For the first time since announcing his retirement as a play-by-play announcer, the 72-year-old broadcasting legend took a moment to reflect on his illustrious career and the reasons behind his decision to step away now. In a candid conversation, Costas opened up about the challenges of maintaining the high standards he had set for himself over decades in the booth.
“I knew for more than a year that this would be the end of it—I felt that I couldn’t consistently reach my past standard,” Costas told Tom Verducci during an appearance on “MLB Tonight” on Monday.
“There might have been individual games, or stretches within games, or moments in games that were just the same as if it was the 1990s or the early 21st century. But I couldn’t string enough of them together.”
Costas began his career calling baseball games for NBC in the early 1980s, and it didn’t take long for him to become a beloved voice of the sport. Over the years, he would achieve national prominence, not just in baseball, but across many major sports, including football, golf, and the Olympics. His passion and eloquence made him a household name and earned him a place among the greatest sports broadcasters in history.
However, in recent years, the familiar and reassuring voice that had captivated millions began to wane under the weight of criticism.
In recent seasons, Costas was less frequently heard behind the microphone, particularly in his most recent role with TBS.
His rare appearances left a noticeable absence, and during the 2024 MLB playoffs, a series of on-air missteps painted an unfortunate picture of a broadcasting legend whose best days seemed behind him. Fans and network executives alike took note of moments that lacked the finesse that had once been his hallmark.
One such moment occurred during the ninth inning of a tense ALDS Game 4, when Costas embarked on an ill-timed tangent comparing Kevin Bacon to Aaron Boone, much to the bewilderment of his audience.
In another instance, he prematurely called a base hit on what was clearly an outfield catch, an error that was both uncharacteristic and jarring for those accustomed to Costas’ legendary precision.
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For one of the all-time greats—a member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame with over four decades of experience and the honor of calling three World Series—these missteps were glaring. They were, as Costas admitted to Verducci, clear signs that his abilities were no longer what they used to be.
“It’s hard to admit, but it became evident to me,” Costas reflected. “I have too much regard for the game, for the craft, and for whatever my own standard has been, to be consistently hitting beneath my lifetime batting average. The last thing I wanted was to tarnish the body of work I’ve built over a lifetime by staying on longer than I should.”
For Costas, the decision to retire was not about one bad game or a handful of errors, but rather an acknowledgment that he could no longer maintain the consistency that had once come so naturally. “In the last couple of years, I couldn’t quite reach that,” he admitted. “And what I hoped for this year … I just hoped to end on a grace note.”
Costas’ career has been marked by moments of true broadcasting brilliance—his poetic storytelling, his love for the game, and his unique ability to elevate even the most mundane moments into something meaningful. He brought a deep respect for the sport and its history to every broadcast, always striving to do justice to the game and its players.
“I’ve always believed that baseball is more than just a game—it’s a part of our culture, our history,” Costas said. “And I wanted to make sure that every time I was on the mic, I was doing it justice. When I felt I could no longer do that consistently, I knew it was time to step away.”
For many fans, Bob Costas will forever be remembered as the voice that brought to life some of the most iconic moments in sports history. Whether it was the thrilling Game 6 of the 1995 World Series or his insightful commentary during the Olympics, Costas was always there, narrating the drama with his distinctive tone and passion.
Now, as he steps away from the booth, Costas leaves behind a legacy that few in the broadcasting world can match. He walks away on his own terms, with a deep respect for the game that has given him so much. His hope for a “grace note” ending is a reminder that even legends must eventually bow out, not with a roar, but with the quiet dignity that has defined their careers.
Bob Costas’ departure marks the end of an era in sports broadcasting—a voice that became synonymous with excellence, humility, and passion.
As he moves into retirement, he leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, but his contributions to the world of sports will be remembered for generations to come.
