Cubs extend TV broadcasters through 2019 season

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Cubs fans will be hearing Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies for the next three seasons, at least.

The Cubs re-upped with the dynamic TV broadcasting duo through the 2019 season.

Kasper and Deshaies — more often referred to as "Len and JD" — have brought wit and analysis to Cubs TV broadcasts for the last four years, watching as ratings have doubled the last two years on CSN.

After enduring a couple years of rebuilding, Len and JD have been calling games for a Cubs team that has won 200 regular-season contests plus five postseason series (and of course, the first World Series in 108 years).

"We think Len and JD are the best team in baseball," Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney said in a statement. "Their chemistry as a team and their ability to weave baseball history, current events and the Wrigley experience into the game call speaks to their preparation and love of baseball. We are excited to know they will continue bringing Cub games to our fans, especially after such a thrilling and historic season."

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2017 will be Kasper's 13th year as the Cubs play-by-play TV broadcaster after three seasons with the Florida Marlins (2002-04) and three years with the Milwaukee Brewers (1999-2001)

"I am thrilled to formalize an extension of what has been the greatest job in the world," Kasper said in a statement. "Calling Cubs games with Jim Deshaies for the most passionate fans in baseball is something I cherish and hope to do for the rest of my career. I am incredibly thankful to the Cubs, the Ricketts family, WGN, CSN and ABC 7 and all the fans with whom we watch and cheer on the Cubs every season."

Deshaies worked 16 years as the analyst for the Houston Astros broadcast before joining the Cubs. He played 12 years in the big-leagues, working almost exclusively as a starting pitcher, going 84-95 with a 4.14 ERA over 1,525 innings from 1984-95. 

"I am excited to continue my relationship with the Cubs and the entire organization," Deshaies said. "It has been a joy to share Cubs baseball with our great fans and I hope to do so for a long time. It is a special privilege to call Wrigley Field your home office, and working with a top notch partner in Len Kasper and all our broadcast partners makes coming to the ballpark that much more enjoyable."

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