Karl Ravech (Photo by Rich Arden / ESPN Images)
ESPN today announced it has reached an extension with veteran commentator Karl Ravech to continue his expanded, multi-sport role at the company. As a significant part of this role, Ravech has been named the voice of the T-Mobile Home Run Derby – exclusively on ESPN – and will provide play-by-play for the telecast. The T-Mobile Home Run Derby is Monday, July 10, at 8 p.m. ET.
Karl Ravech said, “It is truly a privilege to work with such outstanding people and for a company that prides itself on bringing the best sports coverage in the industry to our fans. To be able to continue with ESPN in these significant roles and on various platforms for what will amount to more than a quarter of a century is beyond my wildest dreams. Chris Berman set the bar so high for the Home Run Derby, my goal will be to keep it there and let the amazing athletes take it to new heights.”
Ravech will continue to host Baseball Tonight: Sunday Night Countdown tied to the Sunday Night Baseball franchise and Baseball Tonight episodes on-site at the most significant events in the sport, including MLB All-Star and the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, the World Series, Opening Day and more. Ravech will continue to lead ESPN’s Little League World Series and College World Series coverage, and he has recently added a regular slate of Monday Night Baseball and other MLB play-by-play responsibilities. Additionally, Ravech will increase his Men’s College Basketball play-by-play and studio duties.
Stephanie Druley (ESPN senior vice president, events & studio production) commented, “Karl is part of the fabric of ESPN – he’s a respected commentator, colleague and leader. In many ways, he’s our ‘Mr. Baseball,’ helping to lead our studio and event coverage across professional, collegiate and youth baseball categories, while showing off his versatility by playing an important role within our college hoops coverage. We’re thrilled that Karl will play a pivotal role on many of our signature platforms for years to come.”
Ravech joined ESPN in 1993 and became the full-time host of Baseball Tonight in 1995. In addition to the aforementioned responsibilities, Ravech has also served as a SportsCenter anchor and has contributed to ESPN’s golf coverage.
Ravech replaces Chris Berman at the helm of ESPN’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby coverage. ESPN announced a new role for Berman in January.