Gerry Sandusky will soon sign off for the final time at WBAL-TV 11, closing a broadcasting run that has spanned more than four decades in Baltimore. The longtime sports director and radio voice of the Baltimore Ravens announced he will retire, with his final 11 p.m. newscast scheduled for April 17.
“This isn’t a decision I made lightly. I have loved sharing the stories that shape Baltimore sports with viewers, and I have loved every minute of sharing Ravens games with listeners. But the time has come for me to pass those batons and pour more of my attention on my family,” Sandusky said in a statement. “I want to thank every viewer and every listener who shared this journey with me. It’s been an honor. And yes, for my broadcasting career, ‘The hay is in the barn.’ And it feels right.”
Sandusky’s career traces back to Towson University, where he studied before breaking into television in Florida. He landed his first job in 1984 at WSVN-TV in Miami. Four years later, he returned home to Baltimore and joined WBAL-TV as a sports anchor, working alongside veteran broadcaster Vince Bagli.
He rose to sports director in 1993 and expanded his reach again in 2006. That year, Sandusky became the play-by-play voice of the Ravens on radio. Over time, his calls and nightly reports helped define how fans in the region consumed sports.
Sandusky covered several of Baltimore’s most memorable sports moments. His work included the Ravens’ arrival in 1996 and their Super Bowl championships. He also chronicled the opening of Oriole Park at Camden Yards and Cal Ripken Jr.’s historic consecutive games streak. In addition, he followed the rise of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, another Maryland native.
As the Ravens’ lead announcer, Sandusky developed a signature style marked by clear delivery and descriptive storytelling. His well-known phrase, “The hay is in the barn,” became synonymous with big moments for the franchise.
WBAL-TV President and General Manager Dan Joerres praised Sandusky’s longevity and impact.
“It’s not often a sports director can claim nearly four decades of service to a single television station,” said Joerres. “Gerry has made significant contributions to WBAL-TV 11 and to the city of Baltimore. He will always be a respected member of our family.”
Ravens President Sashi Brown also highlighted Sandusky’s connection with fans. Brown said the broadcaster’s ability to paint a picture with words elevated the listening experience. He pointed to Sandusky’s consistency during both championship highs and difficult seasons.
His career also includes several honors. Sandusky earned an Emmy Award in 1992 for a report on Memorial Stadium’s future. He won another Emmy in 2003 for a tribute to Johnny Unitas. He also received two Edward R. Murrow Awards and the Sonya Award from the Carson Scholars Fund.
Outside of broadcasting, Sandusky remained active in the community. He coached youth sports and supported his children’s activities. He also founded The Sandusky Group, a company focused on communication training, and authored the memoir Forgotten Sundays.
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