Karl Ravech’s final broadcast drew the kind of sendoff that fits a broadcaster who spent decades becoming part of the background noise of baseball life. During Sunday Night Baseball between the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers, the tributes came from all sides, but the two most memorable moments belonged to Chris Sale and Garrett Mitchell.
Sale was with Ravech during an interview and took the chance to speak directly to him on air. Mitchell, meanwhile, was mic’d up during the game and used his moment to make sure Ravech heard the appreciation loud and clear.
“I do want to say before we get out of here, Karl, I have to say congratulations and thank you," Sale said. "Congratulations on playing some more golf, and thank you for the 30 years, man.
You were a staple in my living room for 30 years, watching ESPN. You made it fun to watch ESPN, so I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did, man.
It was awesome. You're one of the good ones."
After Ravech wished Mitchell good luck with his baby, the Brewers outfielder responded with a message of his own.
"Hey Karl, I wanted to say one thing to you real quick," Mitchell said. "I appreciate all that you've done.
I know this is your last broadcast. I appreciate everything that you've done for this game.
I've been listening to you for a long time, and it's a pleasure to share this last one with you."
Ravech, as he has so many times over the years, took it all in stride. The ESPN veteran was with the network from 1993 through 2026, spending most of that stretch on SportsCenter and Baseball Tonight while also becoming a constant presence at the Little League World Series.
His work also extended beyond that, with commentary assignments that included the College World Series, college basketball, golf and ESPN’s KBO coverage in 2020. ESPN’s July layoffs included Ravech, though he has opted to keep calling games for the 2026 MLB season and the Little League World Series.
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