List of National League Championship Series broadcasters explained

The following is a list of the national television and radio networks and announcers that have broadcast National League Championship Series games over the years. It does not include any announcers who may have appeared on local broadcasts produced by the participating teams.

National television

2020s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator(s)Field reporter(s)Pregame hostPregame analystsTrophy presentation
2023TBSBrian AndersonRon Darling and Jeff FrancoeurMatt WinerLauren ShehadiJimmy Rollins, Pedro Martínez, Curtis Granderson, and Albert Pujols (Games 1–2)Matt Winer
2022FS1 (Games 1–3, 5)Joe DavisJohn SmoltzKen Rosenthal and Tom VerducciKevin Burkhardt (Games 1–4)
Matt Vasgersian (Game 5)
Alex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, and Frank ThomasTom Verducci
Fox (Games 2, 4)
2021TBSBrian AndersonRon Darling and Jeff FrancoeurLauren ShehadiBob CostasJimmy Rollins, Pedro Martínez, and Curtis GrandersonLauren Shehadi
2020Fox[1] (Games 1, 4, 7)Joe Buck (Games 1–6)
Joe Davis (Game 7)
John SmoltzKen Rosenthal and Tom VerducciKevin BurkhardtAlex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, and Frank ThomasTom Verducci
FS1 (Games 2–7)

Notes

2010s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator(s)Field reporter(s)Pregame hostsPregame analystsTrophy presentation
2019TBSBrian AndersonRon Darling and Jeff FrancoeurLauren ShehadiCasey SternGary Sheffield, Pedro Martínez, Jimmy Rollins, and Curtis GrandersonBrian Anderson
2018FS1 (Games 1, 3–7)Joe BuckJohn SmoltzKen Rosenthal and Tom VerducciKevin BurkhardtAlex Rodriguez, David Ortiz, and Frank ThomasTom Verducci
Fox (Game 2)
2017TBSBrian AndersonRon DarlingSam RyanCasey SternGary Sheffield, Pedro Martínez, Jimmy Rollins, and Ryan Howard (Games 4–5)Brian Anderson
2016FS1Joe BuckKen Rosenthal and Tom VerducciKevin BurkhardtAlex Rodriguez, Pete Rose, Frank Thomas, and Tom Verducci (in Chicago)Kevin Burkhardt
2015TBSErnie JohnsonRon Darling and Cal RipkenMatt Winer and Sam RyanCasey SternGary Sheffield, Pedro Martínez, and Dusty BakerErnie Johnson
2014Fox (Game 1)Joe BuckHarold Reynolds and Tom VerducciKen Rosenthal and Erin AndrewsKevin BurkhardtC. J. Nitkowski, Eric Karros, Gabe Kapler, and Frank ThomasErin Andrews
FS1 (Games 2–5)
2013TBSErnie JohnsonRon Darling and Cal RipkenCraig SagerKeith OlbermannTom Verducci, Pedro Martínez, and Gary SheffieldErnie Johnson
2012FoxJoe BuckTim McCarverKen Rosenthal
Erin Andrews (Games 1–4, 6–7)
Chris Myers (Game 5)
Matt VasgersianHarold Reynolds, Eric Karros, and A. J. PierzynskiErin Andrews
2011TBSBrian AndersonRon Darling and John SmoltzCraig SagerMatt WinerDavid Wells, Cal Ripken, and Dennis EckersleyMatt Winer
2010FoxJoe BuckTim McCarverKen RosenthalChris RoseEric Karros and Mitch WilliamsChris Rose

