Marquee Sports announced Wednesday that former Cub Dexter Fowler will join the network as a studio analyst.
Fowler announced his retirement from the game on Tuesday, hanging up the cleats after a 14-year career that included stops in Colorado, Houston, St. Louis, Anaheim, and, yes, Chicago.
Thanks to the fans.
Watch out for the next one. pic.twitter.com/qZd84zge6Z
— dexfowler.eth (@DexterFowler) January 31, 2023
His two-year stint at Wrigley Field coincided with the franchise’s turnaround year in 2015 and then the team’s legendary 2016 World Series run. And, frankly, “coincidence” strongly understates Fowler’s contributions. His fielding earned him an All-Star nod in 2016, and he homered once in the NLCS and twice in the World Series, most memorably leading off Game 7.
Go, let’s go!
Thanks for making Cubs history and congratulations on your 14 year career in the big leagues.
Happy retirement, @DexterFowler! pic.twitter.com/lEsqbk4wAo
– Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 31, 2023
As a Cubs fan, there aren’t many former players that Marquee could add that would make me think of actively seeking out pregame and postgame coverage or other studio programming. (Also as a Cubs fan on YouTube TV, this is a bit of an academic exercise, but stick with me.)
But, Dexter Fowler? Absolutely. Obviously I’m just a fan, but Fowler’s two-year stint was enough to land him on my all-time favorite list. (And when it comes to position, there’s no contest as to who is my favorite centerfielder ever.) He plays a fun, smart brand of baseball; working less deep counts, making highlight plays, the occasional leadoff pop.
“Hi, my name is Dexter Fowler. You may remember me from highlights like leading off Game 7 of the 2016 World Series with a home run.
*Studio audience claps, refuses to stop*
— Randall J. Sanders (@RandallJSanders) February 1, 2023
Fowler’s recent exposure to the sport is always a strong trait to have in an analyst. Combined with a great reputation in the clubhouse and plenty of vision off the field, Fowler should be a joy to watch the team break down as they try and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
From Marquee’s release:
Marquee Sports Network today announced the addition of 2016 World Series champion Dexter Fowler as a studio analyst, primarily contributing to pregame and postgame coverage. Fowler will make his debut Marquee appearance tonight at Children 360 presented by Miller Lite at 6 pm CT.
Fowler announced his retirement yesterday after a 14-season major league career with the Rockies, Astros, Cubs, Cardinals and Angels. The outfielder played two seasons with the Cubs from 2015-16, serving as the team’s primary leadoff hitter and contributing to some of the greatest moments in franchise history, including his historic leadoff home run in the Game Seven in the 2016 World Series.
“We are delighted to welcome Dexter Fowler to the Marquee Sports Network team,” said Marquee Sports Network General Manager, Mike McCarthy. “We congratulate Dexter on an outstanding playing career, highlighted by his pivotal role on the Cubs’ memorable 2015 and 2016 teams, and we look forward to being a part of the next chapter of his career.”
If Fowler excels as I predict he will and has any interest in furthering his career in the media, it’s not a stretch to think he could also land roles at several national outlets. For now, though, it’s good news for Cubs fans, and it’s the rare offseason acquisition that almost everyone agrees is positive.
[Marquee]
