Mike Tirico is one of the most versatile play-by-play voices in sports television. But there’s one sport still missing from his resume
What We Know: Tirico serves as NBC Sports’ premier play-by-play announcer, calling the NFL, NHL, NBA, golf, and the Olympics. Despite his remarkable range, he has never called a single inning of professional Major League Baseball game. That gap, he admits, is one he’d like to fill before his career ends. The admission surfaced during a recent interview with The Detroit News.
What They Said: (all quotes from The Detroit News)
Mike Tirico on his desire to call a Major League Baseball game: “I’ve said it. I’ve been asked [by media] multiple times. I’ve never called a baseball game. Ever, at any level. At some point, I’d love to get a couple innings in during my career.”
Mike Tirico on growing up listening to baseball play by play on the radio: “I loved listening to all these great baseball announcers. That somewhere deep down inside was the fuel for me to want to be a part of this. Falling in love with baseball on the radio during the summer.”
What Remains Unclear: No network has publicly discussed placing Tirico behind a baseball broadcast. NBC Sports has rights with Major League Baseball, yet any inclusion of Tirico is unknown.
What It Means: Mike Tirico has done everything during his career. How Major League Baseball has not fit into that portfolio yet is beyond astounding. Surely, NBC Sports can navigate a path for Tirico into the booth for a Sunday Night Baseball call at some point this summer prior to his NFL duties for the network.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.
