including ESPN, Fox Sports, and MLB Network. He has called games for several teams, including the New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and Baltimore Orioles, and has worked alongside notable analysts like Tim McCarver, Joe Morgan, and John Smoltz. Thorne has also covered numerous high-profile events, such as the World Series, All-Star Game, and Postseason, and has worked with fellow announcers like Jon Miller, Dan Shulman, and Dave O'Brien. In addition to his baseball work, Thorne has called games for the National Hockey League and College Football, working with networks like NBC Sports and CBS Sports.

● Broadcasting Style and Controversies

Thorne is known for his distinctive broadcasting style, which combines a deep knowledge of the game with a conversational tone, often referencing historical events, such as the Shot Heard 'Round the World and the Imperfect Game. However, he has also been involved in several controversies, including a notable incident involving Baltimore Orioles player Roberto Alomar and a disputed call in a game against the New York Yankees. Thorne has also faced criticism for his calls on Chicago Cubs games, particularly during the Cubs' 2016 World Series run, when he worked alongside Ron Coomer and Len Kasper. Despite these controversies, Thorne remains a respected figure in the sports broadcasting community, with admirers like Bob Costas, Al Michaels, and Mike Tirico.

● Notable Games and Events

Thorne has called numerous notable games and events throughout his career, including the 2001 World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees, the 2011 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers, and the 2016 World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians. He has also worked on several All-Star Game broadcasts, including the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium and the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field. Thorne has called games at iconic ballparks like Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and Dodger Stadium, and has worked with fellow announcers like Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, and Kenny Albert.

● Awards and Recognition

Thorne has received several awards and nominations for his broadcasting work, including multiple Sports Emmy Award nominations and a Ford C. Frick Award nomination. He has been recognized by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and the American Sportscasters Association, and has been named one of the top sportscasters in the country by Sports Illustrated and USA Today. Thorne has also been honored by his alma mater, University of Maine, and has been inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame and the University of Maine Sports Hall of Fame. He has worked with notable sportscasters like Dick Vitale, Jim Nantz, and Verne Lundquist, and has been praised by Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred and MLB Network president Tony Petitti. Category:American sportscasters