Jon Miller – San Francisco Giants Broadcaster Celebrates 25 Years Behind the Mic

When you tune into a San Francisco Giants game, you’re likely to hear Jon Miller’s warm, distinctive voice guiding you through every pitch and play. Since 1997, Miller has served as the play-by-play announcer for the Giants, bringing the game to life for fans across Northern California. His exceptional broadcasting talent earned him the prestigious Ford C. Frick award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010, recognizing his excellence in baseball broadcasting.

Miller’s career extends beyond the Giants, as he spent two decades (1990-2010) as a baseball announcer for ESPN. His Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts became a staple for fans nationwide. His distinctive home run call of “Adios pelota!” and his ability to seamlessly weave stories between pitches have made him one of baseball’s most beloved voices. With over 71,000 followers on Instagram, Miller continues to connect with fans through social media while maintaining his position as the voice of the Giants on KNBR.

Early Life and Education

Jon Miller, the legendary voice of the San Francisco Giants, was born on October 11, 1951, in San Francisco, California. His early connection to the Bay Area would prove significant in his later broadcasting career.

Growing up in Hayward, Miller discovered his passion for broadcasting at the young age of 13. He practiced his craft using Strat-O-Matic Baseball, a tabletop baseball simulation game that helped him develop his distinctive announcing style.

Miller’s formal education took a direct path toward his broadcasting dreams. He enrolled at the College of San Mateo as a 17-year-old freshman, where he immediately began broadcasting sporting events.

His time at College of San Mateo proved invaluable, as it provided practical experience that would shape his future career. Miller also spent time studying at Santa Rosa Junior College, further honing his broadcasting skills.

Early Career Timeline:

Year	Education/Experience
1969	Began at College of San Mateo
Early 1970s	Studied at Santa Rosa
1974	Secured first professional play-by-play position

Miller’s educational foundation, while not extensive in traditional terms, provided the practical knowledge he needed to launch what would become a Hall of Fame broadcasting career spanning more than four decades.

Broadcasting Career

Jon Miller’s broadcasting journey spans five decades, marked by his distinctive voice, encyclopedic baseball knowledge, and ability to paint vivid pictures for listeners. His career has taken him from local radio to national television and eventually to becoming the beloved voice of the San Francisco Giants.

Start in Broadcasting

Miller’s passion for broadcasting began early in life. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, he developed a love for baseball and broadcasting that would shape his career. By age 22, Miller had already launched his professional broadcasting career, an impressively young start for someone who would become a legend in the booth.

He cut his teeth calling games for the Oakland A’s in 1974, showing early signs of the talent that would later earn him national recognition. His descriptive style and deep understanding of the game caught attention from the beginning.

Before reaching the major leagues full-time, Miller gained valuable experience broadcasting for minor league teams and other sports, including California Golden Seals hockey and San Jose Earthquakes soccer. These diverse assignments helped him develop the versatile skills that would become his trademark.

Move to Major League Baseball

Miller’s transition to Major League Baseball broadcasting came naturally as his reputation grew. His ability to blend detailed play-by-play with entertaining storytelling made him a standout in a competitive field.

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Miller worked with several MLB teams, refining his craft and establishing himself as one of baseball’s premier voices. His encyclopedic knowledge of baseball history impressed both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts.

Miller’s distinctive cadence and vocal clarity allowed radio listeners to visualize games perfectly. He mastered the art of describing not just the action, but the atmosphere of ballparks across America.

His growing reputation led to bigger opportunities as the 1980s progressed. Teams recognized his rare combination of broadcasting skill and baseball knowledge.

Tenure with the Baltimore Orioles

Miller became the voice of the Baltimore Orioles in 1983, where he would remain for 14 seasons. During this period, he called numerous memorable moments in Orioles history, including Cal Ripken Jr.’s consecutive games streak.

His time in Baltimore cemented his reputation as one of baseball’s elite broadcasters. Fans appreciated his honest approach—praising good plays regardless of which team made them and offering fair criticism when warranted.

Despite his popularity with fans, Miller’s relationship with Orioles ownership became strained in the mid-1990s. Team owner Peter Angelos reportedly wanted more homerism in the broadcasts, while Miller maintained his commitment to objectivity.

The tension culminated in Miller’s departure from Baltimore after the 1996 season, a move that shocked many Orioles fans who had come to see him as the definitive voice of their team.

