Baltimore Sports Media Approval Ratings: Amber Theoharis
Who better to kick off our local version of the SMARs than Amber Theoharis? The comely MASN sideline reporter — who does double duty as a PressBox columnist and triple duty as an ever-so-occasional radio host — is a native of the area and the most visible media face (save for maybe Palmer, who we’ll get to) of the local baseball team.
Here’s more from her MASN bio:
Prior to joining MASN, Amber was the weekend sports anchor and reporter at FOX45 in Baltimore, and also hosted Ravens Wired, a weekly NFL magazine show. Throughout her career Amber has held on-air positions at WSYX-TV in Columbus, OH; WNBC-TV in New York City; New 12 Long Island and WBOC-TV in Salisbury MD. She began her career behind the scenes at WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C.
An Emmy-award-winning sports journalist who was recently named Maryland Sportscaster of the Year by The National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association, Amber is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park.
Smart money says she only stays here for so long before the siren song of ESPN lures her off to Bristol. In the meantime, she’s ours to love or hate.
Cast your vote below, then elaborate in the comments. But remember: keep it clean and cool. Don’t say anything in the comments you wouldn’t feel comfortable saying while hanging out at the same bar as Amber (something, no doubt, many of us would like to do). I know I probably don’t need to say that, but it’s worth mentioning just in case this idea takes off.
- [poll id="2"]
Like I said in Friday’s post, this is kind of a test run. The SMARs are really fun on Deadspin and DC Sports Bog. I’m hoping for the same thing here.
This is the kind of thing that’s highly linkable and email-able, I think, so hopefully we’ll get enough votes to make it worthwhile.
Keep on doin what your doin, Amber, which is being hotter than the Nats’ sideline reporter. Amber is the perfect sideline reporter for the O’s. I’m not sure why, but it just seems to fit. She projects the kind of youthful injection that the organization was needing, both on and off the field. She’s a homer, sure, but do we really want her criticizing anything? Leave that to Palmer. She’s a welcome respite when you can’t stand hearing anymore of Anita Marks or Jim Hunter. She stutters and stumbles over her words in the post-game interview sometimes, in a cute kind of way. But please, MASN, stop it with the puffy sleeved shirts, already. She has broad shoulders and they accentuate that aspect of her build.
I actually like her show with Ken – it was great to hear them talk baseball in the offseason. Although at one point, I called in to the show, and asked, “Hey, why all this talk about Felix Pie in left field when we have Luke Scott?” to which she answered, “Well, Luke is 29, you know, he doesn’t really fit the rebuilding picture, he’ll probably be traded, etc etc”. She really shot down Luke, it was surprising.
Nevertheless, I give her a “yea”.
Gotta give amber a yay. Dan and Neal hit all the key points, and it’s sad to say that in a coulpe years she could move on to greener pastures. She works too hard, and is too pleasing to the eye to not be picked up by ESPN, FOX, CBS etc… I could see her doing the sideline reporting for NFL games on FOX when they realize she is much more attractive than Tony Siragusa.
Couldn’t agree more with the comments stated so far, something I touched on in the original thread; average reporter, but she’s only 29 years old, looks cute (moreso than the Nat’s reporter indeed), and seems to know a little bit about the Orioles, and who wouldn’t want that in a woman?
I give her a yay.
She’s right about Luke Scott though, and I don’t know when this radio show you called into was, Mike L, but Pie makes more sense in left field than Scott because he is a lot younger. I like Scott a lot, and I think he’s going to bring in a hefty return when we do finally call on Reimold to get that start.
Alright, being the lone “nay” so far, I guess I have to give an explanation.
I’ll try not to offend people, but admit that some of the reasons I picked nay, I wouldn’t feel comfortable saying to her at a bar.
Ok, so first let me admit that I’ve never read her columns at Pressbox and have only seen her on TV. She seems somewhat knowledgable and I don’t hate her for the questions she asks, though they mostly seem like softballs. I just personally prefer to have ex-players down there on the field. I would rather watch Siragusa on the sideline of an NFL game than her. I’d rather have Dempsy or Palmer down there talking to players after the game too. I’d rather hear an ex-players take on the game because I feel like they have a better persective on what’s going on.
Secondly, her looks. She’s a cute girl. If I saw her at a bar and was single, would I hit on her? Sure. But so many people practically drool over her, and I don’t get it. Whether this was her intentions or not, she gets a lot of face time on TV and has a lot of people comment on her looks. I think this leaves the matter open for criticism. Being on TV, to me, gives her celebrity status (albeit local sports commentator). Now if we’re just looking for someone on TV to stare and drool at, why does it matter if she talks about the O’s. I’ll save any dislikes about her appearances, and as I said, she a cute girl, but if we can choose any girl on TV to stare at? I’d much rather hear an ex-player’s view, then flip the channel (or website) and get my kicks looking at some other celebrity faces and/or bodies AFTER I get my O’s fix. I know this is through no fault of her own, but I kind of feel like she’s been built up to be this sports reporting supermodel, and I just don’t see it.
