Alex Cohen – Chicago Cubs Rookie Pitcher Impresses in Spring Training Debut
Alex Cohen has been steadily making his mark in the Chicago Cubs broadcasting world. The former Iowa Cubs play-by-play voice recently stepped up to a bigger role, joining Marquee Sports Network as the official Cubs backup play-by-play broadcaster. His journey from minor league commentator to calling major league games represents a promising trajectory in sports broadcasting, giving Cubs fans a fresh voice to connect with during the 2025 season.
Cohen’s background includes serving as both the Director of Broadcasting and play-by-play announcer for the Iowa Cubs since 2018. His recent work has expanded beyond baseball to include calling games for Iowa State Athletics. The Philadelphia native and Indiana University graduate brings an east coast perspective to the midwest baseball scene, while maintaining his connections to his hometown as an Eagles fan.
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Alex Cohen: A Brief Biography
Alex Cohen has emerged as a rising star in sports broadcasting, transitioning from minor league baseball to becoming a valued voice for the Chicago Cubs organization. His journey represents a blend of education, dedication, and natural talent that has earned him recognition in the broadcasting world.
Early Life and Education
Alex Cohen’s roots trace back to Philadelphia, where his passion for sports began. As a proud Philly native, Cohen developed an early appreciation for baseball, laying the foundation for his future career path.
He pursued his academic and broadcasting ambitions at Indiana University, where he honed his skills as a communicator. At IU, Cohen gained valuable experience that would serve as building blocks for his professional journey.
His college years provided opportunities to practice play-by-play announcing, developing the distinctive voice and style that Cubs fans have come to recognize. Cohen’s time at Indiana University wasn’t just about classroom learning, but practical application of broadcasting principles.
Path to Broadcasting
Cohen’s professional journey led him to the Iowa Cubs, where he has served as the Director of Broadcasting since 2017. This role positioned him perfectly to develop his craft at the Triple-A level.
His broadcasting experience is extensive, with over 2,000 games called throughout his career. This significant volume of work has refined his play-by-play abilities and deepened his understanding of baseball.
Cohen’s talents didn’t go unnoticed by the Chicago Cubs organization. He now broadcasts select Cubs Spring Training games and regular season contests on Marquee Sports Network, expanding his audience considerably.
His MLB broadcasting debut with the Chicago Cubs earned praise from listeners who appreciated his smooth transition to the major league level. Many fans noted how naturally his announcing style fit with the Cubs brand.
Broadcaster of the Year Award
Cohen’s excellence in broadcasting earned him prestigious recognition when Ballpark Digest named him the 2023 Broadcaster of the Year. This award validates his talent and dedication to the craft.
The honor acknowledges Cohen’s versatility and value to the Cubs organization. His ability to seamlessly transition between Iowa Cubs games and Chicago Cubs broadcasts demonstrates remarkable adaptability.
Industry professionals have noted Cohen’s distinctive voice, thorough preparation, and natural rapport with color commentators. These qualities contributed significantly to his selection for the award.
Cohen represents the modern baseball broadcaster – active on social media (@voiceofcohen2), versatile across platforms, and capable of connecting with audiences of all ages through his accessible style and genuine enthusiasm for the game.
Professional Career
Alex Cohen has built an impressive broadcasting career that spans thousands of games and multiple levels of baseball. His journey from minor league announcer to joining one of baseball’s most iconic franchises showcases his dedication and talent behind the microphone.
Rise Through the Ranks
Cohen’s broadcasting journey demonstrates the classic path of a professional developing his craft through experience. Before joining the Cubs organization, he honed his skills calling games for various teams and building his reputation as a talented play-by-play voice.
With over 2,000 games of experience under his belt, Cohen established himself as a respected broadcaster who could paint the picture of the game for listeners. His clear delivery and baseball knowledge helped him stand out in a competitive industry.
His work ethic and commitment to improvement didn’t go unnoticed. Cohen’s ability to connect with audiences while providing insightful commentary positioned him for bigger opportunities in professional baseball.
Joining the Cubs Organization
Cohen made a significant career move when he joined the Iowa Cubs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Based in Des Moines, this position put him just one step away from the major leagues and connected him to one of baseball’s most storied franchises.
