The voices that call baseball games on the radio are almost just as important as the players on the field. They paint a picture for fans unable to attend or watch on television, allowing them to feel the excitement of the action on the field.
Atlanta Braves fans have been lucky to have some of the best in the business over the last few decades. I can remember listening to games with my Father on the radio and the way people like Ernie Johnson emoted during the action, made me feel as if I was right in the thick of it. It also made me want to consider a career in broadcasting one day.
There are a few voices that feel synonymous with the Braves experience and one of those was Jim Powell. Unfortunately for fans, Powell called his last game for Atlanta in 2023 as he announced he would no longer be featured on Braves radio broadcasts.
An update for the many who have reached out to check my status. pic.twitter.com/hyKyYFSLZB
— Jim Powell (@Jim_Powell) January 25, 2024
Powell had an incredible career with the Atlanta Braves calling games alongside the late Don Sutton, Joe Simpson, and Mark Lemke. He joined the Braves in 2009 after over a decade with the Milwaukee Brewers.
In 2021, Ben Ingram and Joe Simpson were announced as the full-time radio broadcast team with Powell taking a part-time role after the passing of Sutton.
There is no indication if this was his decision or if he was let go. However, in his farewell letter posted to his social media account, he mentions that he won't speculate as to why. That seems to hint that it may not have been a mutual decision.
I'm sure Powell will provide updates at a later date on what his next venture is. Jim is a 30-year veteran when it comes to calling MLB games so I'm sure he won't have any trouble finding a gig somewhere, whether that be in professional sports or not.
Austin Riley demolishes a 415 feet homer to left! pic.twitter.com/FH50unZMkQ
— Atlanta Braves Radio Network 🎙️ (@BravesRadioNet) July 24, 2022
This announcement follows the plethora of changes to Braves broadcast teams over the last couple of years. Last year, Brandon Gaudin took over after Chip Caray departed the Bally Sports crew to take a job with the St. Louis Cardinals. Before the 2024 season, it was also announced Jeff Francouer would be calling fewer games and C.J. Nitkowski would step in taking on a bulk of the schedule.
The Roswell, Georgia native stated how grateful he was to have met so many wonderful people while broadcasting for the Braves at Turner Field and Truist Park. He was a part of great baseball over the years and will be missed.
Powell was inducted as a member of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020.