Notes

2000s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator(s)Field reporter(s)Pregame hostsPregame analystsTrophy presentation
2009TBSChip CarayCraig SagerErnie JohnsonDavid Wells, Cal Ripken, and Dennis EckersleyErnie Johnson
2008FoxJoe BuckTim McCarverKen Rosenthal and Chris MyersJeanne ZelaskoKevin Kennedy, Mark Grace, and Eric KarrosChris Myers
2007TBSChip CarayTony Gwynn and Bob BrenlyCraig SagerErnie JohnsonFrank Thomas, Cal Ripken, and Ron DarlingErnie Johnson
2006FoxJoe BuckTim McCarver and Luis GonzálezKen RosenthalJeanne ZelaskoKevin Kennedy and A. J. PierzynskiKenny Albert
2005FoxThom BrennamanSteve Lyons and Bob BrenlyKenny AlbertJeanne ZelaskoKevin KennedySteve Lyons
2004FoxThom BrennamanSteve Lyons and Bob BrenlyChris MyersJeanne ZelaskoKevin KennedySteve Lyons
2003FoxThom BrennamanSteve Lyons and Al LeiterJosh LewinJeanne ZelaskoKevin KennedySteve Lyons
2002FoxJoe BuckTim McCarverJeanne ZelaskoKevin KennedyTim McCarver
2001FoxJoe Buck (in Arizona)
Thom Brennaman (in Atlanta)
Tim McCarver (in Arizona)
Steve Lyons (in Atlanta)
Jeanne ZelaskoKevin KennedySteve Lyons
2000FoxJoe BuckTim McCarver and Bob BrenlyKeith OlbermannKevin KennedyKeith Olbermann

Notes

1990s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator(s)Field reporter(s)
1999NBCBob Costas[9] [10] Joe MorganJim Gray and Craig Sager
1998FoxJoe BuckTim McCarver and Bob Brenly
1997NBCBob Costas[11] Joe Morgan[12] and Bob Uecker[13] Jim Gray[14]
1996FoxJoe BuckTim McCarver and Bob Brenly
1995ABC (in Cincinnati)Al MichaelsJim Palmer and Tim McCarverLesley Visser
NBC (in Atlanta)Greg GumbelJoe MorganJohnny Bench
1993CBSSean McDonough[15] Tim McCarver[16] [17] Jim Gray
1992CBSSean McDonoughTim McCarverJim Gray
1991CBSJack BuckTim McCarverAndrea Joyce
1990CBSJack BuckTim McCarverJames Brown

Notes

1980s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator(s)
1989NBC[21] [22] Vin Scully[23] (Games 1, 3–5)
Bob Costas[24] (Game 2)
Tom Seaver
1988ABC[25] Al Michaels[26] Jim Palmer and Tim McCarver[27]
1987NBCVin Scully[28] [29] Joe Garagiola
1986ABC[30] Keith Jackson[31] Tim McCarver[32]
1985NBCVin Scully[33] Joe Garagiola
1984ABCDon Drysdale[34] Earl Weaver and Reggie Jackson
1983NBCVin Scully[35] Joe Garagiola
ABCAl MichaelsTommy Lasorda[36]
Howard Cosell (Games 1, 3)[37]
1981NBC[38] Dick EnbergTom Seaver
1980ABCKeith JacksonDon Drysdale and Howard Cosell

Notes

See also: Braves TBS Baseball.

1970s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator(s)
1979NBCJoe GaragiolaTony Kubek and Don Sutton[54]
1978ABCAl MichaelsDon Drysdale and Johnny Bench[55]
1977NBCJoe Garagiola (in Los Angeles)
Jim Simpson (Game 3)
Dick Enberg (Game 4)
Tony Kubek (in Los Angeles)
Maury Wills (Game 3)
Don Drysdale (Game 4)
1976ABCAl MichaelsWarner Wolf and Tom Seaver
1975NBCJoe Garagiola (in Cincinnati)
Curt Gowdy (in Pittsburgh)
Maury Wills (in Cincinnati)
Tony Kubek (in Pittsburgh)
1974NBCJim Simpson (Game 1)
Curt Gowdy (in Los Angeles)
Maury Wills (Game 1)
Tony Kubek (in Los Angeles)
1973NBCCurt Gowdy (in Cincinnati[56])
Jim Simpson (in Queens, New York)
Tony Kubek (in Cincinnati)
Maury Wills (in Queens, New York)
1972NBCJim Simpson (Game 1)
Curt Gowdy (in Cincinnati)
Sandy Koufax (Game 1)
Tony Kubek (in Cincinnati)
1971NBCCurt Gowdy (in San Francisco)
Jim Simpson (in Pittsburgh)
Tony Kubek (in San Francisco)
Sandy Koufax (in Pittsburgh)
1970NBCCurt Gowdy (in Pittsburgh)
Jim Simpson (in Cincinnati)
Tony Kubek (in Pittsburgh)
Sandy Koufax (in Cincinnati)

