Various Programs on the MLB Network

[Eldee5]

If you're like me, the MLB Network becomes almost nightly viewing during the offseason. There are a couple of threads where some of the programming has been referenced, I thought it might be a good idea to have a thread where we could discuss some of the programs.

I'm watching Studio 42 With Bob Costas right now. It's his interview with Bobby Feller. Great stuff. His recollections of Babe Ruth (whom his missed pitching to by one year but met many times) and Mickey Mantle are great. Says Tommy Henrich had his number more than any other hitter.

He's still incredibly sharp and well-spoken for someone who's 90 years old.
Well worth catching on a repeat or DVR if you can. It's being repeated tonight at midnight and also at 4:00 a.m.

[YankeePride1967]

I have that show on automatic DVR and am actually watching it right now. Great so far.

[Rocketbooster]

Good idea.......I'm going to try and tape it tonight (I have something else I want to tape, so not sure if I can). If not, then I'm sure it will be on again. I heard one clip from a few days ago where Costas mentioned that losing a few years to WWII cost him any number of wins, etc........Feller said that the war had to be won and he has never regretted joining the war effort. I was very moved by just that clip.

Afterwards (because I was flipping through the tv), they had Tim McCarver, Bob Gibson and I think Willie Horton talking about the 1968 WS

Tomorrow is Seasons - 1993. I always end up taping these shows because I'm still catching up on the computer by the time these shows air at 8 pm EST.......and I've already missed taping 1969. Seasons is like a history lesson - I love this show - and Prime 9 is great also.

[Eldee5]

Afterwards (because I was flipping through the tv), they had Tim McCarver, Bob Gibson and I think Willie Horton talking about the 1968 WS

The 9:00 p.m. showing of Studio 42, which I had already seen was Costas' interview with McCarver and Gibson. During that interview, he showed them a clip from another interview about '68 that he had done previously with Horton and Al Kaline.

How did we ever make it through previous offseasons without the MLB Network?

[TheGameEpisode2]

I love Baseball Seasons. They do such a great job with it.

[roblyo33]

If you're like me, the MLB Network becomes almost nightly viewing during the offseason. There are a couple of threads where some of the programming has been referenced, I thought it might be a good idea to have a thread where we could discuss some of the programs.

I'm watching Studio 42 With Bob Costas right now. It's his interview with Bobby Feller. Great stuff. His recollections of Babe Ruth (whom his missed pitching to by one year but met many times) and Mickey Mantle are great. Says Tommy Henrich had his number more than any other hitter.

He's still incredibly sharp and well-spoken for someone who's 90 years old.
Well worth catching on a repeat or DVR if you can. It's being repeated tonight at midnight and also at 4:00 a.m.

I will have to admit that this is the first time in my life I have heard Feller referred to as "Bobby" Feller. It has always been Bob or Robert. Bobby just doesn't sound right, IMO.

[Sixty one]

I also enjoyed the Feller interview and since I did have the opportunity to see him pitch back in the early 1950's against the yanks I enjoyed it even more. I also enjoy the winter meeting shows and find it interesting to hear the commentary about the future trades and how they'll affect other teams beside the yanks.

[DiMaggio5CF]

The Bob Feller interview was great, but I'm a little annoyed that they're showing Classic games and stuff like that during the day. I don't expect live round-the-clock coverage all winter, but during the winter meetings, I'd like live coverage pretty much all day.

[Eldee5]

The Bob Feller interview was great, but I'm a little annoyed that they're showing Classic games and stuff like that during the day. I don't expect live round-the-clock coverage all winter, but during the winter meetings, I'd like live coverage pretty much all day.

I've been thinking the same thing. This is probably the most important week of the offseason; they should devote more time to it.

OT: Why the heck did MLB pick Indianapolis for the Winter Meetings? Don't they usually head for someplace a little warmer?

[PrettyinPinstripes]

I heard they picked an Indianapolis hotel right next to an airport because of the economy. I'm sure the GM's were just thrilled.

I just started getting MLB network at home, have been away and not had much chance to watch it yet. I'm really excited for it, though, after hearing what everyone's saying on here.

[bigjf]

Looking forward to "2009: Baseball At Its Best!" And I thought they had some really good interviews at the Winter Meetings.

[Bronson'sCornrows]

So far, I only watch old games, but in a couple of months, when I'm desperately hungry for baseball (and more is going on vis-a-vis trades and acquisitions), I'm sure I'll check out some of the other shows, too.

[-tz]

One thing that irritates me no end is the way the MLB Network butchers some vintage footage. I'm assuming what happens is this: Since new MLB Network shows are in high-def, that is the picture has a 16:9 aspect ratio, the old, non-high def footage is "stretched" to fit the high def AR so it will "fit in with the rest." But it makes everyone and everything look short and squat, to the point where I can't look at the screen.

I don't have a high def TV, so when I see one of these shows, I see alternating "normal" images cut down to 1.35:1 and "stretched" images, also cut down to the old-fashioned television AR.

It's enough to make me want to turn off the set and wait for Pitchers and Catchers.

