The Chicago White Sox experienced one of the worst seasons in Major League Baseball history, setting a new record for losses. Their struggles extended beyond the field, impacting their broadcast team, particularly first-year announcer John Schriffen.
Schriffen stepped into a challenging situation, calling games for a failing team while taking the place of the beloved Jason Benetti. Unfortunately, mistakes seemed to follow him throughout his inaugural season in Chicago.
He faced harsh criticism for his overly enthusiastic commentary, and he found himself embroiled in feuds with various Chicago media personalities. According to our 2024 MLB Announcer Rankings, the White Sox ranked last—and this was not due to longtime analyst Steve Stone.
Looking ahead to his second Chicago season, John Schriffen shared with the Chicago Tribune that he regards last year as a “growing year” and is considering a different approach for the upcoming games.
“Last year was a huge growing year for me, not only as a broadcaster but as a person,” he stated. “It was a tough season because of what I walked into. I knew the challenges would be significant, taking over a team that was struggling and replacing a loved broadcaster (Jason Benetti). We also had a network changing hands, limiting their involvement.”
“Reflecting on it, maybe I came in a bit too hot. I was so eager to share my passion for baseball that for some, it may have come off the wrong way. It was a different tone.”
“Going through that experience has helped me understand who I am and what truly matters in life. With varying opinions, some people love you, and others don’t. Ultimately, it’s about how you feel about yourself—what I took away from the season was learning to be my own toughest critic.”
Schriffen also addressed the barrage of criticism he faced, including from fellow media figures in Chicago. While he was quick to respond last season, he feels more equipped to handle criticism calmly after enduring the tumultuous 2024 campaign.
“It’s easier said than done, right?” he remarked. “When you’re faced with so much, it’s easy to say, ‘Just ignore it.’ But understanding this, having gone through it, makes it simpler to step back and not engage.”
“Being competitive, with a lifetime of sports behind me, when faced with inaccuracies, it’s natural to want to defend yourself. However, I’ve learned that isn’t the best approach. That’s part of my growth. Having a year in Major League Baseball has given me insights that will surely make me better in Year 2.”
Things can hardly get worse for the Chicago White Sox in 2025 compared to 2024. However, if the on-field performance doesn’t improve, we hope that John Schriffen’s experience will lead to a calmer atmosphere in the broadcast booth, allowing him to connect with fans and colleagues more positively.