Notes

1969

Notes

Surviving telecasts

For all of the League Championship Series telecasts spanning from 1969 to 1975, only Game 2 of the 1972 American League Championship Series (Oakland vs. Detroit) is known to exist. However, the copy on the trade circuit of Game 2 of the 1972 ALCS is missing the Bert Campaneris-Lerrin LaGrow brawl. There are some instances where the only brief glimpse of telecast footage of an early LCS game can be seen in a surviving newscast from that night. For instance, the last out of the 1973 National League Championship Series as described by Jim Simpson was played on that night's NBC Nightly News, but other than that, the entire game is gone. On the day the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles wrapped up their respective League Championship Series in 1969, a feature story on the CBS Evening News showed telecast clips of the ALCS game (there's no original sound, just voiceover narration). This is all that likely remains of anything from that third game of the Orioles-Twins series.While all telecasts of World Series games starting with are accounted for and exist, the LCS is still a spotty situation through the late 1970s:

Local television

As previously mentioned, from 1969 until 1983, the Major League Baseball television contract allowed a local TV station in the market of each competing team to also carry the LCS games.

1960s

YearTeamsLocal TVPlay-by-play#1Play-by-play#2Play-by-play#3Color commentator(s)
1969New York Mets-AtlantaWOR-TV (New York Mets)Lindsey NelsonBob MurphyRalph KinerBob Uecker
WSB-TV (Atlanta)Ernie JohnsonMilo Hamilton

Notes

National radio

From 1969 to 1975, there was no official national radio network coverage of the League Championship Series. NBC only had the national radio rights to the All-Star Game and World Series during this period. Instead, national coverage was provided by local team radio broadcasts being syndicated nationally over ad hoc networks.

2020s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator
2023ESPNJon SciambiDoug Glanville
2022ESPNJon SciambiDoug Glanville
2021ESPNJon SciambiJessica Mendoza
2020ESPNJon SciambiJessica Mendoza

2010s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator
2019ESPNJon SciambiJessica Mendoza
2018ESPNDan ShulmanChris Singleton
2017ESPNDan ShulmanAaron Boone
2016ESPNDan ShulmanAaron Boone
2015ESPNJon SciambiChris Singleton
2014ESPNDan ShulmanAaron Boone
2013ESPNDan ShulmanOrel Hershiser
2012ESPNJon SciambiChris Singleton
2011ESPNJon Sciambi (Games 1–3, 6)
Dave O'Brien (Games 4–5)
Bobby Valentine (Games 1–4, 6)
Buck Martinez (Game 5)
2010ESPNDan ShulmanDave Campbell

Notes

2000s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentators
2009ESPNDan ShulmanDave Campbell
2008ESPNDan ShulmanSteve Phillips (in Philadelphia)
Orel Hershiser (in Los Angeles)
2007ESPNDan ShulmanDave Campbell
2006ESPNDan ShulmanDave Campbell
2005ESPNDan ShulmanDave Campbell
2004ESPNDan ShulmanDave Campbell
2003ESPNDan ShulmanDave Campbell
2002ESPNDan ShulmanDave Campbell
2001ESPNCharley SteinerDave Campbell
2000ESPNCharley SteinerDave Campbell

1990s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator
1999ESPNCharley SteinerKevin Kennedy
1998ESPNCharley SteinerKevin Kennedy
1997CBSGary CohenJerry Coleman
1996CBSJim HunterJerry Coleman
1995CBSJim HunterJerry Coleman
1993CBSJerry ColemanJohnny Bench
1992CBSJohn RooneyJerry Coleman
1991CBSJohn RooneyJerry Coleman
1990CBSJohn RooneyJerry Coleman

