Longtime Comcast SportsNet anchor and Phillies reporter Leslie Gudel revealed she is no longer with the network, and not by her choice.
You’re going to have to start getting used to watching Comcast SportsNet without mainstay Leslie Gudel.
On Monday, shortly after the Philadelphia Phillies finished their 2016 season and Ryan Howard likely played his final game with the team, Gudel tweeted out that he time with Comcast SportNet had come to an end.
For the first time in 19+ yrs, I’m a free agent. I’m proud of what we built at CSN. Looking forward to a new chapter, whatever that may be.
— Leslie Gudel (@lesliegudel) October 3, 2016
Gudel spoke to Philly.com‘s Rob Tornoe about the surprising news and said she knew at the outset of the 2016 season that it would be her last covering the Phillies.
“We discussed this prior to the season starting, and I’m comfortable with the decision.
“I love baseball. I love the Phillies. If I don’t end up back at the ballpark covering the team, I’m really going to miss it.”
Gudel also stressed that the decision was not hers and instead was made by her bosses at Comcast SportsNet.
Gudel’s sudden parting of the ways with CSN marks the second such departure this year. In April Neil Hartman, who along with Gudel helped launch Comcast SportsNet in 1997, also left the network under what many would consider less than ideal circumstances.
In 2010 Gudel decided to leave the anchor desk she had occupied for so long and instead help to cover the Phillies full-time. She quickly became a key part of Comcast’s broadcast team and the thought of it without her is a bit depressing.
When asked why it was decided to let Gudel go, Comcast didn’t go into any details. Instead they simply sent out a statement via their Twitter account thanking Gudel for her years of hard work.
We thank Leslie Gudel for her years of contributions to CSN. We wish her the best, and know she’ll be successful in her future endeavors.
— CSN Philly (@CSNPhilly) October 3, 2016
Unsurprisingly, Hartman sent out his well wishes after the news went public.
Wish my good friend @lesliegudel all the best in her next endeavor. She was my TV wife for many years!!! pic.twitter.com/732O0k1cDe
— Neil Hartman (@NeilHartmanTV) October 3, 2016
More Phillies: End Of An Era – Thank You Ryan Howard
If there is any justice, Gudel will not be unemployed for long. There are few in Philadelphia who are as knowledgable about the sport and the Philles as she is.
Thanks to Leslie Gudel for 19 years of great sports reporting. You will be missed.
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