CHICAGO -- The White Sox have taken a “next man up” type of approach throughout the 2026 season while dealing with injuries to key players such as first baseman Munetaka Murakami and catcher Kyle Teel.
That philosophy traveled to the CHSN television booth for Tuesday night’s broadcast of the White Sox game against the Guardians at Rate Field. Only in this case, it was the next woman up.
Brooke Fletcher, who serves as the sideline reporter for White Sox games, became the first female TV analyst in the organization’s history, broadcasting alongside John Schriffen, the team’s television voice. Mary Shane worked in a play-by-play role during the 1977 season with Harry Caray, Jimmy Piersall and Lorn Brown.
Fletcher filled in for Steve Stone, who was under the weather but is expected back for Wednesday’s day game.
“I know I don’t have as many years in the bigs. I don’t have any years in the bigs,” Fletcher said with a laugh before her analyst debut. “It’s not like I’m an All-Star like Steve Stone, but one thing I do have is the perspective of somebody who has been in the clubhouse talking to these players day in and day out.
“Tonight I’m going to focus on sharing their stories and being a fan, being a fan of the game and just calling what I see. I think that’s the unique approach I’m going to take. I’m honored. I’m really appreciative that the White Sox believed and trusted in me last minute, and I know I have big shoes to fill with Steve.”
Executive vice president Brooks Boyer shared the news with Fletcher at about 4 p.m. CT, shortly before manager Will Venable was set for his pregame media session, which Fletcher regularly covers. She didn’t have a great deal of time to prepare, especially in this new role.
“Well, my prep is a lot different as a sideline reporter than it would be as an analyst,” Fletcher said. “The big thing is taking that sideline approach and sharing these stories and just being me. The White Sox fan base, they know who I am and they know what I bring day in and day out. So I’m still going to be me, but just from a different vantage point.”
Although Fletcher had not talked to Stone pregame, she spoke with her husband, Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth, after receiving the news.
“I texted my husband, 'I think I’m going to be in the booth tonight.' And he goes, 'Wait, what?'” Fletcher said. “I called him and he was like, 'You got this. You know baseball and grew up around it. Go have fun and just be you.' He sent me a long text that I haven’t had a chance to read, but I’m sure it’s encouraging and being a good husband.
“I’m not Steve Stone. But I feel like I know this team really well and [have] spent a lot of time with them day in and day out.”
Baseball runs in the Fletcher family. Her father, Scott, played 15 years in the Majors and will be in Chicago this weekend for a reunion of the 1983 American League West champions, for whom he was an important piece of the infield. Her brother, Brian, played in the Minors, while her brother-in-law is former White Sox infielder Gordon Beckham and her cousin is former Expos catcher Michael Barrett.
This opportunity comes two seasons after Alyssa Bergamini became the first female public address announcer for the White Sox during a weekend series in 2024. Connor McKnight, another top-notch contributor to Chicago's broadcasts who has excelled in the television and radio booths for many games, was unavailable Tuesday due to his broadcast duties in relation to the annual Sox Serve week.
Although Fletcher broadcast the team’s Spring Breakout game with McKnight during Spring Training, there were still some nerves Tuesday.
“Nerves are good and I’m a competitor,” Fletcher said. “So when they told me this last minute, I was up for the challenge. I’m going to walk in with confidence and have some fun tonight.”