Gerry Sandusky is known as the longtime sports director at WBAL-TV 11 in Baltimore but more importantly as the radio play-by-play voice of the Baltimore Ravens for the past 20 seasons. He is one of the most famous sports broadcaster in the Ravens’ history, and has covered their NFL games.
He is also the owner of a media and communications consulting firm named The Sandusky Group. He has now announced a very important decision for his career.
Gerry Sandusky announces retirement
Sandusky has announced his retirement on April 1, 2026, after a broadcasting career that has spanned nearly 42 years. His final 11 p.m. newscast is scheduled for Friday, April 17. His departure has surprised many due to his long presence in the field, and his successor at WBAL-TV and on Ravens radio broadcasts is yet to be annnounced.
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys
Aug 16, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; A view of the Baltimore Ravens logo on an air chiller fan before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Sandusky was born into a football family, as his father John Sandusky served as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Colts and later the Miami Dolphins under Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. Gerry himself began his professional broadcasting career in 1984 at WSVN-TV in Miami before returning to Baltimore in 1988 to join WBAL-TV as a sports anchor alongside legendary local broadcaster Vince Bagli. He was promoted to sports director in 1993 and assumed the role of Ravens radio play-by-play announcer in 2006.
He has covered many of Baltimore’s significant milestones in sports. These included the arrival and establishment of the Ravens franchise, the opening of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Cal Ripken Jr.’s record-breaking consecutive games streak, the rise of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, and the Ravens’ two Super Bowl victories.
He has won two Emmy Awards, and is generally much appreciated. Ravens President Sashi Brown wrote a farewell message to the broadcaster for his many years of service. Sandusky was called the “Voice of the Ravens” for his work. Sandusky is also known for his iconic catchphrase, and once explained it.
Gerry Sandusky explains iconic catchphrase
Sandusky’s catchphrase was “The hay’s in the barn” which he said after every Ravens victory. He once explained it in a 2013 blog post. He said, “The phrase comes from my college football coach Phil Albert. In the early 80’s I played tight end on Towson University’s team. I use the word “play” lightly since I didn’t play in games very often. Near the end of each practice, Coach Albert would say, “The hay’s in the barn.”
He added, “He meant all the hard work was done and all we had to do was finish up. Ironically, the only time I ever got into games was when the hay was in the barn.”
Gerry Sandusky has retired from the broadcasting career, and Ravens fans will be surely missing him for his iconic post-victory catchphrase.