Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, and for many fans, there’s nothing quite like settling in for a game and listening to the expert commentary of some of the sport’s most knowledgeable and entertaining commentators.
From the play-by-play announcers who keep us up to date on every pitch, to the color commentators who provide insights and stories from their years of experience in the game, these voices have become an integral part of the baseball experience.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 30 of the best and most famous baseball commentators, and what makes each of them unique.
Best Baseball Commentators:
Vin Scully
Born in 1927, Vin Scully is one of the most beloved and respected commentators in baseball history. He spent over six decades calling games for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, earning numerous awards and accolades along the way. His warm and engaging style, combined with his encyclopedic knowledge of the game, made him a fan favorite for generations of Dodgers fans.
Joe Buck
Born in 1969, Joe Buck is one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting. He has called numerous World Series games, as well as Super Bowls and other major events. Despite some criticism from fans, Buck has won numerous awards for his work, including seven Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality.
Jessica Mendoza
Born in 1980, Jessica Mendoza is a former Olympic softball player and current ESPN commentator. She made history in 2015 when she became the first female analyst to call a nationally televised MLB game. Mendoza’s deep knowledge of the game, combined with her infectious enthusiasm and insight, have made her a rising star in the world of baseball commentary.
Tim Kurkjian
Born in 1956, Tim Kurkjian is a longtime baseball journalist and commentator. He has covered the sport for ESPN since 1998, and has also written several books on the subject. Kurkjian’s encyclopedic knowledge of baseball, combined with his quirky and engaging personality, have made him a fan favorite.
John Smoltz
Born in 1967, John Smoltz is a former MLB pitcher and current commentator for Fox Sports. He spent 21 seasons in the majors, primarily with the Atlanta Braves, and was a key member of the team’s dominant pitching staff in the 1990s. Smoltz is known for his sharp analysis and ability to break down the mechanics of pitching.
Jon Miller
Born on October 11, 1951, in San Francisco, California, Jon Miller is a renowned baseball commentator who has been calling games since 1974. He started his career with the Oakland Athletics and has worked with several other teams, including the Texas Rangers, the Boston Red Sox, and the Baltimore Orioles. Miller is known for his distinctive voice and his encyclopedic knowledge of the game. He has won the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence and has been inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. His net worth is estimated at $6 million.
Mike Krukow
Born on January 21, 1952, in Long Beach, California, Mike Krukow is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and current broadcaster for the San Francisco Giants. Krukow pitched for several teams, including the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies, before retiring in 1989. He has been broadcasting for the Giants since 1990 and is known for his colorful commentary and catchphrases. Krukow was diagnosed with a non-fatal condition known as inclusion body myositis in 2014, but he continues to work as a broadcaster. His net worth is estimated at $6 million.
Ron Darling
Born on August 19, 1960, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Ron Darling is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and current broadcaster for the New York Mets. Darling played for several teams, including the Mets and the Oakland Athletics, during his playing career. He has been working as a broadcaster since 2000 and is known for his insightful commentary and his ability to break down complex plays. Darling has won four Emmy Awards for his work in broadcasting. His net worth is estimated at $6 million.
Bob Costas
Born on March 22, 1952, in Queens, New York, Bob Costas is one of the most famous sportscasters of all time. He has covered a wide range of sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and the Olympics. Costas has won 28 Emmy Awards for his work in broadcasting and has been inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame. He has also been a vocal advocate for various social and political causes. Costas’ net worth is estimated at around $45 million.
Harold Reynolds
Born on November 26, 1960, in Eugene, Oregon, Harold Reynolds is a former Major League Baseball second baseman and current broadcaster for MLB Network. Reynolds played for several teams, including the Seattle Mariners and the Baltimore Orioles, during his playing career. He has been working as a broadcaster since 1996 and is known for his enthusiastic commentary and his ability to break down plays. Reynolds has won three Sports Emmy Awards for his work in broadcasting. His net worth is estimated at $6 million.
