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Matt Vasgersian

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Matt Vasgersian
Vasgersian atCitizens Bank Parkin 2022
Los Angeles Angels
Broadcaster
Born:(1967-09-28)September 28, 1967(age 56)
Berkeley, California,U.S.
Teams
As Broadcaster

Matt Vasgersian(bornVasgerdsian;[1][2]/væˈskɜːrdʒɪn/va-SKUR-jin;[3]September 28, 1967)[4][5]is an Americansportscasterandtelevision host.Vasgersian is aplay-by-playannouncer for theLos Angeles Angels,as well as a studio host forMLB NetworkandFOX Sports.In the past, he has served as an announcer for Fox Sports'National Football Leagueand Major League Baseball coverage,ESPN's coverage ofMajor League Baseball,NBC Sports' coverage of theOlympic Games,and NBC Sports' coverage of the originalXFL.[6]He formerly called play-by-play for theMilwaukee Brewersand theSan Diego Padres.[6]

Early life

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Vasgersian was born inBerkeley, California,and raised in nearbyMoraga.[5]He is ofArmeniandescent.[5]He started hismediacareer as achild actor,becoming a member of theScreen Actors Guildat age seven. He appeared in an episode ofThe Streets of San Franciscoand the movieThe CandidatestarringRobert Redford,which was filmed mostly inBerkeley, California.Vasgersian graduated fromCampolindo High Schoolin Moraga and theUniversity of Southern CaliforniainLos Angeles.[citation needed]While a student at USC, he appeared onThe New Dating Game,winning a trip toTelluride, Colorado.He also appeared as a contestant onSupermarket Sweep,where Vasgersian and his partner won the Big Sweep but not the $5,000 grand prize.[7]

Career

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Initial baseball work

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Vasgersian in the dugout atPetco Parkbefore a2008 Padresgame

Vasgersian has worked in baseball since 1991, starting with a six-year stint in the Minor Leagues as a play-by-play announcer. He began his career as a sportscaster with theChicago CubsRookie league affiliate inHuntington, West Virginiaon radio station WKEE-AM 800 and was the voice of theHigh Desert Mavericks(San Diego Padresaffiliate) on radio station KAPL. He moved up the minor league baseball ranks over the next several years, working for various clubs in a number of different organizations, including theSyracuse Chiefsin 1995, and ending with the Triple–ATucson Torosin 1996.[8]

Vasgersian was 29 years old when he became the play-by-play voice for theMilwaukee Brewerswhere he worked from 1997 through 2001. He later worked in the same role for the San Diego Padres from 2002 through 2008.[6]Vasgersian was with the Padres for seven seasons when it was announced he would be joiningMLB Network.[6]

On November 1, 2008, during a broadcast of the San Diego CIF High School FootballGame of the Week,Channel 4 announced that Vasgersian would not be returning as Padres announcer for the 2009 season, having chosen to pursue other opportunities. Later that week, it was reported that Vasgersian had signed a deal with MLB Network to become the network's first studio host.[9]

Fox Sports

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Vasgersian joined Fox Sports in 2006. From 2006 through 2008, Vasgersian worked on Fox NFL telecasts, teaming withJ. C. Pearsonon the network's #6 broadcast team. In previous years, he had done select games for the network. Vasgersian's Fox football resume included callingBCSgames for the network, working theOrange Bowlin 2007 and theFiesta Bowl2008 and 2009. Starting in 2007, he also worked on Fox MLB telecasts of theGame of the Week,teaming with a variety of analysts on the network's #3 broadcast crew. In 2012, he began hosting the MLB pregame show, though he still occasionally called games on a fill-in basis. In 2014, he was moved back to the broadcast booth, working withJohn Smoltzon one of the network's #2 broadcast teams (a role the pair splits withThom BrennamanandEric Karros).[10]In this role, he and Smoltz worked on postseason telecasts during the Division Series. In 2015, Vasgersian and Smoltz called their first World Series forMLB International.In 2016, Smoltz became lead game analyst at Fox andBuck Martinezbecame Vasgersian's new partner for the international broadcast of the World Series.

Vasgersian returned to Fox in 2022 where he filled in for Kevin Burkhardt as studio host during the MLB postseason when Burkhardt was on his NFL assignments.

MLB Network

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Vasgersian has been a studio host atMLB Networksince its debut on January 1, 2009, appearing regularly in-studio and on-site at the All-Star Game and World Series onMLB Tonight,the network's Emmy Award-winning live nightly studio show, as well as "Quick Pitch," "The Rundown," the offseason studio show "Hot Stove," MLB Network's Spring Training series30 Clubs in 30 Days,and MLB Network's first-ever game showBaseball IQ.Throughout the MLB regular season, Vasgersian calls play-by-play for theMLB Network Showcasegame package.[6]He called Game 2 of the2012 ALDSbetween theDetroit Tigersand theOakland Athleticson October 7.

