John ‘Boog’ Sciambi is heading from ESPN to Marquee as the new play-by-play man for the Cubs.
Replacing Len Kasper, who retired this offseason, was no easy task, but the addition of Sciambi to the broadcast booth appears to have gone over quite well with Cubs fans. In fact, it’s safe to say it’s probably the best news the Cubs have delivered to their supporters all offseason.
Is that too soon?
Sciambi spent a decade at the Worldwide Leader, calling games with some of the best minds in the sports, including current Cubs manager David Ross.
“We are excited to welcome Boog to the Marquee Network and the Cubs organization. We’re confident he’ll add to the incredible legacy of Cubs broadcasters and quickly become a trusted friend to our amazing fans,” said Crane Kenney, Chicago Cubs President of Business Operations, in a statement.
What did Cubs fans think of the decision?
Sciambi is a big personality, and a voice Cubs fans will recognize. For one of the largest fanbases in all of sports, and perhaps among the most well-spoken in baseball, it’s rare to see Cubs fans reacting positively in unison to…just about anything.
boog is going to be absolutely fantastic in chicago pic.twitter.com/N6jOcNYKuu
— DOM (@DOM_Frederic) January 4, 2021
Boog gets it. pic.twitter.com/uAn6Q48nsW
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) January 4, 2021
OMG! Marquee just announced it landed @BoogSciambi to replace Len. WOW.
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) January 4, 2021
YES @BoogSciambi IS REPLACING LEN I LOVE THIS!!!!!
— David Kepshire (@davidkepshire) January 4, 2021
Fantastic move by the Cubs as they hire a great play by play man and even better person. @BoogSciambi is awesome in every way!!!! @D_Ross3 and @BoogSciambi in the same city working for the same team. What could possibly go wrong?
— Karl Ravech (@karlravechespn) January 4, 2021
Called it! Love you Boog, can’t wait! pic.twitter.com/QaUYo7QXG3
— Big C (@verysweetguy) January 4, 2021
Now THAT is a home run hire. Amazing that @BoogSciambi is coming to town.
— M@ (@MattSpiegel670) January 4, 2021
Welcome aboard! pic.twitter.com/q5fD7rrlFl
— Cubs Zone ™️ (@CubsZone) January 4, 2021
Trading Yu but picking up Boog: pic.twitter.com/CBX0xPdhDb
— Seth (@Seth__Davis) January 4, 2021
Pat on the back guys! pic.twitter.com/jLgqMWXgwT
— Caden (@CadenGreco) January 4, 2021
The Cubs made a winning decision in the broadcast booth. Unfortunately, the on-field product doesn’t necessarily mirror their off-field decision.
After trading Yu Darvish, the Cubs are still shopping the likes of Willson Contreras and Kris Bryant. This is after letting go of World Series hero Kyle Schwarber. While it’s all part of a retooling on the North Side, at least Chicago has one of the best voices in the bigs to guide them through the process.