Dave Van Horne has seen the highest of highs and lowest of lows in Miami. He told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald that he will not return to the Marlins’ radio booth. The 82-year-old is retiring from broadcasting.
Van Horne called more than 8000 games in his broadcasting career. Before coming to Miami in 2001 to work for what was then the Florida Marlins, he worked in Montreal as the original English-language voice of the Expos.
During his tenure in South Florida, Dave Van Horne experienced a lot. He saw the team win a World Series in 2003, rebrand in 2012, go through multiple fire sales of talent, and go through a strange and controversial sale in 2018.
“I did three perfect games, 13 no-hit games. They are very special for a broadcaster. I enjoyed the 2003 World Championship for the Marlins. That was very special.”
Dave Van Horne also received the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.
Van Horne has seen his broadcasting assignments cut significantly in the last two seasons. Last year, the Marlins gave Glenn Geff the bulk. He only called 54 games. He was reportedly asked to work less than 20 games for the 2022 season.
He told Jackson that didn’t feel like a role he wanted. Dave Van Horne said it would make him less of a broadcaster and more of a guest.
“I’m not upset about it. I’ve thought about it during last season,” he said. “I thought this could very well be it for me. I’m comfortable with the decision I’ve made. Life goes on. I have, in effect, retired. I’m living on my pensions. I have no plans to pursue anything else. I will not pursue another baseball broadcast position.”