Thu Oct 31 19:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Bob Costas Retires from MLB Play-by-Play

Legendary broadcaster Bob Costas has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball play-by-play duties, effective immediately. The decision, while reportedly made before the start of the season, comes after Costas acknowledged a decline in the quality of his work.

Costas, who is best known for his long tenure at NBC, only called a portion of three World Series throughout his career. He called ten League Championship Series during his time with NBC, serving as the network’s secondary voice in the 1980s and its lead voice from 1995-2000. More recently, Costas worked games for TBS, calling a Division Series each year for the past three seasons. He will continue to serve as a host and commentator for MLB Network.

Costas’ retirement marks the end of his major national sports coverage role. He was the face of NBC Sports for decades, last working for the network in 2018.

With Costas stepping down, TNT Sports is expected to replace him with either Ernie Johnson or Kenny Albert, along with Brian Anderson. Lauren Shehadi is poised to become the full-time studio host.

The news of Costas’ retirement comes at a time when TNT Sports is likely to lose NBA rights after this season. This could open the door for Ernie Johnson to return to MLB play-by-play, a role he left in 2017 due to conflicts with the NBA season.

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