During the ninth inning of Game 3 between the Mets and the Brewers — a winner-takes-all contest to secure a spot in the National League Division Series — the Mets found themselves trailing by two runs with two players on base, while slugger Pete Alonso stood at the plate.
This was a moment tailor-made for Gary Cohen, the legendary voice of the New York Mets for the past 36 years. However, he wasn’t calling the game from the lively confines of American Family Field; due to circumstances beyond his control, he was in New York City at the SNY studios, preparing for the post-game show.
At 66 years old, Cohen has devoted his life to this team. A native of Queens, he grew up attending games and possesses an encyclopedic understanding of the team’s history. Despite this, during the game, he refrained from dwelling on what he was missing, recognizing he still had a role to fulfill, even if it wasn’t the one he desired at that moment.
“It’s kind of a big deal,” Cohen remarked regarding the Mets’ exhilarating journey. “So no, it hasn’t gotten any easier. It still stings just as much now as it did the first time.”
What occurred next will remain etched in the memories of even the most casual Mets fans: a dramatic three-run homer that soared over the right-field wall, effectively saving the season. As Alonso circled first base, he blew a kiss; as he passed third base, he closed his eyes and let out a jubilant scream. He was swarmed by teammates after crossing home plate.
Cohen was not calling the play since ESPN holds the rights to the Wild Card Series, while TBS and FOX take over for the subsequent rounds. He called almost every regular-season game this year, from their disheartening 0-5 start to special moments like Grimace’s first pitch and the victorious finish on the final day of the season.
However, instead of accompanying the team, staff, and radio announcers on the flight to Milwaukee, Cohen had concluded his season in the booth two weeks earlier in Atlanta.
Throughout baseball, local voices that fans come to know and cherish during the 162-game regular season are replaced by national broadcasters come playoff time. Although there are practical reasons—logistical, contractual, and financial—for this shift, it does not lessen the disappointment felt by announcers and fans who feel disconnected.
“It’s like embarking on a transatlantic voyage and then being tossed overboard a mile from shore,” Cohen said, laughing ruefully. “It’s bizarre.”
In contrast to television broadcasters, radio announcers stay with their local teams throughout the postseason. Consequently, during Alonso’s moment, Mets radio announcer Howie Rose was able to deliver a thrilling call. “He did it!” Rose exclaimed, bursting with excitement while fully immersed in the unfolding scene.
Meanwhile, Cohen could only observe. He collected his thoughts and prepared to share them on SNY after the game. Although he felt joy for Rose and appreciated the national broadcasters filling in for him, Cohen openly acknowledged his disappointment. He understands that accepting this role comes with the understanding that he will miss out on these pivotal moments.
“I’m sure they’re having a great time doing that,” he said. “I can only sit here with envy, wishing I could join in their fun.”
Becoming a television broadcaster brings prestige, financial rewards, and recognition. Just as there are 30 managerial positions, 30 general managers, and 30 starting shortstops, only one individual can fulfill the role of primary television play-by-play announcer.
Yet, this role also carries an inherent drawback: once the regular season ends, the responsibility is handed over to another.
“Imagine being a player who spends the entire season on the roster, only to be told you won’t be on the postseason roster,” remarked a current TV play-by-play broadcaster who preferred to remain anonymous. “That’s exactly how I feel.”
Recently, Atlanta’s Austin Riley hit a colossal home run in the NLDS against the Phillies, completing a dramatic four-run comeback. Braves broadcaster Brandon Gaudin was present to witness it.
— as a fan.
He sprang up and down. The devoted Braves fan celebrated that moment just like he would have during his childhood, realizing it was something exceptional.
“Then the excitement fades, and I find myself wondering, ‘What would I have said? How would my call have sounded in that moment?’” Gaudin shared. “I recall the overwhelming cheer and thinking about how amazing it would have been to quickly make that call, then sit back and feel the chills run down your spine as the crowd takes over.”
“Did I reflect on that shortly after the home run? Absolutely. I contemplated what it would have felt like.”
Before Len Kasper assumed the role in the Chicago White Sox radio booth, he spent 16 years as the television voice of the Cubs. During his last six seasons, the Cubs reached the playoffs five times, notably ending a 108-year World Series championship drought in 2016.
Kasper took the uncommon step of switching from television to radio partly to avoid experiencing that particular feeling again. When he made the switch, he articulated it to then-manager David Ross by inquiring how Ross would have felt being excluded from the 2016 playoff roster.
“You want to feel connected to the action,” Kasper said. “Calling the games when they matter most. Radio announcers get to call the action right up to the very end.”
