Jon Sciambi: The Powerful Voice Behind Chicago Cubs Baseball and ESPN
Jon Sciambi is one of the most respected baseball broadcasters in the United States. Known by the nickname “Boog”, he has built a long career through sharp play-by-play work, strong storytelling and deep knowledge of the game. He is best known as the television voice of the Chicago Cubs on Marquee Sports Network and a leading Major League Baseball announcer for ESPN Radio. His journey has taken him from small radio stations to the World Series, while his charity work supports ALS families through Project Main St.
Jon Sciambi Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Jon Sciambi |
| Nickname | Boog |
| Date of birth | 11 April 1970 |
| Age | 56 in July 2026 |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Childhood home | Roosevelt Island, New York |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Sports broadcaster |
| Education | Regis High School and Boston College |
| Main roles | Chicago Cubs television announcer and ESPN broadcaster |
| Career began | 1993 |
| Charity work | Project Main St. and ALS support |
Jon Sciambi Early Life and Education
Jon Sciambi was born on 11 April 1970 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He later grew up on Roosevelt Island in New York City. He remained connected to Philadelphia sport. Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas influenced him, while Mike Schmidt was one of his favourite players.
School Years and Baseball Ambitions
Sciambi attended Regis High School in New York City and played baseball. He first joined William & Mary as a preferred walk-on before transferring to Boston College. A shoulder injury limited his progress as a player. Broadcasting soon became the path that suited his voice, personality and love of sport. At Boston College, he joined student radio station WZBC. He developed his play-by-play skills alongside future broadcasters Joe Tessitore and Bob Wischusen. He graduated in 1992.
How Jon Sciambi Began His Broadcasting Career
Sciambi started his professional career in 1993 at WESB in Bradford, Pennsylvania. His duties included music, news, sport and technical work during Pittsburgh Pirates broadcasts. He later moved to South Florida and joined WQAM in Miami. He began as a producer and board operator before delivering sports updates and hosting programmes. He recorded practice commentary from unused stadium booths during Florida Marlins games, improving his timing and description.
Why Is Jon Sciambi Called Boog?
The nickname “Boog” began at WQAM in 1993. Colleagues Dave LaMont and Joe Rose thought he looked like former Baltimore Orioles first baseman Boog Powell. Someone changed the name on his workplace mailbox, and the nickname stayed. Sciambi was 23 at the time and later met Powell.
Jon Sciambi and the Florida Marlins
Sciambi became a Florida Marlins radio broadcaster in 1997 and remained with the club until 2004. His years with the team included its 2003 World Series championship season. He shared radio play-by-play duties with Dave Van Horne. During Game 4 against the New York Yankees, he called Alex González’s walk-off home run in the 12th inning. The victory levelled the series and helped Florida move towards the title. That season also included the National League Championship Series against the Chicago Cubs, a team he would later serve as its main television voice.
Atlanta Braves Television Career
Sciambi joined the Atlanta Braves as lead television play-by-play announcer in 2007. He worked on Fox Sports South and SportSouth, often alongside former pitcher Joe Simpson. He stayed through 2009, gaining daily television experience in a major baseball market.
Jon Sciambi ESPN Career
Sciambi began contributing to ESPN in 2005 and joined the network full time in 2010. His work has covered Major League Baseball, college basketball and international events. His assignments have included regular-season baseball, playoff games, the College World Series, Little League World Series, World Baseball Classic and Korean Baseball Organisation games during 2020.
ESPN Radio and the World Series
In 2023, he became ESPN Radio’s lead play-by-play voice for the full World Series. He worked with Jessica Mendoza and Eduardo Pérez, while Buster Olney contributed from the field. He returned for the 2024 and 2025 World Series. These assignments placed him among the leading national baseball voices of his generation.
Broadcasting Style
Sciambi combines clear description with humour, statistics and natural conversation. He explains modern baseball data in simple language, helping devoted supporters and casual viewers follow the action. He also values natural stadium sound. Advice from veteran broadcaster Jon Miller taught him to leave room for the crack of the bat, the crowd and the catcher’s glove.
Jon Sciambi and the Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs appointed Sciambi as their television play-by-play announcer in January 2021. He joined Marquee Sports Network after Len Kasper left the Cubs’ television booth. He works mainly with analyst Jim Deshaies and field reporter Taylor McGregor. His relaxed chemistry with Deshaies has become an important part of Cubs coverage.
Marquee later gave Sciambi and Deshaies multiyear contract extensions. He continues to balance Cubs broadcasts with national ESPN duties.
Emmy Recognition
Sciambi contributed to an Emmy-winning Cubs broadcast in 2021. He later earned an individual Chicago/Midwest Emmy in the Sports Analyst and Play-by-Play category for his work during 2023.
MLB The Show Commentary
Sciambi became a main English-language commentator for the MLB The Show video-game series, beginning with MLB The Show 22. He joined former major-league player Chris Singleton in the commentary booth. The project required hundreds of studio hours and tens of thousands of recorded lines to recreate their natural working style.
Jon Sciambi Charity Work
Sciambi has a deep personal connection with ALS, also known as motor neurone disease. His childhood friend Tim Sheehy was diagnosed in 2005 and died in 2007 at the age of 38. Sheehy created Project Main St. to help families facing the heavy costs of ALS care. Sciambi helped expand the charity, raise money and increase awareness. He serves on its board and supports galas, softball events and fundraising activities.
The charity gives direct financial help for wheelchairs, home care, communication devices and transport. His contribution is one of the most meaningful parts of his life away from broadcasting.
Jon Sciambi Wife, Children and Private Life
Sciambi keeps his personal life private. Trusted official biographies do not confirm a wife, current partner or children. Claims about his marriage or family should not be treated as established fact. He enjoys collecting trainers and has owned more than 100 pairs. His large shoe size helped shape the hobby.
Jon Sciambi Salary and Net Worth
ESPN and Marquee Sports Network do not publish Sciambi’s salary. No reliable financial record confirms his net worth. Figures shared online are estimates rather than verified amounts.
Jon Sciambi Career Legacy
Jon Sciambi has spent more than three decades building a respected career in sports media. From college radio and small-station work to the World Series and Wrigley Field, his progress reflects patience, talent and preparation. His voice is now closely connected with Cubs baseball and ESPN’s national coverage. His Emmy success, video-game work and commitment to ALS families add further depth to his career. He is a trusted storyteller, an experienced broadcaster and a major voice in modern baseball.
