Klingenberg, who plays for the NWSL Thorns, didn't consider broadcasting until recentlyGETTY IMAGES
In Portland, Jamie Goldberg noted former USWNT D Meghan Klingenberg made her broadcasting debut earlier this month when she joined Fox Sports as a "studio analyst" for the '18 CONCACAF Women's Championship. Fox is still "finalizing its plans for the next few months," but Klingenberg is expected to be "involved with covering the USWNT's friendly against Scotland in November" and the '19 FIFA Women's World Cup draw in December. Klingenberg until recently "hadn't even considered the prospect of becoming a broadcaster," but she "fell out of favor with the USWNT over the last two years." Klingenberg, who also plays for the NWSL Portland Thorns, "doesn't plan to hang up her cleats any time soon" (OREGONLIVE.com, 10/24).
CAN'T STOP THE 'STACHE: In Chicago, Jeff Agrest writes under the header, "Former Bears Coach Dave Wannstedt Shines As Everyone's Analyst." Wannstedt makes eight "regular appearances a week" on three TV networks -- Fox, BTN and NBC Sports Chicago -- as well as Chicago's WSCR-AM. NBC Sports Chicago VP/Content Kevin Cross said of Wannstedt, "He doesn't really need to do any of the things that he's doing. He does it because he enjoys it and he wants to be really good at it." Wannstedt "prepares as though he were still a coach." WSCR-AM Operations Dir Mitch Rosen said Wannstedt is "so well-liked by the audience because of his engaging personality and honest opinions" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 10/26).
IT'S NOT ABOUT ME: In Houston, David Barron noted longtime Clippers TV voice Ralph Lawler is beginning his "40th and final year" as a broadcaster, and each city he travels to honors Lawler with the "requisite congratulations and best wishes." While Lawler "appreciates the appreciation, he prefers to focus on the next game." Lawler: "I want this to be my best year in broadcasting. So I'm trying to enjoy each game and be as prepared as I can each night" (HOUSTONCHRONICLE.com, 10/25).
CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE: In N.Y., James Wagner writes what is missing from longtime Spanish-language baseball announcer Rene Cardenas' career, and what has "long dismayed Cardenas, as well as many people who know his history, is recognition" from the Baseball HOF. Cardenas has "spent 38 years calling games" for the Dodgers (21 years), Astros (16 years) and Rangers (one year), and was the "first Spanish-language radio announcer at each stop." There are only "three Spanish-language broadcasters who have received" the HOF's Ford Frick Award (N.Y. TIMES, 10/26).
SHADES OF GRAY: In Cleveland, Joey Morona noted FS Ohio's Angel Gray is the "new face" of the net this season, "interviewing Cavaliers players and coaches, providing analysis and reporting on huddles from her courtside perch." Gray said "understanding what you're talking about and being a great storyteller" are some of the most important qualities of being a good sideline reporter. She said, "I understand the game, so knowing how to simplify the game and break it down. Writers can write something and the audience can see it [in] the newspaper. My job ... is to tell the story they don't know and connect the fans with the team" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 10/25).
