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Speaking For All Of Us: Meet The Voice Of ESPN’s MLB Season-Opening Campaign

Actress Chinasa Ogbuagu: "Whether you’re a sports fan or not, everyone is excited to get back to the things that bring us joy."

EDITOR’S NOTE: Programming Update: Due to the Mets-Nationals postponement, here’s ESPN’s new #OpeningDay schedule, updated today. For more ESPN MLB coverage details, visit ESPN Press Room.

As part of ESPN’s uplifting MLB season-opening marketing campaign, it has joined forces with Chinasa Ogbuagu, who is lending her powerful voice to the celebratory new spots (watch videos above and below). The accomplished veteran actress joins multiplatinum indie pop trio AJR to make everyone “Way Less Sad” now that baseball is back.

Chinasa Ogbuagu
(Photo courtesy Chinasa Ogbuagu)

The campaign focuses on the enthusiasm of young fans and MLB’s young superstars. It also features user-generated content and will promote Sunday Night Baseball through the first half of the 2021 regular season.

On Opening Day, Front Row discussed the voiceover content with Ogbuagu:

What is the significance to you of voicing over this high-profile sports campaign?
I think it’s important for women and people of color to be represented in all areas, so I really appreciate hearing a woman’s voice on a campaign like this. People of color are a major part of the sports world, and women are as involved and enthusiastic about sports as men are. So why not have a female voice?

What did you most hope to capture as a result of your voiceover contributions?
I tried to approach the campaign from the point of view of the fans – and from all of us, really. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, everyone is excited to get back to the things that bring us joy. Whether that’s being able to travel, visit with loved ones, or watch your favorite team play.

How would you describe your experience working with ESPN?
I was glad to do it. It’s a fun and unique opportunity, and I really enjoyed working with the creative team.

MLB OPENING DAY SPOT: VOICE OVER SCRIPT, AUDIO

Listen to Chinasa Ogbuagu’s read of ESPN’s Opening Day promo copy below. Then watch the promo above.

PLAY:

Opening Day

It’s not just a day,

It’s a feeling!

A rush of hope.

Make us believe.

This is our year.

Give Us Opening Day.

April 1st on ESPN.

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