Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES — The job of the on-field reporter in professional sports is an interesting one. They are not looked to for analysis like a color commentator is. They are not bringing the action to us like a play-by-play man does. Instead, we look to them for little nuggets to give some context to the action, and we hope they can get a few gems out of our favorite players in post-game interviews. But, they tend to be looked at as “one of us”, a fan on the inside who has special access to the team. As such it is a difficult gig to pull off well.
Such was the challenge that new Dodgers sideline reporter Kirsten Watson faced in her first year with the team. Not only was she new on the Dodgers beat, she was replacing one of the best at the craft, Alanna Rizzo, who left the team to pursue an opportunity at MLB network that is more in line with her desire for work/life balance. Throw in the fact that Watson had limited access to the team in the early going because of the pandemic, and you can get an idea of the challenges the young reporter was facing in her new position.
Watson stopped by the Bleed Los Podcast to discuss these and other matters the other day, and gave us a very thoughtful perspective on her trial by fire. “I’d say it’s probably been one of the biggest transitions, honestly, in my entire career,” she said. “Before doing the Dodgers, I worked for the NFL, and also was with Spectrum, but doing the Lakers and Sparks… but’s definitely challenging; it’s been insane. The baseball schedule is like no other schedule.”
Having to learn on the job has been both a challenge and a thrill for Watson, but she was quick to point out that her SportsNet broadcast team, and even the Dodgers players themselves have been very supportive. “I remember talking to Edwin Rios before he got injured,” she recalled, “and he just said ‘Don’t worry; we got you.”
As for the Dodgers’ previous on-field reporter, Alanna Rizzo, Watson was very open. “I’m not trying to fill anybody’s shoes,” she said. “Alanna’s one of the best if not the best reporter in baseball, and she has such a history with this team, and she’s always going to have that. I’m here to create my own path, and to create my own experience and I think that is something that I really had to understand.”
Watson grew up playing sports. At 6’1″, she was a perfect fit to play basketball and volleyball, and was a top-50 recruit to play volleyball out of high school. Though her parents insisted that she use the athletic scholarship as a springboard for an education that would help further her career outside the lines. She wound up attending Northwestern University and taking journalism classes there before eventually transferring to Columbia to finish her education. In New York, though the level of volleyball competition wasn’t as great, she was able to find internships and opportunities in journalism that eventually led her to Los Angeles and her position with the Dodgers.
And like any rookie, she is eager to learn. Luckily, the best in the business are around to help her. “I have literally spent my entire life being coached,” she said, “so this is nothing new.” Her dedication and hard work are beginning to show dividends. As the season has progressed, she has gotten much more comfortable in her role, and it’s clear that the Dodger players enjoy her presence at the stadium.
The feeling is mutual. When asked who the funniest of the Dodgers was, Watson was diplomatic, saying that they all had their moments, but when pressed a little bit, she did have to admit that she enjoyed Austin Barnes’ low-key sense of humor. “Sometimes he’ll say something that I won’t catch right away, but then afterward, I’ll think, you know that was good!”
Watson has a lot more to say, and you can listen to her insights on this week’s episode of the Bleed Los Podcast. For my money, it’s the best Dodger podcast out there. Great content every week. After you give Kirsten a listen, check out their archives for lots of great baseball content.
