NBC Sports Philadelphia executive explains decision to let go of Taryn Hatcher
Changes are coming to Phillies television broadcasts.
Mike Schmidt, a part-time Phillies broadcaster since 2014, has chosen not to return this year. The network also eliminated the sideline reporter position, meaning Taryn Hatcher won’t be back.
Alexandra Matcham, the vice president of content for NBC Sports Philadelphia, said in an interview with the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Jeff Blumenthal that the network is looking to “add to our storytelling in new ways.”
“As the game of baseball evolves and changes, so too does our coverage,” Matcham told Blumenthal. “In order to give fans who are not at the stadium the most entertaining and informative broadcast we can deliver, we want to add to our storytelling in new ways. This season, we believe we can do that by bringing a different approach to our coverage.”
Hatcher had been the Phillies sideline reporter for home games since 2023, reporting from the dugout and various locations inside the stadium. She got her start with NBC Sports Philadelphia in 2018 as the Flyers rinkside reporter.
Hatcher released a statement regarding her departure from NBC Sports Philadelphia on her social media pages:
“Sadly, I won’t be returning on Phillies coverage this season,” Hatcher wrote. “At the conclusion of the 2025 season, I was told that my role on the sidelines at NBCSP was being eliminated moving forward.
“While the news was pretty heartbreaking, I have to acknowledge that it was a really fun run. I loved every second of it. I’m grateful for everyone who tuned in over the years, and for the wonderful people I’ve met along the way.”
Matcham also said that color analyst Ben Davis will continue to call “key games” from the dugout. The network experimented with Davis calling games from the dugout last year when Hatcher was not on the broadcast. Davis, Kruk and Ruben Amaro Jr. are all back as color analysts for the 2026 season. Tom McCarthy is also back for his 17th full season as Phillies lead television play-by-play man.