Al Leiter
Born on October 23, 1965, in Toms River, New Jersey, Al Leiter is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and current broadcaster for MLB Network. Leiter played for several teams, including the New York Mets and the New York Yankees, during his playing career.
Dan Shulman
Dan Shulman was born on February 9, 1967, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is a play-by-play announcer for ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball and college basketball games. He has been honored with four Sports Emmy Awards for his work in broadcasting. Interestingly, Shulman worked for the Toronto Blue Jays’ radio network for several years before joining ESPN. He also used to work as a host on the Fan 590 in Toronto. Dan Shulman’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.
Jim Kaat
Jim Kaat was born on November 7, 1938, in Zeeland, Michigan, USA. He is a former pitcher who played in the Major Leagues from 1959 to 1983. After retiring from baseball, he became a color commentator for the New York Yankees and the Minnesota Twins. He won 16 Gold Glove Awards for his fielding during his playing career, which is tied for the most by any player at any position. Kaat’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million.
Dave O’Brien
Dave O’Brien was born on April 26, 1963, in Quincy, Massachusetts, USA. He is a play-by-play announcer for ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball and college football games. He has also worked for the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves. O’Brien is known for his smooth and polished delivery, as well as his ability to provide insightful analysis of the game. His net worth is estimated to be around $3 million
Bob Uecker
Bob Uecker is a legendary baseball commentator who is known for his hilarious and witty commentary. He was a former catcher in Major League Baseball and has been a commentator for over five decades. Uecker is loved for his self-deprecating humor and the way he pokes fun at himself and the game. He has been inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame and the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Tim McCarver
Tim McCarver is a former MLB catcher who transitioned into broadcasting after his playing career ended. He has been a commentator for several networks, including CBS and Fox, and has called numerous World Series. McCarver is known for his extensive knowledge of the game, and his ability to analyze every aspect of the game. He has won four Emmy Awards for his broadcasting work.
Denny Matthews
Denny Matthews has been the radio play-by-play announcer for the Kansas City Royals since 1969. He is known for his calm and steady voice, and his ability to paint a vivid picture of the action on the field. Matthews has called some of the most memorable moments in Royals history, including the team’s World Series championship in 1985.
Joe Garagiola Sr
Joe Garagiola Sr. was a former MLB catcher who became a commentator for NBC. He covered several World Series and was known for his witty humor and storytelling ability. Garagiola also served as a co-host for NBC’s “Today” show for several years.
John Sterling
John Sterling is the radio play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees, and has been in that role since 1989. He is known for his signature home run call, “It is high, it is far, it is gone!”, and for his enthusiasm for the game. Sterling has called several historic moments in Yankees history, including Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit.
Phil Rizzuto
Phil Rizzuto was a former MLB player who transitioned into broadcasting after his playing career ended. He was the radio play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees for over 40 years, and was known for his quirky personality and catchphrases, including “Holy cow!” and “Go to the store, buy some milk, and cookies, and join us later for the ballgame!” Rizzuto was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994.
Mark Grant
Mark Grant is a former MLB pitcher who played for the San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and Seattle Mariners from 1984 to 1993. After retiring as a player, he began his broadcasting career with the Padres in 1996 and has been a beloved commentator ever since. Grant is known for his enthusiastic and energetic style, often breaking down games with humor and insight.
Buck Martinez
Buck Martinez is a former MLB player who played for the Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Toronto Blue Jays from 1969 to 1986. After his playing career, he became a broadcaster, first with the Blue Jays and later with TBS and ESPN. Martinez has been praised for his ability to break down the game for viewers and his insight into player strategy.
Dewayne Staats
Dewayne Staats is a veteran commentator who has been broadcasting baseball games for over 40 years. He has covered games for a number of teams, including the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees. Staats is known for his smooth, engaging delivery and his ability to make even the most mundane games interesting.
Michael Kay
Michael Kay is a sportscaster who has covered a number of sports, including baseball. He is currently the play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees on the YES Network. Kay is known for his energetic and engaging style, and he often injects humor into his commentary. He has won multiple Emmy Awards for his work as a broadcaster.
