2021 marks PressBox’s fifth annual Best Of edition celebrating the top people, performances and moments of the year.
Best Glass Ceiling Shattered
In July, Orioles play-by-play voice Melanie Newman made history by leading the first all-female crew to broadcast an MLB game. Newman, Sarah Langs and Alanna Rizzo made up the game crew for an Orioles-Rays broadcast on YouTube, with Lauren Gardner and Heidi Watney providing pre- and postgame coverage in the studio.
In September, Newman partnered with Jessica Mendoza to call a Padres-Dodgers game for ESPN, the first all-female duo to call an MLB game in the network’s history.
These moments were particularly meaningful to young female fans, one of whom brought a sign to a September game and got to meet the broadcaster.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Baltimore Orioles
For more Best Of, visit PressBoxOnline.com/BestOf.
Plus: Check out PressBox’s 2021 Mo Gaba Sportsperson of the Year, Justin Tucker.
