Heidi Watney Joining MLB Network As Studio Host And Reporter

Heidi Watney, who was a huge fan favorite when she was the Boston Red Sox field reporter for NESN, has a new sports broadcasting gig.

Starting in January, she will become an in-studio host and reporter for the MLB Network.

In a press release, Watney said “I’m extremely excited to return to baseball by joining MLB Network’s on-air talent lineup. Baseball is a true passion of mine and I’m looking forward to covering all 30 MLB clubs 365 days a year.”

After four years covering the Red Sox for NESN, Watney went back to her home state of California in December 20011 for a job on Los Angeles Lakers telecasts for the new Times Warner regional sports cable network. There apparently was, however, bad blood between Times Warner and the Lakers over the hire, and Watney actually never got on the air. A few months ago, Time Warner and Watney reached an agreement that allowed her to leave the organization to pursue other opportunities.

Watney’s former NESN colleague, Hazel Mae, also landed at the MLB Network before moving on to Rogers Sportsnet in Canada in 2011.

Watney was also a finalist for the host of ESPN’s First Take, a job that went to Cari Champion. Appearing regularly on the MLB Network has got to be a major upgrade over listening to Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith yell at each other every day. Heidi Watney is the cousin of professional golfer Nick Watney.

Very excited to finally be able to say I’m joining @mlbnetwork as a studio host and reporter. #MLB #Ilovebaseball

— Heidi Watney (@HeidiWatney) November 19, 2012

Are you looking forward to watching Heidi Watney on the MLB Network? [photo credit: Keith Allison via photopin cc]

Watch Heidi Watney sample some ballpark food:

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