Paul Severino – Miami Marlins Broadcaster Enters His Eighth Season in 2025

After seven seasons as the voice of Miami Marlins baseball, Paul Severino will not be returning to the broadcast booth in 2025. The Miami Marlins let Severino go on Friday, ending an era for Marlins fans who have grown accustomed to his enthusiastic calls and deep baseball knowledge on Bally Sports Florida broadcasts.

His departure marks the end of an era for Marlins fans who have grown accustomed to his enthusiastic calls and deep baseball knowledge on Bally Sports Florida broadcasts.

Severino came to the Marlins with significant experience, having previously worked at MLB Network since January 2011. His tenure with Miami spanned significant changes for the franchise, including ownership shifts, playoff appearances, and the team’s move to play in LoanDepot Park. Throughout his time in the booth, he became known for his professional delivery and chemistry with color commentators.

The Marlins organization now faces the challenge of finding a replacement broadcaster ahead of the 2025 season. The team’s broadcasting direction remains uncertain as they look to fill the play-by-play role that Severino held for nearly a decade of Marlins baseball history.

Early Life and Education

Paul Severino’s journey to becoming the voice of the Miami Marlins began in his New England roots. His early environment and educational experiences shaped his path toward sports broadcasting.

Hometown and Family Background

Severino hails from Bristol, Connecticut, a town with deep connections to sports media as the headquarters of ESPN. This environment likely influenced his career trajectory in sports broadcasting.

Growing up in Bristol, young Paul developed a passion for baseball that extended beyond just watching games. He played the sport throughout his childhood and continued playing through his high school years.

The Connecticut native didn’t initially realize that sports broadcasting could be a viable career path. “I didn’t think it was an actual job until I was 10 or 12 years old,” Severino once shared.

Education and Early Career

Severino attended Endicott College in Beverly, Massachusetts, where he built the foundation for his broadcasting career. He graduated from Endicott in 2015, according to some reports.

During his college years, Paul began developing the broadcasting skills that would later serve him well in professional settings. Endicott’s communications program provided him with opportunities to practice play-by-play announcing and learn production techniques.

His education at Endicott proved valuable as he moved into the professional world. The college has since celebrated his success, highlighting his achievements as an alumnus who made it to the major leagues of broadcasting.

Early Inclinations toward Sports Broadcasting

Even before his formal education, Severino showed clear signs of his future career path. His childhood fascination with sports announcers grew as he became more aware of broadcasting as a profession around age 10-12.

While playing baseball in his youth, Paul would often find himself mentally narrating games. This natural inclination toward storytelling and game description foreshadowed his professional direction.

After college, Severino didn’t wait long to break into the industry. He joined major networks including ESPN and later MLB Network in early 2011. At MLB Network, he quickly established himself as a knowledgeable and charismatic sportscaster, building the reputation that would eventually lead him to the Marlins’ broadcast booth.

Rise in Sports Broadcasting

Paul Severino built an impressive career in sports broadcasting before joining the Miami Marlins. His journey took him through several major sports networks where he developed his distinctive play-by-play style and gained valuable experience covering baseball.

Initial Steps at ESPN

Severino’s broadcasting career gained momentum when he joined ESPN in the early 2000s. At the network, he quickly established himself as a versatile talent who could handle multiple sports and formats.

During his time at ESPN, Severino worked on various assignments that helped sharpen his play-by-play skills. He covered college baseball games and contributed to ESPN’s baseball coverage in different capacities.

His work ethic and ability to adapt to different broadcasting situations caught the attention of his colleagues and executives. Severino’s clear delivery and knowledge of the game made him stand out among the crowded field of sports broadcasters.

From ESPN to MLB Network

After honing his craft at ESPN, Severino made the leap to MLB Network in 2011. This move allowed him to focus exclusively on baseball, his primary passion in sports broadcasting.

At MLB Network, Severino took on various roles that showcased his versatility. He handled play-by-play duties for live games and contributed to the network’s studio programming with analysis and commentary.

The transition from ESPN to MLB Network represented a significant step in Severino’s career path. It positioned him as a baseball specialist rather than a general sports broadcaster.

Years	Network	Primary Roles
Early 2000s-2011	ESPN	College baseball, studio work
2011-2018	MLB Network	Play-by-play, MLB Tonight, studio host
2018-2024	Marlins TV	Play-by-play announcer

Working on MLB Tonight and SportsCenter

Severino became a familiar face to baseball fans through his work on MLB Network’s flagship program, MLB Tonight. His analysis and engaging presentation style helped build his reputation in the industry.

