For a second time since launching the network, SportsNet LA hosted a group of bloggers at their studios in El Segundo, Calif. Whereas the inaugural event focused on new technology and a mock Dodger Stadium video board, Friday’s event was more of a gathering to watch the Los Angeles Dodgers face the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Stacey Mitch, public relations director for Spectrum Networks, guided the group onto the set of SportsNet LA’s “Leadoff L.A.,” which featured anchor John Hartung and analysts Jerry Hairston, Jr. and Ned Colletti. The trio worked seamlessly, whether during the show or formulating final thoughts for segments that were around a commercial break.
From there it was to the control room while “Access SportsNet: Dodgers” aired. Inside, there are multiple conversations taking place at once, highlights and/or graphics being prepared, and simultaneous operations to keep Hartung, Colletti and Hairston on schedule, while integrating Alanna Rizzo, Orel Hershiser and Joe Davis into the show.
For an outsider, the environment comes across as chaotic. But for the experienced crew, it was merely another night in a long season. Hours of preparation and countless years of collective experience has the broadcast flowing without hiccups.
What makes the SportsNet LA team so captivating is the group’s ability to enjoy light-hearted moments without sacrificing production value. The first evidence came when producer Stu Mitchell began to rib Hershiser over his new delivery of dress shirts.
Of course, that was after testing audio levels and informing Davis and Hershiser when they were going to be on camera for their quick hit from Chase Field.
Watch out @Joe_Davis got my new @highbarshirtco so I will be looking as sharp as you now! pic.twitter.com/lKkRa79XWS
— Orel Hershiser (@OrelHershiser) April 21, 2017
In what undeniably was the highlight of the evening, we joined Hartung, Colletti and Hairston while the game was in progress. Sure, Hartung has hosted several shows, Colletti’s spent countless years in front offices, and Hairston 16 years in the Majors, but each was welcoming and engaging.
Colletti answered any questions thrown his way, touching on the delicate and challenging nature of managing Julio Urias’ innings, his demeanor while watching games during his tenure as Dodgers general manager, and newly-created Twitter account. “I’ll be on Instagram in 2020,” Colletti quipped.
Hairston recalled his Major League debut — which took place a year too early in his estimation — and various stretches throughout his career where he excelled.
Hairston reminded Colletti of an instance during the 2012 season when he said he’d atone for injuries to Dee Gordon and Matt Kemp, among others. “I was solid for like a month,” Hairston said with a laugh.
After several innings spent around a conference table, it was time for the trio to enter the final stages of preparation for the postgame show. And the bloggers had to return to their work as well.