Hopefully that explains the “nay” and wasn’t too offensive.
That’s not even in the same ballpark (lame pun intended) as offensive. Criticism is fair game, I just want to stay on guard against anyone forgetting that these are real people who work hard and who very well might be reading (hi, Amber!).
I votead “yea” myself, because on balance I think Amber does a nice job. She seems like she knows how to have fun with the job, and that’s something waaaay too many sports reporters lack.
My one main criticism (and this relates mostly to the PressBox columns) would be that sometimes the analysis is wider than it is deep. But her sideline reporting for MASN seems to be about as good as baseball sideline reporting could possibly be, and her radio show is good when it’s on. All in all I’m glad she’s here, and pretty sure she’ll eventually leave.
I agree with a lot of what random dude has to say, but ended up voting yea because it could always be worse.
I don’t think Amber has much substance to her reporting, but (going back to the ‘it could be worse’ theme) I’d rather have an easy-natured soft baller than someone aggressively trying to be a know-it-all to anyone who’ll listen.
Plus her appearance is perfect to me: she’s cute, not stop-and-stare supermodel, but just…cute. Annnd, she doesn’t have pathetic commercials like some other Baltimore female commentator that blatantly tries to play off of her (imagined) “hotness” because she lowered her standards for some rag awhile ago.
So yeah…voted yea because what it came down to was “thank god she’s not a Julianne Barbarie/report-whore wanna be”.
Amber Theoharis: Cute n’ Classy
Amber’s job description calls for her to ask softball questions. It’s not her fault. MASN is owned in part by the Orioles and it’s their job to create a friendly, seemingly-knowledgeable presentation on television. It doesn’t matter who the sideline reporter is – that person’s job is to ask simple questions in an upbeat manner so that the players don’t blow up on camera. Leave the hardball to analysts – Amber does postgame interviews, in-game updates, and lets us know the TV schedule for the next 5 games. Mark Viviano did the same exact thing when he was doing it for a minute. Dig?
Outside of MASN, I agree with Neal, she’s fine, but not great. But she’s not terrible. She’s not abrasive or arrogant. She does a good job. She’s easy on the eyes without us guys feeling guilty about being attracted to some dumb blonde that got a winter semester crash course in sports, because she’s clearly not that. She does, in fact, know enough about sports to have her own show when baseball season is out. And honestly, it’s kind of a shame that her looks cannot go unmentioned when she is brought up, but that’s being a woman in the male-dominated world of sports, I guess.
All she has to do is be charismatic to be a good sideline reporter (see Erin Andrews) and she does that great. What little I’ve read of her work comes off as a homer and a religion pusher (and I don’t have a problem with mixing God and Baseball since that’s like mixing Yuengling and Natty Boh – I call it the Super Beer) but I don’t have to read her work. As a sideline reporter she’s great, and that’s all that matters to me.
(BTW I can’t wait for Drew Forrester’s approval…he’s no Bob Haynie!)
By the way, just so everyone knows: voting lasts one week on all of these. Plenty of time for everyone to spread the word and get their vote in.
I’m not too surprised that Amber’s positives are so high, but I’m pretty sure it won’t be that way for everyone. I can think of a few folks who will be getting “nay” votes from me for sure. I’m actually really looking forward to these now…
not as hot as bruce laird
True.
Let’s get off-topic for a second. From the Boston Globe:
“Sporting a Kevin Garnett jersey, matching Celtics hat, and a large white cast on his left arm, Big Papi is sandwiched between Antoine Walker and Kevin Millar along one of the baselines. That row also includes Vince Wilfork and Richard Seymour, so there’s a lot of Boston sports talent in that one section.”
I know we’ve been over this before, but com’on Kevin. What the fuck is the matter with you? What, did you push all the Orioles back in their seats when the plane landed so you could run to your limo and meet up with Ortiz and soak up being back in Boston again, for the first time since you (as the only active player to ever do so) threw out the first pitch for your former team?
Kevin, we ain’t friends no more.
I’m gonna make that a main post, Andrew. I have a feeling folks might want to weigh in…
I voted nay as well.My main problem with her is she doesnt know how to “play the game” of eye candy sideline reporter.Whether she likes it or not most of the reason she was hired was because she CAN be nice to look at and to keep the target demographic’ attention during the game.She used to do that….kind of,but now it seems she goes out of her way to prove that she is a “serious” journalist by taking out the extensions and chopping her hair off,and wearing sweaters up to her neck in July when it is 90 degrees out and humid.Does she really have to go out of her way to be as conservative and serious as possible like she is on Nightline or something?? I know thats not the ONLY reason she was hired but lets face the facts it is a big part as sexist and shovanist as that may be.I just wish she would lighten up a little,we all know she has a sports backround and is more than just a “pretty face” so there is no need to be such a prude.
Flame away!
