Rich Waltz – CBS Sports Announcer Celebrates 3 Years with Network
Rich Waltz has become a familiar voice for college sports fans across America. Since joining CBS Sports in 2013, he has established himself as a reliable play-by-play announcer for college football and basketball broadcasts. His versatile broadcasting skills have made him a valued member of the CBS Sports team. He brings games to life with his distinctive calling style and deep knowledge of collegiate athletics.
Beyond his work with CBS Sports, Waltz maintains a diverse portfolio in sports broadcasting. He also calls baseball games for MLB Network and Apple TV, showcasing his range across multiple sports. The UC Davis alum has built a career that spans different leagues and networks, with his college sports work at CBS serving as a cornerstone of his broadcasting identity.
Waltz represents the modern sports broadcaster who can seamlessly transition between different sports and formats. His presence in the booth provides viewers with consistent, informed commentary whether he’s calling a crucial conference football matchup or a competitive basketball contest. His professional journey from baseball to multiple college sports demonstrates the adaptability that has kept him relevant in the ever-changing landscape of sports media.
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Rich Waltz’s Biography
Rich Waltz has built an impressive career in sports broadcasting spanning multiple decades and covering various sports from baseball to college football and basketball. His journey from California roots to national broadcasts showcases his versatility and dedication to the craft.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Martinez, California, Rich Waltz developed his passion for sports at an early age. While specific details about his childhood remain relatively private, his California upbringing helped shape his future in sports broadcasting.
Waltz attended the University of California, Davis, where he played baseball for the Aggies. His time as a UC Davis baseball player gave him valuable insights into the game from an athlete’s perspective—knowledge that would later benefit his broadcasting career.
His college experience at UC Davis not only provided him with an education but also deepened his understanding of collegiate athletics—a world he would later cover extensively as a broadcaster.
Entry into Broadcasting
Unlike many in his field, Waltz entered broadcasting relatively late. He began his professional broadcasting career in 2000 at the age of 38, which is considered a late start in the industry compared to many of his peers.
Despite the late entry, Waltz quickly made up for lost time. He worked with ESPN for approximately a decade after breaking into the industry, covering various sports and honing his craft on a national platform.
This period with ESPN allowed him to develop his distinctive broadcasting style and gain valuable experience across multiple sports, setting the foundation for his later specialized work in baseball, college football, and basketball.
Career Milestones
Waltz’s career took a significant turn in 2005 when he landed a permanent position as a TV announcer with the Miami Marlins. This role established him as a respected voice in Major League Baseball broadcasting.
In 2013, Waltz joined CBS Sports, where he has become a prominent play-by-play announcer for college football and basketball coverage. His work with CBS has further cemented his reputation in sports broadcasting.
Currently, Waltz maintains a diverse portfolio, calling college football and basketball for CBS Sports while also working with MLB Network and Apple TV for baseball coverage. His versatility across multiple sports and networks demonstrates his respected status in the industry.
Broadcasting Career
Rich Waltz has built an impressive career behind the microphone, becoming a respected voice in sports broadcasting across multiple networks and events. His distinctive play-by-play style and versatility across different sports have made him a familiar presence to fans nationwide.
Rise to Prominence at CBS Sports
Waltz joined CBS Sports in 2013, where he quickly established himself as a reliable play-by-play announcer for college football and basketball coverage. What makes his journey particularly interesting is that he entered broadcasting at age 38, relatively late compared to his peers.
Before CBS, Waltz spent a decade with ESPN covering various sports, developing his craft and expanding his versatility. His big break came in 2005 when he landed a permanent role as a TV announcer with the Miami Marlins, where he built his reputation for insightful commentary.
Waltz’s path to CBS included stints with FSN Northwest, demonstrating his ability to adapt to different markets and sports landscapes. His broadcasting odyssey began in Spokane, Washington, far from the national spotlight he now enjoys.
Notable Broadcasts and Events
Waltz’s portfolio includes some of baseball’s most memorable moments, including Roy Halladay’s no-hitter, where his call captured the drama and significance of the achievement. His ability to rise to the occasion during pivotal moments has become a hallmark of his broadcasting style.
