John Fanta has been on an absolute tear in his first year at NBC Sports, seamlessly shifting between college basketball, the NFL, the NBA, and even the Kentucky Derby. Now, he's adding another sport to his already impressive resume: Major League Baseball.
This Sunday, May 10, Fanta will make his MLB debut as a reporter on MLB Sunday Leadoff. He'll join the broadcast booth alongside play-by-play voice Matt Vasgersian, four-time World Series champion pitcher Jeff Nelson, and former infielder Kevin Frandsen for the Nationals-Marlins matchup at noon ET on Peacock and NBCSN.
"I really love all sports. My first memories entail… baseball. Loved going to the ballpark with dad and grandpa growing up," Fanta shared on social media, reflecting on his early passion for the game. "Excited to be a part of some MLB on @NBCSports coverage starting Sunday for Nats/Marlins!"
Fanta joined NBC Sports last August after seven years at Fox Sports, taking on the role of the network's lead Big East play-by-play voice. Since then, he's added duties on Football Night in America, NBA play-by-play, and Kentucky Derby infield reporting. When he made his NBA debut in February, he told Awful Announcing that NBC executives Sam Flood, Rick Cordella, and Elyse Noonan promised to challenge him and keep raising the bar.
"This is why I joined NBC Sports," Fanta said. "I want to be challenged."
That challenge came with a tempting alternative. Last week, Fanta revealed to Zach Gelb that Barstool's Dave Portnoy had offered him a job, and it was genuinely tempting. However, Fanta turned it down, choosing to grow his linear television profile rather than move into content and commentary.
"I look at it from the standpoint of, everyone can bring something different to the table, and do you bring a uniqueness to what you do?" Fanta explained. "I was humbled and flattered that Dave offered me a job, and we remain friendly. It was tempting. But I'm where I want to be."
Fanta's MLB debut comes as he continues to prove he's a versatile talent ready for any stage—a perfect fit for sports fans who appreciate the game from every angle.