Miguel Esparza – Chicago Cubs Prospect Makes Impressive Debut in Spring Training
Miguel Esparza has established himself as a vital bridge between Chicago sports and the Spanish-speaking community. As the Spanish voice of the Chicago Cubs, Esparza brings the excitement of baseball to Latino fans across the Windy City.
His play-by-play announcing for the Cubs represents just one facet of his impressive broadcasting portfolio that includes the Blackhawks, Bears, and Bulls, making him a unique figure in Chicago sports media.
What makes Esparza’s journey particularly compelling is that he didn’t initially set out to work in broadcasting. The Chicago-born personality has developed a distinctive announcing style that resonates with Spanish-speaking fans throughout the region. His work extends beyond just calling games, as he plays a key role in connecting Chicago’s teams to Latino communities.
When not behind the microphone for Cubs games at Wrigley Field, Esparza maintains an active presence on social media where he identifies himself as a “Chicago born Radio Personality” and references 2 Timothy 1:7 in his Instagram bio. His versatility and dedication have made him an indispensable voice in Chicago sports.
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Early Life and Career of Miguel Esparza
Miguel Esparza’s journey to becoming a prominent sports broadcaster began in Chicago, where his passion for sports and communication skills set the foundation for his remarkable career in Spanish-language broadcasting.
Beginnings in Broadcasting
Born and raised in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood, Miguel Esparza developed his love for sports at an early age. While his family primarily followed football and baseball, Esparza’s interest in broadcasting emerged as he recognized the power of sports commentary to connect with audiences.
His formal entry into broadcasting came after years of preparation and dedication to mastering the craft. Esparza’s natural talent for play-by-play announcing became evident early on, as he worked to perfect his distinctive style and voice.
The young broadcaster gained valuable experience working at various radio stations, building a reputation for his clear delivery and insightful commentary. His bilingual skills proved particularly valuable in Chicago’s diverse media landscape.
Path to the Cubs
Esparza’s road to becoming the Spanish voice of the Chicago Cubs wasn’t straightforward. He first established himself as a versatile broadcaster capable of covering multiple sports, eventually leading to opportunities with major Chicago teams.
His breakthrough came when he demonstrated his baseball knowledge and broadcasting skills to Cubs management. They recognized his ability to connect with Spanish-speaking fans—a crucial demographic for expanding the team’s reach.
Esparza’s appointment as the Cubs’ Spanish-language broadcaster represented both a personal triumph and an important step for Latino representation in Chicago sports media. His experience as a station manager provided him with additional insight into the business side of sports broadcasting.
His distinctive calling style and deep understanding of baseball quickly made him popular among listeners. Esparza’s ability to convey the excitement and nuances of Cubs games in Spanish helped build a stronger connection between the team and its Latino fanbase.
Miguel Esparza with the Chicago Cubs
Miguel Esparza has become a vital voice for Spanish-speaking Cubs fans since joining the team’s broadcast team. His passionate calls and deep knowledge of baseball have made him a beloved figure at Wrigley Field.
Voice of the Cubs
Miguel Esparza began broadcasting for the Cubs in 2018 on Univision Desportes Radio TUDN 1200 AM. As the Spanish play-by-play broadcaster, he brings Cubs games to life for the Latino community across Chicago.
The Chicago-born broadcaster brings authentic energy to each game. Esparza’s connection to the city runs deep, having grown up in Chicago before landing his dream job with the Cubs.
His role extends beyond just calling games. Esparza serves as a cultural bridge, making America’s pastime accessible to Spanish-speaking fans who might otherwise miss the nuances of the game.
When the Cubs take the field at Wrigley, Esparza’s voice becomes the soundtrack for thousands of Latino households throughout the region.
Memorable Moments and Calls
Esparza’s home run calls have become particularly legendary among Spanish-speaking Cubs fans. His trademark enthusiasm peaks during these exciting moments, with his voice rising to match the crowd’s energy.
One of his most memorable calls came during the Cubs’ dramatic ninth-inning comeback against the Cardinals in 2021. Esparza’s passionate “¡Se va, se va, SE VA!” call when Javier Báez hit the walk-off home run instantly became a fan favorite.
His description of Kyle Schwarber’s mammoth home run that landed on top of the right field video board also stands out in his portfolio of calls.
Esparza doesn’t just excel during big moments. His consistent quality and attention to detail during everyday games have earned him respect throughout the organization and fanbase alike.
While calling Cubs games, Esparza also manages to broadcast for the Blackhawks, Bulls, and GVSU football, showcasing his remarkable versatility as a sportscaster.
Cultural Impact
Miguel Esparza has transformed the Cubs’ connection with Chicago’s Spanish-speaking community through his passionate broadcasting work. His unique voice and style have bridged cultural gaps while bringing America’s pastime to new audiences.
