Full Breakdown
Gerry Sandusky Announces Retirement from WBAL-TV and Ravens Broadcasts
4/18/2026, 7:57:53 PM
Career Overview and Significance
Gerry Sandusky, the longtime sports director at WBAL-TV and the radio voice of the Baltimore Ravens, announced his retirement on April 1, 2023. Sandusky has been a prominent figure in Baltimore sports broadcasting since he joined WBAL-TV in November 1988, initially working alongside legendary sports anchor Vince Bagli. He became the sports director in 1993 and has been the play-by-play announcer for the Ravens since 2006. His career has been marked by significant events in Baltimore sports, including the return of the NFL to the city, the emergence of star players like Cal Ripken Jr. and Ray Lewis, and multiple Super Bowl appearances.
Emotional Farewell
In an emotional farewell broadcast, Sandusky reflected on his career and the relationships he built with the audience. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from viewers, stating, “You invited me into your home... You made it possible for me to come back night after night, game after game, year after year.” He highlighted the importance of his family, particularly his wife, Lee Ann, who he credited for her unwavering support throughout his career. Sandusky noted, “Not one of my dreams comes true without her boundless unselfishness.”
Family and Future Plans
Sandusky's retirement comes as he looks forward to spending more time with his family, including his grandchildren, Malakai and Kairo. He emphasized the shift in focus from his professional journey to supporting his family's pursuits, stating, “Now it’s time for me to support their journey and their pursuit of dreams.”
Official Statements & Responses
In his farewell message, Sandusky encapsulated his career with a sentiment shared by his late college football coach, Phil Albert: “When you have done what you came to do, it’s time to go home. Because the hay is in the barn.” This phrase, which became one of his catchphrases, reflects his perspective on concluding this chapter of his life.
Criticism & Opposition
While Sandusky's retirement was met with widespread appreciation from fans and colleagues, some critics pointed out the challenges that come with transitioning to a new voice in sports broadcasting. Concerns were raised about how the Ravens and WBAL-TV will fill the void left by Sandusky's departure, given his long-standing connection with the audience.
What's Next
As Sandusky steps away from his broadcasting career, the Ravens and WBAL-TV will need to identify successors who can maintain the connection he established with fans. The future of Ravens broadcasts and WBAL-TV sports coverage will be closely watched as they navigate this transition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All good stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end. And tonight, it’s time for my end,” — Gerry Sandusky
- “YOU MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO COME BACK NIGHT AFTER NIGHT, GAME AFTER GAME, YEAR AFTER YEAR.” — Gerry Sandusky
- “Not one of my dreams comes through without her boundless unselfishness.” — Gerry Sandusky
- “And so, as you and I reach this fork in the road, please know the gratitude I feel for you, for your support, for watching, for listening, for giving me the gift of time and attention that will stay with me forever. As my late college football coach Phil Albert used to say at the end of every practice, ‘When you have done what you came to do, it’s time to go home. Because the hay is in the barn.’ Thank you.” — Gerry Sandusky