See also

1980s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator
1989CBSJohn Rooney[60] Jerry Coleman
1988CBSBrent MusburgerJerry Coleman
1987CBSDick Stockton[61] Johnny Bench
1986CBSBrent Musburger[62] Johnny Bench
1985CBSBrent MusburgerJohnny Bench
1984CBSHarry Kalas[63] Ross Porter
1983CBSJerry ColemanDuke Snider
1982CBSJack BuckJerry Coleman
1981CBSJack BuckJerry Coleman
1980CBSJack BuckJerry Coleman

1970s

YearNetworkPlay-by-playColor commentator
1979CBSJack BuckJerry Coleman[64]
1978CBSRalph KinerJerry Coleman
1977CBSRalph KinerJerry Coleman
1976CBSRalph KinerJerry Coleman
1975Ad hocRalph Kiner
1974Ad hocMarty BrennamanBob Gibson
1973Robert Wold RadioVin ScullyBob Gibson
1972Al MichaelsJoe Nuxhall
1971Ad hocVin ScullyBob Gibson
1970Ad hocVin ScullyBob Gibson

Notes

1969

Local radio

From 1969 to present, with the exception of the period between 1969 and 1975, the non-national radio broadcasts of the National League Championship Series were broadcast on the flagship station and the radio network of the teams participating in the National League Championship Series.

2000s

YearTeamsFlagship stationPlay-by-play#1Play-by-play#2Play-by-play#3Color commentator(s)
2002San Francisco-St. LouisKMOXMike ShannonJoel Meyers
KNBR (San Francisco)Duane Kuiper (Games 1–4)
Jon Miller (Game 5)
Joe AngelDuane Kuiper (Game 5)Mike Krukow
2001Arizona-AtlantaKTAR-AM (Arizona)Greg SchulteJeff MunnRod Allen and Jim Traber
WSB-AM (Atlanta)Pete Van WierenSkip CarayDon Sutton and Joe Simpson

Notes

1980s

YearTeamsFlagship stationPlay-by-play#1Play-by-play#2Color commentator(s)
1989San Francisco-Chicago CubsWGN-AM (Chicago Cubs)Harry CarayDewayne StaatsDave Nelson
KNBR (San Francisco)Hank GreenwaldRon Fairly
1986New York Mets-HoustonWHN (AM) New York

Notes

1960s

YearTeamsFlagship stationPlay-by-play#1Play-by-play#2Play-by-play#3
1969New York Mets-AtlantaWJRZ-AM/WABC-FM (New York Mets)Lindsey NelsonBob MurphyRalph Kiner
WSB-AM (Atlanta)Ernie JohnsonMilo Hamilton