As the voice of the Iowa Cubs, Cohen became a familiar presence for fans of Cubs prospects and players on rehab assignments. His broadcasts helped maintain connection between the parent club and its top minor league talent.
His work with the Iowa Cubs earned recognition beyond just the organization. In fact, Cohen was named 2023 Broadcaster of the Year by Ballpark Digest, a testament to his excellence in the booth.
Cubs Spring Training Coverage
Cohen’s broadcasting talents eventually brought him to the big leagues, with the Chicago Cubs utilizing his skills during Spring Training broadcasts. This opportunity allowed him to showcase his abilities on a larger stage.
Cubs fans first experienced Cohen’s play-by-play work during select Spring Training games, where his preparation and baseball knowledge were evident. His performances during these broadcasts impressed listeners and showcased his readiness for major league assignments.
Beyond traditional radio, Cohen expanded his presence with the Cubs organization by joining the content and broadcast team at Marquee Sports Network, the television home of the Cubs. This role included covering special events like the Cubs’ games in Japan, further cementing his place within the organization’s media presence.
Notable Achievements
Alex Cohen has rapidly risen through the ranks of baseball broadcasting, earning recognition for his exceptional work and expanding his role with the Chicago Cubs organization. His achievements showcase both his talent behind the microphone and his growing influence in Cubs media.
Industry Recognition
Alex Cohen reached a major career milestone when he was named Broadcaster of the Year by Ballpark Digest for 2023. This prestigious award recognized his outstanding work as the voice of the Iowa Cubs, where he served for seven years honing his craft.
The honor didn’t come as a surprise to those familiar with Cohen’s work. His ability to paint the picture of a baseball game with precise detail while maintaining an engaging conversational style has made him a favorite among listeners.
Cohen’s broadcasting talents extend beyond baseball, as he’s also contributed to Cyclone Athletics, demonstrating his versatility across different sports landscapes.
Contribution to Cubs Media
Cohen’s impact on Cubs media has grown significantly in recent years. In February 2025, he achieved a career advancement when he was named full-time backup broadcaster to Boog Sciambi on Marquee Sports Network, the television home of the Chicago Cubs.
His voice has become increasingly familiar to Cubs fans across platforms. Cohen can be heard calling Chicago Cubs spring training games and Iowa Cubs regular season contests on Marquee Sports Network.
Cohen has also embraced media beyond traditional broadcasting. He appeared on HGTV’s “House Hunters” alongside his girlfriend Tessa Chen, bringing his personality to a national television audience in a different format.
His expertise on Cubs prospects has made him a valuable resource for the organization, as demonstrated by his detailed prospect breakdowns that showcase his deep knowledge of the Cubs’ farm system.
Broadcasting Style and Contributions
Alex Cohen has developed a distinctive broadcasting approach that resonates with Cubs fans across platforms. His work spans traditional play-by-play announcing and digital content creation, establishing him as a versatile voice within the organization.
On-Air Presence
Cohen brings what many describe as a “unique, engaging style” to Cubs broadcasts. Since joining as the Iowa Cubs Director of Broadcasting in 2018, he has refined a play-by-play technique that balances analytical insight with narrative storytelling.
His transition to MLB-level broadcasting with Marquee Sports Network has been seamless. Cohen serves as the backup play-by-play broadcaster for regular season games and handles select spring training contests.
Fans have consistently praised his work, with many noting his smooth delivery and baseball knowledge. One viewer commented that Cohen “did amazingly at the MLB level” during his big-league broadcasting debut.
Podcasts and Digital Content
Beyond the broadcast booth, Cohen has expanded his reach through digital content. He contributes regularly to Marquee Sports Network’s online platforms, creating supplemental content that deepens fan engagement.
His podcast work has given Cubs supporters additional access to team insights and analysis. Cohen’s digital presence extends to social media, where he interacts with the fanbase and shares behind-the-scenes perspectives.
As part of his role as Director of Broadcasting for the Iowa Cubs, Cohen has developed content that bridges the gap between minor league development and major league aspirations.
His digital contributions often highlight prospect development, providing Cubs fans valuable context about the organization’s future.
Alex Cohen and the Community
Alex Cohen has built strong connections beyond the broadcast booth through his active involvement in local communities. His work spans from Iowa’s heartland to various sporting initiatives that showcase his commitment to more than just baseball.
