In what is a bit of depressing news on the heels of the excitement of the new Nationals City Connect jerseys, the club will be saying goodbye to a longtime franchise staple. On Monday, at the beginning of the team's broadcast on MASN before the Nationals' exhibition game against the Baltimore Orioles, play-by-play television announcer Bob Carpenter announced that the 2025 season will be the final one of his career.
This news does not really come as a surprise to those who have tuned into Nationals broadcasts frequently over the last few years, as Carpenter has begun to take significant time off in order to spend more time with family. For a guy who has been with the organization for what will be his 20th season in 2025, he certainly has earned his share of Paid Time Off.
Carpenter, now 72-years-old, will no longer be a full-time announcer following this season, but he said he does hope to remain a part of the telecast in some form in the future, but acknowledged that at this time he does not know what that might look like. Of course, with the Nationals getting out of their deal with MASN following this season as well, the talent in the booth could look a lot different, and the team will obviously have to begin a search for Carpenter's successor.
He also mentioned that he does have a new deal lined up for next season and beyond, saying, "I've got a new deal working for next year as a full-time husband, dad and grandpa." which definitely lines up with his reduced role over the last couple of seasons. His tenure with the Nationals has become the longest of his illustrious broadcasting career, and I know I will be hanging on to every moment that he has left in the booth this season.
As for who could possibly take his place next season, the first option would likely be Dan Kolko, who has been the fill-in for Carpenter while he has been out, and he has worked his way up over the years as an on-field reporter to a play-by-play guy. It has been very obvious over the last few years that the players and organization think highly of him, and I would guess he is the favorite to take over full-time after this season. Whether or not current color commentator Kevin Frandsen joins Kolko in the booth next year is a whole other discussion, as many believe, myself included that Ryan Zimmerman and Dan Kolko will be the booth for the foreseeable future, especially now that they have begun their 11th inning podcast.
Overall, I am sad to see Bob leave, but I also can't blame him for wanting to spend more time with his family and close out this chapter of his life on a high note. Beginning on Opening Day with MacKenzie Gore on the bump this week, we must cherish every signature call he has left. Here's to thanking him for everything he has done for the organization, and wishing nothing but the best for him and his family moving forward!
What is your favorite Bob Carpenter moment? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.