Career with ESPN

Miller joined ESPN in 1990, beginning a 21-year run calling Sunday Night Baseball games for the network. He formed a memorable partnership with Joe Morgan that would become the signature baseball broadcasting team of that era.

The Sunday Night Baseball broadcasts reached millions of viewers weekly, expanding Miller’s audience significantly. His national platform showcased his talents to fans who might not have heard his team-specific broadcasts.

Years at ESPN	Role	Notable Partners
1990-2010	Sunday Night Baseball	Joe Morgan, Steve Phillips
1997-2002	World Series Radio	Various

Miller’s work at ESPN earned him the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award in 2010, the highest honor given to baseball broadcasters. The award recognized his lifetime achievement in baseball broadcasting and placed him in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Return to the Bay Area

In 1997, Miller returned to his roots by becoming the voice of the San Francisco Giants on KNBR Radio. This homecoming began what has become a decades-long relationship with the team and its fans.

Miller’s Giants tenure has covered the Barry Bonds era, three World Series championships, and the move from Candlestick Park to Oracle Park. His calls of key moments have become part of Giants folklore.

Working alongside partners like Duane Kuiper, Mike Krukow, and Dave Flemming, Miller has helped create one of baseball’s most respected broadcasting teams. The chemistry between these broadcasters has become a hallmark of Giants games.

His multi-lingual abilities, including his famous Spanish home run calls (“¡Adios pelota!”), showcase his versatility and add flair to his broadcasts. He’s also known for his spot-on impressions of other broadcasters and baseball personalities.

Miller continues to broadcast Giants games today, having become as much a part of the team’s identity as any player. His voice remains as sharp and distinctive as ever, delighting new generations of baseball fans in the Bay Area.

Associations with Teams

Jon Miller has established himself as one of baseball’s most recognizable voices through his work with several major league teams. His distinctive play-by-play style and encyclopedic knowledge of baseball have made him a beloved figure across multiple franchises.

San Francisco Giants

Jon Miller has been the primary play-by-play voice of the San Francisco Giants since 1997, when he replaced longtime announcer Hank Greenwald. During his tenure with the Giants, Miller has called games on both KNBR radio and KTVU television, becoming synonymous with the team’s broadcasts.

Miller’s association with the Giants has been particularly special, as it represents a homecoming of sorts. Having grown up in the Bay Area, his connection to the team runs deep.

In 2010, Miller’s excellence was recognized when he received the Ford C. Frick award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to baseball broadcasting.

Recently, Miller, along with colleagues Duane Kuiper, Mike Krukow, and Dave Flemming, signed a contract extension with the Giants, ensuring that this iconic voice will remain with the franchise for years to come.

Baltimore Orioles

Before joining the Giants, Miller served as the voice of the Baltimore Orioles from 1983 to 1996. His 14-season tenure with the Orioles coincided with some of the franchise’s most memorable moments, including the 1983 World Series championship.

Miller’s time in Baltimore established him as one of the game’s premier broadcasters. His detailed descriptions and enthusiasm for the game earned him a devoted following among Orioles fans.

During Miller’s years with the Orioles, he worked alongside Chuck Thompson, forming one of baseball’s most respected broadcasting duos. The pair called games during Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-breaking consecutive games streak, a historic moment in baseball.

Miller’s departure from Baltimore in 1996 was controversial, as Orioles owner Peter Angelos reportedly did not renew his contract because he felt Miller was too critical of the team during broadcasts.

Boston Red Sox

Miller’s connection to the Boston Red Sox came early in his career, when he called games for the team on WITS radio in 1980. Though his time with the Red Sox was brief, it represented an important stepping stone in his broadcasting journey.

During his single season in Boston, Miller gained valuable experience working in one of baseball’s most passionate markets. Fenway Park’s unique dimensions and the team’s storied history provided rich material for Miller’s descriptive broadcasting style.

This brief stint helped Miller refine the skills that would later make him famous, including his attention to detail and ability to convey the atmosphere of a game to radio listeners.

Texas Rangers

Miller served as the play-by-play announcer for the Texas Rangers from 1978 to 1979. Though his tenure was relatively short, it represented an important chapter in his early career development.

Working in Arlington, Miller called games during the early days of the Rangers franchise, which had only moved to Texas from Washington D.C. (as the Senators) in 1972. The team was still establishing its identity during Miller’s time there.

