How a Michigan native became the voice of baseball's biggest moments
In short: From calling high school volleyball to anchoring the World Series, Joe Davis has rapidly ascended the ranks of American broadcasting. After stepping into the legendary shoes of Vin Scully, he has become the primary voice for the Dodgers and a leading figure for Fox Sports.
The trajectory of Joe Davis is a masterclass in steady professional ascent. After graduating from Beloit College in 2010, Davis built a diverse resume that included calling games for the Montgomery Biscuits and various college programs. His early career was defined by versatility, covering everything from NCAA Division III athletics to professional hockey and basketball for ESPN. His professional roots trace back to Michigan, where he grew up in Potterville. Prior to joining ESPN, he acted as a studio presenter for the Baylor ISP Network. He also managed broadcasting and media duties for the Schaumbarg Flyers during his early years.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2015 when he was brought to SportsNet LA. Initially an alternate, Davis was tasked with a daunting responsibility: succeeding the iconic Vin Scully for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017. Rather than attempting to mimic Scully's legendary style, Davis focused on preserving the art of storytelling, often working alongside color commentator Orel Hershiser. This transition was supported by the presence of Orel Hershiser in the booth, a partnership that Davis credits as vital to his professional comfort. He has notably limited his Dodgers broadcasts to a maximum of 90 games each season to accommodate his national schedule.
Since joining Fox Sports in 2014, Davis has moved from filling in for veterans like Joe Buck and Mike Tirico to holding the mantle himself. By 2022, he became the lead play-by-play announcer for MLB on Fox. His professional journey features intense moments, such as broadcasting the Dodgers' consecutive World Series victories in 2024 and 2025, alongside receiving a 2025 Sports Emmy for his play-by-play skills. Beyond baseball, he has also been selected as the second-in-command for Fox's NFL coverage. His career highlights include calling memorable home runs by players like Bryce Harper and Freddie Freeman.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Joe Davis (sportscaster)
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