Bob Costas is 73. On March 22, 2026, he’ll hit 74. It’s a number that feels a bit surreal if you grew up watching him navigate the Olympic rings or the lush grass of a World Series outfield. For decades, his voice was the literal soundtrack of American sports excellence. He wasn't just a guy with a microphone; he was the narrator of our biggest collective moments.
Now, in 2026, the conversation around him has shifted. It’s no longer about when he’ll call the next "Game of the Week." Instead, fans are looking at a career that has spanned more than half a century and wondering what’s next for a man who has seemingly done it all.
The Reality of Bob Costas and the 70-Plus Milestone
Honestly, 73 looks different on Costas than it does on most people. He’s always had that youthful, almost boyish energy—the "boy wonder" tag followed him well into middle age. But don’t let the sharp suits and the still-quick wit fool you. He’s reached a stage where he’s being very selective about where and how he uses that famous voice.
In late 2024, Costas made a move that signaled the end of an era. He officially retired from play-by-play baseball duties. That final call? Game 4 of the ALDS between the Yankees and the Royals. It was the end of a 44-year run of calling Major League Baseball. Think about that for a second. Forty-four years. He was calling games before most current MLB stars were even born.
People sometimes forget he started at KMOX in St. Louis back in 1974. He was just 22 then. By the time he hit his 70s, he had racked up 29 Emmy Awards. Not just for sports, either. He’s the only person to win Emmys in news, sports, and entertainment. That’s a level of versatility you just don't see anymore.
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Why Age Hasn't Slowed His Cultural Impact
Even as he steps back from the daily grind of play-by-play, Costas remains a fixture in the media landscape. You'll still see him on MLB Network in an emeritus role. He’s also been a regular contributor on CNN, where he leans into the "elder statesman" vibe, tackling the intersection of sports, politics, and culture.
His age has actually become an asset in these settings. In a world of "hot takes" and 15-second TikTok clips, Costas brings gravitas. He has the historical memory to compare today’s issues with the landscape of the 1980s or 90s because he was there, holding the microphone.
- The 1980s: He became the face of NBC Sports.
- The 1990s: He hosted Later with Bob Costas, proving he could interview anyone from Paul McCartney to Mel Brooks.
- The 2000s: He became synonymous with the Olympic Games, hosting 12 in total.
- 2025-2026: He is transitionining into a legacy phase, receiving honors like the 2025 Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism.
Managing a Career in the "Golden Years"
What’s interesting about the age of Bob Costas isn't just the number of years. It’s the way he’s navigating the transition. He’s not "retiring" in the sense of sitting on a porch and counting his 29 Emmys. He’s evolving.
He recently appeared at the Distinguished Speaker Series in California, proving there is still a massive appetite for his storytelling. He talks about the "Sounds of Baseball" and the evolution of the media with the same precision he used to describe a Game 7 walk-off.
He’s also stayed physically active and mentally sharp, though he has joked in past interviews about the inevitable passage of time. His decision to step away from play-by-play wasn't because he lost his fast-ball; it was about choosing how to spend the remaining chapters of his career. He’s $50 million rich, according to most estimates, so he’s certainly not doing it for the paycheck anymore.
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Addressing the Social Media Noise
It hasn't all been a smooth victory lap. During his final season of play-by-play in 2024, some fans on social media were... well, they were harsh. They claimed he lacked the old enthusiasm. Some suggested the game had moved past his style.
Costas, being Costas, didn't let it rattle him publicly. He told The Athletic that he’d decided to retire from play-by-play before the season even started. It wasn't a reaction to the critics; it was a planned exit. It takes a certain level of self-awareness to know when to put down the headset while you're still at the top of the industry.
What's Next for Bob Costas in 2026?
As we move through 2026, expect to see Costas in more "legacy" roles. He’s becoming the historian of the game. Whether it’s special appearances on MLB Network or keynote speeches at journalism conferences, he is the bridge between the golden age of broadcasting and the digital frontier.
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If you’re looking to follow his current work, keep an eye on:
- MLB Network Special Features: He continues to contribute to historical retrospectives and high-level analysis.
- The Lecture Circuit: He’s a frequent guest at universities and theaters, sharing five decades of anecdotes.
- CNN Commentary: When a sports story breaks that has massive cultural implications, he’s usually the first person they call for context.
The "age of Bob Costas" is really just a measurement of a life spent in the public eye. At 73, he’s less a broadcaster and more a living monument to a certain kind of excellence. He’s shown that you don't have to fade away; you just have to change the frequency.
To stay updated on the most recent appearances and long-form interviews from the legendary broadcaster, you should check the official schedules of the National Press Foundation or the MLB Network "Special Appearances" section, as these are the primary outlets for his 2026 contributions.