These years allowed Miller to hone his craft before moving on to more prominent broadcasting positions. Despite the brevity of his time with the Rangers, it provided valuable experience that would serve him well throughout his career.

New York Yankees

Before his time with the Giants, Miller had a brief but notable association with the New York Yankees. He called Yankees games on television in 1990 on WPIX.

Broadcasting from historic Yankee Stadium provided Miller with the opportunity to describe games from one of baseball’s most hallowed venues. His time in New York, though limited, exposed him to the intense scrutiny that comes with broadcasting in the nation’s largest media market.

Miller’s experience with the Yankees came during a transitional period for the franchise, several years before their late-1990s dynasty would begin. Though his time in New York was short, it added another prestigious team to his broadcasting resume.

Working in the Bronx allowed Miller to further develop the broadcasting style that would eventually earn him national recognition and a place in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Signature Play-by-Play Style

Jon Miller has been the play-by-play announcer for the San Francisco Giants since 1997. He has established himself as one of baseball’s most distinctive voices. His broadcasting style combines precise game calling with engaging storytelling elements.

Miller’s play-by-play approach stands out for its clarity and timing. He delivers each pitch and play with meticulous attention to detail. This allows radio listeners to visualize the game unfolding before them.

What truly sets Miller apart is his legendary voice impression repertoire. He can seamlessly transition into impersonations of other broadcasters or baseball personalities. This adds unexpected moments of levity during games.

As a master of play-by-play, Miller utilizes lively catch-phrases and split-second calls that have become part of Giants fans’ baseball lexicon. His enthusiasm for dramatic moments—particularly home runs—creates memorable broadcasting highlights.

Giants fans particularly appreciate Miller’s storytelling abilities during radio broadcasts. His anecdotes about baseball history, players, and stadiums enrich the listening experience without distracting from the game action.

Miller’s tenure includes both radio and television work, though many fans consider his radio broadcasts the definitive Miller experience. His voice becomes the connective tissue between fans and the game, especially during road trips.

His excellence earned him the Ford C. Frick Award in 2010, baseball broadcasting’s highest honor. Though Miller left his national ESPN role that same year, Giants fans continue to cherish his local broadcasts and distinctive “Bye Bye Baby!” home run call.

Legacy and Awards

Jon Miller’s illustrious broadcasting career has earned him recognition at the highest levels of baseball and radio. His distinctive voice and storytelling ability have made him a beloved figure in sports broadcasting.

Ford C. Frick Award

In 2010, Miller received baseball’s highest broadcasting honor when he was named the Ford C. Frick Award winner by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition celebrates Miller’s excellence in baseball broadcasting.

Miller’s journey to Cooperstown began in 1962 on an April night in San Francisco, setting the stage for what would become a legendary career behind the microphone. After building his reputation with several teams, Miller returned home to San Francisco in 1997 to become the “Voice of the Giants.”

His work with the Giants solidified his status as one of baseball’s premier broadcasters. Miller’s distinctive play-by-play style, marked by his detailed descriptions and encyclopedic knowledge of the game, made him a perfect candidate for baseball’s highest broadcasting honor.

National Radio Hall of Fame

Miller’s excellence extended beyond baseball, leading to his induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2014. This honor recognized his broader contributions to radio broadcasting.

Before this recognition, Miller was named National Sportscaster of the Year in 1998, highlighting his reputation among his peers. His work also earned him two CableACE Awards during his career.

As a San Francisco Giants lead announcer and Moss Beach resident, Miller’s local ties have made his national acclaim even more meaningful to Bay Area fans who have enjoyed his broadcasts for decades.

Impacts on Fans and Community

Jon Miller’s voice has become synonymous with San Francisco Giants baseball since joining the team in 1997. His distinctive broadcasting style has created a deep connection with fans across the Bay Area.

Many Giants supporters consider Miller’s voice to be the soundtrack of their baseball memories. His detailed descriptions and enthusiasm help listeners feel like they’re right at the ballpark, even when they’re miles away.

What’s interesting is that Miller has adapted to modern times while maintaining his classic approach. He has connected with followers through Instagram, bridging the gap between traditional radio broadcasting and social media engagement.

Though some fans have mixed opinions—with some complaining about his style—Miller remains a beloved figure in San Francisco sports culture.

As the official “Voice of the Giants,” Miller’s impact extends beyond just calling games. He’s become part of the cultural fabric of San Francisco, representing continuity through championship seasons and rebuilding years alike.

