Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Spectrum SportsNet LA is in their 13th season as the exclusive home of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and at the core of the network’s Los Angeles Area Emmy Award-winning coverage have been John Hartung, Nomar Garciaparra and Jerry Hairston Jr.
DodgerBlue.com was again invited to the SportsNet LA studio in El Segundo, Calif., for an opportunity to speak with three of the original members of the network and go behind the scenes during live broadcasts of “Leadoff LA” and “Access: SportsNet Dodgers” episodes.
“It’s flown by,” Hartung said of SportsNet LA now being in its 13th year since launching. “I guess the old saying is true, that time flies when you’re having fun. We have a blast every single day that we’re here.”
Getting to hang out at @SportsNetLA today with @LAJohnHartung, @TheRealJHair and @Nomar5! pic.twitter.com/BsWZxRAbAu
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) June 10, 2026
A lifelong Dodgers fan, Hartung joined the network from Southern California’s local ABC station. He anchors SportsNet LA’s coverage as their studio host, taking only occasional days off throughout the course of a season.
“We have such a great friendship and working relationship,” Hartung said of the broadcast team. “It’s easy. Every single day is easy. We just get along so well and we’ve developed this chemistry over time, that I look forward to coming in and spending my days with the people I get to work with.”
That sentiment was echoed by Garciaparra, who said, “It has gone by quickly. It really has. But that’s a good thing. I think when it goes quickly, that means it’s going the right way and well. We’re very lucky to be able to follow this team and also just who we work with. They’re not my colleagues, but my friends.”
Over recent years the likes of Chase Utley, Dontrelle Willis, Adrián González and James Loney have been among those added as Dodgers analysts. Utley’s time was brief as he subsequently became an ambassador for MLB’s London Series and is now a member of the Dodgers front office.
“It’s been really cool,” Hairston said of the additions. “I’ve known Dontrelle for a long time, and obviously played with Adrián in San Diego and then the Dodgers, and James and I were teammates. It’s cool seeing their personalities now on TV. D-Train, that was an easy one.
“I actually told him, ‘Come here, come look at me for a day, Orel, Nomar and John. Spend a day or two with us and see if you want to do this.’
“He was thinking broadcasting would be so serious all the time. This is not the news, this is sports. If you can just be yourself, people love you. I think people love Dontrelle because he’s himself. Adrián and James have really opened up; Adrián’s expertise with hitting and James Loney’s personality.
“I know James. He doesn’t open up unless he knows you. It’s been really cool to see him open up here on TV. It’s been great, man. Anytime they bring in these types of talents, it’s always great.”
SportsNet LA evolving
Now more than a decade into their coverage of the Dodgers, SportsNet LA has struck a balance between relying on proven constants and mixing in new elements.
Dodger Stadium renovations included the addition of a SportsNet LA set in the new center field plaza, which has taken the crew even closer to fans for home games. It makes for great theater following an exciting game at Dodger Stadium as fans celebrate in the background during the postgame show.
But recently there was also a reminder of the dangers with live television. While a fan joined the set to recount catching a home run ball that night, the conversation took an unexpected turn to mentioning how many ex-wives he has.
Hairston took the blame for answering leading questions, but from that came an entertaining exchange and budding friendship.
“It was in the moment,” Hairston recalled. “Spur of the moment. He caught the home run, he seemed like a genuine guy. He was awesome. I still text with him, probably, once a week. He’s a huge Dodger fan in Indiana. He just wanted to be on camera and show his love for the Dodgers.
“It was a great experience having him on. I know a lot of fans loved it because he was very candid. We didn’t expect that to happen, but that’s live TV.”
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