For the past few years now, I have had the opportunity to visit my good friend, and fellow Tulsan, Bob Carpenter in the broadcast booth of Major League Baseball stadiums around the country. Over the years, I have visited Carpenter in the booth in Kansas City, Texas, and Miami.

Last week, I spent time with Carpenter prior to two games in Houston, as he is wrapping up his final season as the television play-by-play announcer for the Washington Nationals. It was my first time seeing the Astros play at home, and that brings my total to 16 teams that I have watched in their home ballpark: only 14 more to go.

Carpenter, who joined the Nationals in the team’s second year (2006), announced a couple years ago that 2025 would be his final season to call MLB games and he also announced that he would only work two-thirds of the games over his last three seasons leading up to his full retirement.

Last week in Houston, Carpenter said that he is not yet emotional about stepping away, but that he’s looking forward to retirement.

“I had a feeling that as soon as the All-Star break was over, this thing might start flying on me and getting out of control, so I’m not emotional about it yet, ask me in September and maybe I’ll have a different answer,” Carpenter said. “I have a little time off around Labor Day and then I’ll be joining the team in Chicago, and that will be my last time at Wrigley Field. I remember my first time at Wrigley Field back in 1984 with the Cardinals. Going in there with the Cardinals is kind of a crazy experience to begin with.”

That was Carpenter’s first season broadcasting MLB games and his first stint with St. Louis. His other stops have included the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers. He also called MLB games for ESPN for 16 years.

“I think the big thing for me, Jeff, right now is that I’m just trying to relax, enjoy every moment of every game that I do, we’re going to win some, we’re going to lose some, and this year we’ve lost a lot more than we wanted, and that does wear on you a little bit,” Carpenter said. “Right now, I’m in a good place. I feel good about it. I enjoy my time at home, when I’m in between series working and in between trips, and when I get back with the team, I’m just really trying to take it like a player; one at bat at a time and savor the experience.”

For the past four seasons, former major league infielder Kevin Frandsen has been Carpenter’s broadcast partner, and has learned that just like players, broadcasters also have a routine.

“Everybody that has played has a routine, and it’s like one of my favorite things is to watch his routine,” Frandsen said.   “They way he goes about prepping, the way he goes about whatever, it’s the same every day, and you respect that. Working with Bob has been fun, and I understand he’s like any other athlete, routines, the moments, they’re big for him, and I love that.”

Dan Kolko has been a part of the Nationals broadcast as a sideline reporter and studio host since 2014, and he fills in on play-by-play when Carpenter is away. Kolko seems to be in line to take over the full-time play-by-play duties when Carpenter retires, however, the team’s television deal with MASN is ending at the end of the season, and a new television deal might mean new broadcasters in the booth next season for the Nationals.

“With the exception of the first year in 2005, Bob has been the only play-by-play voice our fans have known,” Kolko said. “He’s been there for so many enormous moments, and he is a fixture there, a part of the fabric. I’ve worked with him every day for the last 12 years now, and he’s become a friend. It’s going to be strange without him around, but I’m really happy for him, I’m really happy for Deb (Carpenter’s wife). He’ll get to spend time with Debbie and his grandkids, so I’m really excited for him that he gets to celebrate what has been a really amazing career and now enjoy some stuff he’s missed out on.”

The Astros’ radio analyst is former Tulsan and a product of Holland Hall, Steve Sparks, who had a nine-year career as a major league pitcher. Sparks shared his thoughts about Carpenter and his career coming to an end.

“He’s probably the nicest guy we’ve ever met in this profession,” Sparks said. “I think it’s universal. I think everyone feels Bob is one of a kind, always very generous and helpful with advice and just lending an ear and being a support system. We share our major league spring training complexes, as well, so I get to see him in West Palm Beach and just getting to know him even a little better as we’ve gone through these years. I’ve cherished that and wish him nothing but the best.”

When the season is over, Carpenter has agreed to join us on the radio program, Tulsa Beacon Weekend. At that time, we’ll wrap up his career and he’ll share what is next for him. At 72, Carpenter may still have another chapter or two in his life to write.

TULSA BEACON RADIO

Tune in to “Tulsa Beacon Weekend” radio show every week, featuring interviews with local and national guests, talking about everything from politics to family issues. This week my guest will be David and Denise Glenn, from Kardo Ministries – Marriage Initiative, and Tracy Trost will be back to talk about Mercy Ships ministry and television show. The show airs on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. CST on 970am KCFO.