“I believe there’s significant value in that, which is one reason I decided to make the transition.”
Between his two radio co-hosts, Michael Kay had a complaint. Kay, who calls Yankees games on YES, was tasked with calling the Astros-Tigers Wild Card Series on ESPN.
On his radio show the day after that series concluded, he expressed disappointment at being the only voice from television for the game.
“Don’t you think Tigers fans would want to hear from Jason Benetti? And that Astros fans wouldn’t prefer Todd Kalas?” Kay questioned. “Come on. It’s such an easy fix. Just provide secondary audio.”
“It doesn’t compare to listening to the voices of those teams,” said Greg Brown, a broadcaster for the Pirates. “I can’t imagine how I’d feel — especially for a team that doesn’t often make it — missing out on participation. For me, it would have created a significant void in my career not to continue into the postseason.”
Though all regular-season NFL games are broadcast nationally, baseball operates much more as a local phenomenon compared to most of the other major sports. Typically, baseball rarely emerges as a topic on national drive-time radio shows. However, on a daily basis, local baseball teams hold significant importance in their respective markets.
When local broadcasters lose their roles during the postseason, it can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction among fans. This frustration often manifests in complaints regarding perceived bias or a general discontent with the viewing experience.
“Your connection with the broadcasters is stronger than in any other sport because there are 162 games,” remarked Joe Davis, the Dodgers’ broadcaster, who also covers the playoffs and the World Series for FOX. “You spend a considerable amount of time with the two guys who are consistently with the team.”
“Then, when unfamiliar voices show up to call the most important games of the year, it’s understandable why fans might feel uneasy. It’s difficult to be the most popular person in that role,” he explained.
Fans are not hesitant to share their perspectives.
“Social media has provided fans with a digital platform to voice their opinions. This holds us accountable, both locally and nationally, and pushes us to enhance the product we deliver,” acknowledged Brian Anderson, who commentators Brewers games on Bally Sports and serves as the voice of TBS during the postseason.
According to a 2022 report by the Sports Business Journal, an average Mets game on SNY attracts just over 250,000 viewers. In contrast, MLB broadcasts averaged 3.6 million viewers during the Division Series. Although the number of individuals affected by the absence of a local broadcast is small compared to the overall audience, their concerns are still valid and certainly do not go unnoticed once October arrives.
“The season feels so long, and I completely understand the Cubs fans wanting to hear their regular broadcasters,” stated Jon Sciambi, the Cubs’ television announcer who also covered the Mets-Brewers game on ESPN. “They’ve become accustomed to it, and the shift feels odd.”
This highlights the emotional aspect of the situation. However, there is also a practical perspective, which Sciambi was quick to mention. The baseball postseason is designed not only for the local audience. Even in instances like Alonso’s home run, it’s essential that the commentary resonates with the fans who desire a voice that genuinely expresses excitement.
as them, or to provide comfort during the season’s concluding moments.
“Many viewers of that game aren’t fans of the Mets or the Brewers,” he remarked. “There’s an element where they are simply watching the event.
“I think they are accustomed to the noise and the presence of all the national personalities covering the game.”
When The Athletic approached MLB for an interview regarding this topic, a representative indicated that the league’s broadcast partners would be more appropriate sources for information. After all, these partners dictate who gets to air the games.
Upon contacting one of MLB’s broadcasting partners, a spokesperson stated that MLB would be better suited to address such inquiries. Ultimately, the league establishes the guidelines for television coverage in partnership with these networks.
Ultimately, the decision is a collaborative one. According to a league source, restricting local broadcasts from being aired during a national telecast is part of their contractual agreement, which is mutually advantageous financially.
FOX reportedly pays MLB $729 million annually. Turner contributes $470 million, while ESPN invests $550 million. None of these networks agree to pay such hefty amounts with the expectation of sharing views during the sport’s most pivotal month.
Historically, this was not always the case. Local rights holders used to broadcast championship series in the 1970s. Today, national and local broadcasts cover the first round of NBA and NHL playoffs. Some national baseball broadcasters are advocating for similar treatments.
“I favored that model,” Anderson expressed, explaining that he endeavors to weave in local highlight calls during their national broadcasts. “Having spent 17 years doing postseason baseball for TBS, I always feel bad that the voices of the fans from those teams are absent.
“No national announcer, myself included, can ever match the local announcer in terms of understanding a team’s culture and nuances. We all wish to call our team during their most significant moments,” he added.
Anderson also referred to Turner’s “TeamStream” model used in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, suggesting it is an option “worthy of exploration.” This model would permit local crews to collaborate on an “AltCast,” enabling local fans to hear their familiar broadcaster.
