MLB's The Baseball Network

[UMP25]

It premiered Yesterday, January 1, 2009. DirecTV has a major stake in this new network, which is probably why it's in the basic package and not some higher level one. It's also the reason why MLB doesn't charge carriage fees to DirecTV for covering it. It's available on channel 213 HD for those who are interested.

Some cable companies are also carrying it, as this was part of the MLB Extra Innings deal that DirecTV struck with MLB and this new network, so check your local cable listings. I don't know in which package the MLB Network will be on cable, so consult your local company for more info.

The network's a fledgling right now, but based on what I've read on another forum I visit, it looks to be a great venture. For those who saw--or didn't see--Ken Burns's highly acclaimed series Baseball, The Baseball Network will show it beginning next Tuesday, January 6th, at 8:00 p.m. EST. The fact that it will be in HD ought to be nice.

Bob Costas will have a lot of presence on this network, which is fine with me. I'd take him over McCarver and Morgan any day. Let's just hope those latter two don't pop up much on this new network.