Giants, iconic PA announcer Brooks-Moon part ways

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- After 24 seasons and nearly 2,000 games at Oracle Park since the ballpark first opened, there will be a different voice behind the microphone during Giants home games beginning this season.

The team and Renel Brooks-Moon announced on Monday that the high-profile public announcer will not be returning to the booth in 2024. Both parties mutually agreed to go separate ways after “extensive” discussions about a new contract for 2024.

One of the first Black women to serve as a Major League Baseball public address announcer, Brooks-Moon, 65, had become a staple at Oracle Park. She was the voice behind many historical moments for the Giants, including three World Series championships, Barry Bonds' home run records, Matt Cain’s perfect game, a Tim Lincecum no-hitter and more.

Brooks-Moon will assume the role of public address announcer emeritus, and the public address booth will be named in her honor during a home game this season, according to the release.

“Renel has been the familiar and inspirational voice for generations of players and fans at Oracle Park,” said Giants president and CEO Larry Baer. “As an ambassador for the organization and a respected leader, Renel has been a 'Giant' voice in the ballpark and in the community, and will be a 'Forever Giant.' It will be a fitting tribute to name the PA booth in her honor.”

In the 2002 World Series, Brooks-Moon became not just the first woman to serve as the PA announcer for a World Series, but she also became the first woman to do so for a championship game in any professional sport in the United States.

“As a Bay Area native, it has been the honor of my lifetime to serve on the mic, and in the community for the Giants for 24 years,” said Brooks-Moon. “My very first game, on April 11, 2000, I shall never forget because the job has always been bigger than me. Representation matters, and it is my great hope that my time in the booth has inspired little girls, young women and people of color to pursue their dreams even if those dreams seem impossible -- because impossible dreams can come true.”

“To my successor, best of luck, and enjoy every minute of it! To the talented young control room crew, I could not be prouder of you all. And last, but certainly not least, the fans: 100% the best fans in all of baseball, many of whom have become personal friends. I can’t thank you enough for your overwhelming kindness and support. I will miss you all the most. Go Get ‘Em Bo Mel!”

Brooks-Moon’s successor has not been named.

According to the release, Brooks-Moon will continue her active engagement as a volunteer, activist and mentor in the Bay Area community. She is a founding member of Friends of Faith Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to underserved and uninsured Bay Area breast cancer patients. She has also served on the board of the San Francisco Giants Community Fund, supports Glide Memorial Methodist Church, the Glide Foundation, Buster & Kristen Posey’s BP 28 work for pediatric cancer research and serves on the Advisory Board of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.

She is an Emmy-award winner for her work on TV and she was featured on a limited edition TOPPS baseball card.

Brooks-Moon has been honored by many organizations, including American Women in Radio and Television, the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame, 100 Black Women, Bay Area Black Journalists Association and Girls Inc.

Former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom proclaimed “Renel Brooks-Moon Day” in her honor on March 18, 2005.