MLB Network Hires Matt Vasgersian
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
The MLB Network has been surfing the local talent pool and they've added yet another individual to its growing roster. It was announced yesterday that longtime Padres broadcaster Matt Vasgersian was leaving the team and today he's signed on with the MLB-N. Via John Ourand at SBD....
MLB Network is about to make its first official on-air hire, signing Matt Vasgersian as its main studio host for the nightly "MLB Tonight" show, according to sources with knowledge of the deal. Vasgersian had been the lead play-by-play announcer for Padres' TV games and has done work with Fox, as well. As the main host of MLB Network's nightly show, Vasgersian will be the net's most visible on-air personality. An official announcement could come as soon as tomorrow.It's not Costas but it's still a good pickup for the new network that launches January 1st. They seem to be making all of the right moves before opening up shop, and this is just another move that illustrates that. I've long been a fan of Vasgersian, and the studio work he put in for the Olympics will definitely help him in this role.
MLB Network is launching January 1 to about 50 million homes. It has been
talking with Harold Reynolds and Hazel Mae about on-air positions and has
had conversations with Bob Costas about an on-air role.
MLB Network to Tap Matt Vasgersian (Broadcasting & Cable)
12 Comments:
Maaattty!
Will AT&T U-Verse have MLB Network, I just signed up for it this past weekend
He also did play-by-play for the ill-fated XFL.
Word is also that they have hired Trenni Kusnierek from FSN Wisconsin.
Ah yes, the XFL. I remember it and Matt well. I guess this is a decent "pick-up" for a "start-up."
I'm surprised we're not having a live blog of the elections on this site (yes, I know it's sports). The Magic Map on CNN, Sam Donaldson trying to do quick math on air and well the calling of states with 0% precincts reporting!
Is the MLB Network going to be on expanded basic, which doesn't require a digital cable box, like ESPN?
Or will getting MLB Network require calling the cable co., renting and hooking up a digital cable box to the tv?
Is Matty immediately off FOX? Because I don't see him doing a game this weekend?
Anonymous: Where did you hear that about Trenni?
I love his work on MLB: The Show.
Vasgersian will finish the NFL season and call the Fiesta Bowl for Fox on 1/5 (per San Diego U-T). He starts at MLB Network after that.
When Matt was the play-by-play voice of the El Paso Diablos in 1992-93, he did the most hilarious monologue on Oscar Gamble's hair during a blowout day game.
Don't forget about the great work he did on those 989 Sports video games and the heads-up poker championships!