Celebrities, like the most of us, experience highs and lows.
One such enigma is eternal St. Louis Cardinals’ play-by-play TV announcer Dan McLaughlin.
Remembered for his captivating commentary and dazzling presence on screen, McLaughlin took an unexpected turn that left fans wondering, “Where is Dan McLaughlin now?”
The Good Old Days
In the not-so-distant past, Dan McLaughlin was the epitome of success.
The professional sportscaster played his role with charm and talent, at least for the St. Louis Cardinals.
He had been with them for 24 years when his tides changed, and the façade began to crumble.
A joint statement by the Cardinal’s team and station read: “Dan McLaughlin will not return as the Cardinals television play-by-play announcer on Bally Sports Midwest. We thank him for his contributions to Cardinals baseball, to Cardinals fans and for his many charitable efforts”.
When asked for comment, McLaughlin confirmed that letting him go was a mutual decision.
Speculation about personal struggles and controversies surrounded him. And the somewhat anticipated downturn in his once illustrious career escalated.
Why the Cardinals and BSM Let McLaughlin Go
It may have come as a shock for baseball fans when McLaughlin got the sack.
Dan was onto his silver anniversary season behind the microphone for the Cardinals and Bally Sports Midwest (BSM).
This would be a milestone achievement for him. You’d think he wanted to be a part of the Cardinals’ history, but his statement on the decision to sack him created more controversy.
McLaughlin, 49, is quoted as saying, “I have spent the last several days reflecting on my steps towards addressing my health and the well-being of my family and me.”
As it turns out, the talented TV announcer lost his job because of a DWI federal charge.
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the police pulled over Dan in Creve Coeur on December 4, 2022.
Before they arrested him, police had received reports of a drunk driver in a white BMW.
A homeowner had also called the police to report a white BMW parked outside their house, and ‘the driver was not making any sense’ and appeared intoxicated.
McLaughlin’s Drinking Problems
Well, folks, your favorite sports announcer liked to tango with the elixir of euphoria.
In fact, he has been arrested three times for DWI. One only wonders how many times he escaped arrest.
Previously, police arrested him for DWI in 2010 and 2011. In the first incident, the court gave him two years of probation. And in the 2011 charge, his license was suspended for 90 days.
Dan barely kept his job after the first and second arrests. He understood and admitted that he didn’t have more rope for missteps.
He said, ‘This is as last-chance as it gets, absolutely.’
And when the third strike came, McLaughlin was deeply remorseful. But his goose was cooked. He left BSM and focused on recovery and spending time with his family.
What is Dan McLaughlin Doing Now?
According to his website, Scoops with Danny Mac, McLaughlin is still involved in sports media but in a different capacity.
He hosts a podcast and a television show where he interviews nationally-known sports figures in candid one-on-one conversations.
He also runs a media company that produces content for various platforms.
McLaughlin has not revealed much about his personal life or health status since he departed from Bally Sports Midwest.
Dan and his lovely wife Libby have four children and are active in several charities in St. Louis. A notable one is the ‘Play Yellow Initiative,’ a fund to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
But the sports enthusiast hasn’t commented on whether he plans to return to play-by-play broadcasting.