His contributions were recognized by the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010 when he received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence, bringing pride to the entire Bay Area community.

Miller’s famous impressions and storytelling ability have made even routine games memorable, creating shared experiences for generations of Giants fans.

Collaborations with Other Broadcasters

Jon Miller’s illustrious broadcasting career with the San Francisco Giants has been marked by numerous memorable partnerships. His ability to work seamlessly with colleagues has enhanced the listening and viewing experience for fans across multiple platforms.

Partnerships in the Booth

Miller’s most celebrated partnership was with Hall of Famer Joe Morgan at ESPN, where they formed the backbone of “Sunday Night Baseball” for 21 seasons. Their chemistry in the booth became the sound of prime-time baseball for a generation of fans.

With the Giants, Miller has built an exceptional rapport with his longtime colleagues. The “Core Four” of Giants broadcasters—Miller, Mike Krukow, Duane Kuiper, and Dave Flemming—recently signed multiyear extensions with the organization, ensuring their voices remain synonymous with Giants baseball.

The Miller-Kuiper dynamic has become particularly noteworthy. During a memorable Athletics-Giants broadcast, the pair made headlines when they playfully but firmly insisted on referring to the Athletics by their proper name rather than “A’s,” showing their commitment to broadcasting traditions.

Influence on New Talent

Miller has served as a mentor to numerous broadcasters throughout his career. His guidance of Dave Flemming has been particularly significant, with Flemming developing into one of baseball’s most respected young play-by-play voices while working alongside Miller on KNBR broadcasts.

Former Giants players turned broadcasters have also benefited from Miller’s influence. Javier Lopez and Shawn Estes have transitioned to broadcasting roles with Miller’s supportive presence helping their development.

The Giants’ minor league broadcaster Joe Ritzo has cited Miller’s approach as influential in developing his own style. Miller’s willingness to share his expertise demonstrates his commitment not just to current broadcasts but to the future of baseball broadcasting.

Memorable Calls and Moments

Jon Miller’s voice has become synonymous with San Francisco Giants baseball, delivering countless iconic calls that live in fans’ memories. His distinctive baritone and enthusiastic “Adióóós Pelota!” home run call has punctuated many of the team’s most thrilling moments.

Miller’s call of Barry Bonds’ record-breaking home runs stands among his most memorable work. His ability to capture the historical significance while maintaining his trademark enthusiasm made these calls particularly special.

The Giants’ unlikely 2010 World Series run gave Miller plenty of material for his storytelling abilities. His postseason calls that October conveyed both the tension and joy of the franchise’s first championship in San Francisco.

Perhaps most impressive is Miller’s versatility during multi-homer games. During one particularly explosive Giants performance, fans were treated to seven different Jon Miller home run calls in a single game.

Miller’s talents shine brightest in moments of unexpected drama. His calls during the Giants’ ninth-inning comeback victories feature a perfect escalation of excitement that mirrors the fan experience.

Hunter Pence’s awkward yet effective hitting style during the 2012 postseason run gave Miller descriptive challenges that he met with characteristic wit and precision.

Though not a Giant, Cal Ripken Jr.’s streak-breaking game received Miller’s national broadcast attention, demonstrating his respect for baseball’s history regardless of team affiliation.

Different Facets of Broadcasting

Jon Miller’s legendary status as the Voice of the Giants spans multiple broadcasting platforms, each showcasing his unique talent for bringing baseball to life for fans across different media.

Radio Broadcasting

On radio, Miller truly shines with his descriptive storytelling ability. Since joining the Giants in 1997, replacing Hank Greenwald, he has painted vivid pictures of games for listeners on KNBR radio.

His radio work earned him baseball’s highest broadcasting honor when he was recognized with the Ford C. Frick Award in 2010, enshrining him in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The award acknowledges his excellence in creating mental imagery for fans who can’t see the action.

Miller’s radio broadcasts feature superior tempo and detailed descriptions compared to television work. His banter with color commentators adds depth to broadcasts while maintaining focus on game analytics.

Baseball purists often prefer Miller’s radio calls, where his voice becomes the sole connection between fans and the ballpark atmosphere. His ability to convey crowd noise and stadium attendance creates an immersive experience.

Television Broadcasting

Miller’s television career with the Giants has included work on KTVU, bringing his distinctive voice and baseball knowledge to viewers. His television style differs subtly from his radio approach.