That’s fair enough…lol
I voted yea. I don’t mind what Amber does, and I have never been put off by how she operates. Her job as a sideline reporter is pretty milktoast anyways, and it’s sort of hard to not be at least adequate at it.
At least she’s not the one saying “I’m a fan of players, not teams” repeatedly, every afternoon on MASN…like a certain out-of-town, supposed “hot chick”. *rolls eyes*
It’ll be fun when we get to her.
I voted “nay” for Ms. Amber. She’s awful.
You’re really going to have a voting page for Forrester? Why, just to drag him through the mud and humiliate him? LOL I’ve only been reading this site since early May and even I can figure out you guys all hate him. I might vote “yea” for him just so he has one vote. Then again, maybe I won’t. What’s the slaughter rule? If it’s 9 votes to 0 on day one, will you pull down the vote and just call slaughter rule?
Drew, you might want to seek legal action and get a cease and desist on this thing before it gets ugly!
I don’t know if I’m going to do an SMAR for Drew, but if I did he’d probably get a “yea” vote from me. I think he’s OK on balance, especially if you keep in mind that being entertaining is his primary objective. He needs to learn how to listen a little better, but other than that he’s alright.
BUT, this isn’t about Drew. If his turn comes up it’ll be a ways down the road.
It’s a good question about the slaughter rule, though. I can’t imagine pulling a poll but at the same time we’re learning as we go with this. The main thing is to keep the debate constructive, so even if someone is getting slammed like 10 negs to 0 it’ll be OK as long as things stay healthy and cool.
My bad, I thought I saw somewhere here where Drew was going to be voted on. If you vote “yea” for him, I will too. That’s two in the bag already. Maybe you won’t need the slaughter rule after all! LOL
Yeah his name was brought up, but it might feel a bit odd to put his poll up because he’s been a commenter here in the past. So I’m kinda 50-50 on that idea, and I figure that while I decide there’s plenty of other options. Some of which I’m already psyched about…
I vote for leaving Drew out of this one. I for one would give him a “yea” despite my many heated rants with him here in the comments. There’s been enough back and forth in the comments with Drew himself to not really need a poll about the guy. Although I’m sure he’d enjoy it.
Now, Nestor… that’s another story.
I was just kidding about Drewski anyway. I like his show and I like that he’s not afraid of declaring his opinions right. Hi Drew!
But, seriously, he’s no Bob Haynie. How great (it’s not even close!) is Bob Haynie?
Neal, your Bmore SMARs seem to be working out pretty well, so that’s pretty awesome. Get the Loss Column on the map already!
I vote “Yea” as well. As mentioned earlier, Amber has little time to share her “knowledge” of both baseball or football while on TV. I challenge all of you to call into her radio show sometime… Several wanna-be know it all sports fans, most of whom have never even played a high school sport, call into her show and find themselves being grounded as Amber continually has to correct them on their blockbuster ideas on how these games should be played..and she does it with class, wit and humor, pretty much letting them off easy. Usually her guests aren’t as forgiving, which shows the respect that she has earned from the players..Unlike that frizzy headed gal that has no clue..don’t get me started. Lastly..Amber’s fine..if you saw her out on the weekend, you’d sing a whole different tune! Lookin good in Boston tonight! Cheers!
Good points, everyone, and great to see new names. Keep ‘em coming and don’t forget to spread the word if you’re so inclined.
The plan for now is to do new installments of the SMARs every Monday (or thereabouts). It’s going really well so far — thanks to everyone.
I voted yea, because I like her a hell of a lot better than I do a certain other local female sports caster that I’m sure we’ll get to later on in this series. And Kona’s right, it could always be worse. However, for the most part, I agree with Random Dude’s reasoning.
As I see it, the sideline reporter was traditionally supposed to be someone who had played the game and was giving you an insider’s perspective on what is happening on the field of play. More recently, the NFL, etc. has made this the place to put a relatively attractive woman with some sports journalism experience. They don’t ever do it where it OUGHT to be, i.e. you never see a woman in the role of play by play or color commentary in any sport except tennis or women’s basketball. And I think that’s a shame. Al Michaels never played pro football or baseball. He’s just a fan, and a sports reporter. His gender doesn’t qualify him any more than Amber Theoharis to be there, it’s his experience as a reporter, and that shouldn’t disqualify women. The sideline job, however, I feel should go to someone who played the game, and has had that experience, and can give you a real idea of what the players are thinking while in the thick of it. The same way I wouldn’t want to see Tony Siragusa telling me about mixed doubles from courtside at Wimbledon.
I blame inarticulate types like Eric Dickerson for this whole trend.
I vote yea. Amber does a great job! She is good at what she does and the fact that she is in a male dominated field makes her work even more impressive. There are still men out there who do not accept women as sport broadcasters. I refer to the comment about Amber chopping her hair and wearing too much clothing. If you want a girlie show then go to a strip joint. If you want good sports broadcasting then watch Amber!