Joe Castiglione, the beloved radio voice of the Boston Red Sox for an impressive 42 years, made a heartfelt announcement about his retirement this past Sunday.
At 77 years old, Castiglione shared the news live during a WEEI broadcast as the Red Sox were in the fourth inning against the Yankees. “After 42 seasons and over 6,500 games, I’ve decided it’s time to step back from regular broadcasting,” he stated. “I want to savor more time with my wife, Jan, my kids, and grandkids.”
Though he’s retiring from his regular schedule, Castiglione will remain with the team as an honorary ambassador. The Red Sox have also planned a tribute to him during their final season game against Tampa Bay on September 29.
Red Sox principal owner John Henry praised Castiglione as “one of the greatest in baseball broadcasting.” He noted, “His induction into the Hall of Fame this July highlighted a career filled with vivid storytelling that has captivated generations of fans,” Henry remarked. “Even in the spotlight, Joe’s character shone as he consistently put others before himself. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humility, and love for the game.”
Castiglione joined the Red Sox broadcast team in 1983, coinciding with Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski’s last season, and has held the record for the longest-serving play-by-play announcer in team history. He vividly called the team’s 2004 World Series victory that ended an 86-year championship drought, as well as titles in 2007, 2013, and 2018.
“After 42 seasons with the Red Sox and more than 6,500 games, I have decided it’s time to retire from a regular broadcast schedule.”
Joe Castiglione joined the NESN booth to talk about his retirement ❤ pic.twitter.com/SyPc6pFNN9
— NESN (@NESN) September 15, 2024
His iconic exclamation, “Can you believe it?” during the 2004 victory remains etched in the memories of fans. Castiglione echoed those words during his Hall of Fame induction speech in July.
“Joe belongs,” declared Red Sox legend David Ortiz. “You can’t imagine the Red Sox without Joe.”
Inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2014, Castiglione scaled back his schedule to 81 games in 2023, hoping for more family time. His wife, Jan, their three children, and six grandchildren were all there for his induction celebration, alongside many friends and former players.
As the Red Sox finished a four-game series against the Yankees, Tyler O’Neill hit a two-run homer just after Castiglione announced his retirement. “That one,” his broadcast partner Will Flemming remarked, “is for Joe.”