Dave Sims
Dave Sims is a broadcaster who has covered a number of sports, including baseball. He has covered games for several teams, including the Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, and Texas Rangers. Sims is known for his lively, entertaining style and his ability to keep viewers engaged even during blowout games.
Jason Benetti
Jason Benetti is a play-by-play announcer who has covered baseball for ESPN and the Chicago White Sox. He has a unique perspective on the game, having been diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age. Benetti is known for his enthusiasm and his ability to connect with viewers, and he has been praised for his insightful commentary.
Tom Hamilton
Tom Hamilton is a long-time broadcaster who has been the voice of the Cleveland Indians since 1990. He is known for his passionate, high-energy style and his ability to make even the most routine plays sound exciting. Hamilton has been honored with multiple awards for his work as a broadcaster, including the Ford C. Frick Award in 2021.
Todd Kalas
Todd Kalas is a broadcaster who has covered baseball for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros. He is the son of legendary broadcaster Harry Kalas and has followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a respected commentator in his own right. Kalas is known for his knowledgeable commentary and his ability to connect with fans.
Mel Allen
Mel Allen was a legendary broadcaster who covered baseball for over 30 years. He was the voice of the New York Yankees for many years, and his signature call of “How about that?” became iconic. Allen was known for his smooth, polished delivery and his deep knowledge of the game. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1978, and his legacy as one of the greatest broadcasters in the history of the game
Harry Caray
Harry Caray, born Harry Christopher Carabina in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 1, 1914, was a legendary baseball broadcaster, known for his work with the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Cubs. Harry was known for his infectious enthusiasm and signature phrases, such as “Holy Cow!” and “It might be, it could be, it is!” He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989, and passed away in 1998 at the age of 83.
Dick Enberg
Dick Enberg, born Richard Alan Enberg in Mount Clemens, Michigan, on January 9, 1935, was an American sportscaster, best known for his work with NBC Sports and CBS Sports. He covered a wide range of sports, including baseball, football, basketball, tennis, and golf, and was the play-by-play announcer for multiple World Series and All-Star Games. Dick was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015 and passed away in 2017 at the age of 82.
David Cone
David Cone, born David Brian Cone in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 2, 1963, was a former Major League Baseball pitcher and current television analyst for the New York Yankees. He won five World Series championships during his playing career and was a five-time All-Star. David is known for his insightful analysis and willingness to speak his mind, making him a valuable asset to any broadcast team.
Ernie Harwell
Ernie Harwell, born William Earnest Harwell in Washington, Georgia, on January 25, 1918, was a legendary baseball broadcaster, best known for his work with the Detroit Tigers. He was the Tigers’ primary play-by-play announcer from 1960 to 2002, and his folksy style and signature phrases, such as “He stood there like the house by the side of the road,” made him a beloved figure in Detroit and throughout the baseball world. Ernie was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989 and passed away in 2010 at the age of 92.
Dave Flemming
Dave Flemming is a well-known commentator for the San Francisco Giants, one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball. He was born on April 21, 1976, in Alexandria, Virginia. Flemming first began his broadcasting career in college, working as a play-by-play announcer for the University of San Francisco Dons. After graduation, he continued to hone his skills by calling games for the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, a minor league team based in Oregon. Flemming has been calling Giants games since 2008 and has been part of several historic moments in the team’s history, including their 2010, 2012, and 2014 World Series championships.
Rick Manning
Rick Manning is a former Major League Baseball player turned broadcaster. Born on September 2, 1954, in Niagara Falls, New York, Manning played for several teams during his 13-year career, including the Cleveland Indians, Milwaukee Brewers, and Detroit Tigers. After retiring as a player, he became a commentator for the Cleveland Indians in 1990 and has been with the team ever since. Manning is known for his candid and insightful analysis of the game and is a popular figure among Indians fans. He has also worked as a studio analyst for Fox Sports Ohio and has been a guest on several national sports shows.
