The Los Angeles Dodgers made an addition to their broadcast team by hiring Stephen Nelson to join the SportsNet LA crew.
Nelson is expected to call more than 50 home and road games for SportsNet LA this year, with the bulk of those coming while Joe Davis is working as the lead voice for MLB on Fox broadcasts.
The 33-year-old has called games for MLB Network and Apple TV+, among other outlets, and he becomes the only Asian American play-by-play announcer working for an MLB team.
After the announcement, the Dodgers welcomed Nelson on Twitter and shared an introduction video from the broadcaster talking joining the historic organization.
Please join us in welcoming @StephenNelson to the Dodger family! pic.twitter.com/Wjel2TbZgm
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) January 20, 2023
In the video, Nelson says it’s “beyond an honor” to join the broadcast team, and jokes his role is to keep Davis’ seat warm and keep David Vassegh “away from any and all slides.”
Nelson goes on to add he wants to earn the opportunity because he is “aware of the history of this headset and the line of people who have called Dodger baseball games.”
“So not only is this a tremendous honor, the honor of my career, it comes with a great deal of responsibility, and again I plan to earn that,” Nelson said.
Nelson is a Southern California native and Chapman University graduate, and in the introduction video he also expressed his excitement to move back to Los Angeles.
Previously in Nelson’s career, he was selected as the new co-host of “Intentional Talk,” replacing Chris Rose when his contract expired. Nelson has also hosted “MLB Tonight,” “MLB Now,” “Hot Stove” and “NHL Tonight.”
Prior to joining MLB Network he was a host and broadcaster for Bleacher Report.
In addition to Davis, Nelson joins a SportsNet LA broadcast crew alongside Orel Hershiser, Nomar Garciaparra, Eric Karros, Jessica Mendoza, Tim Neverett, Dontrelle Willis, and the rest of the broadcast team.
“We are thrilled to be adding such a dynamic personality in Stephen and think he will fit in seamlessly with our incredibly talented broadcast team,” Dodgers executive vice-president and chief marketing officer Lon Rosen said.
Chris Woodward returns to Dodgers organization
The Dodgers coaching staff has enjoyed plenty of continuity under manager Dave Roberts, but Chris Woodward was among those who previously moved on from the organization.
After working as Dodgers third base coach from 2016-2018, Woodward was hired by the Texas Rangers to become their new manager. Unfortunately for Woodward, his tenure didn’t amount to success and he was fired last August.
Now the Covina, Calif., native is returning to the Dodgers in a front office role that will include being a roving instructor to assist infielders.
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