ESPN Media Zone reports that the SEC Network, ESPN’s 24-hour television channel devoted to the Southeastern Conference, has added baseball standouts Carlos Pena and Todd Walker as analysts for the network’s extensive studio and game coverage of more than 400 SEC Network and SEC Network + produced games.
Pena had a longstanding career in Major League Baseball. He was the Texas Rangers first round draft pick (10th overall). He also made an impact at several other MLB organizations, including the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Kansas City Royals. He began working as a studio analyst for the MLB Network two years ago. His role with the SEC Network marks his first stint as a college commentator.
Walker brings a wealth of SEC experience, having played collegiate baseball at LSU. His time at the University earned him a spot in the College Baseball Hall of Fame, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the LSU Hall of Fame. He was an All-American, SEC Player of the Year and College World Series MVP in 1993. He ranks first in LSU history in career batting average and triples.
After LSU, he was the Minnesota Twins first round draft pick (8th overall) in 1994. His professional baseball career continued for twelve years at different organizations including the Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, and the Oakland A’s.
Pena and Walker are scheduled to appear together in-studio on Saturday, April 2, during the Missouri at No. 15 Arkansas game, and in that evening’s SEC Now post-game show.
Jason Barrett is the Founder and CEO of Barrett Media. The company launched in September 2015 and has provided consulting services to America’s top audio and video brands, while simultaneously covering the media industry at BarrettMedia.com, becoming a daily destination for media professionals. Prior to Barrett Media, Jason built and programmed 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, and 101 ESPN in St. Louis. He was also the first sports programmer for SportsTalk 950 in Philadelphia, which later became 97.5 The Fanatic. Barrett also led 590 The Fan KFNS in St. Louis, and ESPN 1340/1390 in Poughkeepsie, NY, and worked on-air and behind the scenes at 101.5 WPDH, WTBQ 1110AM, and WPYX 106.5. He also spent two years at ESPN Radio in Bristol, CT producing ‘The Dan Patrick Show’ and ‘GameNight’. JB can be reached on Twitter @SportsRadioPD or by email at Jason@BarrettMedia.com.
