Stephen Nelson: A Meaningful Connection to Dodgers Fans and His Perspective on Memories
PHOENIX — In a thrilling climax to Game 7 of last year’s World Series, Ernie Clement launched a fly ball into the left-center field gap with two outs in the bottom of the ninth. With the bases loaded and the score tied, the Dodgers’ fate hinged on the outcome.
Andy Pages, a recent addition to the game as center fielder, raced past left fielder Kiké Hernández to make a pivotal catch. Stephen Nelson, the Dodgers’ play-by-play announcer, captured the tension perfectly on the radio broadcast, exclaiming, “Oh my gosh, we’re going to extra innings! A Yamamoto miracle in the ninth! Rogers Centre in stunned silence!”
A few innings later, Nelson was back on air, calling the final outs of the Dodgers’ second consecutive World Series title. “Broken bat, ground ball. Betts has it, steps on the bag, the throw to first — double play! From backs against the wall to back-to-back, the Dodgers cement their dynasty!”
Nelson’s enthusiastic calls have become part of Los Angeles’ sports history, joining the legendary moments of Vin Scully and Joe Davis. When asked about his place in this lineage during a recent spring training at Camelback Ranch, Nelson remained modest. “I don’t really let myself think about it,” he said, adding with a laugh, “I don’t have a very high opinion of myself or my work.”
Now 37, Nelson joined the Dodgers prior to the 2023 season, stepping in as a backup for Davis on the team’s SportsNet LA broadcasts. Before this role, he hosted shows for the MLB and NHL Networks and covered play-by-play for both leagues. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I kind of feel like I fell into a fire, and now I’m just trying to survive,” as he embarks on his fourth season as the Dodgers’ lead radio play-by-play announcer.
A graduate of Marina High in Huntington Beach and Chapman University, Nelson appreciated the organization’s storied tradition, even revealing that he had grown up rooting for the Chicago White Sox like his father. “All my cousins around the Southland… they all bleed Dodger blue,” he noted, adding, “I was coming home when I took this job in a couple of different senses.”
In his first year with the team, he struggled with feelings of impostor syndrome, focusing on what fans expected rather than being himself. With the guidance of color analysts like Eric Karros, he gradually regained confidence in his abilities.
Despite his accomplishments, Nelson continues to view himself as new to the role. He likens his daily approach to the notion of “just trying to get one percent better every day,” emphasizing his goal of not disappointing Dodger fans.
Realizing he doesn’t need to emulate Scully has eased his task. “Those are shoes that are impossible to fill,” he said. “It’s actually made the job easier in a way, because I ain’t touching that bar.”
As the new season approaches, Nelson is engaging with players and prospects during spring training, enjoying the opportunity to connect with the club. He acknowledges the significance of calling pivotal moments in games, such as the last outs of consecutive World Series wins and an unforgettable Game 7 home run.
“This is a tremendous blessing,” Nelson remarked. “There are a thousand other broadcasters who are more experienced and certainly more talented, and for whatever reason, I’m here. And so I gotta earn that blessing.”
