How MLB Network Does It Right

Ironically, it was during the 2008 NLDS slaughtering that the advertisements were first put up at Wrigley Field.  MLB Network was to be launched on January 1, 2009, making it the last official network of the four top professional sports leagues to launch after NBA TV, NFL Network, and NHL Network.  MLB Network lives up to its name - all of its programming directly has to do with Major League Baseball.  And there's certainly a demand for it; I was just one among many who were dissatisfied with how ESPN's Baseball Tonight would often disappear and air at seemingly random times during the offseason.  ESPN is a successful network in many ways, but is not a great option for die hard fans of any sport.  That fact is exactly the reason how and why success has been had in the television industry from the four league-specific networks.  But MLB Network does it better than any of the other three or ESPN, and here's why:


-An expertly scouted and experienced on-air staff.  MLB Network crowds its studio with former players and executives.  But they don't accept just any former players that want to be on; these players have to bring something to the table.  If the player isn't interesting or thoughtful enough to be a valuable analyst on the show, then they'll just have to face working at a car wash/carpeting store post-retirement.  It is my belief that Harold Reynolds is the best studio analyst on any network covering MLB, and he's surrounded by other such colorful analysts like Sean Casey, Al Leiter, Mitch Williams, and Dan Plesac.  All of these guys had meaningful careers and are talkative, interesting guys.  Even baseball philosophers, I might add.

-Year round live programming.  Every weeknight and some weekend nights on MLB Network during the winter, one will find an hour long episode of Hot Stove on their TV.  Even when there's seemingly nothing to talk about in baseball, the program is sure to find something interesting to discuss.  Also, the network comes out with new entertainment shows, such as their Baseball's Seasons episodes or MLB Network Countdown episodes that air new during the winter.  Like honestly, what baseball fan doesn't want to watch a countdown of 2010's 50 longest home runs?

-Unbiased news and broadcasting.  Although ESPN is the major criminal in bias, it should be known that you're more likely to find the NFL Network talking about the Heat, Celtics, or Lakers than not.  The same can be said about the other two as well.  It's understandable that networks should broadcast the news people care about, but there's definitely a problem when the latest Yankee drama is being advertised every day for SportsCenter and the Athletics magically disappear off the channel for months at a time.  MLB Network broadcasts live games during the regular season of all teams, not just the most popular ones.

-Spring coverage.  After a long, cold (for those of us living up here) winter, sometimes all fans want to hear is baseball and a lot of it.  MLB Network broadcasts dozens of live Spring Training games, and reruns later in the evening.  Also, their program 30 Clubs in 30 Days devotes an entire 43 minutes (an hour with commercials) to each individual team complete with player interviews and a farm system breakdown.  There's not much more the baseball fan could ask of such a network.


The channel certainly isn't perfect.  Occasionally, a mistake comes along in the form of Tony Clark, Barry Larkin, or Larry Bowa, none of whom have been good studio analysts.  But this channel overall is great for the game and puts out a highly entertaining product.  For the serious baseball fan, MLB Network is the place to go.