When one steps away from the microphone after 20 years, it’s not just a retirement. It’s the end of an era. The Washington Nationals knew this when they celebrated their longstanding voice in the last game of the season. It was a moment that went beyond baseball and reminded everyone why the sport is important beyond the scoreboard.
That voice behind the mic, Bob Carpenter, the Nationals’ play-by-play broadcaster, received a standing ovation from players and fans during his final broadcast. Carpenter, who has spent over 40 years calling Major League Baseball games and is now 72, became synonymous with Nationals baseball since the franchise’s early days in Washington.
The tribute quickly made its way to social media, where the emotional sendoff resonated far beyond the Nationals fanbase. His tribute video was reposted on Instagram with a caption, “I love everything about this 👏❤️ (via: @nationals)”. The post captured immediate love from fans, commenting with messages of gratitude, love, and respect for Bob Carpenter.
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Fans loved Carpenter’s deep, steady voice and his famous “See… you… later!” home-run call over the years. He was more than just an announcer; he was a trusted friend for many summers because he could combine keen analysis with a real love for the game. Many fans still remember his call of the Nationals’ 2019 World Series run, which shows how much of an influence he had.
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Reflecting on his decision to retire, Carpenter said, “I really thought ’23 was going to be the last time because that was kind of some symmetry for me: that would have been 40 years in the big leagues at the age of 70. Well, I’ve ended up going two years beyond that, and because of that, I’m really glad that I made it to 20 with the Nats.”
As Carpenter enters his final broadcast, he knows he has a second home here in Washington DC, and is content to walk out on top of his game. “I still love it. I love being around the team, I love the city, I love our fans, but ultimately, there comes a time when you have to make a decision, and I really feel in here, while it’s going to be sad for me to give it up, I really feel that I’m doing the best thing for my wife, for my kids and for my grandsons, and from for my family overall. And I think I’m in a good place with this call.”
The Washington Nationals, in turn, gave him a goodbye that was right for someone who had grown like family to the city.
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Tributes from all corners of the fanbase
The tribute sparked an outpouring of emotion across social media, with fans from multiple franchises weighing in on Carpenter’s legacy. He began announcing for the Nationals in 2006, having previously served as the voice for the Cardinals. This comment brought up his career as a whole: “I watched Cardinals games in St. Louis. Bob called in the mid-90s on KPLR channel 11. What a career.” Carpenter called Cardinals games for 10 years before Washington, showing how a well-known voice can make a mark in many baseball locations.
One fan captured it perfectly: “Baseball’s the best. You simply don’t have moments like this in other sports. I’m not a Nats fan but Bob Carpenter is one of the best. Congratulations on the well-deserved retirement, sir.” This reaction shows how baseball fosters unique relationships among fans. Local broadcasters often stay with fans for decades, creating lasting memories. The sentiment is comparable to other farewells in MLB history, as when Vin Scully left the Dodgers booth in 2016 and fans from all over baseball, regardless of team loyalty, paid tribute.
Another user urged his team to give tribute to their broadcaster. “@rockies this better happen for @drewgoodman42 (but hopefully he’s not gone anytime soon).” This comment shows how Carpenter’s farewell established a benchmark for other teams—local voices like Drew Goodman in Colorado, who has been calling the games since 2002.
A fan called for more recognition. “Would love to see local broadcasters follow their team in post season. They’re just as much part of that team!” National TV crews usually take over playoff coverage, but many think the voices who guided fans all season should be on the largest platform. Scully’s rare 1988 World Series call remains a great example of that. Remember Vin Scully’s statement during Game 1 of the 1988 World Series that became famous? “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!” This was when Kirk Gibson—hobbled and unexpected—hit a stunning walk-off homer.
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A farewell in Carpenter’s own style. “See…You…Later 👏👏👏.” This is a nod to Carpenter’s famous home run call, which he used for more than 20 years with the Nationals. “See you later” instead of ‘goodbye’ sums up both baseball’s hopefulness and Carpenter’s relationship with fans.
Bob Carpenter’s retirement ends an amazing time in the history of baseball in Washington. His famous calls and strong relationships with the community show how local broadcasters become part of the sport’s heartbeat.