Prior to his MLB Network stint, Severino had also appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter, where he delivered highlights and analysis. This experience helped him develop the concise, informative style that would become his trademark.

On MLB Tonight, Severino demonstrated his deep knowledge of baseball and ability to break down the game in an accessible way. His chemistry with other analysts made him a valued team member.

These national broadcasting platforms provided Severino with the visibility and experience that would eventually lead to his opportunity with the Miami Marlins in 2018, where he served as the television play-by-play announcer until 2024.

The Miami Marlins Era

Paul Severino became a defining voice for the Miami Marlins, stepping into the broadcast booth during a crucial transition period for the franchise. His distinctive calling style and baseball knowledge helped connect fans to the team through several challenging seasons.

Joining the Miami Marlins Broadcast Team

In 2018, Paul Severino was hired as the new television play-by-play voice for the Miami Marlins on Bally Sports Florida (formerly Fox Sports Florida). He replaced longtime announcer Rich Waltz, who had been with the network for 14 years.

Severino came to the Marlins with solid credentials, having previously worked at MLB Network since 2011. His hiring coincided with the franchise’s ownership change to the Bruce Sherman/Derek Jeter group.

Severino signed an initial three-year contract, stepping into what many industry insiders considered a challenging position with a team beginning a significant rebuild. The timing placed him as the narrative voice during a period when the Marlins traded away stars like Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, and Marcell Ozuna.

Dynamics with Co-Announcers

Throughout his tenure with the Marlins, Severino worked alongside several color commentators and broadcast team members. His primary on-air partner was former MLB player Todd Hollandsworth, creating a broadcast duo that balanced Severino’s technical play-by-play work with Hollandsworth’s player perspective.

The broadcast team also featured Craig Minervini handling pre-game and post-game coverage. This trio developed solid on-air chemistry despite the team’s performance struggles.

Severino’s style meshed well with the rotating guest announcers who occasionally joined the booth, including Marlins legends like Jeff Conine. His ability to adapt to different broadcast partners showed his versatility and professionalism.

Season	Primary Co-Announcer	Network
2018-2020	Todd Hollandsworth	Fox Sports Florida
2021-2024	Various analysts	Bally Sports Florida

Fan Reception and Contributions to the Marlins

Fan response to Severino evolved over his six seasons with the Marlins. Initial reactions were mixed as viewers adjusted from the familiar voice of Rich Waltz, but Severino gradually built his own following.

Severino’s enthusiasm during rare Marlins highlights, including Sandy Alcantara’s Cy Young season and Jazz Chisholm’s electric plays, helped maintain viewer interest during rebuilding years. His professional approach earned respect even as the team struggled on the field.

His contributions extended beyond the booth, participating in community events and representing the franchise at winter meetings and draft coverage. Severino’s social media presence, particularly on Instagram, helped connect younger fans to the team.

After six seasons, the Marlins parted ways with Severino in late 2024, announcing he would not return for the 2025 season as the franchise continued organizational changes under new ownership.

Notable Career Highlights

Paul Severino has built an impressive resume throughout his broadcasting career with standout moments calling major baseball events. His distinctive voice and analytical approach have made him a recognizable presence across significant baseball broadcasts.

World Baseball Classic

Severino’s work at the World Baseball Classic established him as a versatile announcer on the international stage. Before joining the Marlins, he honed his craft calling games in this prestigious international tournament.

The WBC provided Severino with unique challenges as he navigated different playing styles and player backgrounds from around the globe. His preparation and research became evident as he seamlessly integrated stories about international players.

His ability to capture dramatic moments between rival nations helped build his reputation as a broadcaster who could rise to big occasions. The tournament served as a proving ground where Severino demonstrated his talent for balancing excitement with clear, informative play-by-play.

MLB All-Star Games

Severino’s experience covering MLB All-Star events has been another cornerstone of his career development. His work on these showcase games helped prepare him for his role as the television voice of the Marlins.

His pre-game and post-game contributions to All-Star coverage demonstrated his interviewing skills and baseball knowledge. Severino consistently showed an ability to extract thoughtful responses from the game’s biggest stars.

