It was supposed to be a milestone achievement for Dan McLaughlin, his silver anniversary season behind the microphone to do Cardinals television play-by-play.
Dan McLaughlin looks in the broadcast booth before a game between the Cardinals and the Red Sox on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014, at Busch Stadium.
Photo after shipment
But 2023 won't be his 25th year in that role, what would be his 26th season overall working Cards telecasts at what is now Bally Sports Midwest.
McLaughlin, who was arrested Dec. 4 on a third DUI charge — a felony charge as a “persistent” offender — is leaving by joint decision, McLaughlin, BSM and Cardinals officials said Thursday.
“Dan McLaughlin will not be returning as the Cardinals' television play-by-play announcer on Bally Sports Midwest,” the team and broadcaster said in a joint statement. “Dan has been the voice of memorable Cardinals moments for 24 years. We thank him for his contributions to Cardinals baseball, Cardinals fans and his many philanthropic endeavors.”
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McLaughlin has worked for the club under a deal separate from his deal with Bally Sports Midwest.
He issued his own statement on the situation.
“I have spent the last few days thinking about my steps to address my health and the well-being of my family and myself,” he said. “I have come to the conclusion that my only focus must be on my recovery, which I have begun, and that of my wife and (four) children.
“As a result, I am stepping down from my duties at Bally Sports Midwest,” he added. “Thank you to all the people at Bally for their support over the years and I wish them the best. As I move forward, I ask for your patience and your privacy. Thank you. God bless.”
He said he would have no further comment.
He was previously banned until December from St. Louis University men's basketball telecasts aired on BSM. It has now been decided that he will not be returning to that role either. Scott Warmann, who filled in last week, will have the rest of that schedule.
McLaughlin barely kept his job after his second arrest, in 2011 and 13 months after his first incident. He knew he was lucky to survive and said he understood he couldn't make another big mistake.
“This is the last chance, absolutely,” he said at the time.
Jack Donovan, general manager of Bally Sports Midwest, was also McLaughlin's boss when he had previous arrests. Donovan was instrumental in getting the announcer back both times, and after the latter said, “It became clear that this is a very serious matter.”
Donovan was unavailable for comment Thursday.
Last week, when the latest incident became public, McLaughlin said he was “deeply remorseful” for his actions.
“No excuse,” McLaughlin told the Post-Dispatch. “I'm dealing with it and seeking the treatment I need.”
His next trial on his most recent charge, stemming from his Dec. 4 arrest in Creve Coeur, is set for Feb. 7 at the St. Louis County Justice Center.
McLaughlin, 48, had a rapid rise in the sports broadcasting business, going from being an intern at KMOX (1120 AM) in the 1990s to working on the Cards pregame telecast for one season before moving to the booth on a limited basis in 1999. .became the club's only play-by-play broadcaster seven years ago.
It's possible McLaughlin will be back with BSM or the ballclub in some capacity down the line. However, a spokesman for Bally Sports Midwest said a nationwide search will be conducted to find a replacement for him at the booth.
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