Abby Labar's MLB Network Debut On Opening Day Was A Success

She's a home run. 

Abby Labar, the new host of MLB Network's Quick Pitch highlight show, left baseball fans the typically uptight, crotchety analytical nerds in a happy place Thursday night as she had fun on the MLB Network's indoor baseball field before her big desk debut for the network. 

"In those shoes , well done," one fan said of Labar's ability to run the bases in heels. "Looks like I’ll have to start watching MLB Network again!" wrote another. 

It's a new baseball season, with new faces and Labar's ability to have fun on night one made a huge impression on the fans. It turns out, according to her Instagram, having fun wasn't an act. 

"MLB Network was always a dream. To say this is full circle is an understatement," Labar wrote on Instagram earlier this week. "The road to the show was unexpected but in the most beautiful way and I wouldn’t have changed a thing."

Labar will team with MLB Network veteran Kelly Nash to "bring fans up to speed on everything that happened that day in baseball." Labar, according to a press release, will continue her other work assignments with MSG Networks when she's not having fun running around in heels. 

10 years ago, Labar says, her baseball TV journey took off when she was a freshman at N.C. State where she was told to take a microphone and start in-game hosting a college baseball game.

"For the next 3 years I would spend long summer days bouncing around Minor League Baseball and wood-bat collegiate leagues, learning through trial and error as I chased my passion to make it as a sports broadcaster," she continued.

"There are so many people to thank who helped me get here and I am beyond grateful for this new adventure. A decade ago may have been the true beginning, but this is the next beginning. Now, let’s play ball."

There was a career stop at ESPN where she worked sidelines and a job during the COVID era where she worked as a host and on-ice reporter for Bally Sports. 

Is Labar ready to be the next great MLB Network personality? The fans seem to think so. "Hi Abby. Today was the first time I ever watched you on TV. I believe you'll be a great addition to the MLB Network roster. You did a great job on QP," one of her fans named Matt tweeted. 

There you go, she's already paying dividends for Rob Manfred's TV channel. 

"Waking up today to more baseball….," a cheery Labar, with her arms out and her mouth open tweeted Friday morning. She clearly gets the assignment out of the gates. Now it's time to keep the energy high through 160+ days of this rookie season.