A detailed view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet is seen prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland
Gerry Sandusky, longtime broadcaster and the “Voice of the Ravens,”announced his retirement after nearly 42 years in sports media. Sandusky has served as the BaltimoreRavens’ radio play-by-play announcer since 2006 while also working as sports director at WBAL-TV 11.
Sandusky confirmed the decision in a statement, shared on theRavens’ official website, reflecting on his career and connection to Baltimore sports.
“Thisisn’t a decision I made lightly. I have loved sharing the stories that shape Baltimore sports with viewers, and I have loved every minute of sharing Ravens games with listeners. But the time has come for me to pass those batons and pour more of my attention on my family,”Sandusky said. “I want to thank every viewer and every listener who shared this journey with me.It’s been an honor. And yes, for my broadcasting career, ‘The hay is in the barn.’And it feels right.”
Gerry Sandusky Career Highlights as ‘Voice of the Ravens’
Sandusky built his career in Baltimore after graduating from Towson University. He joined WBAL-TV in 1988 and became thestation’s sports director in 1993.
In 2006, he took on the roleas theRavens’ radio play-by-play announcer, becoming known as the “Voice of the Ravens.”Over the years, he called many of theteam’s biggest moments, including playoff runs and championship seasons.
His signature phrase, “The hay is in the barn,”became a recognizable call tied to Ravens victories. The phrase originated during his time playing football at Towson under coach Phil Albert.
Ravens President Sashi Brown praisedSandusky’s impact on the organization.
“As the ‘Voice of the Ravens,’Gerry brought a distinct flavor and aptitude that captured every emotion of Baltimore football,”Brown said. “WhileGerry’s in-game knowledge was second to none, it was his exceptional talent to ‘illustrate withwords’ that truly sparked a long-lasting connection amongst our fans. From thrilling championship victories to agonizing defeats, Gerry witnessed it all — consistently doing so with a style marked by professionalism, passionand Maryland pride.”
Sandusky Reflects on Unique Broadcasting Moments
Sandusky also reflected on the challenges of broadcasting during the COVID-19 pandemic, when stadiums were largely empty,and travel was limited.
During the 2020 season, he called games remotely from Baltimore while teams played in reduced-capacity venues. He described how different the experience felt compared to a typical game environment.
“A normal year, broadcasting an NFL game is similar to crowd surfing,”Sandusky said in an interview with his alma mater,Towson University. “You’re surfing on the energy of 70,000 people, and that energy ebbs and flows. But this is like riding a surfboard in the desert.”
He explained how he adapted to the situation.
“You have to play it all out in your head. Fortunately,I’ve been [broadcasting] for a while. I know what the crowd feels like, and I know the atmosphere of the different stadiums, so I can use my imagination to put myself into that mental space,”Sandusky said.
Sandusky also described the isolation of calling games during that time.
“You’re all alone in moments that you expect to be sharing with thousands of people,”he said. “I think of Elon Musk wanting to colonize Mars. I feel a little bit like the first colonists on Mars, because so much of it,you’re just all alone.”
After decades covering Baltimore sports and calling Ravens games, Sandusky is stepping away from broadcasting to focus on family.