Joe Castiglione facts for kids

Joseph John Castiglione is a famous American radio announcer. He was born on March 2, 1947. Joe is best known for calling Boston Red Sox baseball games for 42 years! He also taught at colleges and wrote books.

Joe won a big award called the Ford C. Frick Award in 2024. This award is from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He is also in the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame.

Joe's Early Life and Career

Joe Castiglione was born in Hamden, Connecticut. He went to Colgate University and studied liberal arts. While there, he was the radio voice for their football and baseball teams.

Later, he earned a master's degree in radio and TV from Syracuse University in 1970. He worked at the university's radio station and a local TV station. Joe started his career in Youngstown, Ohio. He broadcast football games and worked as a sports reporter.

Joe grew up as a fan of the New York Yankees. He later followed the Pittsburgh Pirates and then the Cleveland Indians. His first big sportscasting job was in Cleveland in 1978. In 1979, he called games for the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team. He also called a few Milwaukee Brewers games in 1981.

Calling Games for the Red Sox

Joe Castiglione joined the Red Sox broadcast team in 1983. He worked with another announcer named Ken Coleman.

One famous moment was during the 1986 World Series. Joe was in the clubhouse, ready to celebrate a Red Sox win. He missed the famous play where the ball went through Bill Buckner's legs.

After Ken Coleman retired in 1989, Joe became the main radio announcer for the Red Sox. He worked with Jerry Trupiano.

The "Can You Believe It?" Moment

Joe became very well-known when the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series. This was a huge moment because the team had not won in 86 years!

After the final out, Joe excitedly shouted, "Can you believe it?" This phrase became very famous. His call of the final play is still remembered by many fans.

Working with Other Announcers

Over the years, Joe worked with many different announcers. These included Dave O'Brien, Glenn Geffner, Dale Arnold, and Jon Rish.

In 2016, Joe started working with Tim Neverett. They rotated who was the main announcer for different parts of the game.

In 2018, Joe even switched places with New York Yankees announcer John Sterling for an inning! During the 2018 American League Championship Series, Joe famously fell out of his chair while calling an amazing catch by Andrew Benintendi. He quickly got back up and finished the call!

Joe's Retirement from Broadcasting

For the 2023 season, Joe started working fewer games. He wanted to spend more time with his family. He worked with Will Flemming, Sean McDonough, and Lou Merloni.

On September 15, 2024, Joe announced he would retire from calling Red Sox games after the 2024 season. He said he would still work for the team in a different role.

The Red Sox honored Joe on September 29, 2024. Many players he had covered over 42 years came to show their respect. Pedro Martinez joined Joe in the radio booth. Joe ended his final broadcast with a special passage by Bart Giamatti. He had done this at the end of every season since 1989.

Awards and Special Honors

In August 2014, Joe Castiglione was added to the Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame. He was inducted along with famous players like Roger Clemens and Pedro Martínez.

On July 28, 2022, Joe was honored at Fenway Park. This ceremony celebrated his 40 years of broadcasting for the Red Sox. Roger Clemens presented him with a special plaque.

In 2023, Joe was a finalist for the Ford C. Frick Award. This award is given for excellence in baseball broadcasting. On December 6, 2023, Joe was named the winner of the 2024 Ford C. Frick Award! He accepted the award in July 2024.

Other Work and Teaching

Joe Castiglione has also called college football and college basketball games. He sometimes worked with his oldest son, Duke, who is also a sportscaster.

Joe taught a course on sports broadcasting at Northeastern University. Some of his students, like Don Orsillo, later became famous announcers too. Joe also taught at Franklin Pierce University.

Books Written by Joe

In 2004, Joe Castiglione wrote a book called Broadcast Rites and Sites: I Saw It on the Radio with the Boston Red Sox. This book shares stories from his time covering baseball. He updated it in 2006 to include the 2004 World Series win.

In 2012, Joe wrote a second book titled Can You Believe It? 30 Years of Insider Stories with the Boston Red Sox. This book talks about the Red Sox's big wins in 2004 and 2007. It also shares many personal stories from his 30 years in the broadcast booth.