Veteran sports camera operator Rob Menschel dies

Rob Menschel, a veteran director, camera operator and lighting director in sports broadcasts, has died at age 59. The news was shared by his colleagues at FanDuel Sports Network, who “interrupted a broadcast to pay tribute to Menschel after his passing, recognizing the work he’s done in Southern California and across the country since 1989.” For the majority of Menschel’s career, he was “part of the crew” for Dodgers announcer Vin Scully, up until his retirement in 2016 (DEADLINE, 12/15).

The regional sports network interrupted its broadcasts of the Kings-Clippers games Friday night to deliver the news of Menschel, who was best known for his work with Scully — “even as the Dodgers’ regional television home changed hands often.” When Scully broadcast the final game of his 67-year career with the Dodgers on Oct. 2, 2016, Menschel “was behind a camera in the visitors’ broadcast booth at AT&T Park.” Menschel was also “among the men behind the scenes whose research contributed occasional factoids to Scully’s broadcast” (THE BIG LEAD, 12/14).

Many on social media reacted to the news of Menschel’s passing:

• Angels color analyst Mark Gubicza: “Rob was the absolute best in the business. We shared many laughs and even a few dances. I’ll cherish our friendship for the rest of my life. Love and prayers to his beautiful family. RIP Rob.”
• Former MLBer and former Angels play-by-play voice Victor Rojas: “Rob was a pro’s pro…the varsity of camera guys. It was an honor to have him in the booth with us during my time with the Angels. He simply made everyone around him better. Rest easy, big man!”
• MLB Network’s Alanna Rizzo: “So sad.  Rob was a fixture in the Dodger Stadium press box, working alongside Vin, for years.  May he RIP.”
• Bally Sports Ohio Producer Joel Goodling: “Rob was the best ‘high home’ camera op in the biz. He directed a handful of Dodgers games alongside me in 2013 and taught me a ton. Great dude. RIP.”