TBS Replacing MLB Announcer Chip Caray

Posted on 30 November 2009 by Tom Ferda.

What is your opinion of this commentary explaining an obvious line drive out to left field during a crucial moment of Chip Caray an extra-inning MLB game? “Line drive. Base hit. Caught out there. The runner tags. Throw to the plate. On target. And in time! A double play!” (see YouTube video of call below).

Cable television network TBS must have the same negative opinion regarding it as a majority of the media and fans do because although Chip Caray, the owner of that embarrassing call above has several years left on his contract, the network and Caray have suddenly parted ways.

The blundered call above, the overuse of his line, “He fisted him!” and several other miscues delivered by Caray this past MLS season created a huge buzz during the playoffs and may have led to his departure.

In a company memo, David Levy, the president of Turner Sports, wrote: “Since the end of this year’s M.L.B. playoffs, we’ve had several discussions with Chip Caray regarding 2010 and beyond. Both sides have agreed that now is the right time for Turner Sports and Chip to move ahead on different paths.”

Caray was handed the mic as a third-generation announcer. He is the grandson of the legendary Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray and son of the late Skip Caray who called the games for the Atlanta Braves for several years.