Here we are, just hours away from the MLB Network launch. Preview videos are running on DirecTV channel 213 where the network will reside in both Standard and High Definition. I’m already excited.
The final item on the MLB Network Top Ten Countdown ……
1…… COMMISSIONER BUD SELIG TO INTRODUCE MLB NETWORK TODAY
Major League Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig will be the first person to address viewers on MLB Network, when it debuts tonight at 6 p.m. Eastern as the largest launch in cable television history. In addition to Commissioner Selig, the opening day of MLB Network will also see appearances by Bob Costas, Yogi Berra, Don Larsen and Jimmy Rollins.
Commissioner Selig will welcome viewers to MLB Network, comment on baseball’s role in American history, and thank fans for tuning into the debut of MLB Network.
The launch of MLB Network and its unprecedented distribution of more than 50 million households at launch will go down as one of the many accomplishments of Selig’s reign as Commissioner. Selig has presided over the greatest period of growth in Major League Baseball history. Since 1992, Major League Baseball revenue has increased more than five times to more than $6.5 billion, instituted Interleague play and the Wild Card, created a revenue sharing system that has lead to unprecedented competitive balance, established the toughest drug program in professional sports, achieved record attendance in four of the last five years, and introduced a wave of 18 new ballparks.
To recap, here’s the full list of our news items these past ten days:
10. Barry Larkin Joins MLB Network
9. MLB Network to Install “Ballpark Cams” in Every MLB Stadium
8. PRIME 9 Debuts on MLB Network
7. Mitch Williams, Greg Amsinger and Jon Heyman Join MLB Network
6. MLB Network Uses the Latest Technology to Capture the Action
5. MLBNetwork.com Launches “Channel Locator” to Help Fans Find Channel
4. MLB Network Announces Hot Stove Studio Teams for Week One, Including New Baseball Insider Tom Verducci
3. MLB Network to Air Award-Winning Documentary “Baseball”
2. Bob Costas to Host Q&A with Don Larsen and Yogi Berra on Jan. 1
1. Commissioner Bud Selig to Introduce MLB Network Today
And Maury Brown has an exclusive interview with MLB Network head honcho Tony Petitti about one of the most anticipated launches in sports television history.
So there you have it. I’ll be back later with reaction to the launch and a review of the Don Larsen Perfect Game broadcast.
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