In an exciting move for both the Chicago White Sox and sports broadcasting, the team has announced that ESPN’s John Schriffen will be their new television play-by-play announcer. The multiyear contract brings Schriffen to Chicago to join longtime analyst Steve Stone for NBC Sports Chicago. The departure of previous announcer Jason Benetti created a vacancy that Schriffen is eager to fill.
Schriffen expressed his excitement about joining the White Sox organization, noting the team’s current state and potential. Having recently met with chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, Schriffen was inspired by Reinsdorf’s passion for the team and the rich history of baseball in Chicago. The timing of this opportunity aligns perfectly with Schriffen’s career goals, as he aims to deepen his connection to a team, a community, and the city of Chicago.
With a career that spans various sports and broadcasting platforms, Schriffen brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Prior to joining ESPN in 2020, he called select Saturday and Sunday games for ESPN radio’s MLB broadcasts. Schriffen’s versatility extends beyond baseball as he has covered NCAA basketball, football, baseball, and softball games, as well as the NBA G League and summer league. This breadth of experience has honed his skills as a play-by-play announcer and given him a strong foundation to succeed in his new position.
Schriffen’s top priority is the White Sox, committing to calling the majority of their games. While an exact number has not been determined, he is eager to immerse himself in the team and build connections with the players and fans. Despite his focus on the White Sox, Schriffen remains hopeful to continue working for ESPN during the offseason, indicating his dedication to the broadcasting industry as a whole.
Beyond Schriffen’s broadcasting credentials, his presence as a Black TV play-by-play announcer adds a valuable and underrepresented perspective to the field. He joins Seattle’s Dave Sims as the only other Black TV play-by-play announcers in Major League Baseball. With his grandfather, Alphonso Deal, having served as the president of the NAACP’s Philadelphia chapter, Schriffen’s connection to civil rights and social justice deepens his appreciation for the role he will now undertake.
Schriffen’s journey to this point in his career has been marked by notable achievements. Prior to joining ESPN, he served as a studio host for NFL Network and a play-by-play broadcaster and sideline reporter for CBS Sports. He also worked as a correspondent for ABC News, contributing reports to shows like “Good Morning America” and “Nightline.” Schriffen’s academic background includes graduating from Dartmouth, where he also played baseball as a pitcher.
As John Schriffen embarks on this new chapter with the Chicago White Sox, fans can look forward to his engaging play-by-play commentary alongside Steve Stone. His diverse broadcasting experience, personal background, and commitment to the team and community make him a valuable addition to the White Sox television broadcast team.
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