Breaking News: Veteran Boston Red Sox Radio Announcer Joe Castiglione Retires After 42 Seasons
Boston Red Sox radio announcer Joe Castiglione, the voice of the team for over four decades, announced his retirement on Sunday, marking the end of an illustrious 42-year career. Castiglione, 77, made the announcement during the WEEI broadcast as the Red Sox faced off against the New York Yankees. The veteran broadcaster will officially step down after the current season concludes.
Castiglione, a beloved figure in Red Sox Nation, joined the team’s broadcast booth in 1983, during Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski’s final season. Over the years, he became the longest-serving play-by-play announcer in the team’s history, calling over 6,500 games. He witnessed and narrated some of the franchise’s most historic moments, including the Red Sox’s breakthrough 2004 World Series victory, which ended an 86-year championship drought. Castiglione also called three more World Series wins in 2007, 2013, and 2018.
“For him to be part of our family is amazing. For him to spend more time with his family is great,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said after the team’s 5-2 loss to the Yankees. “We talked a little bit yesterday about it. I think everybody here and everybody in Red Sox Nation knows what he means to this organization.”
Though retiring from regular broadcasting duties, Castiglione will continue to be part of the Red Sox organization in an honorary ambassador role. The team plans to honor him with a special ceremony before their last regular-season game on September 29 against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.
In his statement, Castiglione expressed gratitude for his time with the team: “After 42 seasons with the Red Sox and more than 6,500 games, I have decided it’s time to retire from a regular broadcast schedule. 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.”
A cherished voice in baseball, Castiglione’s career was celebrated last year when he received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence from the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2014, alongside legends like Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, and Nomar Garciaparra. In 2022, the radio booth at Fenway Park was officially named the Joe Castiglione Booth in his honor.
Castiglione began his broadcasting journey in Youngstown, Ohio, and had stints with Cleveland and Milwaukee before finding a permanent home in Boston. He also called games for the Cleveland Cavaliers and covered college basketball. Reflecting on his legacy, Red Sox principal owner John Henry praised him, saying, “Joe is one of the greatest in baseball broadcasting. His vivid storytelling has brought the game to life for generations of listeners.”
As Castiglione prepares for his farewell, Red Sox fans are sure to cherish the final moments with the voice that has been synonymous with the team’s triumphs and heartaches for more than four decades.
