Peter Gammons leaving ESPN to join MLB Network

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Noted baseball analyst Peter Gammons is leaving ESPN to become an analyst for MLB Network.

Gammons will offer commentary for breaking news and big events such as the postseason, winter meetings, amateur draft and the trade deadline. He will appear on the network’s news shows as well as develop short documentary-style pieces. He also will write regularly for MLB.com, becoming part of its new columnist website.

“To be involved with people whose network is devoted to baseball, and baseball only, is something I look forward to with excitement,” Gammons said in a statement Tuesday.

Gammons joins Bob Costas as a major presence at MLB Network.

“It’s hard to imagine a reporter who is more deeply associated with a sport than Peter is with Major League Baseball,” MLB President Tony Petitti said. “Having Peter associated with MLB Network is an incredible opportunity and another great step for MLB Network as we head into our second year on Jan. 1.”

Gammons joined ESPN in 1989 and has been an integral part of its baseball coverage.

“My decision to leave ESPN and move on at this point in my life has been conflicted,” Gammons said. “ESPN gave me a great deal more than I gave it, and will always be a huge part of who I am.”

-- Houston Mitchell