An Interview with Matt Vasgersian of MLB Network

When MLB decided that it would launch its own network channel on cable, they were savvy enough to make its distribution part of the MLB Extra Innings package that very nearly became a monopoly of DirecTV. With a broader distribution deal through the likes of the iN Demand cable consortium, when launched on Jan. 1 this year, it became the largest cable channel launch in history reaching approximately 50 million households. With a channel dedicated 24/7/365 to baseball, it has required an ever growing stable of on-air talent to fill out programming. In early November last year, MLB Network announced their first studio host to begin the process of filling out their roster. Their selection was Matt Vasgersian, who had been the Padres play-by-play announcer. Prior to the Padres, Vasgersian had held the play-by-play duties for the Brewers, had been a member of NBC’s 2008 Olympic coverage, was part of FOX NFL telecasts, teaming with J.C. Pearson, and was the lead broadcaster for the ill-f...