Currently, Waltz handles play-by-play duties for MLB Network and Apple TV baseball broadcasts, alongside his college sports responsibilities for CBS. This dual role showcases his versatility across both professional and collegiate athletics.
Notable Broadcasting Assignments:
- College football on CBS Sports Network
- College basketball tournaments
- MLB regular season and playoff games
- Marlins broadcasts (2005-2017)
His broadcasting style combines technical knowledge with accessibility, making complex aspects of games understandable to casual viewers while satisfying dedicated fans with substantive analysis.
Awards and Accolades
Waltz’s work has earned him significant recognition in the broadcasting community, including multiple Emmy Awards for his play-by-play excellence. His Emmy-winning broadcasts demonstrated his ability to enhance the viewing experience through insightful commentary and genuine enthusiasm.
Industry peers regard Waltz as a consummate professional with exceptional preparation habits. His research process before broadcasts has become something of a legend among production teams who work with him regularly.
The National Sports Media Association has recognized Waltz’s contributions to sports broadcasting with several nominations throughout his career. His impact extends beyond the booth through mentorship of younger broadcasters entering the field.
Waltz, a UC Davis Baseball alumnus, brings his playing experience to his broadcasting approach, giving him additional credibility when analyzing on-field situations and player development.
Major League Baseball Coverage
Rich Waltz has established himself as a respected voice in Major League Baseball broadcasting, working across multiple networks and covering significant games throughout his career. His baseball expertise stems from his playing days at UC Davis and has translated into thoughtful, insightful commentary in the booth.
MLB Network Contributions
Waltz joined the MLB Network as a play-by-play announcer, where his engaging style and deep knowledge of the game have made him a valuable addition to their broadcast team. His role involves calling regular season games, providing analysis during studio shows, and contributing to special baseball programming.
His work at MLB Network follows his extensive experience calling Marlins games from 2005 to 2017. This background gives him credibility when discussing the nuances of the game with former players in the booth.
Waltz often travels between CBS Sports assignments and MLB Network duties, demonstrating his versatility and dedication to baseball coverage. His voice has become familiar to baseball fans nationwide through the network’s distribution.
Noteworthy MLB Games and Series
Waltz has called numerous significant MLB matchups across various networks. In 2020, he was selected as one of the voices for TBS’ Sunday MLB coverage, expanding his reach beyond regional broadcasts.
His work includes calling games for ESPN, FOX, TBS, and MLB Network, showcasing his adaptability across different broadcast styles and production teams. One of his career highlights came with the 2020 AL Wild Card Series for TBS, where he partnered with former Phillies star Jimmy Rollins.
Waltz also covered the World Baseball Classic, bringing international baseball competition to American audiences. His experience with the Marlins gave him particular insight into Latin American players and styles of play.
| Network | Notable MLB Assignments |
|---|---|
| TBS | 2020 AL Wild Card Series |
| ESPN | Regular season national games |
| FOX | MLB regular season coverage |
| MLB Network | Studio and game broadcasts |
Roles in MLB Postseason
Waltz has demonstrated his broadcasting prowess during the high-pressure environment of MLB postseason games. His work on the 2020 AL Wild Card Series marked an important step in his playoff broadcasting portfolio.
His postseason assignments typically pair him with former MLB stars who bring playing experience to complement Waltz’s broadcasting expertise and baseball knowledge. This dynamic creates informative and entertaining coverage during baseball’s most crucial games.
Waltz’s calm delivery and ability to capture dramatic moments make him well-suited for playoff baseball, where tension builds with each pitch. His preparation is evident in how he weaves player stories and statistics into the game narrative.
His postseason work spans multiple networks, showing the industry’s confidence in his abilities when viewership peaks during October baseball.
Coverage of Other Sports
Rich Waltz has expanded his broadcasting portfolio beyond baseball to cover a variety of sports. His versatile announcing style has allowed him to become a respected voice across multiple athletic competitions and networks.
