Behind the Mic: Pete Rose Takes the Plate at Fox; NBC Adds Eddie Olczyk to Kentucky Derby Team

All time hits leader and baseball legend Pete Rose has joined FOX Sports as a guest studio analyst. In his television role, Rose provides analysis and insight for FOX Sports’ pregame and postgame shows as part of its presentation of regular-season MLB games on both FOX and FOX Sports 1. In addition, he contributes to FOX Sports 1’s original studio programs AMERICA’S PREGAME, MLB WHIPAROUND and its signature news, highlights and commentary program, FOX SPORTS LIVE. Rose was banned from working in MLB in 1989 for violating Rule 21(d) while managing the Cincinnati Reds, but has recently petitioned for reinstatement…

…NBC Sports Group lead hockey analyst and veteran horse racing enthusiast Eddie Olczyk will join NBC and NBCSN coverage of the 2015 Kentucky Derby as a handicapper, his first-ever assignment as a commentator at the event. Olczyk previously worked NBC Sports Group’s coverage of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup and the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In” on NBC and NBCSN. He will serve as a handicapper for NBC Sports Group’s full Triple Crown horse racing coverage this year…

…A World Series Champion, Rookie of the Year and two-time National League All-Star, former starting pitcher Dontrelle Willis has been added to FOX Sports 1’s Major League Baseball coverage as a studio analyst. The recently retired left-hander will contribute to FOX SPORTS LIVE, MLB WHIPAROUND, and AMERICA’S PREGAME…

…ESPN elected not to renew its contract with Bob Knight, making the last season his last as a college basketball analyst for the network. Knight had worked as an analyst for ESPN since 2008 after winning 902 games and three national titles during his coaching career, mostly at Indiana…

…Fox Sports has added exisiting personalities Tim Brando, Charles Davis, Joel Klatt, Robert Lusetich and Curt Menefee to its USGA championship season, including the U.S. Open Championship. Those joining FOX Sports for varied roles across the USGA’s slate of championship events also include Shane Bacon, Mark Brooks, Robert Damron, Jay Delsing, Debbie Doniger, Natalie Gulbis, Gil Hanse, Buddy Marucci, Scott McCarron, Ned Michaels, Eoghan O’Connell, Joe Ogilvie, Morgan Pressel, EA Tischler and Tom Weiskopf…

…NBC Sports Group has added three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion crew chief Ray Evernham and broadcaster Ralph Sheheen to its growing lineup of motorsports experts. Evernham and Sheheen will handle coverage of NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Events on NBCSN…

…SiriusXM has added former players and coaches Vinny Del Negro, Rick Mahorn and Brian Scalabrine to the roster of hosts on the SiriusXM NBA Radio channel. Each will be heard on various shows on the channel throughout the year…

…Comcast SportsNet added former Phillies Tommy Greene and Marlon Anderson as analysts for the 2015. They join former Major League pitcher Ricky Bottalico in providing insight and analysis on Phillies Pregame Live and Postgame Live, as well as the network’s news and talk programs throughout the season. Ben Davis, a Delaware County native and overall #2 MLB Draft pick, also serves in the Phillies broadcast booth alongside Tom McCarthy and Matt Stairs. Gregg Murphy returns as the Phillies field reporter…

…Mary Byrne, a leading journalist with 25 years in the news business, has joined ESPN Digital & Print Media as the new Senior Deputy Editor for NFL, NHL and NASCAR coverage. She will oversee editorial operations for Digital & Print’s daily coverage of these sports, including strategic and tactical planning, as well as cross-platform collaboration and integration with television, radio, fantasy and other ESPN entities.