[Steve Dalkowski]

One thing that irritates me no end is the way the MLB Network butchers some vintage footage. I'm assuming what happens is this: Since new MLB Network shows are in high-def, that is the picture has a 16:9 aspect ratio, the old, non-high def footage is "stretched" to fit the high def AR so it will "fit in with the rest." But it makes everyone and everything look short and squat, to the point where I can't look at the screen.

I don't have a high def TV, so when I see one of these shows, I see alternating "normal" images cut down to 1.35:1 and "stretched" images, also cut down to the old-fashioned television AR.

It's enough to make me want to turn off the set and wait for Pitchers and Catchers.

Even with the stretching I haven't noticed much of a problem on HD screens. Do yourself a favor and drop a couple hundred on a nice 16:9 set. Problem solved

[Miss Yvonne]

Even with the stretching I haven't noticed much of a problem on HD screens. Do yourself a favor and drop a couple hundred on a nice 16:9 set. Problem solved

Correct.

Comcast just added MLB Network here on HD, and I haven't had any issues either with the picture. Plus, watching shows in SD on a HDTV can be really bad too.

[-tz]

Are you telling me that in HD, MLB Network doesn't make David Wells look even fatter than he actually is?

[Miss Yvonne]

As always, pinstripes are slimming.

[Eldee5]

Just wanted to post a couple of MLB Network programming notes for the upcoming holiday weekend. They're running the entire Ken Burns' Baseball series on Christmas Day starting at 6:00 a.m. Then at 9:00 a.m. on the 26th, MLBN will be airing Don Larsen's perfect game in the '56 WS.

[azzurribaggio]

They need to show Hazel Mae more from out behind that desk!

[-tz]

Watching the "Games of the Year" on MLB Network ... Poor Mark Buehrle. For the rest of his life, he'll have to try to live down the ignominy of having his perfect game called by Hawk Harrelson!

[NYYDragoon]

Watching the "Games of the Year" on MLB Network ... Poor Mrak Buehrle. For the rest of his life, he'll have to try to live down the ignominy of having his perfect game called by Hawk Harrelson!

I was shocked that was their #3. Yanks-Twins ALDS Game 2 was just #2.

[-tz]

Well, their #1 is Twins vs. Tigers, the play-in game. And I don't think many people would disagree with that.

Yankees had two (winning) games on the list (ALDS Game 2 and WS Game 4).

[Chacon]

Bit surprising the 2-0 15 inning game between the Sox and Yanks didn't make it

[NYYDragoon]

Bit surprising the 2-0 15 inning game between the Sox and Yanks didn't make it

It wasn't really fair that they put postseason games into the mix.

[-tz]

Yeah, they probably should have done two features, one for regular season games and one for postseason.

I was miffed that they chose to feature one of the four postseason games that the Yankees lost!

[Eldee5]

Watching the "Games of the Year" on MLB Network ... Poor Mark Buehrle. For the rest of his life, he'll have to try to live down the ignominy of having his perfect game called by Hawk Harrelson!

Seriously. He had several innings to anticipate the possibility of a perfecto. He couldn't come up with a more fitting closing than just screaming YES, over and over and over?

They definitely got the #1 game right. Twins/Tigers Game #163 was one for the ages. Nice to see the Yankess represented on the winning side twice. (Not crazy about seeing them on the losing side.)

[-tz]

I just came in and turned it on at random ... an episode of Ken Burns's Baseball. But the sound is so out of synch with the picture it's impossible to watch, at least all the modern interview footage.

Is this in the source, or is the fault of MLB Network?

[blumj]

I just came in and turned it on at random ... an episode of Ken Burns's Baseball. But the sound is so out of synch with the picture it's impossible to watch, at least all the modern interview footage.

Is this in the source, or is the fault of MLB Network?

It was normal on my tv most of the day, if that means anything. Although I wasn't up late enough by the time you turned it on. We left it on that channel in the kitchen, and, even though I know it's really, really, long, every time I walked in there, I couldn't quite get over how many hours it felt like it was taking to get to the 5th inning or whatever.

[diehardyankeefan]

Seriously. He had several innings to anticipate the possibility of a perfecto. He couldn't come up with a more fitting closing than just screaming YES, over and over and over?

They definitely got the #1 game right. Twins/Tigers Game #163 was one for the ages. Nice to see the Yankess represented on the winning side twice. (Not crazy about seeing them on the losing side.)

What was the list in order?

[DontHateOnNumber2]

Watching the "Games of the Year" on MLB Network ... Poor Mark Buehrle. For the rest of his life, he'll have to try to live down the ignominy of having his perfect game called by Hawk Harrelson!

I watched that game live on WGN after coming home from class that day. It was horrible, and I remember him screaming "ALEXEIIIII!" after Ramirez fielded the ball. Hawk sounded like he was taking it. It didn't ruin the moment, but for years to come that amazing performance will go hand in hand with the worst commentating ever.

[RYMASTER or Ryan_Yankees]

I just came in and turned it on at random ... an episode of Ken Burns's Baseball. But the sound is so out of synch with the picture it's impossible to watch, at least all the modern interview footage.

