After nearly eight years in the Tri-state area, Lauren Gardner returns to Colorado, leaving a lasting legacy in sports broadcasting at MLB and NHL Networks.
Lauren Gardner’s time in Secaucus has come to a close, marking the end of an impressive chapter in her sports broadcasting career. The host and reporter for MLB and NHL Networks announced her departure on social media, revealing that she and her husband, Patrick, are relocating to Colorado to be closer to their family.
“Lauren's been a fantastic colleague and friend to us all throughout her eight years here in Secaucus,” the networks stated in a joint message to Awful Announcing. “We thank her for the wonderful contributions she’s given across our platforms and projects, and we wish her nothing but the absolute best as she heads back home to Colorado.” This heartfelt tribute underscores the impact Gardner has made during her tenure.
A Journey from Colorado to New York
Gardner's journey toward her departure began when she arrived in Secaucus in March 2019, initially working with DAZN’s baseball coverage in collaboration with MLB Network. Her trajectory began in Denver, where she covered the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets for Altitude Sports. However, her ascent in the sports media field wasn't direct; it was a winding path filled with various roles that showcased her versatility.
From interning at Mile High Sports Magazine at age 19 to cheering for the Broncos, Gardner faced the challenges of the sports broadcasting world head-on. She transitioned from being the on-camera face for the Champ Car racing series to sideline reporting for the Colorado Eagles and Mammoth. Even when pursuing her broadcasting dream, she juggled day jobs in commercial real estate and condo sales. As she reflected with The Athletic, a spontaneous drive along Colorado Boulevard sparked a realization that she was destined for a move to the East Coast.
Love for Broadcasting Shines Through
The move to New York proved to be transformative for Gardner. After her initial role with DAZN, she seamlessly transitioned into becoming a mainstay at both MLB Network and NHL Network. Her engaging presence across various shows, such as Quick Pitch and Off Base, turned her into a household name among baseball and hockey fans alike.
A notable accomplishment during her career came in July 2021 when Gardner participated in the first-ever all-female broadcast crew in MLB history, calling an Orioles-Rays game for YouTube’s Game of the Week. This milestone not only exemplified her talent but also highlighted her commitment to supporting women in sports broadcasting. In addition to that initiative, Gardner contributed to NHL Network’s all-female production of NHL Now, a project designed to promote gender equality in sports media, particularly celebrated on International Women’s Day.
Legacy and What Lies Ahead
Over the course of her nearly eight-year tenure, Gardner hosted a variety of programs, cementing her role as a leading voice in sports journalism. Most recently, she was the principal host of Off Base from 2022 to 2024, also anchoring Apple TV’s Friday Night Baseball pre- and post-game coverage while remaining actively involved in NHL Network’s broadcasts.
Reflecting on her journey, prior to her move to New York, friends had aptly predicted that the big city would be a stepping stone toward even grander opportunities. Seven years later, as Gardner transitions back to Colorado, it marks not just an end, but a potential new beginning in her professional journey. With her family-focused decision, she leaves the networks, but her influence will resonate within sports broadcasting, inspiring future generations of sports reporters and commentators.
In a media landscape evolving rapidly, Gardner’s departure serves as a reminder of the personal choices behind the public personas of those we watch on-screen. It's essential to look forward to what she might pursue next—whether it's continuing to forge her path in sports broadcasting from a different vantage point or embarking on new projects. Whatever awaits, her legacy within MLB and NHL Networks will surely stand the test of time.