Vasgersian andJim Kaatcalled Game 3 of the2013 American League Division Series,also between theDetroit Tigersand theOakland Athleticson October 7 as well. From 2012 to 2014, when he hosted Fox's MLB pregame, Vasgersian did not host programming on MLB Network during the All-Star Game and the postseason.

Vasgersian became a co-host, withLauren ShehadiandMark DeRosa,of MLB Network's showMLB Central,which debuted on April 6, 2015. Vasgersian was later replaced on that program byRobert Flores.Vasgersian also did commentary for MLB Network's coverage of theAll-Star Gamein 2015.

In April 2022, MLB Network announced that Vasgersian would be the host of a new daytimesports bettingshow titledPregame Spread.[11]

ESPN

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On January 23, 2018, it was announced that Vasgersian would become the new play-by-play voice forESPN'sSunday Night Baseballbeginning in the 2018 season, teaming withAlex Rodriguez,while continuing his role at MLB Network. Vasgersian succeededDan Shulman,who moved toSportsnetto callToronto Blue Jaysgames for the2019 season.[12]Shulman still remains with ESPN however.

On October 6, 2021, Vasgersian left ESPN to focus on his other roles with MLB Network and on Angels’ regional telecasts. Vasgersian's final game for ESPN was the2021 American League Wild Card Game,where theRed Soxbeat theYankees.[13]

Los Angeles Angels

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On March 11, 2021, it was announced that Vasgersian would become the new play-by-play voice for theLos Angeles Angels' telecasts onBally Sports West,taking over for former broadcasterVictor Rojaswho left to pursue a front-office career. He joined a three-man booth withJosé MotaandMark Gubicza,while continuing his roles on MLB Network.Daron Suttonwas selected as the backup play-by-play announcer for games Vasgersian was unable to call due to his obligations to the national networks.[14]Sutton was replaced byRich Waltzas Vasgersian's backup midway through the 2021 season.[15]

Vasgersian returned to the Angels' booth for the 2022 season alongside Gubicza and new sideline reporter Erica Weston with more availability due to his October 2021 departure from ESPN. As a result, Waltz was relieved of his secondary play-by-play duties andAngels LivehostPatrick O'Nealcalled games in Vasgersian's future MLB Network-related absences.[15]Vasgersian called most of his Angels broadcasts remotely from the MLB Network studios inSecaucus, New Jersey,as he did in 2021.[16]

For the 2023 season, Vasgersian was replaced as lead play-by-play commentator byWayne Randazzo,with Vasgersian demoted to a secondary play-by-play role.[17]

Other ventures

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Vasgersian first gained national exposure doing play-by-play for theXFLin 2001. Vasgersian's time with the league was tense. Following the inaugural telecast in which he quipped, "I feel uncomfortable" after a suggestive shot of the cheerleaders,Vince McMahonpersonally demoted him and replaced him with wrestling announcer and formerAtlanta Falconsplay-by-play manJim Ross.At NBC's behest, Vasgersian returned to the first team broadcast halfway through the season.

He has hosted several TV shows, including the game showSports Geniuses(2000),Game Show Network'sWorld Series of Blackjack(2004), andCelebrity Blackjack(2004), theNational Heads-Up Poker Championshipon NBC and the first season grand final ofPoker Superstars Invitational Tournament.He has also emceed various sports specials and other programs, such as theInternational World Championships of Rock Paper Scissors(2004).[18]

He also calledUSC Trojans men's basketballforFSN Westfrom 2004 to 2006.[19]

Vasgersian has also worked on anUltimate Fighting Championshipbroadcast, filling in forMike Goldberg,the usual announcer. Goldberg was working onFox Sports Net's college football telecast on the night ofUFC 56,so Vasgersian provided play-by-play alongside regular color commentatorJoe Rogan.[20]

Vasgersian was the commentator in every installment ofMLB: The Showsince its debut in2006until his last appearance inMLB The Show 21.He worked withDave Campbell,Rex Hudler,Eric Karros,Steve Lyons,Harold Reynolds,Dan PlesacandMark DeRosa.He was replaced byJon SciambiandChris SingletonforMLB The Show 22.In addition to his work onMLB: The Show,Vasgersian was the "host" for severalPS1Sony sports titles in the late 1990s and early 2000s, specifically for989 Studiossports games.[6]

Vasgersian has contributed toNBC Sports' coverage of severalOlympic Games,callingbaseballandsoftballin the2004Summer Games,ski jumpingin the2006and2010Winter Games, andfreestyle skiingin the2014Winter Games. He also hosted the2008Summer Games coverage onUSA Network.[21]

Vasgersian is also a regular featured commentator on theDave & Carolemorning show onWKLH96.5 FM in Milwaukee.[22]His affiliation with theDave and Carole Morning Showled him to a side career in music as he performed regularly as a lead vocalist with kb'smidlifecrisis, a rock band fronted byDave and Carolesidekick Kevin "KB" Brandt. Vasgersian was the host of the MLB on Fox pregame show from 2012 to 2014, before he was replaced byKevin Burkhardtafter the 2013 season.

