MLB Network Debut; Cable Television Bring Fans Closer to the Game

The New Year began with a new program that had me calling my cable company bright and early on the first business day of the year. I could not wait to get my subscription to the new network being offered in my area. The MLB Network debuted on January 1st, 2009, and I wanted to be the first in line to have my television tuned in to this new channel. With heightened anticipation, I waited as my cable company installed my new box allowing me to receive the new network. I was not disappointed as I tuned in to the first of many great programs offered on this network.

MLB Network is a blessing to fans, like me, who are obsessed with the game of baseball but have little access to their favorite teams. Being a transplant from New York, living in Florida offers many advantages; including easy access to the 15+ spring training camps around major league baseball. But during the regular season, not having the ability to watch every Yankee game leaves me feeling less than happy about living in the Sunshine State. With this new MLB Network, I am transported back to New York, able to get all the news and highlights from my team's camp.

The MLB Network is a Godsend for the many fans around the country who are not living in the market of their home team. Offering great on air personalities, like Harold Reynolds, Sean Casey, and Al Leiter, to name a few, the obsessed baseball fan can feel right at home getting all the latest news and highlights for everything baseball. The great lineup of shows offers a plethora of baseball trivia and back story, with a little comedy mixed in. I especially enjoy watching the bat boy do his impressions of hitters in the batters' box.

The set of this network is set up like a typical studio, with a couple of twists. Having two separate studios where the shows are taped, studio 3, named for Babe Ruth, and studio 42, named for Jackie Robinson, each bring a unique feel to the set. Each set is used for specific purposes and each provides a look and feel as if you were on the field at the game, or in the living room with the athletes. With top of the line technological monitors, video equipment, and other gadgets, the sets provide high energy and a high definition visual carnival for the viewer.

Spring training comes alive through the show, 30 in 30; an in-depth look at each of the 30 major league teams as they progress through spring training. With each episode focusing on one team, the analysts and players discuss plans, hopes, and goals for the season. This show is sure to become a fan favorite.

MLB Tonight is a typical highlight show done in the fashion of ESPN's Baseball Tonight. The difference with this one is that the analysts go deeper into the game, breaking down the plays and giving a player's view of what went wrong, and right, for each team. Having a former pitcher, like Al Leiter, explain how Jake Peavey was shelled in USA's loss to Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic is just one example of how different this show is from ESPN's version.

Being able to watch the' 77 Yankees beat the Dodgers with Reggie Jackson's 3 home runs will thrill any Yankee fan, no matter how many times she's seen it. Shows like "All Time Games" are a favorite addition to this network. Even when those same Yankees are being beaten, as they were in 2001 and 2003, these shows will always keep a true fan tuned in.

Watching the new show, "Prime 9", another "top ten" type show that focuses on the uniqueness of baseball provides fans with a look at the best in the sport. With 9 positions on the field, the "Prime 9" are the best 9 performances, whether they are detailing the 9 best major league plays, world series games, or short stops, this show is sure to be a crowd pleaser as it showcases some of the best highlights of the game.

Overall, this network is bound to become a favorite of many baseball fans; one that no doubt, will have fans on the edge of their seats and in the midst of the games all season long. It has already become the default station on my television.

source: http://mlb.mlb.com/network/