Ken Brett Named Angel Announcer

Former major league pitcher Ken Brett, whose broadcasting experience is limited to 35 Seattle Mariner telecasts last season and a few pay-cable telecasts for the Chicago White Sox several years ago, was, as expected, named the Angels’ No. 2 radio announcer Monday.

He was a commentator with the Mariners, but his duties with the Angels eventually will include some play-by-play.

“We liked his raw ability, his knowledge of the game and his attitude,” said Bill Ward, general manager of Angel flagship station KMPC, in explaining why Brett was picked as Ron Fairly’s replacement.

Fairly left the Angels to take an announcing job with the San Francisco Giants.

“I realize I have a lot to learn,” Brett said. “I know play-by-play isn’t easy.”

Seattle announcer Dave Niehaus said Brett was well received as a television commentator.

KMPC sports director Steve Bailey, who has been with the station for 32 years, will become the third member of the broadcast team. Bailey, who will serve as producer, announcer and mentor to Brett, will relieve No. 1 announcer Al Conin on play-by-play for two innings per game until Brett moves into that role.

Veteran producer-engineer Dick Nelson, who will turn 65 in May, will retire May 1, and Bailey will assume his job. Nelson has worked almost every Angel broadcast in the club’s 26-year history.

Brett, 38, the older brother of Kansas City Royal star George Brett, spent 12 seasons in the major leagues and played for different teams, including the Angels and Dodgers. He was with the Angels during the 1977 and ’78 seasons.

Brett, who also works for a San Francisco-based company that deals with financial prospectuses, will continue working for that firm as well. He and his four brothers also own the minor league baseball team in Spokane, Wash., and a restaurant in Hermosa Beach.

Brett and his wife, Teresa, who live in Hermosa Beach, are expecting twins, their first children, in May.