Joe Block – Pittsburgh Pirates Broadcaster Celebrates 5 Years with Team in 2025
Joe Block has become a familiar voice for baseball fans in the Steel City. The experienced broadcaster joined the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016. He is now in his tenth season calling play-by-play action for both TV and radio broadcasts. His smooth delivery and deep knowledge of the game have made him a trusted companion for Pirates fans through seasons of rebuilding and hope.
As a play-by-play announcer with over 20 years of experience covering MLB, NBA, and college sports, Block brings professional polish and authentic enthusiasm to each Pirates broadcast. Before returning “home” to the Pittsburgh area in 2016, he built an impressive resume working with various teams and networks. He developed his distinctive broadcasting style that balances detailed analysis with engaging storytelling.
Block’s connection to baseball runs deep, as evidenced by his thoughtful reflection on Bob Uecker’s legacy earlier this year. His work on SportsNet Pittsburgh and KDKA-AM has established him as one of the most respected voices in Pittsburgh sports. He provides the soundtrack to summer evenings for Pirates faithful across the region.
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Early Life and Education
Joe Block, the voice behind Pittsburgh Pirates broadcasts, began his journey in Roseville, Michigan. Born and raised in the Great Lake State, Block developed an early passion for sports and broadcasting.
His academic path led him to Michigan State University, where he cultivated the skills that would later define his career. At MSU, Block focused on studies that prepared him for his future in sports communication.
While specific details about his major aren’t widely documented, his career trajectory suggests a strong foundation in journalism and communications. College years at Michigan State likely provided Block with hands-on experience in broadcasting that would prove invaluable.
After college, Block didn’t immediately land in the big leagues. He started by covering high school sports part-time for a Michigan newspaper. This humble beginning was just the first inning in what would become a remarkable career in sports broadcasting. Block’s education and early experiences in Michigan shaped the broadcaster who would eventually return to the region as a voice of the Pirates.
Block and his wife Bethany maintain connections to the Pittsburgh area, making his 2016 move to the Pirates’ broadcast booth something of a homecoming.
Professional Broadcasting Career
Joe Block’s journey through sports broadcasting spans over two decades, showcasing his versatility across different leagues and media platforms. His career trajectory demonstrates remarkable growth from minor league beginnings to becoming an established voice in Major League Baseball.
Beginnings in Minor League Baseball
Joe Block cut his teeth in the broadcasting world with several minor league teams, developing his distinctive play-by-play style. He worked with the Billings Mustangs and Great Falls White Sox, honing his craft in these smaller markets.
The Jacksonville Suns also played a pivotal role in Block’s early career development. These formative experiences gave him the foundation needed to advance in the competitive world of sports broadcasting.
During this period, Block developed the technical skills and baseball knowledge that would later define his major league work. His ability to paint the game with words became increasingly refined through these experiences.
Major League Baseball and Beyond
Block’s breakthrough into the major leagues came after years of dedicated work. Before joining the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2016, he served as a broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers and had earlier experiences with the Montreal Expos.
His tenure with the Pirates has now reached the decade mark, as he’s currently in his tenth season calling Pirates play-by-play action. Block’s consistency and reliability in the booth have made him a familiar voice for Pittsburgh baseball fans.
Beyond baseball, Block expanded his repertoire to include NBA coverage, working with the New Orleans Hornets. This versatility across sports demonstrated his adaptability as a broadcaster.
| Team | Years | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 2016-Present | TV/Radio Play-by-Play |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Pre-2016 | Broadcaster |
| New Orleans Hornets | NBA Experience | Play-by-Play |
Transition into Major Sports Networks
Block’s talents eventually led him to regional TV networks, where his polished delivery and deep sports knowledge proved valuable. His work on Sportsnet Pittsburgh has further cemented his reputation in the Pittsburgh market.
With 20 years of experience across MLB, NBA, college and pro sports, Block has established himself as a versatile broadcasting talent. His voice acting abilities and audio production expertise have complemented his play-by-play work.
Block regularly engages with the Pirates fanbase through media appearances. For example, he recently joined Todd Marino on Indiana in the Morning for a Spring Training update in March 2025.
His broadcasting style balances technical baseball knowledge with accessibility for casual fans, making him effective across different networks and platforms.
Joe Block’s Role with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Joe Block serves as one of the main play-by-play announcers for the Pittsburgh Pirates broadcasts, bringing his distinctive voice and baseball knowledge to fans across multiple platforms since joining the team in 2016.
Notable Moments in Broadcasting
Block’s journey to Pittsburgh came after valuable experience with several other organizations. Before joining the Pirates, he worked alongside legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker with the Milwaukee Brewers, which helped shape his broadcasting style.
His voice has become synonymous with Pirates baseball moments over recent seasons. Block calls games both on television for AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh and radio broadcasts on KDKA-FM, showing his versatility across media platforms.
Block’s extensive preparation and baseball knowledge became evident during the Pirates’ surprising hot start in the 2023 season. He contextually highlighted the team’s unexpected success with historical references.
