Wait, didn’t ESPN lay off iconic broadcaster Karl Ravech?
So why is he calling the Little League Classic between the Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers tonight?
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Has Karl Ravech Been Laid Off by ESPN?
Yes, Karl Ravech has been laid off by ESPN, but as part of the farewell between Ravech and ESPN, he has been given the option to remain on call throughout the year. Due to a plethora of MLB events still on the calendar, Ravech has still been on the call for select MLB games, the Little League World Series, and yes, the Little League Classic as well.
ESPN parted ways with several top personalities, and even some folks like Ravech, who have been with the company for 20+ years, but due to company-wide cuts, Ravech has been let go by the Worldwide Leader in Sports.
Because Ravech’s layoff happened during the MLB season, ESPN allowed him to continue working select games that were already on his schedule. That’s why spectators have seen him calling MLB games even after his departure was revealed.
Since Ravech has been one of the primary voices for the Little League Classic, ESPN and Ravech decided to honor Ravech’s commitment despite his employment ending.
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More Little League Classic Information
GettyWILLIAMSPORT, PA – AUGUST 20: Starting pitcher Ivan Nova #46 of the Pittsburgh Pirates works a St. Louis Cardinals batter in the inaugural MLB Little League Classic at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field on August 20, 2017 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
The 2 MLB.com writers who cover the Brewers and Braves are Adam McCalvy and Mark Bowman. They have helped contribute to an ‘everything you need to know’ guide about the Little League Classic.
Here are some of the highlights of their piece:
“The 2026 MLB Little League Classic will air nationally on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. There will also be an alternate broadcast on ESPN2 called Alumni-cast. That broadcast will include special guests and commentators who have participated in the Little League World Series, such as former Major Leaguers Todd Frazier and Devon Travis.”
McCalvy and Bowman also noted where the game is being played:
“As in years past, the game will be played in Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, which is the home of the Williamsport Crosscutters of the MLB Draft League. The ballpark, which opened in 1926 and hosted Minor League games for years, was renovated prior to the inaugural MLB Little League Classic in 2017 to meet Major League standards.”
As for the actual game being played on the field, it’s a big one between the Braves and Brewers, who both have World Series aspirations.
Atlanta is 2.5 games ahead of the Phillies in the NL East, while the Brewers enter Sunday night with MLB’s best record (81-49) and a seven-game lead over the Chicago Cubs.
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Why is Karl Ravech Calling the Little League Classic for ESPN Tonight?