Last week the Los Angeles Dodgers hired Stephen Nelson to be part of their SportsNet LA broadcast team for the 2023 season. On Friday, he fought back emotion and said goodbye as a co-host of “Intentional Talk” on MLB Network.
Nelson replaced Chris Rose as co-host of the popular show two years ago, and thanked Kevin Millar along with several others at MLB Network. Although the Southern California native is stepping away from his role on “Intentional Talk,” Nelson still will contribute to MLB Network for the time being.
Nelson has additionally hosted “MLB Tonight,” “MLB Now,” “Hot Stove” and “NHL Tonight.”
He’s expected to formally join the Dodgers broadcast booth in April, primarily filling in when Joe Davis is away completing national assignments for Fox.
Thank you for the memories and good luck with @Dodgers, @StephenNelson ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XB0BbdiHBu
— Intentional Talk (@IntentionalTalk) January 27, 2023
The Dodgers anticipate Nelson calling more than 50 home and road games this season on SportsNet LA.
“It’s impossible to convey the emotions that come with this opportunity,” Nelson said in a statement at the time his hire was announced.
“This isn’t simply coming home. This isn’t simply being an announcer for a professional sports team. This is The Los Angeles Dodgers. It’s the best organization in baseball for so many reasons and I can’t wait to be a tiny part of it and its best-in-class production team.
“Growing up in Southern California, like so many Angelenos, I enjoyed a front-row seat to broadcast greatness with Vin, Jaime, Chick, Bob Miller and others. That tradition has continued with Joe Davis. To work with and learn from somebody that has become a friend in recent years is special. This is an honor and blessing that I’ll work tirelessly to earn.”
Stephen Nelson making MLB history with Dodgers
Nelson is due to become the only Asian American play-by-play announcer working for an MLB team. The 33-year-old has called games for MLB Network and Apple TV+, among other outlets.
“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.
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