Bob Costas retiring from baseball play-by-play after 42 years

After an impressive 42 seasons, Bob Costas is stepping away from baseball play-by-play commentary. Costas has been a prominent voice in baseball, most recently calling games for MLB Network and TBS Sports. His final assignments included the American League Division Series matchup between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals.

Costas’ contract with TBS expired at the end of the season, and while his retirement plans have been in the works for over a year, the announcement marks the end of an era for one of baseball’s most beloved announcers. The Athletic first reported on his retirement, and Costas has indicated he will address his decision publicly at a later date.

Baseball has always held a special place in Costas’ heart. He began calling games on NBC from 1982 to 1989, returning for a second stint from 1994 to 2000. During his time at NBC, he was part of the broadcast team for the 1995 World Series and served as the main play-by-play voice for the Fall Classic in both 1997 and 1999.

In 2021, Costas joined TBS, initially serving as a studio host for the network’s coverage of the National League Championship Series before transitioning to calling games over the past three seasons. TBS has provided a package of Tuesday night regular-season games along with its postseason coverage since 2022, giving Costas the chance to continue his legacy.

Additionally, Costas has been involved with MLB Network since its inception in 2009 and plans to continue contributing to the network for key events, including the announcement of the Baseball Hall of Fame inductees.

His departure from play-by-play commentary will undoubtedly be felt across the sport, as Costas has been a trusted voice and a staple in baseball broadcasting for decades. Fans and colleagues alike will surely miss his insightful commentary and distinctive style.