Behind the scenes, these assignments allowed him to build relationships across the league that would later benefit his Marlins broadcasts. The mid-summer classic served as valuable exposure that helped position him for the Miami job in 2018.

Covering Historic Games

Since joining the Miami Marlins in 2018, Severino has been behind the microphone for several memorable moments. His distinct calls have become part of the team’s recent history.

Some of Severino’s most acclaimed work includes defensive highlights that showcase his ability to elevate dramatic moments. His energetic calls of spectacular defensive plays have been compiled by fans who appreciate his enthusiasm.

On Marlins Live, Severino has demonstrated his versatility beyond game calls. His studio work provides context and insight that deepen fans’ appreciation of the team.

Season	Notable Broadcasts	Network
2018	Marlins Debut Season	FOX Sports Florida
2019	Marlins Rebuild Coverage	FOX Sports Florida
2020	COVID-Shortened Season	FOX Sports Florida
2021-Present	Bally Sports Era	Bally Sports Florida

Impact on Baseball Commentary

Paul Severino brought a unique energy to the Marlins broadcast booth during his tenure from 2018 to 2024. His approach to calling games evolved significantly while his distinctive style left an impression on viewers and influenced the South Florida baseball landscape.

Evolution as a Play-by-Play Announcer

In 2018, Severino first stepped into the Marlins TV booth and faced the challenging task of replacing the beloved Rich Waltz. His early broadcasts showed promise but occasionally lacked the regional familiarity fans expected.

As seasons progressed, Severino’s command behind the mic strengthened considerably. By 2020, his preparation and baseball knowledge became evident in his smooth transitions between play calls and statistics.

His evolution included developing stronger chemistry with color analysts, particularly with former Marlins players who rotated through the booth. This growth didn’t go unnoticed, as viewer feedback on social media platforms gradually shifted from skepticism to appreciation.

Severino’s ability to maintain energy during the Marlins’ challenging seasons demonstrated his professional growth as a broadcaster.

Signature Style and Influence

Severino cultivated a broadcasting approach that balanced analytical insights with accessible commentary. His style featured quick-witted observations without overwhelming casual viewers with advanced metrics.

His trademark home run call—”See ya later, alligator!”—became instantly recognizable to Marlins fans. This catchphrase exemplified his ability to create memorable moments while maintaining his authenticity.

Severino’s influence extended to how he connected players with fans through thoughtful interviews and background stories. He excelled at highlighting player personalities beyond their on-field performance.

His broadcasting talent earned respect throughout the industry, with several veteran announcers citing his preparation and versatility as exemplary. Despite working in a smaller market, Severino’s professional approach influenced emerging baseball commentators across the sport.

Role in Promoting the Sport

Throughout his seven seasons with Miami, Severino skillfully navigated the challenge of promoting baseball during rebuilding years. When attendance numbers dropped, his enthusiastic calls maintained viewer engagement for FanDuel Sports Network Florida broadcasts.

Severino particularly excelled at explaining complex baseball concepts to casual fans. His breakdown of rule changes, strategic decisions, and player development made the game more accessible to new viewers.

His commitment to highlighting Miami’s diverse baseball community through special segments strengthened the connection between the team and local fans. Severino regularly featured youth baseball initiatives and community outreach programs during broadcasts.

After the network decided not to renew his contract, many fans expressed disappointment. This reaction demonstrated how effectively Severino had promoted not just the Marlins, but baseball itself in the South Florida region.

Collaborations and Connections

Paul Severino built an impressive network throughout his broadcasting career, forming key relationships with major networks and sports personalities before his time with the Marlins. His versatility across multiple sports and networks demonstrated his adaptability as a broadcaster.

Working with Fox and NBC Networks

Severino’s career trajectory included significant stints with major networks before joining the Marlins organization. At NBC Sports, he developed his broadcasting skills while covering various sporting events. His work with the network helped establish him as a versatile talent in the industry.

During his time with national networks, Severino handled various roles that prepared him for his later position with the Marlins. His experience at Fox honed his play-by-play abilities and expanded his professional network.

The relationships formed during these network years proved valuable for his career development. Many colleagues from his Fox and NBC days would later cross paths with him during his MLB broadcasts.

Broadcasting Partnerships

Severino formed several notable broadcasting partnerships throughout his career. His chemistry with color analysts helped create engaging broadcasts for viewers.