As a Michigan State graduate, Block often brings in relevant college sports connections when appropriate, especially with Pittsburgh-area ties.
Partnerships and On-air Chemistry
Block’s broadcasting chemistry with longtime Pirates announcer Greg Brown has created a comfortable dynamic for listeners. Their contrasting styles complement each other during games.
He regularly works with former Pirates players in the booth, including Michael McKenry, Bob Walk, and John Wehner. They create insightful conversations that blend play-by-play action with expert analysis.
During Spring Training 2025, Block appeared on Indiana in the Morning with Todd Marino, showing his community engagement beyond game broadcasts.
Block’s broadcasting approach balances traditional play-by-play elements with modern analytical concepts, making games accessible to both old-school fans and newer, stats-oriented viewers.
Community Engagement and Personal Life
Beyond the broadcast booth, Joe Block has established deep roots in the Pittsburgh community while balancing his professional career with family life. His connection to the Pittsburgh area extends well beyond calling Pirates games.
Family and Relationships
Joe Block is married and describes himself as a “dedicated husband and dad.” Though he maintains privacy around his family, Block often mentions his connection to the South Hills area of Pittsburgh where his family resides.
Block’s journey back to Pittsburgh in 2016 represented a homecoming of sorts. His strong family values have been evident throughout his career, as he balances the demanding travel schedule of a baseball broadcaster with family commitments.
When not calling Pirates games, Block can occasionally be spotted attending community events with his family, embracing the Pittsburgh lifestyle that has become central to his identity since joining the Pirates broadcast team.
Contributions to Local Community
Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Block has immersed himself in local initiatives. He participates in various community outreach programs, leveraging his visibility as a Pirates broadcaster to support charitable causes.
Block makes appearances at minor league games throughout the region, helping to develop baseball interest at the grassroots level. His broadcasting experience makes him a valuable mentor to aspiring sports journalists in the area.
During the off-season, Block occasionally participates in educational programs at local schools, sharing his expertise with students interested in broadcasting careers.
| Community Involvement | Frequency | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Minor League Appearances | 8-10 annually | Youth engagement |
| Educational Speaking | 5-6 events yearly | Student mentorship |
| Charity Events | 12+ annually | Community support |
Block’s presence extends beyond baseball, as he’s been spotted at Pittsburgh Penguins games, embracing the city’s broader sports culture while continuing to strengthen his ties to the region.
Recognition and Achievements
Joe Block has established himself as a respected voice in baseball broadcasting through his work with the Pittsburgh Pirates on SportsNet Pittsburgh and KDKA-AM. His journey to this coveted position was the fulfillment of a long-held professional dream.
With over 20 years of experience, Block has built an impressive resume that includes MLB, NBA, college, and professional sports play-by-play work on both radio and television platforms. This versatility has helped him earn recognition in the competitive field of sports broadcasting.
Before joining the Pirates, Block gained valuable experience with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he worked alongside legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker. This partnership helped further develop his broadcasting skills and expand his professional network.
Block’s achievement of landing his dream job with the Pirates represents a significant career milestone. As documented in a WIBX article, his path to baseball’s big time showcases the persistence required to succeed in sports broadcasting.
Career Statistics:
| Organization | Role | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Pirates | TV/Radio Play-by-Play | 2016-Present |
| Milwaukee Brewers | Radio Play-by-Play | 2012-2015 |
| NBA/College Sports | Various Broadcasting Roles | Prior to 2012 |
While not inducted into any broadcasting hall of fame to date, Block’s continued excellence and growing reputation make him a respected figure in baseball broadcasting circles.
Perspectives on Modern Broadcasting
Joe Block has been a key voice in the Pittsburgh Pirates broadcast booth since 2016. His journey to this coveted position wasn’t straightforward. It involved numerous professional twists and turns before landing his dream job.
Modern baseball broadcasting requires a delicate balance of technical knowledge and entertainment value. Block excels at both. He brings detailed play-by-play analysis while maintaining an approachable style that resonates with fans.
The Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster represents the evolution of sports announcers in the digital age. While traditional radio and TV broadcasts remain central, today’s play-by-play specialists must adapt to social media, streaming platforms, and changing audience expectations.
Broadcasting Evolution: Then vs. Now
| Aspect | Past Broadcasting | Modern Broadcasting |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Radio, TV | Radio, TV, Streaming, Social Media |
| Audience Interaction | Limited, delayed | Immediate, continuous |
| Statistical Analysis | Basic stats | Advanced metrics, real-time data |
| Broadcasting Style | Formal, descriptive | Conversational, analytical |
Block’s approach reflects this modern sensibility. He blends traditional storytelling with advanced statistical analysis that today’s baseball fans crave.
What makes Block particularly effective is his preparation. Like the best in the business, he studies extensively before each broadcast. This ensures he can provide meaningful context beyond the immediate action on the field.
The Pirates play-by-play commentator has garnered fan appreciation for his memorable calls. Some consider one of his calls as one of the best in recent broadcasting history, even though it came during an infamous Pirates play.
