St. Louis, MO – Bob Costas, a legendary figure in the world of Major League Baseball broadcasting, has announced his retirement as a play-by-play caller after a distinguished career spanning over four decades. Costas, who has become synonymous with the game, will be remembered for his contributions to the sport and his place in the broadcasting wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
In a recent interview with The Athletic, Costas confirmed his decision to retire from MLB play-by-play announcing but expressed his desire to delve deeper into the topic on a later date. His final game broadcast on TBS was the New York Yankees’ Game 4 clincher in the American League Division Series, where he hinted at the possibility of it being his last call towards the end of the broadcast.
At 72 years old, Costas will continue his work at MLB Network in an emeritus capacity, contributing as an analyst on various shows and historical events, including the Hall of Fame announcement. He has been the lead play-by-play voice on MLB Network since its inception 15 years ago but will be stepping away from that role as well.
Sources familiar with Costas’ decision revealed that he made the choice to retire before the season began, coinciding with the end of his contract. In 2020, Jeff Zucker, the head of the network, brought Costas on board at CNN and TNT Sports for baseball coverage, showcasing their longstanding history dating back to Zucker’s time as an Olympic researcher for Costas in 1988.
Throughout his illustrious career, Costas has provided commentary for three World Series and 10 league championships, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. Despite his renowned partnership with Tony Kubek on NBC in the 1980s, Costas acknowledged that his recent play-by-play work did not meet his own high standards.
Moving forward, TNT Sports will be seeking a replacement for Costas in the play-by-play role for its regular season and playoff coverage. Costas will remain a part of MLB Network, focusing on other aspects of broadcasting such as hosting various programs and contributing to special telecasts. His legacy in baseball broadcasting will surely endure, as he leaves behind a remarkable career filled with memorable moments and unparalleled expertise in the field.