The Los Angeles Dodgers were well-represented at the annual Southern California Sports Broadcasters luncheon, with Orel Hershiser and Alanna Rizzo among those to win an award.
Hershiser, who previously earned hardware as a TV color analysis, was recognized for his work in 2019 as a TV game/studio analyst for SportsNet LA. The Dodgers’ exclusive network also had John Hartung win for best TV pre/postgame host, and Rizzo (co-winner with Fox Sports West’s L.A. Angels/Anaheim Ducks reporter Jill Painter Lopez) for best TV reporter.
Rizzo and Painter are the first women to ever win an individual Southern California Sports Broadcaster Award. For Rizzo, she adds it to a collection that includes six regional Emmy Awards.
“It’s certainly a tremendous honor to be recognized for a job in a market where there’s so many talented individuals,” Rizzo told DodgerBlue.com. “To be able to share the award of best television reporter 2019 with Jill Painter Lopez is something that isn’t lost on me.
“She’s incredibly gifted and a great reporter, a great journalist, but more than that she’s a really good friend of mine. To be on stage with her and accept the award with her was a really neat moment for us.
Meanwhile, Dodgers coverage on AM 570 was also recognized. Rick Monday won for best radio analyst, and David Vassegh was presented the radio host/reporter award. Lastly, Hall-of-Famer Jaime Jarrín won for Spanish radio play-by-play.
Jarrín was previously honored with the 2019 Vin Scully Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Southern California Sports Broadcasters luncheon. Jarrín became the third-ever recipient of the award.
Vin Scully was first to take it home, followed by L.A. Kings announcer Bob Miller in 2018. The group added Vic “The Brick” Jacobs of AM 570 this year.
“Nobody can be the best in anything if they don’t have a team surrounding them that allows them to be their best and supports them,” Rizzo said.
“To be in a group of people that won awards — Orel Hershiser, John Hartung, Rick Monday, Jaime Jarrín, and David Vassegh — it speaks volumes not only about the group of people I’m surrounded by, but the people doing the hiring for SportsNet LA and AM 570. It’s pretty incredible.
“We’re fortunate to be able to cover an amazing team on the field but I think our broadcast team is just as equally talented.”
The yearly awards are determined by member vote and recognize radio and television work in Southern California.
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