Getting to Know Nationals.TV Host and Reporter Alexa Datt
After announcing a new partnership with Major League Baseball for production and distribution of games in the 2026 season, the Washington Nationals recently announced the lineup of broadcasters for the inaugural season of Nationals.TV, welcoming Derwood, Md., native Alexa Datt in the role of host and reporter.
In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), which is celebrated annually in early February to honor the achievements of female athletes, promote equality in sports and encourage participation, we caught up with Alexa about her career, mentors, and advice for girls and women looking to pursue a career in sports.
What sparked your passion for broadcasting?
I was the Sports Editor for my high school newspaper (shoutout Magruder Colonels!) and I fell in love with both reporting and covering sports. I became the Editor-in-Chief with the help of my teacher, (Hi, Mr. Ornstein) and then switched to broadcast journalism once I got to the University of Maryland. Once I discovered I could get paid to work in my passion (how lucky am I!), it’s the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do.
How did you get to be where you are today? Tell us more about your career journey.
While earning my broadcast journalism degree at UMD (Go Terps), I interned at Comcast SportsNet where I got to cover all the D.C. sports teams. From there, I transferred to SNY in New York and worked both as a producer and on-air talent for seven years and eventually became the in-stadium host for the New York Mets. MLB.com hired me to host a traveling baseball talk show, I did an all-sports digital show called “The Morning Run” and I was a college basketball sideline reporter for Wagner/CSI/A-10/SNY Tournament. I also started a podcast called “Datt’s What She Said,” where I interviewed broadcasters and athletes in the region. From there, I worked at MLB Network and NHL Network for five years, hosting several shows, including Quick Pitch, The Rundown, The Cycle, On the Fly, Chatting Cage, and sideline reporting for MLB Facebook and YouTube games. For the past four years, I’ve been in St. Louis working for FanDuel Sports Network as a host and reporter for the Cardinals, Blues and Billikens. And now my journey comes full circle, I’m coming home to work for the Washington Nationals. Pinch me, I’m dreaming!
As a Derwood, Md., native, what does it mean to you to return to the area to join the Washington Nationals broadcast team?
It means everything. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Most broadcasters dream of covering their hometown teams. It was always wishful thinking on my part that I’d get to come home and work in this market. And through the help of some amazing colleagues and mentors, and years of hard work, my wish came true.
What has been your favorite memory so far during your career in professional sports?
Narrating MLB Network’s special on the Nationals World Series Championship season was incredible (thank you, Robert Flores!). Hosting the World Series at Citi Field, interviewing Sean Manaea live after his no-hitter, covering Pujols’ 700th home run chase, and Wainwright and Molina setting the all-time battery record. I’ve signed the wall inside Fenway’s Green Monster, hosted a show from the Wrigley rooftops and gave a live report from the Diamondbacks pool in centerfield. I’ve been doused by the Gatorade baths and had all the sunflower seeds thrown my way. Every single interview and story I have the privilege to tell is my favorite memory.
What was a moment in your career that challenged you, and how did it help shape you as a professional?
I minored in Spanish at UMD, but when I conducted several interviews in Spanish with Baseball Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez and Spanish-speaking players on live TV, I was nervous. I leaned on Pedro who supported me through the whole thing and we got through it. I wanted to be respectful and not mess up, so it was a challenge for me, but in the end, it was important to be able to help these players tell their stories in their native language.
Who have been some of the most impactful mentors throughout your career?
I have a million! It takes a village, and my family has been incredible. My Mom and Dad (shoutout Blair HS!) and my brothers have been my biggest support system. In the business, Chris Carlin is my voice of reason. I lean heavily on my girlfriends in baseball too, who all understand what I’m going through. Dani Wexelman, Katie Woo and Lauren Shehadi are my first calls. Countless other strong women make up my support system; baseball sisters are vital. And of course, the many on-air talents I can call for advice! Bob Carpenter, Chip Caray, Greg Amsinger, Al Hrabosky, Michael Kim. I’m very honored to be a part of this big broadcast family!
What advice or words of encouragement would you give to girls and women who are interested in pursuing a career in sports?
You got this! Always be willing to learn the different aspects of this business. You’ll make yourself more valuable if you can edit, produce, report, host and create content. Be kind. Your reputation is everything and how you handle yourself ultimately determines your ability to be hired. And have fun! This is the best job in the world, go pursue it with passion and joy.
Lastly, share a few things you want Nationals fans to know about you outside of your broadcasting career.
My favorite food is salt and vinegar chips. I put Old Bay on everything. My favorite movie is Dumb & Dumber. I love live music, traveling and the Maryland flag. I’m always moving: tennis, hot yoga, golf, rock climbing, skiing, biking, paddle boarding, hiking, etc. I’m a baseball fanatic, I love this sport so much and I can’t wait to tell all the players’ stories as we get started this season.