On TV, Miller balances description with allowing the visuals to speak for themselves. He understands when commentary enhances the viewing experience and when silence lets crucial moments breathe.

His TV work extends beyond regional broadcasts. Miller gained national prominence during his 21-year tenure calling games for ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball from 1990 to 2010, working alongside Joe Morgan.

Television broadcasts allow Miller to incorporate more statistical analysis and graphics into his commentary. He adeptly references on-screen information while maintaining his natural conversational style.

Network	Years	Role	Partners
ESPN	1990-2010	Lead Announcer	Joe Morgan
KTVU/NBC Sports Bay Area	1997-Present	Play-by-Play	Mike Krukow, Duane Kuiper

Use of Technology in Broadcasting

Miller has adapted seamlessly to technological advancements in broadcasting throughout his career. He integrates modern analytics into broadcasts without alienating traditional baseball fans.

During the pandemic, Miller demonstrated flexibility by calling games remotely when travel restrictions prevented normal operations. His professionalism ensured broadcasts maintained quality despite technological challenges.

He embraces statistical innovations while balancing them with the human elements of baseball. Miller contextualizes advanced metrics for casual fans, making complex analytics accessible.

The evolution of cable television and streaming services has expanded Miller’s reach to new audiences. His voice now reaches fans through multiple platforms including traditional broadcasts, streaming services, and highlight packages.

Miller’s adaptability ensures his broadcasting remains relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape. His willingness to incorporate new technologies while maintaining his signature style has contributed to his enduring popularity.

Personal Interests and Activities

Beyond the broadcasting booth, Jon Miller’s passion for sports extends well beyond baseball. He’s an avid Strat-O-Matic enthusiast, often spending his free time engaged with the classic baseball simulation game that has captivated fans for generations.

Miller’s sporting interests are remarkably diverse. While baseball might be his professional focus, he follows basketball with the same analytical eye he brings to Giants broadcasts.

Hockey also captures Miller’s attention, particularly NHL action. His appreciation for the speed and strategy of ice hockey reflects his broader understanding of sports dynamics that inform his baseball commentary.

Soccer rounds out Miller’s sporting portfolio, showcasing his global sports perspective. This international outlook has served him well during his extensive broadcasting career, which has included ESPN assignments from 1990 to 2010.

When not watching or discussing sports, Miller enjoys exploring San Francisco’s cultural scene. The broadcaster has called the Bay Area home since becoming the voice of the Giants in 1997.

Miller’s interests inform his broadcasting style. His deep knowledge of multiple sports allows him to make apt comparisons during Giants games, enriching the listener experience with insights that cross sporting boundaries.

Influence on Sports Broadcasting

Jon Miller’s broadcasting career has significantly shaped how baseball is presented to fans across America. His distinctive style combines deep knowledge of the game with an entertaining delivery that appeals to both casual and serious fans.

Innovation in Storytelling

Miller revolutionized baseball broadcasting through his masterful storytelling abilities. Unlike announcers who simply relay what’s happening on the field, Miller creates a vivid tapestry of the game. He does this by weaving in historical context, player backgrounds, and game strategies.

His approach during San Francisco Giants broadcasts has earned him recognition as a true artist of the medium. Miller doesn’t just call games – he paints them with words.

The 2010 Ford C. Frick Award winner pioneered techniques that changed how broadcasters approach playoff games. During League Championship Series and Division Series matchups, Miller’s ability to build tension while educating listeners about the strategic elements has been widely imitated.

His impeccable timing and humor have influenced a generation of broadcasters who strive to balance entertainment with information.

Contribution to Baseball Jargon

Miller enriched baseball’s vocabulary with colorful phrases and terminology that have become part of the sport’s lexicon. His ability to explain complex concepts in accessible language has helped mainstream audiences understand advanced stats and analytics.

Since 1997, Miller has been the “Voice of the Giants.” He bridges traditional baseball storytelling with modern analytical approaches. He effectively translates concepts popularized by Bill James and other sabermetricians into digestible explanations for everyday fans.

Miller’s distinctive home run calls and game situation descriptions have been adopted by broadcasters across the country. His influence extends to how fans discuss baseball, with many of his phrases entering common usage.

Miller Broadcasting Achievements	Year
Ford C. Frick Award	2010
Giants Broadcasting Career Began	1997
ESPN Sunday Night Baseball	1990-2010
Radio Hall of Fame Induction	2014