So what happened to Kent Westling?

[ThomasCarten]

I'm not a conspiracy buff, or anything like that, but just someone who has been around broadcasting and has Yonk's book, "We Wish You Well In Your Future Endeavors."

(a) A new franchise comes to town.
(b) Kent leaves after this season to pursue what he calls other professional opportunities.
(c) He wants to spend more time with his family.
(d) "We wish Kent all the best in his life after baseball," Yankees vp says.

Is this true as said, or are both sides being nicey-nice?

 

[NigelWick]

A lot of people saw this coming. Kent made fewer and fewer road trips every year. He's wanted "out" for a while.

 

[ThomasCarten]

Thanks. I don't follow local baseball (or MLB, for that matter) so I didn't know exactly how to take the article. My thoughts were that the franchise wanted a new voice and, perhaps, Kent felt this was a good time to step down.

 

[masterg]

Is this true as said, or are both sides being nicey-nice?

As a "been-there/had-that done-to-me" survivor, let me offer a few thoughts. First off, Kent is known far and wide as a first-class guy. There is no reason to think otherwise.

However, when you lead a public life, you're open to public inspection, but that should have limits.

With complete respect, it sounds like he was unhappy and wanted to move along, but before he could do so on his own, they made the decision for him.

Nice-nice is often the result of the intent of a severance package. "We'll give you this, now go away quietly and keep your mouth shut." I hope he got a pile.

A big corporate monster like the Yankees has to have a severance policy, someone out there should be able to discover what it is.

 

[ThomasCarten]

I've got the t-shirt, too. Go out on a high note, take the high road; you will be remembered as a class act instead of a whiner.

 

[NEPA_radiobored]

Kent Westling is an excellent play-by-play announcer. I think he wanted to go up to MLB games with the Phils (and he should have) When there was an opening at the Phils' level, it was given to the board op in Philly. Kent was passed over. He really is MLB material. I sincerely wish him the best!

 

[masterg]

Kent Westling is an excellent play-by-play announcer.

Indeed he is. Now, if you want to hear the absolute best P-B-P team, you have got to hear Ken Sawyer and Gary Chrisman do the Little League World Series. These guys are amazing, and both local radio guys in Williamsport. It really surprises me that no MLB franchise hasn't heard them and made them a big offer, thay are that good...