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.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Ken Burns' BASEBALL was only highly acclaimed in filmmaking circles. In baseball circles, it was rather widely ridiculed. It was fascinating to watch some of the films that they unearthed and a few of the interviews were interesting, but it was way too narrow and self-indulgent to be considered a true filmed history of baseball. When you see it again, you'll get an idea of what I'm describing.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I'm going bananas over this network, however.

Some of the stuff they've already had has been magnificent. Larsen's perfect game was enchanting stuff.

[JRutledge]

You mean there is one more channel I can avoid? Thanks for the heads up.

Peace

[Kevin Finnerty]

You don't like baseball?

[UMP25]

It has never really been a priority for him.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

Ken Burns' BASEBALL was only highly acclaimed in filmmaking circles. In baseball circles, it was rather widely ridiculed. It was fascinating to watch some of the films that they unearthed and a few of the interviews were interesting, but it was way too narrow and self-indulgent to be considered a true filmed history of baseball. When you see it again, you'll get an idea of what I'm describing.

So? You're attempting to be nit-picky. I've seen the series and liked it very much. I'm looking forward to seeing it in HD.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

You don't like baseball?

No, I like baseball. I just am not one who watches 24 hour channels for a league. ESPN covers enough baseball; I do not see the need for another 24 Hour network. BTW, I am a little tired of always hearing about how players from 50 years ago were so much better than players of today. Just another reason to avoid the channel all together if you ask me and guys like Bob Costas gets on my nerves when it comes to baseball history.

Peace

[UMP25]

No one says you have to watch such a channel all the time, JR. These channels are unique when compared to ESPN, a channel I like, because they cover certain aspects of the game in a manner ESPN can't or won't. That is one of the allures of such a channel.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by UMP25

No one says you have to watch such a channel all the time, JR. These channels are unique when compared to ESPN, a channel I like, because they cover certain aspects of the game in a manner ESPN can't or won't. That is one of the allures of such a channel.

Of course you did not say that. I am the one saying that.

I am a basketball fan, but I do not want the NBA Network either.

[UMP25]

"Want" or "watch"? The former seems rather harsh.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by UMP25

"Want" or "watch"? The former seems rather harsh.

As far as I know, I do not get the MLB Network as of this moment. I will not be making a phone call to my cable company anytime soon complaining. They could get rid of the NBA and NHL Networks and I would not be the least bit upset.

[UMP25]

I think your opinion is well known now.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by UMP25

I think your opinion is well known now.

And widely rejected as well. It's a minority position, though...surprise!

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

And widely rejected as well. It's a minority position, though...surprise!

Of course it's a minority opinion -- Jeff is a minority.

For the record, I don't get (I assume -- I haven't checked my cable provider), nor will I complain about not getting, the MLB (or any other sport-specific) network.