Jerry Remy Chokes Up Talking About Don Orsillo
BOSTON (CBS) -- Jerry Remy has shared the Red Sox broadcast booth with Don Orsillo for the last 15 years, so Tuesday's news that Orsillo will not be voicing Red Sox games after this season hit him hard.
Remy fought back tears as he spoke about his beloved colleague before Tuesday night's Red Sox-White Sox game.
"For the last 15 years, it's been an absolute pleasure to work with Don," Remy told a small group of reporters in Chicago, according to ESPN's Gordon Edes. "I can remember him sitting in the booth when the job became available. He was asking me if there was any chance he could get it. I said a few things to a few people. He's been an outstanding partner for 15 years, and I'm truly going to miss him on a work-related side and I'm going to miss him on a personal side because he also has become a very, very close friend of mine.
"I know that he's going to land on his feet and he's going to be in great shape," he continued. "I'm sure they're going to be lining up for his services. I really mean that. He's terrific at what he does, he's been absolutely fabulous to work with. I love him, and he's going to do just fine. I'm not worried about that part of it."
NESN told Orsillo that he would not be brought back 10 days ago, and the networked had hoped to hold the announcement until after the season when his contract expired. But shortly after it was leaked early Tuesday, there was outrage among Red Sox fans who couldn't believe Orsillo was being let go.
Orsillo, a Melrose native, declined to comment prior to Tuesday's game in Chicago.
"It's been awfully difficult on him, it really has. It's been difficult on everybody," said Remy. "You get used to somebody, you're friends, you work together for such a long time, you have such a good time doing your job, [and] it's over.
"I've been very fortunate because I've worked with a lot of good people, and he's right at the top of the list. So that's all I got."
NESN announced Tuesday night that Dave O'Brien will replace Orsillo beginning in 2016.
