Gerry Sandusky Ends 40-Year Run as Ravens Voice and WBAL Sports Director

Baltimore’s most recognizable sports voice is signing off for the last time. Gerry Sandusky, the longtime sports director at WBAL-TV 11 and the play-by-play voice of the Baltimore Ravens for 18 seasons, announced his retirement on April 1, 2026, bringing a 40-year broadcasting career to a close. His final newscast airs Friday, April 17, closing a chapter that included two Ravens Super Bowl championships, the rise of baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr., and the unforgettable stories that defined generations of Maryland sports fans. In a heartfelt statement, Sandusky said, 'The time has come for me to pass those batons and pour more of my attention on my family.'

The End of an Era in Baltimore Sports Broadcasting

Sandusky’s retirement marks the conclusion of one of the most storied careers in local sports journalism. Few broadcasters have shaped a city’s sports identity as deeply as Sandusky, whose voice became synonymous with Baltimore’s passions—from the thunderous cheers at M&T Bank Stadium to the crack of bats at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. His departure leaves a void not only at WBAL-TV 11, where he helmed the sports desk since 1993, but also in the hearts of Ravens fans who grew up listening to his vivid descriptions of every touchdown, interception, and heartbreak. As Sashi Brown, president of the Ravens, noted, 'Gerry brought a distinct flavor and aptitude that captured every emotion of Baltimore football.'

A Career Spanning Four Decades of Baltimore Sports History

Sandusky’s journey began long before he became a household name. Born in Baltimore, he developed his love for sports at an early age, influenced by his father, an assistant coach with the Baltimore Colts and later the Miami Dolphins under the legendary Don Shula. After graduating from Towson University, Sandusky launched his career in Florida at WSVN-TV in Miami in 1984. His big break in Baltimore came in 1988 when he joined WBAL-TV 11 as a sports anchor under Vince Bagli, a broadcasting icon in his own right. Within five years, Sandusky ascended to sports director, a role he would hold for 33 years.

Over his four-decade tenure, Sandusky covered some of the most defining moments in Maryland sports history. He was on the air for the Ravens’ inaugural season in 1996, the opening of Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 1992, Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,131st consecutive game in 1995, and the rise of swimming phenom Michael Phelps, whose Olympic dominance began during Sandusky’s watch. His play-by-play work for the Ravens started in 2006, and he called two Super Bowl victories—Super Bowl XLVII in 2013 and Super Bowl LVII in 2023—cementing his legacy as the voice of Baltimore football.

The Signature Style That Defined a Generation

What set Sandusky apart was not just his encyclopedic knowledge of the games he called, but his ability to paint pictures with words. His signature phrase, 'The hay is in the barn,' became a mantra for Ravens fans, often delivered at the climax of a hard-fought victory when the outcome seemed all but certain. Whether calling a last-second touchdown or a heartbreaking loss, Sandusky’s delivery was smooth, his storytelling vivid, and his connection to the community palpable. Colleagues and fans alike praised his authenticity and warmth, traits that made him more than a broadcaster—he was a storyteller whose words felt like a conversation with every listener.

As the Voice of the Ravens, Gerry brought a distinct flavor and aptitude that captured every emotion of Baltimore football. While Gerry's in-game knowledge was second to none, it was his exceptional talent to 'illustrate with words' that truly sparked a long-lasting connection amongst our fans.

Awards, Honors, and the Legacy of Excellence

Sandusky’s contributions to broadcasting have been recognized with some of the highest honors in the industry. He earned his first Emmy Award in 1992 for a story on the uncertain future of Memorial Stadium, a piece that resonated deeply with Baltimore sports fans. A decade later, he received his second Emmy for a tribute special to Johnny Unitas, the Hall of Fame Colts quarterback who remains a legendary figure in the city. He also received two Edward R. Murrow Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in electronic journalism. In 2012, the Carson Scholars Fund presented him with its Sonya Award, recognizing individuals who demonstrate drive, determination, and perseverance.

Beyond his on-air achievements, Sandusky built a life centered on family and community. A devoted husband and father, he balanced his high-profile career with coaching youth sports and supporting his children’s athletic pursuits. He also founded The Sandusky Group, a company dedicated to helping professionals strengthen their communication and presentation skills. In 2014, he shared his own journey in the memoir 'Forgoten Sundays,' a reflective work that explored family, loss, and identity.

Reactions from the Baltimore Sports Community

Sandusky’s retirement has sparked an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, fans, and the broader Baltimore sports community. Pete Gilbert, a WBAL-TV 11 sports anchor who interned under Sandusky, tweeted, 'I’ve learned from Gerry for 31 years. As an intern where he inspired me to a sports broadcasting career, & then as a colleague for 22 years at WBAL, he kept teaching. I'm grateful for his mentorship in the business, & in life.' Tony Pann, a longtime Baltimore sports radio host, called Sandusky 'one of the best broadcasters I have ever seen,' adding, 'Few are better than this guy.'

Gerry has made significant contributions to WBAL-TV 11 and to the city of Baltimore. He will always be a respected member of our family.

What Comes Next for WBAL-TV 11 and the Ravens

The search for Sandusky’s successor at WBAL-TV 11 has already begun, according to station President and General Manager Dan Joerres. While no timeline has been announced, the transition is expected to be gradual, allowing the new sports director to step into a role that has been defined by Sandusky’s decades of leadership. For the Ravens, the hunt for a new play-by-play voice is equally significant. Sandusky’s departure leaves a 18-year gap in the broadcast booth, a tenure that included some of the most memorable moments in franchise history. The Ravens have not indicated a timeline for naming his replacement, but the search is likely to prioritize candidates with deep ties to the Baltimore community and a proven ability to connect with fans.

Key Takeaways: The Impact of Gerry Sandusky’s Career

• Gerry Sandusky retires after 40 years at WBAL-TV 11 and 18 seasons as the Baltimore Ravens’ play-by-play voice, marking the end of an era in local sports broadcasting.
• He called two Ravens Super Bowl victories, covered iconic moments like Cal Ripken Jr.’s streak and Michael Phelps’ rise, and earned multiple Emmys and Murrow Awards for his work.
• Sandusky’s signature phrase, 'The hay is in the barn,' and his vivid storytelling made him a beloved figure whose voice defined Baltimore sports for generations.
• His retirement leaves a significant void at WBAL-TV 11 and in the Ravens broadcast booth, sparking a search for successors who can capture his legacy.
• Beyond broadcasting, Sandusky was a mentor, coach, and author, reflecting a life dedicated to family, community, and the art of storytelling.

The Broader Significance of Sandusky’s Retirement

Sandusky’s retirement is more than the end of a career—it’s a cultural milestone for Baltimore. In an era where local journalism and community-centered broadcasting face increasing pressures from digital fragmentation and corporate consolidation, Sandusky’s longevity and deep connection to the city stand out as a reminder of what makes local sports media so vital. His ability to transcend the role of broadcaster and become a trusted voice in the community speaks to the power of local storytelling. As the Ravens and WBAL-TV 11 move forward, the challenge will be finding someone who can not only fill Sandusky’s shoes technically but also embody the same spirit of passion and authenticity that defined his career.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gerry Sandusky’s Retirement