Baseball analyst Peter Gammons leaving ESPN for MLB Network

Peter Gammons leaving ESPN for MLB Network

INDIANAPOLIS — Peter Gammons is leaving ESPN after 20 years to become an analyst for MLB Network.

Gammons will offer commentary for breaking news and big events such as the postseason, winter meetings, amateur draft and the trade deadline. He will appear on the network’s news shows as well as develop short documentary-style pieces. He also will write regularly for MLB.com, becoming part of its new columnist Web site.

“To be involved with people whose network is devoted to baseball, and baseball only, is something I look forward to with excitement,” Gammons said in a statement Tuesday.

Gammons joins Bob Costas as a major presence at MLB Network. In addition, Gammons will become an analyst and reporter for NESN, the regional sports network in New England affiliated with the owners of the Boston Red Sox.

“It’s hard to imagine a reporter who is more deeply associated with a sport than Peter is with Major League Baseball,” MLB president Tony Petitti said. “Having Peter associated with MLB Network is an incredible opportunity and another great step for MLB Network as we head into our second year on Jan. 1.”

Gammons joined ESPN in 1989 and has been an integral part of its baseball coverage. He wrote for the Boston Globe starting in 1969 and also worked for Sports Illustrated (1976-78, 1986-90).

“Peter was the best and the brightest in making the transition from print to video,” ESPN executive vice president John Walsh said.

The 64-year-old Gammons received the 2004 J.G. Taylor Spink Award for outstanding baseball writing and was honored during the 2005 Hall of Fame induction ceremony. He signed in October with Creative Artists Agency.

“My decision to leave ESPN and move on at this point in my life has been conflicted,” Gammons said. “ESPN gave me a great deal more than I gave it, and will always be a huge part of who I am.”

Gammons interviewed Alex Rodriguez on camera in February when the New York Yankees slugger admitted using steroids from 2001-03 with the Texas Rangers.

In June 2006, Gammons was stricken with a brain aneurysm while driving near his Cape Cod home. He returned to broadcasting three months later.