Orioles’ legendary pitcher Jim Palmer has revealed that he has been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the midst of a turbulent week for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN). Palmer, who is also a color commentator for MASN, tweeted that he was missing from the broadcast of Wednesday’s Orioles game against the Houston Astros due to his illness.
In his tweet, Palmer stated, At home, sick with Covid. It’s hit me hard! With you in spirit, Birdland. The absence of Palmer, alongside fellow commentators Geoff Arnold and Mike Devereaux, was noticeable during the game. Melanie Newman and Dave Johnson took over the call for MASN, while Scott Garceau and Steve Melewski announced for the Orioles Radio Network.
This news comes after MASN drew national attention earlier in the week due to the removal of Kevin Brown, the network’s lead play-by-play announcer for Orioles games, from broadcasts in late July. Brown’s exit followed a pregame segment on July 23, in which he pointed out the Orioles’ struggles on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays and their chance to win a series at Tropicana Field for the first time since 2017. Brown is set to rejoin MASN’s broadcasts on Friday when the Orioles start a series in Seattle.
Jim Palmer, 77, is a renowned figure in the world of baseball, having won three American League Cy Young Awards and three World Series titles with the Baltimore Orioles. He holds the franchise record for the most wins with 268. Palmer was among the members of the 1983 Orioles team, which was honored this past weekend as the last team from Baltimore to win a World Series.
This isn’t Palmer’s first publicized health scare this year. In April, he underwent a procedure for melanoma. Despite his previous health issues, he remains dedicated to his work as a commentator and continues to contribute his expertise and insights to the game.
As news of Palmer’s COVID-19 diagnosis spreads, fans and colleagues alike are expressing their concern and wishing him a swift recovery. The baseball community is rallying around him, showing support and gratitude for his contributions to the sport over the years.
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