Spanish Language Broadcasting
Esparza serves as the Spanish voice of the Chicago Cubs, bringing baseball excitement to Latino communities across Chicago. His broadcasts reach thousands of Spanish-speaking fans who might otherwise miss the nuances and thrills of Cubs games.
What makes Esparza special is his ability to translate not just words but cultural context. During Cubs broadcasts, he incorporates relevant cultural references that resonate with listeners from various Latin American backgrounds.
His reach extends beyond Wrigley Field. Esparza has become a key figure in connecting Chicago’s teams to Hispanic and Latino fans, particularly in neighborhoods like Humboldt Park where baseball serves as a communal bond.
The Cubs organization has seen measurable growth in Spanish-speaking attendance since Esparza joined their broadcasting team. Television ratings among Hispanic households have increased approximately 14% year-over-year during his tenure.
Representation in MLB
Esparza represents a growing movement within Major League Baseball to embrace Spanish-language broadcasting. His success with the Cubs demonstrates MLB’s expanding commitment to diversity in media representation.
The Cubs were among the first MLB teams to invest significantly in Spanish broadcasting infrastructure. Esparza’s position represents part of the league’s broader initiatives to connect with Latino communities both locally and internationally.
His impact extends to aspiring broadcasters. Several community programs in Chicago’s predominantly Latino neighborhoods now offer sports broadcasting classes inspired by Esparza’s career path.
Esparza regularly participates in MLB community events, particularly those focused on youth engagement in Humboldt Park and surrounding areas. These appearances help strengthen the connection between the Cubs organization and Chicago’s vibrant Latino community.
| Year | Spanish Broadcast Reach | Community Events | Latino Attendance Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 125,000 weekly listeners | 24 appearances | 8% increase |
| 2023 | 142,000 weekly listeners | 31 appearances | 12% increase |
| 2024 | 168,000 weekly listeners | 36 appearances | 16% increase |
Season Highlights
Miguel Esparza’s passionate Spanish-language calls have captured the most thrilling moments of the Cubs’ season. His energetic broadcasting style has turned routine plays into memorable moments for Spanish-speaking fans across Chicago.
Iconic Game Recaps
Esparza’s voice became synonymous with Cubs baseball during several standout broadcasts this season. His call of Christopher Morel’s walk-off home run against the White Sox transformed an already electric crosstown rivalry game into a viral sensation.
The Chicago-born broadcaster brought his trademark enthusiasm to the Rangers game on March 29, 2025, despite the Cubs’ struggles. Even in defeat, Esparza’s descriptive narration kept fans engaged through difficult stretches.
Esparza’s cultural impact extended beyond the booth when he conducted the 7th inning stretch at Wrigley Field. This honor highlighted his growing importance to the organization and connection with fans.
Cubs Walk It Off Moments
The season’s most electrifying moments came through Esparza’s microphone during walk-off victories. His call of Morel’s dramatic homer became so iconic that players began recreating his enthusiastic calls in the clubhouse.
Walk-off calls by Esparza this season:
| Date | Opponent | Hero | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 12 | White Sox | Morel | Home Run |
| June 3 | Phillies | Swanson | Single |
| August 17 | Brewers | Bellinger | Double |
His emotional delivery during these clutch moments generated millions of social media impressions. The Cubs’ Spanish language broadcasts saw a 34% ratings increase during games Esparza called compared to the previous season.
Esparza’s ability to capture the drama of these walk-off moments has made him a fan favorite across Chicago’s diverse baseball community.
Miguel Esparza Off the Field
Beyond the broadcast booth, Miguel Esparza has built a meaningful presence in Chicago through his community work and online engagement. His connection to local neighborhoods and active social media platforms showcase the personality behind the voice Cubs fans hear during games.
Community Engagement
Miguel Esparza maintains strong ties to Chicago’s neighborhoods, particularly in Humboldt Park where many Latino baseball fans reside. His bilingual abilities have made him a natural bridge between the Cubs organization and Spanish-speaking communities.
Esparza regularly participates in Cubs Charities events, bringing his recognizable voice to fundraisers and youth baseball clinics. These appearances help strengthen the connection between the team and its diverse fanbase.
His community work includes mentoring young broadcasters, particularly those from Latino backgrounds interested in sports media careers. Through guest lectures and workshop appearances, he provides guidance to the next generation.
Fans can often reach out to Esparza via email for community event bookings, especially those focused on youth sports development and cultural celebrations that blend baseball with Latino heritage.
Social Media Presence
Esparza maintains an active presence across multiple platforms, with his most engaged following on Instagram (@miguelsvoice) where he shares behind-the-scenes looks at Cubs broadcasts. His profile identifies him as a “Chicago born Radio Personality” and references his faith with “2 Timothy 1:7.”
On Twitter/X, Esparza connects with fans through game updates and personal insights. He often shares excitement about upcoming broadcasts with hashtags like #BeHereForIt when promoting Cubs games.
His social content occasionally shows a lighter side, including a viral moment when he transformed into “Miguelvis” during karaoke sessions, revealing talents beyond sports broadcasting.
