Sunday, May 27, 2001
Five Questions with: Thom Brennaman
Thom Brennaman is either Marty Brennaman's more or less famous son, depending on your perspective. Thom is in his fourth year as the main play-by-play voice of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously called Chicago Cubs games on WGN and did Reds television.
Thom, an Ohio University graduate, was married in November. His wife, Holly, is the former business manager of the Diamondbacks. The two were among the first 20 employees of the organization.
Brennaman, 37, also does national broadcasts for Fox Sports. His new partner for this year is Steve Lyons. His former partner, Bob Brenly, is manager of the Diamondbacks.
Brennaman answered five questions for Enquirer reporter John Fay:
1. You and Brenly obviously are good friends. Have you had to criticize him as a manager yet?
Like everybody else, I've done some “first-guessing” on some moves he's made. But so far, I haven't had to say, “What in the world is he thinking?” There will come a time when that happens. When I do, I'm sure he'll have no problem with it. We have a great relationship.
2. How's married life?
Awesome. I've said that some people are late bloomers as far as their professional life. I was a later bloomer as far as my personal life. I've become a lot less selfish, a lot more responsible. It's the best thing that's ever happened to me.
3. Do you think about coming here and replacing your dad when he retires?
I think about it on a semi-regular basis. But honestly, as time goes on, I think about it less and less. I love it in Arizona. Arizona is a unique franchise. I couldn't work for better people. He says he's going to work seven or eight more years, and I think it will probably be longer than that. It doesn't make sense for me to leave Arizona after I've been there 15 years just to go home. That used to be the plan. You never say never, but ...
4. What's your most memorable call?
Randy Johnson's 20-strikeout game rates right up there. That was the most enjoyable game I've ever called. But as far as a single moment, it was probably when J.T. Snow hit a home run off the New York Mets for the (San Francisco) Giants in the bottom of the ninth in the playoffs last year. It was a playoff game. You had the excitement, electricity of the crowd in San Francisco. But really — I don't want to get too sappy — but every day on this job is the best day.
5. Last time we talked, you were trying to quit smoking. How's that going?
Not well. I've cut way back. My wife's on me to quit. Everyone's on me to quit. They should be. It's a terrible habit. I used to get on my dad to quit when I was a kid. But it's very, very tough to quit.
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Five Questions with: Thom Brennaman