In an announcement that brought tears and shock to the entire Red Sox nation, Dave O’Brien – the golden voice and legendary broadcaster for the Boston Red Sox on NESN for nearly two decades – officially revealed his diagnosis of stage 3 throat cancer. At age 63, the man who has named thousands of historic moments at Fenway Park announced that the 2026 season will be his final, and he will dedicate it to honoring the team, the fans, and the city of Boston that he loves more than anything.

“I’ve kept this a secret for quite some time, trying to fight this alone,” O’Brien shared in an emotional video posted to his personal account and NESN today. “But I don’t want Red Sox fans to hear news from anyone other than me. Throat cancer has struck, and I’m undergoing intensive treatment. The doctors say the chances are good, but my voice might not be the same again. So, the 2026 season will be my final tribute. I want to call out every game, every play, every moment at Fenway as if it were the last – because maybe it is.”

Dave O’Brien joined NESN in 2007, initially doing radio play-by-play before becoming the main voice on television from 2016. He has named iconic moments: David Ortiz’s 2013 grand slam, Mookie Betts’ postseason home run, and a series of breathtaking wins at Fenway. With his passionate style, extensive knowledge, and genuine love for the Red Sox, O’Brien was more than just a broadcaster – he was a companion, the “Voice of Fenway” that millions of fans tuned into their TVs every summer night to listen to.

Red Sox fans were overwhelmed with emotion on social media after the announcement. One fan wrote: “Dave O’Brien is the sound of Fenway to me. Hearing him shout ‘Home run!’ is hearing the team’s history. We’ll be with him until the very end.” Another: “From Ortiz’s ‘He’s gone!’ to those dramatic saves – Dave brought everything to life. Now we’re going to make him proud.” At Fenway Park, staff immediately put up a banner that read “We Love You, D.O.B.”, and several tribute nights are planned for the 2026 season.

The Red Sox released an official statement: “Dave O’Brien is the heart and soul of how we tell the Red Sox story. He didn’t just call the game – he lived with us through all the joys and sorrows. We will support him 100% in this fight and will make the 2026 season the most memorable one for Dave.”

O’Brien also opened up about his personal journey: “I’ve called thousands of games, but now I realize that what matters most isn’t the number of wins, but the people I’ve met, the fans who sent thank-you letters, the kids who wrote that they learned to love baseball because of my voice. I want to dedicate this season to saying thank you – to the Red Sox, to NESN, to every single fan who has given me life.”

He revealed he is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy at a leading cancer center in Boston. Despite fatigue and a hoarse voice, O’Brien affirmed his commitment to doing his best to be in the booth for every official game in 2026. “I don’t promise to call out perfectly like before,” he said with a wry smile, “but I promise to call out with all my heart.”

The MLB community also showed their support: Joe Buck, Michael Kay, and broadcasters from other teams sent messages of encouragement. Many current and former players, such as David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez, and Dustin Pedroia, posted photos with O’Brien with the caption “We got you, Dave.” The 2026 season is expected to feature special nights: “Dave O’Brien Appreciation Nights,” with fans receiving shirts printed with “Voice of Fenway” and the chance to meet him at Fenway.

In the volatile world of sports, where everything can change with a single deal, Dave O’Brien represents something constant: pure love for baseball and its fans. He was more than just a commentator – he was a storyteller, a companion through countless seasons, from the tough times to the glorious moments.

Now, facing the biggest challenge of his life, Dave O’Brien still chooses to stand in front of the microphone and call out the Red Sox name once more. The 2026 season is not just a game – it’s a final tribute, a farewell song from a voice that has become iconic at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox Nation is praying and applauding for Dave O’Brien. Enjoy every comment, every “Swing and a miss!”, every “Home run!” – because these may be the last sounds we hear from him at Fenway.

Thank you, Dave. We love you.