What do the 2026 Mariners, Marlins, Mets and Giants have in common?
It’s only natural that there’s considerable change with MLB teams’ broadcast crews especially when you consider the bulkiness of those crews. Most teams have a dozen or so folks calling games on TV and radio, serving as pre or postgame hosts, dugout reporters and fill-ins. There’s a lot of movement that most fans will never hear or read about. People regularly get canned, promoted or outsourced without anyone knowing why. Several folks will take better jobs with other teams, or ditch baseball for other sports or more sports either at the national or local level. Every once in a great while, someone is honked off, but in most cases another person fills the spot.
Back to my opening question. The four teams completely stunk during the regular season, underperformed and missed the postseason. The Mets and Mariners were so damn abysmal they fired their managers. Furthermore, the four teams saw valued, veteran broadcasters retired this season. While I am not familiar with Rick Rizzs of the Mariners, I’ve since read some great articles on what he’s meant to Seattle and the team.
While I’ve never rooted for the Mets or any other New York sports franchise (with the exception of the Champion NY Wildcats), I’ve respected many of the guys calling Mets games over the years, among them Howie Rose. The Mets are losing a great representative who knows and loves the franchise and has connected with generations of fans.
On a more personal level, I’m sorry to see that Tommy Hutton is calling it quits with the Marlins. Of the four teams, Miami has the briefest of histories, but Tommy has been a big part of the franchise. I remember watching him play most of his 12-year career in the NL East and always appreciated his effort. He did a really nice job in his second career in the booth and be missed.
Due to mounting health issues, Mike Krukow is calling it a career. While I remember him as a solid starting pitcher for some exceedingly mediocre Cub teams of the late 70’s before moving on to the Giants. He’s best remembered for his pairing with Duane Kuiper. Most fans don’t have the opportunity to have relationships with their favorite players, but we are able to relate to the guys calling the games. We invite them into our houses, work spaces and cars. The better ones know how to connect with the fans.
Each of these guys have his own style, catch phrases, and perspective and people will remember what made them special. The way each team ended the season and failed miserably isn’t the way any of these guys wanted to end their career. That being said, I expect that each guy told it like it was til the very end and the fans will remember that.
While nobody retired in the Cubs radio booth after this season, I wish they wouldn’t have sugar-coated the way the team bowed out against the Padres.
