BALTIMORE — The hay is finally in the barn. Gerry Sandusky, the unmistakable voice of the Baltimore Ravens for the past 20 seasons, announced his retirement Wednesday, bringing a legendary two-decade run in the broadcast booth to a close. The 64-year-old staple of Maryland airwaves confirmed he is stepping away from both his play-by-play duties and his role as Sports Director at WBAL-TV to focus on his family.
Sandusky didn’t just call games; he painted the pulse of the city. Since taking the lead radio role in 2006, he narrated the highest highs and most gut-wrenching lows in franchise history. From the frigid sidelines of the Mile High Miracle to the confetti-drenched podium of Super Bowl XLVII, Sandusky’s voice was the constant. His signature catchphrase, “The hay is in the barn,” became the unofficial victory whistle for a generation of fans who grew up listening to him bridge the gap between the stadium and their living rooms.
The Baltimore native’s ties to the city run deep. The son of former Baltimore Colts head coach John Sandusky, Gerry started his local broadcasting journey in 1988. He spent years covering the Orioles before becoming synonymous with Ravens Sundays. You could feel the weight of the moment in his voice during the playoffs—a mix of professional polish and the raw energy of a man who truly loved the purple and black. His final broadcast at WBAL-TV is scheduled for Friday, April 17.
“As the ‘Voice of the Ravens,’ Gerry brought a distinct flavor and aptitude that captured every emotion of Baltimore football. While Gerry’s in-game knowledge was second to none, it was his exceptional talent to ‘illustrate with words’ that truly sparked a long-lasting connection amongst our fans.”
— Sashi Brown, Baltimore Ravens President
Replacing a legend is never an easy task. The Ravens now face the daunting challenge of finding a new lead announcer before the 2026 kickoff. While names like Evan Washburn or internal candidates from WBAL might surface, the vacancy leaves a massive hole in the Baltimore sports identity. Sandusky’s departure marks a total shift in how the Flock will consume their team’s journey. For now, the organization hasn’t named a successor, but the search will likely be the biggest storyline in Baltimore media this summer.
