Social media has been a longstanding topic of debate in the sports media profession, with some personalities opting to use it while others have steered clear of it at all costs. Matt Vasgersian has been calling Major League Baseball games for over three decades – whether that be on a national stage for MLB Network or, more recently, locally for the Los Angeles Angels. As the MLB All-Star Break approaches, the versatile commentator and studio host appeared on the STUpodity podcast to discuss the way he approaches his job, especially from the perspective of dealing with critics on social media and utilizing various platforms as a whole.
“I have an Instagram account; I don’t really do much on there,” Vasgersian said. “I’m just very skittish about the whole thing. I feel like it’s invasive [and] I feel like too many of my colleagues in this profession just use it to show off.”
On Instagram, Vasgersian communicated that he primarily keeps up with his favorite bands and other pages that appeal to him as a man in his mid-50s. Yet when it comes to Twitter, Vasgersian has made it a point to avoid the platform because of the frequent turmoil that seems to be associated with it. Even so, not being exposed to the content on social media platforms, mainly pertaining to baseball, does not make Vasgersian feel as if he is being excluded from the mainstream conversation. Instead, he goes about watching the game in his own unique manner, some of which guides his commentary and makes it stand out.
“I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything,” Vasgersian said. “I kind of consume the game and appreciate the game on my own level. It might be rudimentary for some; I don’t hate on any of that stuff. I think that some of those trends that get kicked around especially [with] regards to baseball are pretty fun, but do I feel I’m missing out on any of it? No, I don’t.”
Vasgersian continues to call games for the Angels and contribute to MLB Network across a variety of different programming. During the offseason, he has co-hosted Hot Stove, a studio-based morning program, with Harold Reynolds.
