Rich Waltz Surprised Tommy Hutton at Marlins Game
The veteran broadcaster made a cross-country trip to Miami to call one final game with his colleague.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Baseball
Marlins broadcaster Tommy Hutton finished his career at loanDepot park on Saturday as his former partner Rich Waltz made a surprise appearance. The duo reunited to call the final innings of a 5-3 win over the Braves.
Why it matters
The moment honored an 80-year-old local broadcasting legend in his final game. It served as a poignant farewell for fans who have spent years listening to the pair describe the action from the booth.
The Marlins closed out the game with a 5-3 victory over the Braves. The surprise reunion took place during the seventh inning, marking the final broadcast for 80-year-old Tommy Hutton.
The players
Tommy Hutton
The 80-year-old broadcaster who retired after his final game with the Marlins.
Rich Waltz
A veteran broadcaster who traveled across the country to surprise his former colleague.
Rock Hughes
The visitors' clubhouse manager who provided a room for Waltz to prepare for the broadcast.
Griffin Conine
The Marlins player who hit a home run during the seventh inning.
The details
Rich Waltz traveled from Pullman, Washington, to Miami to pull off the surprise, utilizing a space provided by visitors' clubhouse manager Rock Hughes to prep. The timing was tight, following Waltz's commitment at a college football game the previous night. Griffin Conine punctuated the broadcast by hitting a home run during the seventh inning.
Timeline
September 26, 2026: Rich Waltz called a college football game in Pullman, Washington.
September 27, 2026: The Marlins defeated the Braves 5-3 at loanDepot park.
Beyond the 305
This surprise exit mirrors the emotional significance seen in the final seasons of legendary broadcasters like the Dodgers' Vin Scully. It highlights how teams increasingly prioritize these personal milestones to honor the voices that define a generation of fans.
Fans who followed the Marlins this season saw a legendary career come to a close on Saturday night. Viewers can revisit the highlights of the 5-3 victory over the Braves via the team's official archives.
The takeaway
The career of Tommy Hutton stands as a testament to the connection between a city and its sportscasters. Fans should keep an eye on official team communications for updates on upcoming broadcast booth assignments for the next season.
Further reading
For more on the team's season and broadcast changes, visit Miami Baseball.
