Just three-plus months into the 2021 MLB season, Daron Sutton (pictured above on the left, along with analyst Mark Gubicza) is out as one of the Angels play by play broadcasters. Sutton announced the news on Sunday, saying that his role was “definitely more of a trial or test than I understood.”
The Angels let go of play-by-play voice Daron Sutton yesterday, he told reporters.
He said it was a surprise & that his tenure w/ the Angels was "definitely more of a trial or test than I understood."
He also said he "enjoyed every second of this opportunity" & thanked Bally.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) July 11, 2021
Here’s his full statement, via the LA Times.
“This was definitely more of a trial or test than I understood when we started,” Sutton said via text Sunday. “I enjoyed every second of this opportunity and will cherish the memories always. I am proud of every moment of television the Bally Sports team produced, that I was a part of, without incident, and to the joy and satisfaction of so many.”
Sutton thanked Angels fans on Twitter, and also complimented his colleagues at Bally Sports West.
Thanks Angels fans! That was a blast! Honored to come into your homes and share the games with you. It is a privilege. We had some fun didn't we? See you down the road. Btw..thanks @MLB for highlighting some of the magical memories and moments. 🎥: @BallySportWest https://t.co/ppRg5qmzvG
— Daron Sutton (@lifeisgreatsut) July 11, 2021
Thanks so much! @Markgubicza, @JoseMota05, @Patrick_ONeal, @KentFrench and @Alex_Curry were all first class broadcast partners. And everyone on @BallySportWest were ‘best in class’.
— Daron Sutton (@lifeisgreatsut) July 12, 2021
Back in March, Sutton was announced as one of two new play by play voices for the Angels, along with Matt Vasgersian. Vasgersian will continue in his role in the second half of the season, but the team will need to bring in another announcer to cover for Vasgersian when he’s working with either ESPN or MLB Network.
One in-house possibility is Jose Mota, who has worked as a play by play broadcaster in the past and currently serves as an analyst for Angels broadcasts. Another name that’s been kicked around is Rich Waltz, though the team has not announced a replacement.
The Angels broadcast booth took a big blow earlier this year, when long-time play by play man Victor Rojas left the booth for a front office role with the Frisco RoughRiders. Sutton’s hiring to fill in the gaps when Vagersian had national work seemed like a natural move, but the team apparently felt otherwise after less than 100 games.
