Len Kasper facts for kids

Len Kasper is a well-known American sports announcer. He is famous for describing baseball games. Since 2021, he has been the main radio announcer for the Chicago White Sox. He works with Darrin Jackson to call the games. They broadcast on ESPN 1000 and the Chicago White Sox Radio Network.

Before joining the White Sox, Len Kasper worked for the Chicago Cubs. From 2005 to 2020, he was a TV announcer for their games. He worked with analysts like Bob Brenly and Jim Deshaies. He also sometimes joined the Cubs radio team for big games.

Len Kasper's Career in Sports Broadcasting

Early Days in Milwaukee

Len Kasper started his broadcasting career in 1994. He worked at a radio station called WTMJ-AM in Milwaukee. For eight years, until 2002, he hosted a daily sports show. He also hosted pre-game and halftime shows for the Green Bay Packers. Plus, he co-hosted a "hot stove league" show for the Milwaukee Brewers. A "hot stove league" show is where people talk about baseball news and rumors during the off-season.

Kasper wanted to get more experience calling baseball games. So, in the late 1990s, he started working with Brett Dolan. They would call parts of games for the Beloit Snappers on weekends. This helped him practice his play-by-play skills.

Moving to Major League Baseball

In 1999, Len Kasper got a chance to work in Major League Baseball. He filled in as a TV announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers. He worked alongside Bill Schroeder. He continued this fill-in role until 2001.

In 2002, Kasper became a full-time TV announcer. He joined the Florida Marlins team. He worked with Tommy Hutton as a "color commentator." A play-by-play announcer describes the action as it happens. A color commentator adds insights and analysis. Kasper worked for the Marlins until 2004.

Becoming a Chicago Icon

In 2005, Len Kasper was hired by the Chicago Cubs. He became a very popular voice for Cubs fans. He worked on their TV broadcasts for 16 seasons. In 2011, he received the Harry Caray Sportscaster of the Year Award. This award recognized his excellent work.

On December 4, 2020, it was announced that Kasper would leave the Cubs. He decided to become the main radio play-by-play announcer for the Chicago White Sox. He now broadcasts on WMVP 1000 AM. He also sometimes fills in as a TV announcer for the White Sox. Jon Sciambi took over his role with the Cubs.

Beyond the Broadcast Booth

Len Kasper also has a passion for music. He founded a band called Sonic45. He plays the bass guitar in the band. Sonic45 is a new wave band based in Chicago. They have released two records. Their first album, "Space and Time," came out in 2021. Their second album, "SuperSonic," was released in 2024.

Len Kasper's Personal Life

Len Kasper grew up in Michigan. He was inspired by the Detroit Tigers' radio announcers. These were Ernie Harwell and Paul Carey. He graduated from Shepherd High School. Later, he attended Marquette University. He graduated in 1993 with a degree in public relations. He earned his degree with "summa cum laude" honors, which means he had a very high academic achievement.