The San Diego Padres’ broadcast partnership of Don Orsillo and Mark Grant has once again been crowned the best in Major League Baseball’s local market, securing more than 85,000 votes from a pool of 9,300 respondents. The result marks the second straight year the duo has topped the fan‑selected rankings, underscoring a sustained appreciation for their work.
Fan Vote Confirms Dominance
Awful Announcing, the industry‑focused rating site, awarded the Padres broadcast team an 88.1% grade, with 52% of voters giving the highest ‘A’ rating. The poll, which surveyed 9,300 participants, reflects a clear preference for the pair’s engaging and insightful play‑by‑play style.
Listeners repeatedly cite the duo’s ability to make every game feel like an event, regardless of the scoreboard. Orsillo’s crisp, energetic delivery and Grant’s quick‑witted humor create an atmosphere that keeps fans tuned in from the first pitch to the final out.
The Voices Behind the Mic
Orsillo joined the Padres in 2016 after a stint with the Boston Red Sox, while Grant has been a staple in San Diego since 1996. Their chemistry is amplified by a talented supporting cast that includes Jesse Agler, Tony Gwynn Jr., Bob Scanlan, and Mariluz Cook. The team’s leadership, headed by Erik Meyer, VP of broadcasting, expressed pride in the recognition, noting that the duo elevates every broadcast.
The broader broadcast team also features Sam Keely, Sheena Dougher, Kristina Monllos, Danielle Malvesti, and Rick Griffin, each contributing to a production that blends statistical depth with lively banter. Their collective effort has turned a routine game feed into a must‑watch experience for listeners across the region.
Industry observers have pointed out that the fan vote also reflects a subtle shift in sentiment among some Red Sox supporters, who, disgruntled over Orsillo’s move to San Diego, cast their ballots for the Padres’ broadcast. Awful Announcing highlighted this nuance, but the ultimate verdict rests on the audience’s genuine appreciation for the duo’s craft.
The accolade comes alongside a series of commercial partnerships that include Jack in the Box and the creative agency Team Lewis, both of which have leveraged the broadcast’s popularity to reach wider audiences. While these collaborations are separate from the on‑air product, they underscore the cultural footprint of the Padres’ commentary team.