Notes

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Lucia. Joe. October 11, 2020. Your 2020 MLB League Championship Series announcing schedule. Awful Announcing.
  2. Web site: Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady create unprecedented complication for FOX, Joe Buck. ClutchPoints. Denson. Christopher. October 15, 2020. October 17, 2020.
  3. News: Fox, Cablevision suspend negotiations over dispute. October 16, 2010. October 16, 2010. Samantha. Gross. Associated Press. Yahoo! Finance. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20101018122109/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Fox-Cablevision-suspend-apf-3330277112.html?x=0. October 18, 2010.
  4. News: Family situation keeps TBS' Ernie Johnson from MLB playoffs. Heistand. Michael. 27 September 2011. USA Today. C3. 8 October 2011.
  5. News: Caesar, Dan. Despite rout, St. Louis beats SF in Game 7 TV rating. October 23, 2012. St. Louis Post-Dispatch. https://archive.today/20130203061510/http://www.stltoday.com/sports/baseball/professional/despite-rout-st-louis-beats-sf-in-game-tv-rating/article_6549a5be-1d73-11e2-8e5f-001a4bcf6878.html. February 3, 2013. dead.
  6. Web site: MLB on Fox: New voices, channel, platforms. 31 March 2014 . April 2, 2014.
  7. Web site: The Power of JABO. foxsports.com. 10 October 2014.
  8. Web site: Fox Sports 1′s JABO telecast represents a major step forward for analysis. Lucia. Joe. 13 October 2014. Awful Announcing.
  9. News: Starting Number, 11 P.M., Didn't Hurt Mets' Rating Numbers. October 12, 1999. Richard. Sandomir. The New York Times.
  10. News: Costas: History counts Mets in. October 12, 1999. Rudy. Martzke. USA Today. 6C.
  11. News: For Fox's baseball team, three's good company. October 8, 1997. Rudy. Martzke. USA Today. 2C.
  12. News: Sports of The Times; Bench's Peers Are in Awe Of Johnson. October 15, 1997. Claire. Smith. The New York Times.
  13. News: Fox telecast provides the sound and fury. October 16, 1997. Rudy. Martzke. USA Today. 4C.
  14. News: NBC's Gray Matters As a Sideline Reporter. October 16, 1997. Jerry. Lindquist. Richmond Times-Dispatch. C4.
  15. News: CBS analyst Kaat doesn't see a clear edge for Jays or Chisox. October 1, 1993. Ken. McKee. Toronto Star. F4.
  16. News: McCarver Says Giants Didn't Choke. October 2, 1993. Brian. Clark. Modesto Bee. D4.
  17. News: Let the real season begin. October 3, 1993. Jim. Baker. Boston Herald. B20.
  18. News: Stewart. Larry. September 28, 1990. CBS Now Stands for a Confusing Baseball Schedule. Los Angeles Times.
  19. News: CBS Criticized For Not Introducing All Players. October 17, 1990. Bob. Kravitz. Rocky Mountain News.
  20. News: CBS scraps pregame baseball playoff shows. October 3, 1991. Rudy. Martzke. USA Today. 3C.
  21. News: NBC's Last At-Bat a Good One. October 3, 1989. Steve. Nidetz. Chicago Tribune.
  22. Web site: NBC concludes historic run as MLB rightsholder. NBC Sports History Page.
  23. Web site: This Time, an Error Really Was Blown Out of Proportion. Garr Kluender (Los Angeles Times) . October 3, 1989 . February 9, 2016.
  24. Web site: NBC PUTS ON ANOTHER HIT SHOW AS COSTAS STEPS INTO LEAD ROLE. Steve Nidetz (Chicago Tribune) . October 6, 1989 . February 9, 2016.
  25. Web site: ABC IS GOOD OR BAD, DEPENDING ON SERIES. Jim Sarni (Sun-Sentinel) . October 7, 1988 . February 9, 2016.
  26. Web site: ABC DESERVES KUDOS FOR NL SHOW BUT BARBS FOR AL COVERAGE. Steve Nidetz (Chicago Tribune) . October 11, 1988 . February 9, 2016.
  27. News: ABC's McCarver won't pitch the Mets. October 4, 1988. Rachel. Shuster. USA Today. 3E.
  28. Web site: What Would Settle It All Would Be If Fans Went on Strike. Larry Stewart (Los Angeles Times) . October 2, 1987 . February 9, 2016.
  29. Web site: COSTAS-KUBEK: NO. 2 ON TOTEM POLE, NO. 1 IN QUALITY. Jim Sarni (Sun Sentinel) . October 10, 1987 . February 9, 2016.
