Every April 15th, Major League Baseball pauses to honor the enduring legacy of Jackie Robinson, a day that transcends rivalry and celebrates the sport's progress. This year, the marquee national broadcast of Jackie Robinson Day will feature a special voice in the booth. ESPN has tapped legendary broadcaster Joe Buck to call the final game of the evening between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets.

The significance of the matchup is amplified by its location: Dodger Stadium. As the home of the franchise for which Robinson broke the color barrier, it provides a powerful backdrop for the celebration. ESPN is marking the occasion with a star-studded broadcast team, pairing Buck with former star pitchers and current analysts Ron Darling and Orel Hershiser.

While Buck is currently a cornerstone of ESPN's "Monday Night Football" coverage alongside Troy Aikman, his baseball roots run deep. His return to the diamond for this game is made even more notable by his recent selection as the 2026 recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, the Baseball Hall of Fame's highest broadcasting honor.

Buck expressed his enthusiasm for the assignment, stating, "I can’t wait to work with these two guys... To call a Dodgers game on Jackie Robinson Day makes it even more meaningful. There’s no more important figure in baseball history, and to honor him that night in Dodger Stadium will be truly special.” The broadcast promises to blend high-level analysis from Darling and Hershiser with Buck's seasoned play-by-play, creating a fitting tribute for one of the sport's most important nights.