Karl Ravech handled ESPN layoff with simple mantra: ‘Don’t be a jerk’

After seeing the outpouring of praise and support after being laid off by ESPN, Karl Ravech believes it proves the importance of being a good person.

Ravech was one of the more surprising people ESPN let go during its most recent round of layoffs. Even more surprising was when Ravech quickly resurfaced on ESPN, calling several MLB games before retaking his post as the voice of the Little League World Series. During a recent appearance on Yahoo Sports Daily, Ravech explained why he was willing to continue calling the LLWS for ESPN even after he was laid off.

“Why wouldn’t I do that?” Ravech asked. “To me, being able to do the Little League World Series is a gift. I knew a long time ago when Brent Musburger was calling it, and I was doing the international games and not calling the championship. The list of people that had done that event was a Hall of Fame list of broadcasters. The impact that the Little League World Series, I think, has on the country, let alone has had on me, is significant.”

“Little League is simply the best. End. It is for so many reasons. It means that much to me. When ESPN presented me with the opportunity to call a few more Major League games and the Little League World Series…why wouldn’t I? It’s another opportunity to be a part of something that I think is really significant to the country.”

As much as the Little League World Series means to the country, Ravech also learned how much he means to sports and baseball fans in recent weeks. And while Ravech took being the voice of the LLWS seriously, calling the tournament one more time also gave him a more ceremonious ending to his tenure at ESPN than a typical layoff would. Ravech was almost unanimously praised for his 33-year tenure at ESPN. And in an industry that is so competitive, it’s rare for someone to be so beloved.

“The outpouring has been absolutely overwhelming,” Ravech admitted. “But it is a recognition for those in this field. Be smart. You never know who is watching. Make a good impression. Be a good person. To say the right things. Don’t be a jerk. All those things have served me well in what I’ve seen as the support that I’ve received since that news came out.”

No one would have faulted Ravech for being too bitter to continue working with ESPN after he was laid off. But that’s not how he approached the job during his 33 years with ESPN.

While it undoubtedly would have been nice to keep his job, Ravech has at least been able to see how well-respected he is in the weeks since ESPN let him go. Tim Kurkjian argued he belongs on ESPN’s Mount Rushmore; even Aaron Rodgers spontaneously praised Ravech for his work and longevity at the Worldwide Leader. And it’s Ravech’s simple “don’t be a jerk” mindset that left nearly everyone who ever worked with or met him with a nice story to tell.