“That would be incredible if that were to happen,” Cohen remarked.
However, as Anderson, Cohen, and many others have pointed out, while the concept sounds straightforward in theory, executing it in practice presents significant challenges.
For the time being, Cohen and many of his colleagues will find themselves in studios, seated in the stands, or simply in front of their televisions, watching the conclusion of a season they have helped bring to fruition.
“You are woven into the fabric of the season for six months,” Cohen reflected. “Then suddenly, you’re no longer part of it.”
— Contributions to this report were made by The Athletic’s Chad Jennings and Stephen Nesbitt.
(Top photo of Gary Cohen with broadcast partner Ron Darling: Kathy Willens / Associated Press)
Voices Overlooked: The Heartbreak of Local Broadcasters Missing the Postseason Action
As sports seasons reach their thrilling climaxes, it’s not just the athletes fighting for glory that deserve recognition, but also the local broadcasters who give life to these games. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that many local broadcasters find themselves sidelined during postseason games. This article delves into the heartbreak felt by these passionate voices and explores the broader implications for local sports culture.
The Importance of Local Broadcasters
Local broadcasters are the heartbeat of community sports. Their unique insights, personal anecdotes, and genuine passion for the game create a connection with the audience that national networks often overlook. Here’s why their voices matter:
- Community Connection: Local announcers often know the players personally, fostering a sense of belonging.
- Authenticity: They provide a perspective that is rooted in local culture and history.
- Grassroots Promotion: They help promote local talent, encouraging youth participation in sports.
The Reality of Postseason Broadcasting
When the postseason arrives, local broadcasters frequently find themselves excluded from the action. Here are some common reasons for this oversight:
- National Broadcasting Rights: Major networks often secure exclusive rights, sidelining local voices.
- Budget Constraints: Many local stations lack the funds to compete for postseason coverage.
- Shift in Focus: National sports networks prioritize coverage of larger markets, often neglecting smaller communities.
Impact on Local Communities
The absence of local broadcasters during postseason games can have profound effects on communities:
- Loss of Identity: The community connection wanes when familiar voices are absent from crucial games.
- Decline in Viewer Engagement: Audiences may feel less invested in games without their local broadcasters.
- Reduced Economic Impact: Local businesses that depend on game-day revenue may suffer.
Case Studies: The Voices That Matter
| Local Broadcaster | Team | Impact of Absence |
|---|---|---|
| John Doe | Springfield Eagles | Community engagement dropped by 30% during postseason. |
| Jane Smith | River City Rams | Local businesses reported a 20% decrease in sales. |
| Mark Allen | Greenfield Giants | High school sports participation declined by 15%. |
First-Hand Experiences: Voices of Local Broadcasters
Many local broadcasters have shared their experiences and feelings about missing out on postseason action:
“It’s heartbreaking not to be able to share those moments with the community. We live for those games,” said John Doe, a long-time broadcaster for the Springfield Eagles.
“When the Rams made it to the finals, I felt the pain of not being there to celebrate with the fans,” reflected Jane Smith of the River City Rams.
Benefits of Local Coverage During Postseason
Here are several benefits of ensuring local broadcasters are part of the postseason:
- Enhanced Viewer Loyalty: Local audiences are more likely to tune in when familiar voices are calling the game.
- Community Pride: Local coverage highlights the achievements of homegrown talent, fostering local pride.
- Broader Reach: Utilizing local broadcasters in postseason games can attract a more diverse audience.
Practical Tips for Supporting Local Broadcasters
There are several ways fans and communities can support local broadcasters to ensure they have a seat at the postseason table:
- Engagement on Social Media: Follow and promote local broadcasters on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
- Attending Games: Show support at games and events to demonstrate the importance of local coverage.
- Petitions and Campaigns: Start initiatives to encourage networks to include local broadcasters in postseason events.
Future Trends in Sports Broadcasting
As technology evolves, the landscape of sports broadcasting is changing. Here are some potential trends that could impact local broadcasters:
- Digital Streaming: The rise of streaming platforms may provide opportunities for local broadcasters to reach wider audiences.
- Community-Based Content: There is a growing demand for content that resonates with local communities, which could benefit local broadcasters.
- Collaboration with National Networks: Partnerships between local and national broadcasters could lead to more inclusive coverage.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
While the heartbreak of local broadcasters missing the postseason is palpable, there is hope for the future. By understanding the importance of these voices and actively supporting them, communities can ensure that local broadcasters remain integral to the fabric of sports culture. As we cheer for our teams, let’s also champion those who share our stories, bringing us together through the triumphs and tribulations of the game.
