John Schriffen will return as the White Sox play-by-play broadcaster next season, as the organization looks to retain its broadcast team.
White Sox Executive Vice President Brooks Boyer said Friday that the returning broadcast team will include Schriffen, Dan Plesac, Gordon Beckham, Steve Stone, Brooke Fletcher, and Connor McKnight on television, and Len Kasper and Darren Jackson on radio.
The announcement comes after a Chicago Sun-Times column by Jeff Agrest blasted Schriffen and urged the White Sox to part ways with him following three seasons as the team’s play-by-play voice.
Agrest criticized Schriffen as “cringy,” lacking awareness on broadcasts, failing to click with lead analyst Steve Stone, and appearing underprepared on the air. Fans have also faulted him for being overly positive, particularly during a season in which the White Sox won only 41 games.
Still, Schriffen is widely recognized for having a strong television voice and has made efforts to connect with fans, including venturing out to the parking lots to visit tailgates.
“John is enthusiastic. He’s sometimes, and maybe this could be a detriment, he’s in it with the guys. He has created good relationships with the players,” Boyer told MLB.com. “That's part of what we have to do as an organization. You tell stories about these guys. So, I’m comfortable and confident that moving forward, he’s going to continue to do that. He has worked very hard at connecting with fans. Didn’t connect with fans as well last year as he has this year. That’s always a work in progress. When you look at our broadcast last year compared to this year, it’s a significant difference. I’m pleased with that.”
Stone will be returning for his 19th season in the White Sox booth, but will once again be on a reduced travel schedule. The hope is to have Pleasac and Beckham fill in as temporary replacements.
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