Bob Costas is retiring as a Major League Baseball play-by-play caller, marking the end of a legendary run in which he became synonymous with the game over four decades, which resulted in a place in the broadcasting wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Costas confirmed the news Thursday when reached by The Athletic, but said he would prefer to address the decision and his MLB play-by-play career at a later date. His last game broadcast on TBS was the New York Yankees’ Game 4 clincher in the American League Division Series. Costas vaguely insinuated that it might be his final call toward the end of the broadcast.
Costas, 72, will continue with his emeritus work at MLB Network, where he contributes to several shows as an analyst, including on historical events, like the Hall of Fame announcement. He has been MLBN’s lead play-by-play voice on games since the network’s inception 15 years ago, but will cede that role, as well.
The decision to retire was made by Costas prior to the season, which coincided with his contract ending, according to sources briefed on the decision.
Costas and Zucker have a long history together, dating to when Zucker, fresh out of Harvard, was an Olympic researcher for Costas in 1988.
During the TBS playoffs, Costas called the Yankees’ series and drew a lot of attention due to his profile and the perception, especially among some on social media, that he wasn’t as on top of the action as he once was and lacked some enthusiasm on some big moments.
Costas has recognized that his play-by-play fell shy of the standard he set for himself when he first really joined the baseball game-calling scene during his popular partnership with Tony Kubek on NBC in the 1980s.
Costas called his first MLB game for NBC 44 years ago. Over his decades in the game, he was on the mic for three World Series and 10 league championships.
He also worked as a play-by-play or host on an array of those events, plus divisional round playoffs and All-Star games. Costas won the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.
While Brian Anderson remained the TNT Sports’ top MLB game-caller, Costas would usually receive the more high-profile assignment during the divisional round series. This year, for example, Costas was on the Yankees-Kansas City Royals divisional round series, while Anderson worked the Cleveland Guardians–Detroit Tigers.
Costas will continue with MLB Network, though, not on play-by-play. He had called the network’s “Showcase” telecasts since the inception of the network in 2009.
Besides appearing on other shows, he has fronted programs like “Studio 42 with Bob Costas,” “MLB’s Greatest Games” and “Costas at the Movies.”
When MLBN began on New Year’s Day, 2009, Costas followed a never-before-seen replay of Don Larsen’s 1956 perfect game by interviewing the Yankees battery that day of Larsen and Yogi Berra.
TNT Sports will now search for a Costas play-by-play replacement for its regular season and playoff coverage.
Required reading
(Photo: Alex Trautwig / MLB via Getty Images)
Interview: A Tribute to Bob Costas’ Legacy in Baseball Broadcasting
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Emily Turner, a sports media expert and author of “Voices of the Game: The Evolution of Sports Commentary.” With the recent announcement of Bob Costas’ retirement from Major League Baseball broadcasting, we’re here to reflect on his remarkable career and what it signifies for the future of sports commentary. Emily, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Turner: Thank you for having me! It’s an honor to discuss Bob Costas, a true icon in the world of sports broadcasting.
Editor: Indeed! Bob Costas has been synonymous with baseball for over four decades. How would you summarize his impact on the sport?
Dr. Turner: Bob’s influence reaches far beyond merely calling plays. He brought a unique blend of insight, humor, and deep understanding of the game. His ability to weave stories into the fabric of the game has made him not just a commentator, but a storyteller who enhanced fans’ understanding of baseball and its history.
Editor: That’s a great point. During his career, he transitioned from calling games to becoming an analyst and hosting shows on the MLB Network. How do you perceive that shift in his role?
Dr. Turner: It’s fascinating! Many broadcasters struggle with evolution, but Costas embraced these different formats. His emeritus work at MLB Network allows him to share his historical perspective while maintaining his connection to the audience. It shows that he understands the evolution of media and the need for dynamic content in sports today.
Editor: Speaking of evolution, there was some criticism towards the end of his tenure, particularly regarding his enthusiasm and engagement level during broadcasts. What do you think about this perception?
Dr. Turner: Critiques of vocal enthusiasm can be subjective, but they often reflect fans’ deep emotional investment in the game. As a broadcaster, maintaining that same energy over decades can be challenging, especially after so many iconic calls. Bob himself has acknowledged that he sometimes felt his performance did not meet his own high standards, which speaks to his commitment to excellence.
Editor: Right. He indicated he’d prefer to address his retirement at a later date. Do you think we can expect a reflective insight into his career from him in the near future?
Dr. Turner: Absolutely! Bob is a consummate professional and a thoughtful communicator. When he does share his reflections, I expect it will be both nostalgic and insightful, shedding light not only on his journey but also on the state of baseball itself.
Editor: After his last game with the Yankees in the ALDS, what do you think is next for broadcasters like Costas, who have set such high benchmarks in the industry?
Dr. Turner: Bob Costas’ departure signals a transitional moment in sports broadcasting. The industry is increasingly leaning towards younger, more energetic voices, often on new platforms. However, the demand for the depth of knowledge and authenticity that Costas embodies will always remain. It’s essential for future broadcasters to find a balance between excitement and substance.
Editor: Before we wrap up, what key lessons do you think aspiring sports commentators can take from Bob’s career?
Dr. Turner: The primary lesson is authenticity. Bob remained true to himself throughout his career, which resonated with audiences. Secondly, storytelling creates connections—broadcasters should strive to share the intricacies of the game, connecting facts with relatable narratives. Lastly, adaptability is crucial; recognizing when to shift roles, like Bob did, is essential in the ever-evolving media landscape.
Editor: Well said, Emily. Bob Costas leaves behind a remarkable legacy, not just for baseball but for sports commentary as a whole. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Dr. Turner: My pleasure! It was great to discuss Bob’s tremendous career and its implications for the future of sports broadcasting.