A familiar voice is slated to call Major League Baseball’s Netflix debut.
MLB Network host and play-by-play voice Matt Vasgersian is expected to call the MLB Opening Night game on Netflix later this month, barring any last-minute change of plans, Sports Media Watch has learned. Netflix and MLB Network declined comment.
Vasgersian has broadcast games nationally for MLB Network over the last several years as part of its “Showcase” package and is scheduled to call world feed coverage of the World Baseball Classic knockout stage. Outside of MLB Network, Vasgersian has filled in as a studio host for MLB on FOX and for several years was the voice of ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball.”
One of the first on-air personalities hired at MLB Network ahead of its launch in 2009, Vasgersian has been a regular presence on shows such as “MLB Tonight” and “Hot Stove.” In addition to calling games nationally, he worked locally as the Angels’ lead play-by-play announcer for two seasons. Earlier in his career, he was the voice of the San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers and has also provided commentary for “MLB The Show.”
Netflix, which only this year hired its first full-time sports broadcaster in Elle Duncan, has primarily relied on talent from other networks for its live game productions. The Netflix Christmas Day NFL doubleheaders, for example, have featured CBS’ Ian and NBC Sports’ Noah Eagle on play-by-play duties for the last two seasons.
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported last month that Netflix was looking to add former Giants OF Barry Bonds and former Yankees SP CC Sabathia to be part of its Opening Night coverage. Marchand noted that Bonds would likely participate in pregame and postgame coverage on site. Few MLB national regular-season broadcasts have had an on-site studio presence in recent years, but it will become a regular occurrence this season for “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcasts on NBC.
Netflix is entering the first season of a three-year media rights deal with Major League Baseball reportedly worth $35 million annually. MLB Network is producing the broadcasts, which also include the Home Run Derby and Field of Dreams Game.
