23 year old outfielder Bryce Brentz was taken 36th overall by the Red Sox in the 2010 draft out of Middle Tennessee State. Brentz split his second pro season at A Greenville & A+ Salem, where he combined to slash .306/.365/.574 with 30 homers. He’s at AA Portland this season and so far in 35 games with the Sea Dogs Brent has hit .289/.333/.430 with 3 HRs. One area the power prospect is working on is his strikeout rate. Last year in Salem Brentz struck out nearly 25% of the time and so far this season he’s K’d over 28% of the time. Brentz has been hot as of late and earlier this week he sat down with Portland broadcaster Mike Antonellis.

Bryce Brentz w/ Mike Antonellis

When I arrived at the studio today to get ready for the rubber game of the Red Sox/Royals series in Kansas City I figured that if I heard any bad news, it would be about either a last-minute lineup change, or something about a delay in Jacoby Ellsbury’s return to the Red Sox.   Instead I heard of a lineup change…but not the one anyone expected.  I was informed that Carl Beane, a staple of Fenway Park since 2003 as the Red Sox’ PA announcer, had passed away earlier in the day. 

Back in 2009, I heard that there was a Boston vs. New York Media game at Fenway Park (& Yankee stadium) every year.  I wanted in real bad, so I asked Joe Castiglione how I would be able to get involved.  He told me that he’d ask Carl Beane, the team’s manager for me.  The next day, I was on the phone with Joe talking about that night’s broadcast and he happened to be standing next to Carl…Joe turned to him, asked him about the Media game and Carl (with his booming pipes) said  ”no problem, have Jon be at Fenway on the day of the game at 8:30am.” 

Meeting Carl in person was surreal, as I had heard his voice over the radio and over the PA at Fenway when I went to games for years…his voice was totally unique and instantly recognizable.   I had the honor of talking with him at length a few times about baseball, broadcasting and his love for the Red Sox and I, along with anyone else who had the privelage of meeting with, speaking and listening to Carl instantly came away with the feeling of kindness, comfort, and that he loved what he did & wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.

During tonight’s broadcast, Joe Castiglione asked listeners to text in their remembrances of Carl…here’s some of the responses we received:

-So lucky-met Carl Beane twice. He was SO proud of being from Western MA. Spoke 2 Amherst Baseball banquet great stories let everyone wear his WS ring.

-John in Warren Ma. My favorite Carl Bean memory was from July 2005. Carl annonced my twin sons Little League Tournament in Holland Ma as if the players were in a Major League game @Fenway. That day he also let anyone that wanted to wear his World Series Ring wear it and take pictures. A thrilling day for players and parents. A very nice man.

-Makes sense that Carl Beane loved his role with the red sox, he had the perfect voice for it. He will be hard to replace and he’ll be missed by all of us

-I never thought anyone could replace Sherm Feller. But Carl Beane, with that familiar voice, stepped perfectly into the role and left his own huge mark on Sox history. He will be greatly missed. From: Kirk, in New Jersey

-God must have needed a voice in heavens ballpark GOD BLESS YOU CARL Paul in Waterford CT

 -I met Carl years ago when I used to work at a TV station very humble always willing to talk to you and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met

-I feel very sad Carl Beane. He was my favorite announcer. E. V. E. R

-Carl had a very warm welcoming velvet voice to the Fenway faithful & Red Sox line-​up

-Lost a huge part of our nation today. My heart goes out to his family.

-I wouldn’t know Carl if I walked by him but I would recognize that confident soothing voice anywhere. My condolences to all. –​Joe

-loved Carl’s voice! I thought they made a great choice when they gave him the job in 2003. I will miss him. Rest in peace Carl. Andy from South Hadley

Carl, your kindness allowed me to live out a kid from Boston’s dream: stepping foot on Fenway’s sacred soil….a place you called home.

Your voice will never be silenced. 

We’ll miss you, Carl.

23 year old LHP Chris Hernandez is off to a nice start for the Portland Sea Dogs this season. Hernandez took the loss yesterday against New Britain, but allowed just two runs over five innings. Through six starts this season Hernandez has pitched to a 1.99 ERA and opponents are hitting just .223 off him. 2012 is Hernandez’s third season of pro ball. The Sox took him in the 7th Round out of the University of Miami in the 2010 draft. He spent last year, his first full professional season, at High-A Salem where he pitched to a 3.18 ERA over 25 starts. Earlier this week Portland broadcaster Mike Antonellis sat down with the Sea Dog starter.

Chris Hernandez w/ Mike Antonellis