Erin Andrews is opening up about her departure from covering Major League Baseball for FOX Sports, a move that came despite her enthusiasm for the sport. The seasoned broadcaster has enjoyed a successful career spanning nearly two decades, most notably rising to fame through her NFL reporting. However, she initially joined FOX Sports with the hope of engaging deeply in MLB coverage, a passion rooted in her family’s history, as her late grandfather was an avid Red Sox fan.
After transitioning from ESPN to FOX in 2012, Andrews joyfully anticipated attending significant baseball events, sharing a heartfelt memory of her grandfather and the emotional significance attached to the Red Sox’s championship win in 2004. She successfully covered consecutive World Series in 2014 and 2015, marking significant milestones in her baseball broadcasting journey.
Yet, during her 2016 contract renewal, Andrews made the conscious decision to step back from baseball to focus entirely on her role as an NFL sideline reporter. FOX Sports president of production, John Entz, expressed appreciation for Andrews’ contributions to MLB and supported her shift in focus due to her other commitments.
In a candid discussion on her ‘Calm Down’ podcast with co-host Charissa Thompson, Andrews admitted that the transition from football to baseball was challenging. She felt that jumping into baseball coverage without a full-season perspective left her at a disadvantage. “I felt like I was doing a disservice to people that were watching at home,” Andrews stated, emphasizing her belief that dedicated baseball reporters, who had followed the sport throughout the season, were better equipped to provide insightful coverage during the playoffs.
Andrews reflected on her experience working alongside veteran MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, recognizing the steep learning curve she faced as she attempted to catch up on the season’s storylines and intricacies.
While stepping away from baseball may have initially felt like a loss for Andrews, her strong connection to the NFL and commitment to delivering the best coverage possible ultimately guided her decision. This pivot highlights her dedication to providing quality sports reporting, resonating well with her audience and further solidifying her reputation in the industry.