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For someone who has spent more than four decades speaking for a living, Bob Carpenter found himself in a most unusual position today: Sitting back and wiping tears from his eyes as scores of others offered him praise.
On the penultimate day of his broadcasting career, Carpenter was the guest of honor for “See You Later Day,” celebrating his 20 seasons with the Nationals and 42 seasons announcing major league games. There weren’t many dry eyes in the house.
“It’s hard for me to express what I’m feeling right now,” he said.
The Nats presented Carpenter with a personalized jersey and a crystal microphone statue. Those items will go home to Tulsa with the 72-year-old. The “Bob Carpenter” sign unveiled on the façade of the home broadcast booth at Nationals Park will remain here for generations of fans to see.
In addition to in-person speeches by fellow broadcasters Kevin Frandsen and Dan Kolko, plus franchise icon (and occasional broadcaster) Ryan Zimmerman, the Nationals played a series of pre-taped messages that included such luminaries from Carpenter’s entire career as Lee Corso, Joe Buck, Ozzie Smith and Johnny Holliday.
Through it all, Carpenter watched intently, moved by the parade of well-wishers, holding back tears.
When it was his turn to speak, Carpenter made a point to thank all of his former broadcast partners, members of Nationals ownership, MASN executives, current and former players, ballpark workers, his wife, Debbie, and his daughters, Katie and Allison.
His final salute, though, was for Nats fans, who were first introduced to a 52-year-old from St. Louis in 2006 but now say goodbye to a 72-year-old who became part of the foundation of baseball in Washington.
“You are the love of my baseball life,” he told the crowd watching on the scoreboard and at home on TV. “I got here 20 years ago, and it took a while for you to get used to me, being from the Midwest. And, quite honestly, it took a while for me to get used to you as well. But we’ve become – at least to me – close baseball friends, and I hope the feeling is mutual. It had better be, since you’ve invited me into your home so many times throughout the years.”
Carpenter announced this would be his final season in the booth on the final day of spring training, then set about to enjoy the year as he traveled around the league, surprised to receive formal tributes from several other teams.
“I never expected any of those ballparks to put me on the scoreboard, or recognize me in any way,” he said during a press conference this afternoon. “I try not to have great expectations about things, but it really has turned out great, and I appreciate the recognition on the road and at home. I’m doing my job, just like you guys do every day, and to get recognized like this for simply doing your job is pretty remarkable and humbling.”
Known for his personalized scorebook, which has become the industry standard across every level of baseball, Carpenter was shocked when the Hall of Fame recently contacted him asking if he would be willing to donate his final 2025 scorebook to the museum.
“They’re not doing a ‘Bob’ display or anything, but the fact that they want my scorebook is pretty cool,” he said. “So I’m sure I’ll total a few things out, maybe sign that last game and send it to them whenever they want it.”
There are still two more games to call, of course, culminating with Sunday’s season finale against the White Sox. Throughout his career, Carpenter has made a point not to script anything out in advance, preferring to let the moment dictate his words. He plans to handle the ninth inning of his final game the same way, trusting the proper words will come to him when it’s time to sign off for the last time.
He did, however, have words prepared for his farewell speech today, specifically directing them to Nationals fans.
“Thank you for these memories,” he said. “If this is goodbye, I will miss you all so much. But maybe it’s not goodbye. Maybe it’s simply … see … you … later.”
