Marlins TV legend Tommy Hutton to retire after 2026 season

Prior to Monday's Miami Marlins spring training game in Jupiter, Tommy Hutton announced that 2026 will be his final season as a broadcaster.

Turning 80 this April, Hutton's swan song will be his 28th season contributing to Marlins broadcasts and his 24th calling their games on TV. Apart from the Fish, he had previous stints with the Montreal Expos, New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays and appeared on national telecasts for ESPN, ABC and NBC. The former first baseman/outfielder played 12 major league seasons from 1966-1981. Overall, he has spent more than six decades in professional baseball.

“Calling Marlins games and being part of this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Hutton said in a club press release. “I’m deeply grateful to the fans, players, coaches and everyone who has supported me all these years. While it’s bittersweet to know 2026 will be my final season, I’m looking forward to treasuring every moment in the booth with this great organization.”

Hutton distinguished himself from other Marlins color commentators with his willingness to rant about blatant misplays and unfair calls. By and large, fans appreciated that "authenticity," as Marlins chairman & principal owner Bruce Sherman acknowledged in the same press release. "His impact on this franchise and this community is lasting. We are proud to celebrate his extraordinary career alongside our fans.” 

Hutton has been partnered with a handful of Marlins play-by-play announcers, beginning with Joe Angel and most recently, Kyle Sielaff. He developed particularly good chemistry with Rich Waltz when they were partnered together from 2005-2015. Unfortunately, they didn't cover any postseason-caliber teams during that period. Hutton was fired by the Marlins after the 2015 season, but brought back in June 2018 and has worked in a part-time capacity ever since.

At the start of Monday afternoon's press conference at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, Waltz called Hutton to congratulate him.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported last month that Hutton is scheduled to work 60 game broadcasts this season. He's part of a three-person rotation of analysts that includes Jeff Nelson (69 games) and Gaby Sanchez (28 games).