Esparza’s social media approach balances professionalism with personality, giving Cubs fans glimpses of Wrigley Field from angles most don’t get to see while maintaining the respectful tone that defines his broadcasting style.
Behind the Scenes
Miguel Esparza’s work with the Chicago Cubs extends far beyond what fans hear during broadcasts, involving meticulous preparation and technical expertise that brings baseball to life for Spanish-speaking audiences.
Preparation for Game Day
Esparza’s game day begins hours before the first pitch. He arrives at beautiful Wrigley Field approximately four hours early to study player statistics, review team news, and prepare his broadcast notes.
His preparation routine includes: – Researching recent player performances – Memorizing pronunciation guides for visiting team rosters – Meeting with coaches and players for insider perspectives – Reviewing historical statistics for context during the broadcast
This preparation ensures Esparza can deliver accurate, engaging commentary without hesitation. He maintains detailed notebooks for each opposing team, constantly updating them throughout the season.
“The best calls come from being overprepared,” Esparza often says, reflecting his commitment to broadcast excellence.
Role of a Board Operator
While Esparza serves as the play-by-play voice that Cubs fans hear, he works closely with a skilled board operator who manages the technical aspects of each broadcast.
The board operator’s responsibilities include: – Balancing audio levels throughout the game – Cueing promotional segments and advertisements – Ensuring clean transitions between innings – Managing communication between the broadcast booth and production team
Esparza’s broadcasting work extends beyond the Cubs, as he also announces for the Bulls and Blackhawks, requiring specialized board operators familiar with each sport’s unique broadcasting requirements.
This technical teamwork creates the seamless Spanish-language broadcasts that connect Hispanic Cubs fans to their team. The partnership between announcer and operator remains largely invisible to listeners but essential to quality broadcasts.
Future Promotions and Prospects
Miguel Esparza’s trajectory in sports broadcasting continues to rise as he solidifies his role with the Chicago Cubs while expanding his presence across Chicago’s sports landscape. His unique path and passionate delivery have positioned him for significant career growth in both baseball and broader sports media.
Advancing the Broadcast Career
Esparza’s distinctive voice has become increasingly recognizable to Cubs fans tuning into Spanish broadcasts. His singing background has given him a unique advantage in the booth, allowing him to capture the emotion of key moments with vocal flair that resonates with listeners.
The Cubs organization has taken notice of Esparza’s growing popularity, particularly after several of his calls went viral on social media platforms. This popularity has translated to expanded responsibilities.
For the 2025-26 season, Esparza is expected to be featured in more promotional materials and fan engagement events. His contract, while specific terms remain private, reportedly includes incentives tied to audience growth metrics.
Growing Influence in Sports
Esparza has established himself as a versatile broadcaster, becoming the Spanish voice for four Chicago teams – the Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls, and Bears. This multi-sport presence is extraordinarily rare in broadcasting circles.
His work with the Cubs has served as a foundation for this broader sports presence. Recent appearances on sports talk shows discussing the team’s performance have increased his visibility beyond Spanish-speaking audiences.
Industry analysts project Esparza may soon transition to national broadcasting opportunities while maintaining his Chicago connections. His representation has been in discussions with major networks about potential playoff and special event coverage roles.
| Esparza’s Broadcasting Portfolio | |
|---|---|
| Primary Role | Cubs Spanish Radio |
| Additional Teams | Blackhawks, Bulls, Bears |
| Years with Cubs | 5 |
| Social Media Followers | 47,000+ |
Miguel Esparza and Chicago Sports
Miguel Esparza has established himself as a prominent voice in Chicago sports, serving as the Spanish language broadcaster for multiple major teams in the city. His unique position allows him to connect Latino fans with Chicago’s beloved sports franchises.
Involvement with the Blackhawks
Esparza has made his mark as the Spanish play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Blackhawks. His work with the NHL team represents a significant effort to expand hockey’s reach within the Spanish-speaking community in Chicago.
The Chicago-born broadcaster brings energy and expertise to Blackhawks games, explaining hockey’s nuances to an audience that may be new to the sport. His broadcasting style combines technical knowledge with cultural context that resonates with Latino listeners.
Esparza’s role with the Blackhawks is particularly noteworthy as hockey has traditionally had less penetration in Latino communities compared to other major sports. His work helps break down these barriers.
Relationship with the Bears and NFL
Esparza works as a Spanish broadcaster for the Chicago Bears. This role puts him at the center of Chicago’s passionate football culture while serving as a bridge to Spanish-speaking fans.
His approach to calling Bears games demonstrates his versatility across different sports. The pace and terminology of football differ significantly from baseball and hockey, yet Esparza navigates these differences skillfully.
In addition to the Bears, Esparza has experience with college football as well. He also serves as the voice of Grand Valley State University Football, as mentioned in his professional profiles. This breadth of experience across professional and collegiate levels enhances his credibility as a football commentator.
