What's happened
Bob Costas was awarded a prestigious honor recognizing his significant contributions to Major League Baseball. The award, given annually, highlights individuals who have dedicated their careers to the sport. Costas, a celebrated broadcaster, has been a prominent figure in MLB coverage for decades.
What's behind the headline?
Impact of Bob Costas on MLB Broadcasting
- Legacy: Bob Costas has been a defining voice in baseball broadcasting, hosting seven World Series and multiple All-Star Games. His extensive experience provides valuable historical context to the sport.
- Recognition: The award he received underscores the importance of broadcasters in shaping the narrative of baseball. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized Costas's deep connection to the game, stating, "His vast baseball knowledge and experience has allowed him to provide thoughtful commentary."
- Health Concerns: Concurrently, the baseball community is facing health issues with former players like Tony Oliva and Kent Hrbek, who are recovering from strokes. This highlights the ongoing challenges faced by aging athletes and the importance of health awareness in sports.
What the papers say
According to AP News, Bob Costas expressed his gratitude for the honor, stating, "Baseball hasn’t just been a big part of my career. It’s been a big and ongoing part of my life." The Independent echoed this sentiment, noting that Costas's contributions have been significant throughout his career. Meanwhile, AP News reported on the health issues of former players Oliva and Hrbek, emphasizing the need for support within the baseball community as they recover from serious health events.
How we got here
The award was established to honor individuals who have made notable contributions to baseball. Previous recipients include Willie Mays and Vin Scully. Costas has been a key figure in MLB broadcasting since 2009 and has hosted numerous major events.
Go deeper
- What other awards has Bob Costas received?
- How are Oliva and Hrbek doing now?
- What impact has Costas had on baseball broadcasting?
More on these topics
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Robert Quinlan Costas is an American sportscaster who is known for his long tenure with NBC Sports, from 1980 through 2019. He has received several Emmy awards for his work. He was the prime-time host of 11 Olympic Games from 1992 until 2016.
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Major League Baseball is an American professional baseball organization and the oldest of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada.