Kevin Frandsen joins Nationals’ TV broadcast team

WASHINGTON — Although Kevin Frandsen played only one season for the Nationals in 2014, that experience made such a positive impact that it felt like 10 seasons to him.

Now, eight years later, Frandsen will be returning to Nationals Park as the color commentator for the Nats’ television broadcasts on MASN. After spending the past four seasons as a member of the Phillies’ radio broadcast team, he will call games alongside play-by-play commentator Bob Carpenter.

“I was kind of blown away, just for the fact that it is a TV gig,” Frandsen said Thursday in a phone interview. “Being on the radio over the last few years, as a personal thing, you think that’s a goal, but you just don’t know if anybody outside of where I was working with the Phillies would notice that and want that. So being able to have that opportunity is incredible. I kind of get lost for words at times, and it’s weird to say that because of what we do.”

Frandsen, 39, brings nine years of Major League experience to the booth. A 12th-round Draft pick of San Francisco in 2004, he appeared in 514 games for the Giants (2006-09, ‘15), Angels (‘10), Phillies (‘12-13) and Nationals (‘14). As a member of the 2014 National League East champion Nats team, Frandsen hit .259 in 105 games.

“Amanda — my wife — and I, we just had an unbelievable time in 2014,” Frandsen said. “The team that I was on and the friends that she made with the wives and girlfriends on the team at the time, everyone was incredible. … Whether it’s the community department, whether it’s the Lerner family, every time I feel like I was in town, someone new would be coming to the booth to say hi. It feels right.”

On the air, Frandsen views his role as a bridge between the players, manager, coaches and fans. He is excited by broadcasting games in “a golden era of young talent,” and he describes his style as honest, real and energetic.

“It’s who I was as a player, it’s who I am,” Frandsen said. “Let’s just say, there’s no act. I’m not an act. I’m going to give it how I see it. But I am so passionate about this game that I hope that’s what comes across more than anything.”

The MASN broadcast team for Nationals games in 2022 will also include Dan Kolko. On the radio side, Charlie Slowes and Dave Jageler are returning to broadcast games on 106.7 The Fan.

“On behalf of my family and the entire Washington Nationals organization, we would like to welcome Kevin Frandsen back to Washington, D.C.,” Nationals managing principal owner Mark D. Lerner said in a statement. “Our fans are going to appreciate Kevin’s knowledge, energy and enthusiasm in the booth — all traits that mirror how he played the game, especially as a key member of our 2014 NL East championship club. We are thrilled to have Kevin join an excellent group of returning broadcasters, as we are happy to welcome back Bob, Charlie, Dave and Dan on television and radio.”