Gary Thorne
Gary Thorne is a well-respected broadcaster who has covered a wide range of sports throughout his career. Born on June 9, 1948, in Bangor, Maine, Thorne began his broadcasting career in the 1970s, covering hockey and baseball games for several local stations. He has since worked for several national networks, including ABC, CBS, ESPN, and NBC, covering everything from the Olympics to the World Series. Thorne is perhaps best known for his work on ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball telecasts, where he provided play-by-play commentary alongside color commentator Orel Hershiser. He has won several awards for his broadcasting work, including a Sports Emmy Award in 1998.
Matt Underwood
Matt Underwood is a play-by-play commentator for the Cleveland Indians, a team he has been with since 2000. Born on October 19, 1971, in Medina, Ohio, Underwood began his broadcasting career in college, calling games for the University of Akron Zips. After graduation, he worked as a sportscaster for several local stations in Ohio before joining the Indians broadcast team. Underwood is known for his energetic and enthusiastic style of commentary and is a fan favorite among Indians supporters. He has also worked as a host and commentator for Fox Sports Ohio, covering a range of sports including basketball, football, and hockey.
Andy Freed
Andy Freed is a play-by-play commentator for the Tampa Bay Rays, a team he has been with since 2005. Born on June 8, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan, Freed began his broadcasting career in college, calling games for the University of Michigan Wolverines. After graduation, he worked as a sportscaster for several local stations in Michigan and Florida before joining the Rays broadcast team. Freed is known for his smooth and engaging style of commentary and is highly regarded by Rays fans. He has also worked as a commentator for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the University of South Florida Bulls football team.
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez
Amaury Pi-Gonzalez is a Spanish-language broadcaster who has covered baseball for more than four decades. Born in Havana, Cuba in 1940, Pi-Gonzalez moved to the United States in the early 1960s and began his broadcasting career with the San Francisco Giants in 1977. He has since covered numerous World Series and All-Star Games, as well as serving as a commentator for ESPN Deportes. In addition to his broadcasting work, Pi-Gonzalez has also been involved in numerous charitable endeavors, including serving as a member of the board of directors for the San Francisco Bay Area’s Special Olympics.
Steve Lyons
Steve Lyons is a former baseball player and current broadcaster who has worked for several networks, including Fox Sports and ESPN. Born on June 3, 1960, in Tacoma, Washington, Lyons played for several teams during his career, including the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox. After retiring from playing, he began working as a color commentator for various networks, and is known for his humorous and insightful analysis. In addition to his broadcasting work, Lyons has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, including serving as a spokesperson for the ALS Association.
Chip Caray
Chip Caray is a baseball broadcaster who currently serves as the play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Braves. Born on February 27, 1965, in St. Louis, Missouri, Caray comes from a long line of broadcasters, including his grandfather, Harry Caray, and his father, Skip Caray. He began his broadcasting career with the Seattle Mariners in 1993 and has since worked for several other teams, including the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees. Known for his enthusiastic and engaging style of calling games, Caray has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, including supporting the Atlanta Braves Foundation.
Tom Rinaldi
Tom Rinaldi is a sports journalist and broadcaster who has covered baseball for various networks, including ESPN and Fox Sports. Born on November 3, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, Rinaldi has won numerous awards for his work, including several Emmy Awards. He is known for his poignant and emotional reporting style, and has covered numerous memorable moments in baseball history. In addition to his broadcasting work, Rinaldi has also authored several books, including “The Red Bandanna,” which chronicles the life of 9/11 hero Welles Crowther.
Roxy Bernstein
Roxy Bernstein is a baseball broadcaster who currently serves as the play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco Giants. Born on May 8, 1967, in Pleasanton, California, Bernstein began his broadcasting career in college and has since worked for several networks, including ESPN and Fox Sports. He is known for his energetic and enthusiastic style of calling games, and has covered numerous memorable moments in baseball history. In addition to his broadcasting work, Bernstein has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, including supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
