Karl Ravech fought back tears Sunday as ESPN honored him during his final broadcast, a Little League World Series championship matchup between Nevada and Curacao.
The veteran announcer lost his job in July when parent company Walt Disney slashed positions across ESPN. He stayed on through select baseball telecasts and the network’s Little League World Series coverage before officially wrapping up his tenure this weekend.
Fellow broadcaster Eduardo Pérez handed Ravech a framed photo live on air, describing him as the group’s quarterback, leader, mentor, and finest teammate. Pérez noted that Ravech means as much to crew members behind the camera as to viewers in front of it.
“You’ve been my rock,” Pérez said. “The friendship is what matters.”
Little League also recognized Ravech on the field, while colleagues showered him with praise. The broadcaster acknowledged the send-off meant a great deal, calling his time with the organization extraordinary.
“This Little League World Series means so much to me, but it’s really always been about the kids,” Ravech said. “It’s been about my teammates for 33 years and four decades.”
He said the framed photo would hold a prominent place in his home.
Ravech was among several high-profile ESPN personalities cut in the layoffs, including NFL insider Tom Pelissero, analyst Cam Newton, anchor David Lloyd, analyst Ryan Clark, and former Jets linebacker Bart Scott. He had spent decades anchoring baseball coverage for the network.
Weeks before his final sign-off, Ravech addressed the layoff directly. He said he harbored no resentment toward ESPN, crediting the company with giving him a career far beyond what he imagined as a student at Needham High School and Ithaca College.