Engagement with Iowa
Alex Cohen has become a familiar voice in Iowa since 2018, when he began calling Iowa Cubs games. As the I-Cubs Director of Broadcasting, Cohen has embraced Des Moines and surrounding communities with genuine enthusiasm.
His presence extends beyond the microphone. Cohen regularly participates in community events throughout Des Moines, connecting with fans at local schools and charity functions.
During the off-season, he volunteers with youth baseball clinics, sharing his broadcasting knowledge with aspiring sportscasters. This hands-on approach has endeared him to Iowa baseball fans.
Cohen has been known to arrive early to Iowa Cubs games specifically to meet with fans, sign autographs, and take photos—something that has become a pre-game tradition for many local supporters.
Supporting Local Sports
Cohen’s commitment to athletics reaches beyond professional baseball. His support for local sports includes covering high school tournaments across Iowa and announcing Cyclone Athletics events.
His experience with Big Ten sports—having attended Indiana University—gives him unique insight when covering collegiate competitions. Cohen particularly champions women’s sports, including softball tournaments throughout the region.
| Cohen’s Community Involvement | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Iowa Cubs Community Events | 15-20 annually |
| Youth Clinics | 8-10 per off-season |
| High School Sport Coverage | 25+ events yearly |
| Charity Fundraisers | 5-8 annually |
Despite his rising profile with the Chicago Cubs, Cohen maintains strong ties to Iowa’s sporting community. He’s been quoted saying the connections he’s built in Iowa remain among his most valued professional achievements.
Affiliations and Networks
Alex Cohen’s broadcasting career has been shaped by his connections with key media organizations. His work spans both television and radio platforms, showcasing his versatility as a play-by-play announcer.
Marquee Sports Network Relations
Alex Cohen officially joined Marquee Sports Network as the Chicago Cubs backup play-by-play broadcaster in February 2025. This appointment followed his successful debut with the network during previous seasons.
Cohen’s role includes filling in for lead announcer Boog Sciambi during regular season games. His experience with the Cubs organization runs deep, having previously called numerous Spring Training games for the team.
The network’s decision to bring Cohen aboard came after his impressive performance during guest appearances. His first MLB broadcast debut with Marquee received positive feedback from viewers and executives alike.
According to Marquee’s 2025 broadcast schedule, Cohen will handle approximately 25 games this season. He will primarily do so when Sciambi is fulfilling national broadcasting duties.
Contributions to AM 940
Before his television breakthrough, Cohen established himself as a respected voice on AM 940 radio. His work calling Iowa Cubs games since 2018 built his reputation among the Cubs faithful.
Cohen served dual roles at Iowa, working as both the Director of Broadcasting and play-by-play announcer. His radio work demonstrated his ability to paint vivid pictures of the action for listeners.
The quality of his radio broadcasts earned industry recognition. In 2023, Cohen received the prestigious Ballpark Digest Broadcaster of the Year award, highlighting his excellence in minor league coverage.
His AM 940 experience calling over 2,000 professional baseball games provided the foundation for his current television opportunities.
Future Prospects
Alex Cohen’s star continues to rise in the world of Cubs broadcasting. He made his MLB broadcasting debut last July. Cohen has quickly established himself as more than just a fill-in talent.
The former Iowa Cubs broadcaster was named the full-time backup to Boog Sciambi on Marquee Sports Network earlier this year. This promotion signals the organization’s confidence in his broadcasting skills and baseball knowledge.
In a significant career development, Cohen has been selected to cover the Cubs’ Tokyo Series for Marquee. This international assignment comes just weeks after his backup role became official.
Cohen’s expertise extends beyond play-by-play. He’s shown particular insight with player development, recently highlighting Triple-A talent like Ben Cowles as someone “who can do a little bit of everything” on the Road to Wrigley program.
Cohen’s 2025 Broadcasting Schedule
| Month | Estimated Games | Special Events |
|---|---|---|
| April | 8 | Tokyo Series |
| May | 6 | Cubs Convention |
| June | 10 | Draft Coverage |
His presence during Cubs Spring Training games has particularly resonated with fans. Cohen’s ability to blend analytical insights with storytelling suggests he could become a long-term fixture in the Cubs broadcast booth.
