January 8, 2014, 1:05 p.m.
@Philabaseball
Chris Wheeler and Gary Matthews have been relieved of their duties as members of the Phillies broadcasting team.
The AP first reported the move Wednesday afternoon.
Wheeler started with the Phillies in 1971 and was the longest-tenured broadcaster on the team, handling play-by-play and color analysis on television and radio.Matthews spent the past seven seasons with the Phillies doing color analysis.
Both men will remain with the organization.
"As the longest-tenured member of the Phillies broadcasting team, Chris Wheeler will return to his club roots after stepping down from his role as a Phillies broadcaster," the team said in a statement.
"With 37 years of broadcasting experience, combined with his front office background where he began his Phillies career, 'Wheels' will take on a new role allowing the organization to continue to benefit from his knowledge, experience and dedication to the game," the statement said. "Additionally, Gary Matthews will continue to work with the Phillies in roles that are yet to be determined."
The move comes days after the club signed a new television contract with NBCUniversal and Comcast SportsNet that's reportedly worth $2.5 billion over the next 25 years.
