• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, December 8, 2009

Peter Gammons, a near-ubiquitous presence on ESPN as a baseball commentator for two decades, is leaving the network. ESPN said he has opted to pursue other opportunities and wants "a less demanding schedule."

Before ESPN, Gammons was a long-time writer for The Boston Globe, who is credited by some for inventing the "notes" column -- essentially a collection of assorted news, rumors and opinions -- now a staple of newspapers. He is one of many writers to transition into on-air roles at ESPN.

"My decision to leave ESPN and move on at this point in my life has been conflicted ... the choice to move on was made with nothing but the strongest feelings for the people with whom I worked," Gammons stated. "ESPN gave me a great deal more than I gave it, and will always be a huge part of who I am."

In 2006, Gammons suffered a brain aneurysm that threatened his career. But he recovered and returned to his analyst's role. Gammons was a regular on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" and did some on-site reporting at games.