Robert Flores (Courtesy of MLB Network) Robert Flores (Courtesy of MLB Network)
By Michael Grant on

Robert Flores has been at MLB Network almost as long as he was at ESPN.

The former SportsCenter anchor who left ESPN in 2016 is now better known as one of MLB Network’s on-air personalities and as a voice for the MLB The Show video game series. Flores co-hosts MLB Central with Mark DeRosa and Lauren Shehadi and will be part of the network’s coverage of this week’s All-Star Game festivities.

This will be his sixth time covering the event. We recently caught up with Flores to discuss his career and baseball.

Note: This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

How risky was it to leave ESPN for MLB Network?

Robert Flores: “I just know I was ready for a change after 11 years at ESPN, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I was excited for the opportunity, but I can honestly say it’s been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional career.

“I would put it at minimal risk. I tell the story of how I found out I was losing my spot on SportsCenter via Richard Deitch’s Twitter page. That’s when I knew I had to leave. So I was ready for a new opportunity and a new challenge.”

Could you elaborate on what happened at ESPN?

“Jay Harris and I were doing the midnight Eastern SportsCenter at the time. It was then revealed on Twitter that Scott Van Pelt would be taking over that time slot, so that’s how I found out. That’s kind of an indicator of where things stand, where you stand. Hey, but that’s big-boy television. I’m grateful for the time I had at ESPN; I worked with some great people. It was my goal to work there ever since I was 18, 19, 20 years old. So, I enjoyed my time there. I’m glad it’s on my résumé, but I love where I’m at.”

How has your role at MLB Network evolved?

“When I started in 2016, MLB Central was just getting started. Matt Vasgersian was the host. I was in the mix on a variety of shows, including MLB Tonight. When Matt ultimately decided to leave the show, although he’s still a big part of MLB Network, that spot on MLB Central opened up. I had watched the show and found it very entertaining, and I really wanted the opportunity to be a part of it. So I joined MLB Central before the 2018 season and have been there ever since.

“And when I talk about things at MLB Network being so rewarding and among the favorite parts of my career, the show I’m currently doing and the people I do it with, both on and off camera, that’s what I mean.”

What is it like to work with Mark DeRosa and Lauren Shehadi?

“We are lucky to have great chemistry on camera, but more importantly, a really good friendship off camera. And I think that comes through in how we do the show and why it is popular among baseball fans. But we also take it very seriously. DeRo always says that the show is to honor the game and the players. And while we do have fun and try not to take ourselves too seriously, we take the game very seriously.”

What’s your favorite thing you’ve done at MLB Network?

“A handful of years ago, it was decided that our show would hit the road for various big events, jewel events on the MLB calendar. Going to London with MLB Central, going to the Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee, going to the World Series and things like that. For our collective show unit to be included in covering those big events stands out to me. I think it speaks to the work that not only the hosts have done, but also everyone connected with the show. Because it is a true collective effort, everyone is pulling in the same direction. There are so many men and women whose names aren’t mentioned, whose faces aren’t seen, who are vital to what we do.”

What was it like interviewing J.K. Simmons?

“It was kind of surreal, but I came away very impressed. He loves his Detroit Tigers. He goes back with them a long, long way. And I think that’s one of the great things about getting the chance to interview celebrities or people who aren’t players, coaches, or managers. You can really get a sense of how much they love the game and how much it has meant and continues to mean to them. He’s a big Detroit Tigers fan for sure.”

What are your thoughts on the Home Run Derby?

“One of my favorite stories from an individual standpoint has been Jordan Walker and what he has done for the St. Louis Cardinals. I would love to see him make a deep run in the Home Run Derby. I really love where that event is. It generates so much excitement, with so many jaw-dropping performances. I would love to see Jordan Walker make a run, maybe even win it all. Bryce Harper at his home ballpark, competing in it, and we’ve seen what he can do in front of his home fans as a member of the Washington Nationals. Those two right there stick out for me.”

Is there a team that has struggled and that you think can make a second-half run?

“I think of the Toronto Blue Jays, and there are a variety of reasons why they’re not winning as much. Mainly, they’re just not scoring like they did last year. Part of it is injuries. Part of it is a lack of production from key members of that lineup. But if they can get healthy, if Vlad Jr. can get hot, which we know he is capable of. During the postseason, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. looked like one of the best players in the world. If he can get close to that and some other things break for them, they can jump right back into that.”

 
 
 
 
 
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What’s it like being one of the voices of MLB The Show?

“As someone who grew up playing video games, I’m a kid of the 70s and 80s. So being involved in one, especially in this manner, I get a big kick out of it. There’s a gym not too far from my house, and there was a young kid, about 18 to 20 years old. He stopped me and said, ‘You’re on MLB The Show, right? You’re one of the voices.’ I said, ‘I am.’ He said, ‘I get so angry at some of the things you tell me when I’m playing.’ That’s because one of the things we tried to do was break the fourth wall and lean in. Yeah, try to lean on my knowledge of playing the game, in various modes and in Diamond Dynasty. So, it’s been a real joy. And I’m going to be in next year’s game as well. I’m grateful that they asked me.”

You do Travel Vlogs. Do you have a funny story from one?

“When we got dropped off at the wrong hotel. I think it was in Toronto, and we thought we were at our hotel. DeRo and Lauren’s key cards wouldn’t work in the elevator. We couldn’t figure out why until someone noticed we were at the wrong hotel…

“Our Uber dropped us off, and I remember thinking, ‘Well, this must be a different way because I don’t remember this way when we left the airport.’ But I just thought, ‘Oh, maybe he dropped us on the other side of the hotel.’ Later, DeRo or Lauren mentioned, ‘Guys, this is the wrong hotel.’ Those are the kind of things people can relate to.”

About Michael Grant

Born in Jamaica. Grew up in New York City. Lives in Louisville, Ky. Sports writer. Not related to Ulysses S. Grant.

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