An Olympic medalist from Ventura County who became a sports announcer has signed a deal for an expanded role with ESPN Jessica Mendoza won gold and silver medals with the U.S. softball team in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. The Camarillo woman had been serving as part of the broadcast team for ESPN’s Sunday Night Major League Baseball games.
The new deal calls for Mendoza to be the first female solo analyst on ESPN’s weeknight game broadcasts. She’ll also be the first woman to be a part of World Series radio broadcasts.
As part of the deal, she’ll have to give up a consulting job with the New York Mets baseball team. Major League Baseball officials say they weren’t comfortable with her doing broadcasts and being on the payroll of a team.
