Legendary HOF Red Sox broadcaster announces retirement
Red Sox Hall of Fame broadcaster Joe Castiglione is retiring at the end of the season; can you believe it?
Castiglione announced his retirement during the third inning of the Red Sox-Yankees game in the Bronx.
“Certainly mixed emotions, but after 42 years and 6,500 games, I think it’s time to hang up the microphone,” Castiglione said while seated next to his partner, Will Flemming, at Yankee Stadium.
The 77-year-old’s decision comes just two months after he was awarded the prestigious Ford Frick Award for his contributions to the game of baseball.
His announcement during the Yankees game was fitting. Castiglione grew up a Yankees fan in Connecticut, and he also admired their broadcaster, Mel Allen.
The voice of the Red Sox knew it was important for him to decide when his time was up in the booth versus someone else making the decision for him.
“I know how baseball works; usually you get told you’re done,” Castiglione said on Sunday. “I’m going to miss the day-to-day and the relationships, but it was my call.”
Castiglione is with the Red Sox in Tampa and will call most of the final 12 games on the schedule.
“It’s time,” Castiglione said. “The timing is right for me, but I’ll miss being around the people in the game. That’s the biggest thing. You build so many relationships.”
Red Sox skipper Alex Cora was pleased to know Castiglione was able to make the announcement and go out on his own terms.
“It has to be good to retire on your own terms, right?” he said. “For him to be part of our family, it’s amazing for him to now spend more time with his family. It’s great.”
The legendary broadcaster intends to spend more time with wife Jan and his entire family, which includes six grandchildren.
Red Sox owner John Henry on Joe Castiglione’s retirement
“Joe is one of the greatest in baseball broadcasting. His recognition by the Hall of Fame in July punctuated a career of vivid storytelling that has brought the game to life for generations of listeners. His brilliance in the booth is matched only by his exceptional character.
Though his role has placed him squarely in the spotlight, he has always let the action on the field take center stage, a trait he has shown even behind the mic with an uncanny ability to put others first. His kindness and genuine spirit have touched everyone around him, and as he steps into a well-deserved retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of humility and warmth that will continue to inspire us all. We are grateful for his more than four decades of dedication and for sharing his love for baseball and the Red Sox with all of us night after night.”
Red Sox chairman Tom Werner on Joe Castiglione’s retirement
“Joe calls games with an authenticity that makes every listener feel like an insider. He turns every play into a shared experience, perfectly capturing our joy and disbelief with his unforgettable call ‘Can you believe it?’ after the final out of the 2004 World Series.
“He has carried us through loss and disappointment with compassion and sincerity and has been a nightly companion to millions for generations, earning his place as one of New England’s most beloved voices. So many of us at the Red Sox have been lucky to have him as a friend and witness the incredible relationships he built with the many broadcasters he’s mentored over the years. His legacy will last well beyond his final call, and we are profoundly thankful for his service and the immeasurable impact he’s had on our organization and the game of baseball.”
Final thoughts
The only true constant in and around the Red Sox my entire life has been Fenway Park and Joe Castiglione.
Every summer, whether the Sox are a good or a bad team, Castiglione would be in the booth. The countless games he narrated for fans, the special moments in Red Sox history, the no-hitters, the walk-off homers, and the four World Series championships.
Joe was there.
His iconic “can you believe it?” will forever be missed on the airwaves. The moments in the middle of the game when Castiglione would read off Shaw’s specials and deals will forever be missed. He will forever be missed behind the mic of Red Sox games.
Some fan bases never get the opportunity to have a true legend calling baseball games for their favorite teams. Red Sox fans had that in Joe. I will miss turning on a Sox game in the middle of July, listening in the car while driving down the highway with the windows down.
Take a moment and watch some YouTube videos of his best calls, including the World Series calls. They’re special, and so was Joe Castiglione.