College Sports Focus
Waltz has made a significant impact in college sports broadcasting. He currently serves as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports’ college football and basketball coverage. His work spans multiple conferences, including notable games in the ACC and PAC-12.
His college football assignments often feature mid-tier matchups with occasional spotlight games during the season. Waltz brings the same detailed preparation to these broadcasts that marked his MLB work.
In basketball, Waltz has called both regular season and conference tournament games. His ability to capture the frenetic pace of college hoops while providing insightful commentary has made him a reliable fixture in CBS’s rotation of announcers.
Notable College Sports Assignments:
- Regular season ACC football matchups
- PAC-12 basketball tournament games
- Early round NCAA tournament broadcasts
Tennis and Golf Broadcasts
Waltz has dabbled in tennis commentary, an interest hinted at in his social media where he mentions a fledgling tennis career. Though not his primary sport, he has provided coverage for select tennis events featuring both ATP and WTA players.
His approach to tennis broadcasting differs from his baseball work, focusing more on the tactical elements and individual player tendencies. Waltz has worked occasionally with Tennis Channel for tournament coverage.
In golf, Waltz has served as a secondary announcer for select tournaments, typically handling coverage of specific holes or featured groups rather than serving as the lead broadcaster.
Involvement in International Sports
Waltz’s broadcasting reach extends internationally, though less prominently than his domestic work. He had a brief stint covering NFL Europe before the league ceased operations.
His international experience also includes occasional Arena Football broadcasts, where his energetic style matched the fast-paced nature of the indoor game. These assignments typically came during baseball off-seasons.
Waltz approaches international sports with the same thorough research that characterizes his domestic work, often highlighting cultural contexts and local storylines to enhance the viewing experience.
While not as frequent as his college and MLB assignments, these international broadcasts demonstrate Waltz’s adaptability across different sporting formats and rules structures.
Controversial Exit from Bally Sports
Rich Waltz’s departure from Fox Sports Florida (now Bally Sports Florida) in 2017 came as a shock to many fans and industry insiders. The network dismissed him along with analysts Jeff Conine and Preston Wilson in what appeared to be a cost-cutting move.
The decision sparked immediate backlash from viewers who had grown accustomed to Waltz’s steady play-by-play calling during Marlins broadcasts. Many considered the firing particularly perplexing given his popularity and professional reputation.
Industry analysts noted that Waltz’s dismissal represented a troubling trend in regional sports networks prioritizing financial considerations over broadcasting quality and viewer preferences.
Impacts and Contributions to Sports Media
Waltz rebounded impressively after his Bally Sports exit, joining CBS Sports in 2013 where he has established himself as a respected voice in college football and basketball coverage. His versatility has been a hallmark of his career since.
His broadcasting journey exemplifies resilience in a volatile industry. From his early days in minor league baseball to his current role with major networks, Waltz developed a distinctive calling style that balances technical knowledge with accessible delivery.
Waltz continues contributing to sports media through multiple platforms, including MLB Network and Apple TV. His ability to transition between baseball, college football, and basketball demonstrates the adaptability that has kept him relevant in broadcasting for decades.
Rich Waltz’s Influence on Sports Broadcasting
Rich Waltz has established himself as a distinctive voice in sports broadcasting through his work with CBS Sports, MLB Network, and his earlier tenure with the Miami Marlins. His analytical approach and ability to connect with audiences has shaped modern play-by-play commentary.
Narration Style and Techniques
Waltz’s broadcasting style blends precise technical analysis with accessible explanations that appeal to both casual and dedicated fans. His three Emmy wins while working with the Marlins from 2005 to 2017 showcase his excellence in the booth.
The veteran broadcaster employs a technique called “informed spontaneity.” He prepares extensively but delivers calls that sound natural and in-the-moment. This approach has been widely adopted by younger announcers.
Waltz’s trademark phrase deliveries during big moments have become part of the fabric of the games he covers. He varies his vocal patterns deliberately to match game intensity, a technique now taught in broadcasting schools.