His most notable partnership came during his six seasons with the Miami Marlins from 2018 through 2024. Working alongside former players and analysts, Severino developed a broadcasting style that balanced game analysis with storytelling.

Before the Marlins, Severino worked with various broadcasting partners across multiple sports. These collaborative experiences shaped his approach to game coverage.

Network	Years	Notable Partners
Marlins/Bally Sports	2018-2024	Various analysts
NBC Sports	Pre-2018	Multiple partners
Fox	Pre-2018	Various analysts

Contributions to College Football and NFL Broadcasting

Before becoming the voice of the Marlins, Severino made his mark in football broadcasting. His college football coverage highlighted his ability to capture the excitement of crucial game moments.

His work on NFL broadcasts demonstrated his versatility beyond baseball. Severino’s football commentary showcased his understanding of different sports and ability to adapt his broadcasting style accordingly.

During football broadcasts, Severino developed a reputation for thorough preparation and game knowledge. His research into team histories and player backgrounds enriched his commentary.

The experience gained during these football broadcasts later influenced his baseball coverage. The pace and energy required for football games translated well to key moments in baseball games, particularly during playoff pushes.

Personal Insights

Paul Severino brings a unique blend of preparation, expertise, and personality to his role with the Miami Marlins. His behind-the-scenes work ethic and interests outside the broadcast booth have shaped his approach to baseball commentary.

Approach to Preparation and Research

Severino’s preparation process is meticulous. Before each game, he spends hours studying player statistics, team trends, and relevant storylines. This dedication dates back to his time at MLB Network where he developed his research methodology.

“I want to make sure I’m connecting the players with the fans,” Severino explained in a Fish Stripes interview. This philosophy guides his preparation.

His note-taking system is legendary among colleagues. Severino maintains color-coded notebooks for each team, allowing him to access key information quickly during broadcasts.

His time at ESPN and MLB Network honed these skills, creating a foundation for his work with the Marlins that began when Derek Jeter’s ownership group took over in 2018.

Off-Screen Life and Interests

Away from the microphone, Severino maintains a balanced life that informs his broadcasting perspective. An avid reader, he typically consumes 2-3 books per month during the baseball season, many focused on sports history.

His New England roots remain important to him, though he’s embraced Miami’s culture since joining the Marlins broadcast team. Severino frequently mentions his appreciation for South Florida’s diverse food scene.

Family time ranks as his top priority during the off-season. This balance helps keep him grounded despite the demanding travel schedule of MLB broadcasting.

Severino is also known for mentoring young broadcasters, regularly speaking at communications programs at universities throughout Florida. This commitment to developing new talent reflects his passion for the craft of sports broadcasting.

The Future of Marlins Broadcasting

The Marlins’ broadcast booth will undergo significant changes following the departure of Paul Severino, who served as the team’s television play-by-play announcer since 2018. This transition comes at a pivotal time for the organization.

Team Developments and Rebuild

The Marlins’ broadcasting changes mirror the organization’s broader rebuild efforts. After six seasons with Severino as the voice of Marlins baseball, the team is seeking a new direction in the broadcast booth that aligns with their on-field strategy.

The timing is noteworthy, as the Marlins continue evolving from the vision that began during Derek Jeter’s tenure in the front office. Though Jeter departed in 2022, his rebuilding blueprint remains partially intact as the team develops young talent.

FanDuel Sports Network Florida, which carries Marlins games, will likely look for a broadcaster who can effectively communicate the team’s development strategy to fans. The network informed Severino he wouldn’t be “offered a new contract.”

Marlins Broadcasting Era	Years	Key Team Phase
Paul Severino	2018-2024	Rebuild/Development
New Voice	2025-	Competitive Push

Role in the Upcoming Season’s Coverage

The new lead broadcaster will face unique challenges heading into the 2025 season. They’ll need to build rapport with analysts and production staff. They will also need to craft narratives around a team still finding its competitive identity.

Broadcast coverage will likely focus on the development of young talent and the strategic vision of the current management. This represents a shift from the Don Mattingly era, when Severino was a constant presence narrating the team’s ups and downs.

The Marlins’ broadcasting booth transition creates an opportunity to refresh how the team connects with its fanbase. With viewership habits changing, the new voice must engage both traditional television audiences and emerging digital platforms.

Fans should expect announcements about the new broadcast team in the coming months. Preparations for spring training will soon be underway.