Joe Buck Returns to Major League Baseball Commentary for ESPN on Opening Day 2025
Introduction
After a four-year hiatus from calling Major League Baseball (MLB) games on national television, Joe Buck will grace the ESPN booth for the New York Yankees’ season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 27, 2025. This marks his first baseball broadcast for the network since joining ESPN in 2022 to become the voice of "Monday Night Football."
Buck’s Return to Baseball Commentary
In an interview with The Athletic, Buck expressed his enthusiasm about his temporary return to baseball commentary, stating, "I feel like the right way to do it is to act like I’ve been doing it for the past four years, even though I haven’t."
This special assignment for ESPN is not an indication of a permanent return to calling baseball games regularly. Buck emphasized that he accepted the offer as a favor to ESPN senior vice president Mark Gross, with whom he has forged a strong bond through their work on "Monday Night Football."
Buck’s Legacy in Baseball Broadcasting
Buck, 55, holds the record for calling 24 World Series for Fox, including all five of the Yankees’ most recent championships dating back to 1996. His return to baseball commentary for the Yankees’ season opener carries significant sentimental value for him.
"It is exciting to think about doing the game at Yankee Stadium, where I’ve called World Series," Buck said. "I’m not saying that if it wasn’t the Yankees, I probably wouldn’t have done it, but that might be true. It’s the Yankees at home on Opening Day against a division winner."
Inspiration and Motivation
Despite admitting that he no longer follows baseball regularly, Buck jumped at the opportunity to call the opening day game for ESPN. His decision was motivated by his longstanding friendship with Gross and his desire to support the network.
"I know what I’ve said in the past about this stuff, but I’m not really good at saying no and I think I inherited that from my dad," Buck said. "Because Mark asked me and I really love the guy and think the world of him, I said, ‘Yes.’"
Conclusion
Joe Buck’s return to Major League Baseball commentary for ESPN on opening day 2025 promises to be a memorable event for fans. His unparalleled experience and passion for the sport will undoubtedly make it a captivating broadcast. While this assignment is not a sign of a permanent return to baseball, it is a testament to Buck’s enduring legacy in the industry and his willingness to support those who have supported him.
