Ernie Johnson takes over as TBS lead announcer for ALCS, Brenly & Simpson return for playoffs

Ernie Johnson becomes TBS lead announcer for ALCS

NEW YORK — Ernie Johnson is taking over as the lead play-by-play announcer for the TBS telecasts of the baseball playoffs.

Johnson will call the American League championship series. He also will work first-round games.

Chip Caray was the network’s lead announcer last year. Viewers criticized his many mistakes and he parted ways with Turner Sports after the postseason.

Johnson will be paired with analysts Ron Darling and John Smoltz in the ALCS.

Johnson, Brian Anderson, Dick Stockton and Don Orsillo will handle the TBS telecasts in the first round. Analysts will include Bob Brenly, Joe Simpson, Buck Martinez, Darling and Smoltz.