  30. News: With 10 Cameras, ABC's Focus is to Cover Every Angle. October 7, 1986. Jack. Craig. Boston Globe. 54.
  31. Web site: TV SPORTS; ABC PUTS JACKSON IN WRONG ARENA. Michael Goodwin (New York Times) . October 11, 1986 . February 9, 2016.
  32. Web site: ABC CHANNELS EFFORTS INTO PLAYOFFS. Jim Sarni (Sun-Sentinel) . October 4, 1986 . February 9, 2016.
  33. Web site: TV SPORTS; SCULLY'S TEAM THE WINNER IN PLAYOFFS. Michael Goodwin (New York Times) . October 15, 1985 . February 9, 2016.
  34. News: ABC Lineup Cards Looking Good Now in Baseball Playoffs. October 5, 1984. Los Angeles Times. D3.
  35. News: BC and Harry Coyle's Book. October 4, 1983. Neil. Amdur. The New York Times. B11.
  36. October 25, 1982. NBC: NOBODY DOES IT BETTER. Sports Illustrated.
  37. THE HEIDI: AN AWARD FOR ALL SEASONS. December 27, 1982. SI. . Sports Illustrated.
  38. News: The Dodgers Find Canada Wet, So Game 5 Is Today. October 19, 1981. Mark. Heisler. Los Angeles Times. D1.
  39. Web site: Keith Jackson and ABC conflicts with college FB and MLB playoffs (1976-1986) . 10 October 2012 . Classic Sports TV & Media . 11 October 2012.
  40. Web site: Ron Luciano . baseballbiography.com . September 1, 2011.
  41. Web site: Byron Day . Staff Bios . April 2, 2018 . FOX10 News.
  42. News: ABC's Playoff Coverage Not Flashy, but Solid. October 7, 1982. Dennis. D'Agostino. Associated Press. Beaver County (Pa.) Times. B3.
  43. News: Kuhn Out to Stop Braves Broadcasts. October 1, 1982. Associated Press. Tuscaloosa News. 14.
  44. News: Judge Bars WTBS From Braves Games. October 5, 1982. United Press International. Sarasota Herald-Tribune. 10B.
  45. News: Turner Is Denied Review of Order. October 6, 1982. Associated Press. The New York Times.
  46. News: Turner Telecasts Enjoined by Court. October 5, 1982. United Press International. The New York Times.
  47. News: In the Booth. June 8, 1985. Thomas. Rogers. Roy S.. Johnson. The New York Times.
  48. News: Don't Blame Networks; Baseball Extends Play-Offs for Additional $$$. October 8, 1985. Jack. Craig. Boston Globe. 77.
  49. News: First Non-Union Games Take Beating in Ratings. October 9, 1987. Jerry. Lindquist. Richmond Times-Dispatch. D6.
  50. News: Herzog's Long Memory. October 7, 1987. Rachel. Shuster. USA Today. 3C.
  51. News: Cards shed light on key play in Game 1. October 8, 1987. Hal. Bodley. USA Today. 12C.
  52. News: NBC Puts on Another Hit Show as Costas Steps into Lead Role. October 6, 1989. Steve. Nidetz. Chicago Tribune.
  53. Web site: Bob Costas remembers the life and career of Hall of Famer Tom Seaver.. September 2, 2020. Twitter.
  54. News: Cubs' choice represents victory for status quo. October 3, 1979. Bob. Verdi. Chicago Tribune. D1.
  55. News: Bobby Bonds Dealt to Cleveland Indians. October 4, 1978. Montreal Gazette. 58.
  56. Web site: Original NBC telecast of 1973 NLCS game 1. Hagger. Jeff. 5 November 2014. Classic TV Sports.
  57. News: Pirates to TV Home Game Next Sunday. October 1, 1972. Chicago Tribune. E5.
  58. Web site: TV coverage for the early years of the LCS (1969-1975). Haggar. Jeff. October 5, 2015. Classic TV Sports.
  59. News: Terry Francona to take over Indians. 6 October 2012. Associated Press. ESPN. 21 October 2012.
  60. News: Rooney's season is far from over. September 22, 1989. Steve. Nidetz. Chicago Tribune. 12.
  61. News: What Would Settle It All Would Be If Fans Went on Strike. October 2, 1987. Larry. Stewart. Los Angeles Times. 3.
  62. News: ABC Channels Efforts Into Playoffs. October 4, 1986. Jim. Sarni. South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
  63. News: Musburger to work playoffs. September 15, 1984. Dallas Morning News. 4b.
  64. News: Sports World Specials. October 8, 1979. Thomas. Rogers. The New York Times. C2.