Some thoughts on Provus & Atteberry
The Minnesota Twins came into the 2024 season having massively shook up their broadcast structure. Longtime “voice of the Twins” Dick Bremer retired—or was that persuaded to convalesce to MN’s 10,000 lakes?—and was replaced by Corey Provus, the team’s radio play-by-play announcer since 2012. This opened the lead audio gig for longtime studio host Kris Atteberry.
Sadly, many Twins fans did not get to experience the full force of the changes, what with months of the schedule not on local TV. But with the new MLB-run TV deal and fresh ink on a WCCO airwaves contract, opportunities should abound in 2024.
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Let’s look at how the new configurations did this past year…
Television
I had quite literally never known Twins baseball on TV without The Duke calling play-by-play. Though at times I missed Bremer’s booming baritone—and enjoyed hearing it again at the Twins Hall of Fame ceremony—the fact that I never pined for it in ’24 speaks volumes.
I felt Corey Provus made a wonderful transition from audio to video. He was positive and upbeat without being manic, yet also willing to show frustration when things went sideways. His “back it goes…deep it goes!” home run call and “Twins win—Twins win—the Minnesota Twins win it!” are establishing themselves in my MN baseball vernacular.
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Justin Morneau is Provus’ most prolific pal, and he’s solid—if understated in his Canadian way. As such, the Twins are doing well to shake things up and not utilize the big Canuck for long stretches. The likes of LaTroy Hawkins, Roy Smalley, Denard Span, Trevor Plouffe, and Glen Perkins (whom I especially enjoyed!) rotate in more frequently then ever to provide fresh takes/stories. A really good setup all-around.
Radio
Filling Provus’ void on your radio (or app) dial, Kris Atteberry was perhaps more of a mixed bag. Initially I really enjoyed his flowery commentary—he is smooth-as-butter on the mic and can turn a phrase with the best of them. I won’t make a direct comparison here, but maybe a little Bob Costas-esque (for better or worse). Yet, as the season progressed I felt myself getting bored—if not sometimes annoyed—at his linguistics-heavy approach. Then again, I disliked Provus at first too—so I’m willing to give Atteberry time to grow on me.
Longtime radio color voice Dan Gladden is—well, he’s Dan Gladden. Some hate his “back in my day” grumpiness (insert author’s raised hand) while others enjoy that hard edge. Now in his upper-60s, Dazzle goes on more “special assignments”—one shudders to think what that is a euphemism for—allowing Perkins (good on radio too!) or Paul Molitor to team with Atteberry. Though not the most engaging speaker, Molly’s baseball insights shine.
Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Overall, I feel the Twins broadcast teams are in a solid place at the moment—no small feat after so much consistency with Bremer for so long. But that’s just me—what do you think?! This discussion is too nuanced for a poll, so sound off in the comments with thoughts on the new voices of the Twins.