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.
Hartung has been part of the SportsNet LA team since the network launched in 2014, and he’s respected by his peers for a strong work ethic, knowledge and passion in the sport.
“You see a guy who has to be able to control the timing, control everything that’s going on, control all of our antics and personalities,” Nomar Garciaparra told DodgerBlue.com during a visit to SportsNet LA.
“What’s cool is he’s a fan, too, and he enjoys it. He’s the one who brings the energy into the broadcast because he’s talking early and sets the tone.”
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.
The yearly awards are determined by member vote and recognize radio and television work in Southern California.