Tacoma Rainiers hire first woman lead broadcaster in Triple-A baseball

For the first time in more than two decades, the Tacoma Rainiers will have a new voice calling the action of their games in the 2025 season.

On Wednesday, Aaron Artman, the president of the Mariners Triple-A affiliate announced that Rylee Pay has been hired to serve as the team’s new radio broadcaster. Pay replaces longtime radio announcer Mike Curto, who retired after the 2024 season.

Pay becomes the first female lead broadcaster in Triple-A baseball.

“Rylee had the right combination of experience and creativity and was the best fit for our culture and brand - two things that we took very seriously when determining the right fit,” Artman said in a news release. “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.”

Prior to getting hired by Tacoma, Pay was formerly the play-by-play broadcaster and media relations assistant for the Portland Sea Dogs - the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.

“I’ve heard so many fantastic things about the culture of Tacoma and what baseball means to this city,” Pay said in a statement. “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.”

According to the team’s news release, the Rainiers had more than 250 applicants for the position.

This story was originally published January 30, 2025 at 7:01 PM with the headline "Tacoma Rainiers hire first woman lead broadcaster in Triple-A baseball."