Joe Buck returned to the MLB broadcast booth on Thursday, marking his first national MLB game since the 2021 World Series. Known as the voice of Monday Night Football, Buck felt right at home calling the New York Yankees-Milwaukee Brewers game, reminiscing about his 24 World Series calls between 1996 and 2021. “I felt totally comfortable,” Buck told The Athletic after the game. “I felt like I hadn’t left.”
For many fans missing his voice, Buck’s return evoked fond memories of significant plays and MLB moments. It didn’t take long for him to showcase his trademark style; when Yankees catcher Austin Wells homered in the bottom of the first, Buck quickly delivered his iconic call, “Back at the wall!” while honoring longtime Yankees announcer Michael Kay with a “See ya!”
The first Yankees batter of the 2025 season hits a home run.
Joe Buck gives this Austin Wells homer a “See Ya!” call on the ESPN broadcast, a la Michael Kay. ⚾️🎙️ #MLBpic.twitter.com/7tlpVTgW8c
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 27, 2025
Buck received praise from sports media figures who tuned in to watch his return. The 55-year-old broadcaster collaborated with Brewers broadcaster Bill Schroeder and Yankees YES Network’s Joe Girardi, noting how both helped him ease back into the rhythm of the broadcast. “I loved working with Joe and Bill,” Buck mentioned (via The Athletic). “I was stunned how easy they made it feel.”
Buck didn’t approach this booth return lightly. He revealed to Chris Russo on SiriusXM Radio the day before that he prepared extensively for the game, studying teams and storylines. “I’m treating this as if I’m doing World Series Game 7 on Thursday, you have to,” Buck remarked. In a recent lecture at the University of Texas, Buck discussed his encounters with social media trolls, emphasizing the need for broadcasters to cultivate thick skin. “Doing live play-by-play, I think, in today’s climate, is harder than it’s ever been,” he stated, acknowledging it was much tougher compared to when he began at Fox in 1994.
Nonetheless, on Opening Day, the critics were largely quiet as most fans appreciated Buck’s familiar voice returning to the MLB booth, even if just for one game.
