Since traditionally we won't know who will broadcast the big MLB events
(Game of the week, All Star Game, Divison Series, LCS, and World Series)
I've been thinking about it:
NBC is currently in discussions as it has been rumored (Broadcasting and Cable or Mediaweek.com) that FOX might give up either some or all of its MLB holdings.
Let's look back at the history of MLB on TV a little bit with the big four.
(Source: en.wikipedia.org)
1. NBC has a rich history of MLB.
It was the Baseball Network (Not to punn on the short lived joint venue with
ABC and MLB) between 1947 to 1989.
I felt the 6 year period where they had mostly postseason action didn't
do the peacock justice. I'm certain that NBC should at least have a share
of the regular season and some of the playoffs considering that they will
lose NASCAR after this year. Then NBC will go back to the glory years of sports
in the 1980's and 1990's (NBA in the 1990's as well).
2. CBS aired a game of the week for 10 years (1955-65). And had a popular
trio of announcers: Pee Wee Reese, Curt Gowdy, and Mel Allen. Now I'll admit
the 1990-93 period was arguably the worst ever for MLB TV.
Between erupting the All Star Game for a political convention, as if the cast of
60 Minutes needed more air time, to firing Brent Musgenberger, on April Fools
Day 1990 no less, firing Jack Buck in December 1991, pre-empting another game
due to a rain delay (On that day CBS aired William Shatner hosted Rescue 911,
And the fact that CBS had two of the lowest rated World Series at that time
(Canada doesen't have a Nielsen Ratings so I'm not dissing on The Toronto Blue Jays because they deserved to be World Champions).
I'm certain if they had the room on their busy schedule they would look to
acquire CERTAIN portions of the rights. But they're not in discussion as we
speak so I leave that for open debate.
3. ABC was the one that got the Game of The Week going in 1953.
(They eventually tried again in 1965)
There main legacy was Monday Night Baseball. (1976-88; Moved to Thursdays in 1989)
A great concept at its time. Imagine watching MLB and NFL in the 1970's
on ABC. It must have been a sports fan's dream at that time.
They also got the ball rolling in the playoffs including the 1977 World
Series where Reggie Jackson hit three straight home runs.
They also had the infamous 1989 World Series where the Earthquake hit
before the start of one of the games in the World Series that year.
With the recent loss of Monday Night Football, it wouldn't suprise me
that they would try to get the rights again since their last game to date
was a 1995 World Series game between the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians.
4. FOX for the most part has been a great carrier of MLB. The only problem
is that they on occassion pause before a pitch leaving a few seconds of dead
air. (It wasn't Joe Buck, it happend with Thom Brennan as well in the NLCS last
year) Personally at some point Joe Buck and Tim McCarver will have to split.
It's clear the public is mixed and trust me, John Cena learned the hard way
when you have mixed reactions. They will seriously make some moves to
keep either all or some of their properities. I wish they gave some of it
to either NBC or ABC so they won't be stressed out.
And I want to see new episodes of Family Guy and House as well.
(Game of the week, All Star Game, Divison Series, LCS, and World Series)
I've been thinking about it:
NBC is currently in discussions as it has been rumored (Broadcasting and Cable or Mediaweek.com) that FOX might give up either some or all of its MLB holdings.
Let's look back at the history of MLB on TV a little bit with the big four.
(Source: en.wikipedia.org)
1. NBC has a rich history of MLB.
It was the Baseball Network (Not to punn on the short lived joint venue with
ABC and MLB) between 1947 to 1989.
I felt the 6 year period where they had mostly postseason action didn't
do the peacock justice. I'm certain that NBC should at least have a share
of the regular season and some of the playoffs considering that they will
lose NASCAR after this year. Then NBC will go back to the glory years of sports
in the 1980's and 1990's (NBA in the 1990's as well).
2. CBS aired a game of the week for 10 years (1955-65). And had a popular
trio of announcers: Pee Wee Reese, Curt Gowdy, and Mel Allen. Now I'll admit
the 1990-93 period was arguably the worst ever for MLB TV.
Between erupting the All Star Game for a political convention, as if the cast of
60 Minutes needed more air time, to firing Brent Musgenberger, on April Fools
Day 1990 no less, firing Jack Buck in December 1991, pre-empting another game
due to a rain delay (On that day CBS aired William Shatner hosted Rescue 911,
And the fact that CBS had two of the lowest rated World Series at that time
(Canada doesen't have a Nielsen Ratings so I'm not dissing on The Toronto Blue Jays because they deserved to be World Champions).
I'm certain if they had the room on their busy schedule they would look to
acquire CERTAIN portions of the rights. But they're not in discussion as we
speak so I leave that for open debate.
3. ABC was the one that got the Game of The Week going in 1953.
(They eventually tried again in 1965)
There main legacy was Monday Night Baseball. (1976-88; Moved to Thursdays in 1989)
A great concept at its time. Imagine watching MLB and NFL in the 1970's
on ABC. It must have been a sports fan's dream at that time.
They also got the ball rolling in the playoffs including the 1977 World
Series where Reggie Jackson hit three straight home runs.
They also had the infamous 1989 World Series where the Earthquake hit
before the start of one of the games in the World Series that year.
With the recent loss of Monday Night Football, it wouldn't suprise me
that they would try to get the rights again since their last game to date
was a 1995 World Series game between the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians.
4. FOX for the most part has been a great carrier of MLB. The only problem
is that they on occassion pause before a pitch leaving a few seconds of dead
air. (It wasn't Joe Buck, it happend with Thom Brennan as well in the NLCS last
year) Personally at some point Joe Buck and Tim McCarver will have to split.
It's clear the public is mixed and trust me, John Cena learned the hard way
when you have mixed reactions. They will seriously make some moves to
keep either all or some of their properities. I wish they gave some of it
to either NBC or ABC so they won't be stressed out.
And I want to see new episodes of Family Guy and House as well.
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