Tommy Thrall launched his first assignment as the new radio voice of the Cincinnati Reds. After being announced as the successor to the legendary play-by-play announcer Marty Brennaman earlier this year, Thrall’s era began Wednesday as host of Hot Stove League
The weekly show can be heard Wednesday’s at 6pm on WLW-AM and the Cincinnati Reds Radio Network. For the debut episode, Thrall was joined by Reds TV personality Jim Day and Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench.
“I am very much looking forward to the Hot Stove. When you are doing more of a talk format it can lend itself to bringing out some personality, especially when you get the chance to interact with fans,” Thrall told John Kiesewetter of WVXU.
Thrall joined the Reds radio team for the 2019 season, with many people viewing him as the leading candidate to succeed Brennaman. Thrall was added as the team’s pre and postgame host, also working as a fill-in play-by-play announcer. Prior to joining the Reds radio team in 2019, Thrall served as the play-by-play voice of the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. The Blue Wahoos were the Reds Double-A affiliate for the last decade, but entered a two-year deal with the Minnesota Twins beginning in 2019.
Taking over for Brennaman, Thrall will partner with Jeff Brantley in the booth, who remains the lead analyst for the Cincinnati Reds Radio Network. Brantley, a former MLB All-Star and Reds reliever, joined their radio network in 2007.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.