Bob Costas is retiring from his role as a Major League Baseball play-by-play announcer after an illustrious career spanning more than four decades. The legendary broadcaster confirmed his decision to The Athletic, though he declined to make a formal statement, telling reporter Andrew Marchand that he “would prefer to address the decision and his MLB play-by-play career at a later date.”
The final call of Costas’ storied play-by-play career came during Game 4 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals.
In that game, the Yankees emerged victorious, securing their place in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), which they would go on to win.
It was a fitting end for Costas, who has been the voice behind many memorable moments in baseball history.
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Costas, now 72, has been a prominent figure in baseball broadcasting for 44 years, with the majority of his career spent with NBC. He began his journey with the network in 1980, and over the years, he provided play-by-play commentary for three World Series and ten League Championship Series, cementing his legacy as one of the most recognizable voices in the sport.
Costas became known for his ability to capture the drama and emotion of the game, creating moments that resonated with fans long after the final out was called.
Beyond his contributions to Major League Baseball, Costas also expanded his broadcasting career to cover a wide range of sports.
He became the face of NBC’s Olympic coverage for several years, hosting multiple editions of the Summer and Winter Games. His versatility as a broadcaster and his ability to connect with audiences made him a household name, respected by sports fans around the world.
In 2020, after his long tenure with NBC came to an end in 2019, Costas began calling games for TBS, continuing to share his passion for baseball with viewers.
He also became a key figure on MLB Network, where he has been a part of the broadcast team since the channel’s inception in 2009. His insightful analysis and deep knowledge of the game have made him an invaluable part of MLB Network’s programming.
According to Andrew Marchand, Costas made the decision to step away from play-by-play duties before the start of the 2024 season, which coincided with the conclusion of his contract with TBS. While this marks the end of an era for Costas as a play-by-play announcer, his contributions to the game and his influence on baseball broadcasting will not be forgotten.
Although Costas is retiring from calling baseball games, he is not stepping away from broadcasting entirely. He will continue to work as an analyst and commentator on MLB Network, where his insights and storytelling abilities will undoubtedly continue to enrich the sport.
Additionally, Costas will maintain his role as the voice of the Baseball Hall of Fame, a position that allows him to celebrate the history and legacy of the sport he loves.
Bob Costas’ retirement from play-by-play announcing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in baseball history. His voice has been a part of some of the sport’s most iconic moments, and his passion for the game has left an indelible mark on fans and players alike.
While he may no longer be in the broadcast booth calling games, his influence on the world of sports broadcasting will endure for years to come. Fans can take comfort in knowing that they will still hear from Costas as he continues to share his love for baseball and its rich history.
