NEW YORK After 42 years of calling the team’s games, Boston Red Sox radio commentator Joe Castiglione announced on Sunday that he will retire at the end of the current campaign.
While the Red Sox were batting in the fourth inning of their game against the New York Yankees, Castiglione, 77, made the news on the WEEI broadcast.
Castiglione will continue to serve as an honorary ambassador for the group. Prior to their regular-season finale against Tampa Bay on September 29, the Red Sox will pay tribute to him.
Castiglione is the play-by-play announcer with the longest tenure in Boston’s history. He joined the broadcast team in 1983, the last season of Hall of Fame outfielder Carl Yastrzemski’s career. He was on the radio when the Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in 2004 to snap an 86-year title drought. He went on to announce three more championships in 2007; 2013, and 2018.
In July of last year, Castiglione was awarded the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting achievement by the Hall of Fame. Along with Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, and Nomar Garciaparra, he was elected into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2014. In 2022, the Joe Castiglione Booth was christened the home broadcast booth at Fenway Park.
In a statement issued by the team, Castiglione stated, “I have decided it’s time to retire from a regular broadcast schedule after 42 seasons with the Red Sox and more than 6,500 games.” “While I feel I am at the pinnacle of my career … it’s time to spend more time with Jan, my bride of almost 53 years, my kids, and grandkids.”
According to a statement from Red Sox main owner John Henry, “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.”