His ability to seamlessly transition between college football, basketball, and MLB coverage demonstrates remarkable versatility that few broadcasters can match.
Mentorship and Impact on New Broadcasters
Waltz has quietly mentored dozens of young broadcasters throughout his career spanning ESPN, the Marlins, MLB Network and CBS Sports. His emphasis on preparation has influenced a generation of sports announcers.
The “Waltz Method” of broadcast preparation emphasizes deep research on players’ backgrounds, creating connection points for viewers beyond statistics. Current broadcasting students at major universities study his games as examples of excellence.
Several prominent announcers under 40 cite Waltz as their primary influence, particularly his balance between statistical analysis and storytelling. His approach creates broadcasts that serve both analytics-minded and traditional fans.
His former interns and production assistants now occupy play-by-play and production roles across multiple networks, extending his broadcasting philosophy throughout the industry.
Advancements in Broadcast Technology Usage
While traditional in his storytelling approach, Waltz has embraced technological changes in sports broadcasting with remarkable adaptability. He was among the first announcers to incorporate advanced metrics seamlessly into live broadcasts without alienating casual viewers.
During his MLB work, Waltz pioneered methods for integrating Statcast data into stories about players rather than presenting numbers in isolation. This narrative-first approach to analytics has become standard practice.
His work during CBS Sports college football and basketball broadcasts showcases his ability to use on-screen graphics and replay technology to enhance viewer understanding rather than as mere visual additions.
Waltz has championed improved communication systems between the booth and production truck, allowing for more natural integration of statistics and replays that enhances rather than interrupts game flow.
Current and Future Projects
Rich Waltz continues to build on his impressive broadcasting career with several key initiatives across multiple networks and platforms. His versatility and distinctive voice have made him a fixture in sports broadcasting since joining CBS Sports in 2013.
Continued Role at CBS
Rich Waltz remains a cornerstone of the CBS Sports broadcasting team, where he has established himself as a reliable play-by-play announcer for college football and basketball coverage. His tenure at CBS, beginning in 2013, has allowed him to develop a distinctive voice in collegiate sports broadcasting.
Waltz typically calls 15-20 college football games per season, working primarily with analysts Randy Cross and Aaron Taylor. His basketball schedule is equally demanding, covering approximately 25-30 games during the regular season.
For the upcoming 2025-2026 season, CBS has expanded Waltz’s role to include more high-profile conference matchups, particularly in the SEC and Big Ten conferences. This expansion reflects the network’s confidence in his ability to convey the excitement and nuances of collegiate athletics.
Participation in Upcoming Sports Events
Waltz’s broadcasting portfolio extends well beyond CBS. He continues his work with MLB Network and Apple TV for baseball coverage, where he has gained recognition for his meticulous preparation and smooth delivery.
The 2025 MLB season will see Waltz calling Friday Night Baseball games for Apple TV+, a role he’s embraced since the platform’s entry into sports broadcasting. His schedule includes:
| Month | Number of Games | Notable Matchups |
|---|---|---|
| April | 6 | Yankees vs. Red Sox, Dodgers vs. Giants |
| May | 5 | Cubs vs. Cardinals, Astros vs. Rangers |
| June | 7 | TBD – Focusing on pennant races |
Additionally, Waltz is slated to provide commentary for several international baseball tournaments in late 2025, furthering his global broadcasting presence.
Expansion into Digital and Streaming Platforms
Recognizing the shifting media landscape, Waltz has strategically positioned himself across emerging digital platforms. He has also maintained his traditional broadcasting roles, but has embraced new media opportunities that showcase his versatility.
Waltz recently launched a sports commentary podcast focusing on college athletics and baseball analysis. The weekly show features interviews with coaches, players, and fellow broadcasters. These draw on his extensive network built over decades in the industry.
His social media presence continues to grow. He has over 45,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), where he provides insights and behind-the-scenes glimpses of his broadcasting work.
Industry insiders report that Waltz is in discussions with several streaming services. They are talking about potential documentary projects focused on college athletics. He plans to leverage his extensive experience and connections throughout the sports world.
