Tacoma Rainiers make history by hiring Rylee Pay as their new play-by-play voice, becomes the first female lead broadcaster in Triple-A.
By Berlin Kofoed, edited by Charles Hamaker
Tacoma, WA - After the conclusion of the 2024 season, longtime Tacoma Rainiers team broadcaster, Mike Curto, announced his retirement after 26 years (25 seasons) with the team. Filling those shoes was a big task, but after over 250 applicants were considered, Team President Aaron Artman has found just the person in Rylee Pay. With the hiring of Pay, the Rainiers get their new voice and make some history all in the same decision.
Pay is the first woman lead broadcaster in Triple-A baseball but, with her history, she’s more than ready to step into this role. Before coming to Tacoma, she was the play-by-play broadcaster and media relations assistant for the Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate team for the Boston Red Sox. She also has past experience in the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Cotuit Kettleers, Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the Northwoods League collegiate summer ball, and called games for MLB's Arizona Fall League..
Artman said the organization was “very thoughtful and purposeful” when searching for the new voice of the team, he said in a statement. Considering that they were looking for their new broadcast voice, for the first time in over two decades, Tacoma surely had to make a careful decision with who they hired. “From Bob Robertson to Mike Curto, there is a legacy here in Tacoma that is unique, and I look forward to Rylee adding to that legacy on the airwaves when we kick off the season on March 28th.”
“I really want to paint the picture of what is happening on the field and help bring the game to life for those fans that can’t attend.” Pay said about her excitement to step into the broadcast booth at Cheney Stadium. “I look forward to meeting the people of Tacoma and immersing myself in this special community.”
The Tacoma Rainiers 2025 season gets underway on March 28th at Cheney Stadium, and with the position player prospects that the Seattle Mariners organization has that are projected to reach the big league club late this year or next season there is sure to be some quality young talent gracing the diamond for the Rainiers. For more information and tickets, visit tacomarainiers.com and be on the lookout for more consistent coverage on CSS Futures regarding the Mariners farm system.
“I’ve heard so many fantastic things about the culture of Tacoma and what baseball means to this city. I really want to paint the picture of what is happening on the field and help bring the game to life for those fans that can’t attend. I look forward to meeting the people of Tacoma and immersing myself in this special community.”
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Cover photo from the Tacoma Rainiers.
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