ATLANTA -- Don Sutton's familiar voice will once again be heard by Braves fans this season.
The Braves have finalized a deal that allows Sutton to return to Atlanta to serve as the radio broadcast partner with the recently hired Jim Powell. The official announcement was made early Tuesday evening.
Sutton, who was previously part of the Braves' broadcast team from 1989-2006, spent the past two seasons calling games for the Nationals, and he had two more seasons left on his contract with the club and its television partner, Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.
While the Nationals provided an early blessing, MASN delayed the process until late Tuesday morning, when it announced Rob Dibble as Sutton's replacement.
Sutton returns to Atlanta to help fill the voids created by Pete Van Wieren's retirement and Skip Caray's death. During his previous days in Atlanta, the Hall of Fame pitcher developed strong friendships with both of these legendary announcers.
"I have always loved the Braves, the city of Atlanta and the fans," Sutton said. "It feels like returning home for me and my family. Radio is such a big part of the Braves history that I approach this with great respect and admiration. Every time I sit behind the microphone, I will be reminded of how much I will always owe Ernie [Johnson], Skip and Pete."
During a 13-year stint as a Brewers announcer, Powell spent some time working alongside Sutton's son, Darren Sutton, who is now with the Diamondbacks.
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Source: MLB.com