Bob Costas stops play-by-play in the MLB

Bob Costas leaves MLB play-by-play.

Costas confirmed this The Athletics Thursday that he is withdrawing from MLB play-by-play. Although the decision was reportedly made before this season, coinciding with the end of his contract with TNT Sports, Costas is said to understand that the quality of his play-by-play has declined. He was the subject of significant criticism on social media for his TBS call-up to the Yankees-Royals ALDS.

Though perhaps most associated with baseball, Costas only called part of three World Series, a mark already surpassed by Fox Sports’ Joe Davis. He called those series, as well as ten League Championship Series, during his tenure at NBC – when he was the network’s secondary voice in the 1980s and the network’s main voice from 1995 to 2000.

Costas had only played games for TBS the past three seasons, calling a Division Series each year. Prior to his TBS work, he worked primarily for MLB Network and typically worked one playoff game per year. He will continue to serve as a host and commentator for MLB Network.

MLB play-by-play was the last major role Costas played in national sports reporting. Costas was the face of NBC Sports for decades and last worked for the network in 2018.

As for TNT Sports, Costas filled a role previously held by Don Orsillo and before that Ernie Johnson. It should be noted that Johnson left MLB play-by-play in 2017 as the start of the NBA season began to conflict with the MLB Postseason. With TNT Sports almost certain to lose the NBA rights after this season, he would presumably be available to call games again.