Matt is also a recurring satirical commentator forHamish and Andy's Gap Year.

Vasgersian is the play-by-play voice forMLB InternationalreplacingGary Thornestarting with the2015 MLB All-Star Gameand theWorld Seriesfor Canadian and overseas fans.[23]

References

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  1. ^Simpson, Allan, ed. (1992).Baseball America's 1992 Directory.Durham, North Carolina:Baseball America.p. 101.ISBN978-0-6717-6029-8.High Desert Mavericks...Radio Announcer: Matt Vasgerdsian.
  2. ^Kissell, Rick (April 4, 1992)."Mavericks Increase Air Time".Daily Press.p. 16.Matt Vasgerdsian, a 24-year-old communications graduate of the University of Southern California, was named in Janauary as play-by-play announcer for this season.
  3. ^"Matt Vasgersian / Play-by-Play Announcer".4SD.Cox Communications. 2007. Archived fromthe originalon July 4, 2007.RetrievedJuly 10,2022.The 2007 season marks Matt Vasgersian's (pronounced va-SKER-jin) sixth year as the Padres lead television broadcaster...
  4. ^Smith, Curt (2011).A Talk in the Park: Nine Decades of Baseball Tales from the Broadcast Booth.Washington, D.C.: Potomac Books. p. 211.ISBN978-1-59797-670-1.September 28 is also my birthday...—Matt Vasgersian.
  5. ^abcAkopyan, Manouk (April 1, 2013)."Painting the Pitch"(PDF).Yerevan.Vasgersian was born in 1967...in Berkeley and raised a half-hour away in Moraga...
  6. ^abcdef"On-Air Personalities - MLB Network".Major League Baseball.RetrievedSeptember 28,2015.
  7. ^"Trivia Time: MLB Network Set To Premiere New Game Show" Baseball IQ "Tonight".sportsbusinessdaily.RetrievedMarch 2,2019.
  8. ^"Brewers Hire New TV Voice".The Journal Times.The Associated Press.February 16, 1997. p. 8D.
  9. ^"MLB Network signs Vasgersian".MLB.November 5, 2008.RetrievedNovember 8,2008.
  10. ^"Matt Vasgersian & John Smoltz Added to MLB on FOX Starting Rotation".The Futon Critic. March 10, 2014.RetrievedMarch 11,2014.
  11. ^"Pregame Spread to debut Monday, April 11, at 5 p.m. on MLB Network".MLB.MLB Advanced Media. April 6, 2022.RetrievedApril 6,2022.
  12. ^Sanders, Jeff."Matt Vasgersian joins ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball team".San Diego Union-Tribune.RetrievedJanuary 23,2018.
  13. ^Gardner, Steve."Report: Matt Vasgersian won't return to ESPN's 'Sunday Night Baseball'".USA Today.RetrievedOctober 7,2021.
  14. ^Bollinger, Rhett."Vasgersian to lead Angels' 3-man booth".MLB.Com.RetrievedMarch 11,2021.
  15. ^abBlum, Sam (January 4, 2022)."More change coming to the Angels booth: Broadcaster Rich Waltz not brought back for the 2022 season".The Athletic.Times Mirror Company.RetrievedApril 6,2022.
  16. ^Blum, Sam (March 22, 2022)."Angels radio broadcasters won't travel in 2022; plans for Matt Vasgersian in flux as he embraces remote TV broadcasts".The Athletic.Times Mirror Company.RetrievedApril 6,2022.
  17. ^"Angels announce Wayne Randazzo as their new play-by-play announcer".Los Angeles Times.January 4, 2023.RetrievedJanuary 28,2023.
  18. ^"Heads-Up on NBC".NBC National Heads-Up Poker Championship web site.National Broadcasting Company.2006. Archived fromthe originalon July 11, 2007.RetrievedAugust 7,2007.
  19. ^"MEDIA: Fisher's dream job comes up with USC basketball".San Bernardino Sun.July 23, 2010.RetrievedMarch 2,2019.
  20. ^"Minute-by-Minute: A UFC 56 Log".Sherdog.RetrievedMarch 2,2019.
  21. ^Preston, Mike."Sports".baltimoresun.Archived fromthe originalon August 3, 2008.RetrievedSeptember 28,2015.
  22. ^"Dave & Carole Home".WKLH. Archived fromthe originalon May 21, 2010.
  23. ^"FOX takes booth from MLB international team".MLB.October 28, 2015.RetrievedMarch 2,2019.
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Preceded by Sunday Night Baseballplay-by-play announcer
2018–2021 		Succeeded by
Preceded by LeadMLB Internationalplay-by-play announcer
2015–present 		Succeeded by
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