Is this in the source, or is the fault of MLB Network?

Yeah, the sound was terribly out of synch.

[Sixty one]

Watching the seventh game of the 1952 WS between the Yanks and Dodgers brought back many fond memories for me. I can still hear Mel Allen as the "voice of the Yankees" broadcasting along with Red Barber. There were plenty HOF'ers playing that game and Martin's catch, of course, saved the game for NY. I think it was probably one of the first telecast WS games that went to the west coast. For those of you too young to appreciate the legends of that era, I would highly recommend watching this game. I think you will appreciate why Mantle, Robinson, Snider and others who played that game have become legends in the history of baseball. I had almost forgotten the speed that the Scooter had in running out a double or how Robinson made pitchers nervous with his baserunning. Also, seeing a young Mickey Mantle running to first and hitting a homer also showed the tremendous potential that this young player had and what he was going to bring to the game.

[Micky Rivers's Bat]

I watched that game live on WGN after coming home from class that day. It was horrible, and I remember him screaming "ALEXEIIIII!" after Ramirez fielded the ball. Hawk sounded like he was taking it. It didn't ruin the moment, but for years to come that amazing performance will go hand in hand with the worst commentating ever.

What a shame.

[-tz]

Yankees are MLB Network's choice for #1 Franchise of the Decade ... not Team of the Decade, that was the Red Sox.

[NYYDragoon]

Yankees are MLB Network's choice for #1 Franchise of the Decade ... not Team of the Decade, that was the Red Sox.

No, their Team of the Decade was the 2004 Red Sox. Big distinction. They're essentially saying that the Sox squad was the best specific team but the Yankees as a whole were the best overall. I'll go with that .

[-tz]

No, their Team of the Decade was the 2004 Red Sox. Big distinction. They're essentially saying that the Sox squad was the best specific team but the Yankees as a whole were the best overall. I'll go with that .

Yeah, I meant to say 2004 Red Sox ... except didn't they cancel the postseason that year because of unexpected volcano eruptions?

[Rocketbooster]

MLB network will be airing their 2009 Greatest Walk-Offs tomorrow night; I'm sure there will be a few Yankees games represented. On Friday (I think) they air their Season in Review show.

[NYYDragoon]

MLBN's Players of the Decade:

#9 - Jeff Kent
#8 - Chipper Jones
#7 - Mo
#6 - Ichiro
#5 - Jeter
#4 - Manny
#3 - Alex
#2 - Bonds
#1 - Pujols

Wow. Idiot Mitch doesn't think Mo should be on this list. What a fool.

[RYMASTER or Ryan_Yankees]

MLBN's Players of the Decade:

#9 - Jeff Kent
#8 - Chipper Jones
#7 - Mo
#6 - Ichiro
#5 - Jeter
#4 - Manny
#3 - Alex
#2 - Bonds
#1 - Pujols

Wow. Idiot Mitch doesn't think Mo should be on this list. What a fool.

Mitch Williams? The man most famous for:

[I'm A Wenner!]

Mitch Williams is a train wreck of an analyst. Not only is he stupid, but he's awkward and creepy. He's not just regular Joe Morgan bad where you get frustrated because he's dumb, but rather you're genuinely offended by his creepshow demeanor. I feel like he should probably be in prison, but couldn't say for what, if pressed.

[bigjf]

2009 postseason's best games airing all day today. 2009 WS in its ENTIRETY tomorrow! For those of you, like me, who didn't have the $60 or whatever it costs for the complete dvd set...

[delv]

not to ruin it for you, but I think the team with the blue stripes wins

[bigjf]

not to ruin it for you, but I think the team with the blue stripes wins

I hope you're right. Even better is tomorrow, the network is running ONLY the Yankee victories in the series!

[DontHateOnNumber2]

I'm watching a documentary I DVRed called "Holy Land Hardball." It's about a guy who tried to create a pro baseball league in Israel. It's pretty compelling to see how this guy is trying to breed love for a game that's relatively unknown in the area.

[Eldee5]

I'm watching a documentary I DVRed called "Holy Land Hardball." It's about a guy who tried to create a pro baseball league in Israel. It's pretty compelling to see how this guy is trying to breed love for a game that's relatively unknown in the area.

I wanted to watch that and I missed it. Maybe they'll air it again.

[Mr. Smith]

MLB Network is building an impressive resume right about now...

[DontHateOnNumber2]

I wanted to watch that and I missed it. Maybe they'll air it again.

On Sunday there's going to be another documentary called "Cobb Field." The commercial for it was pretty vague, but I'm definitely watching it so I'm not too worried about it.

[-tz]

Can't believe the MLB Network rated that horrible Hawk Harrelson call of the Buehrle perfect game the "Number One Call of the Year."

[Eldee5]

Can't believe the MLB Network rated that horrible Hawk Harrelson call of the Buehrle perfect game the "Number One Call of the Year."

Wow. I'm glad I missed seeing that. I might have accepted calling it the most memorable call of the year; memorably awful that is.

[RYMASTER or Ryan_Yankees]

Can't believe the MLB Network rated that horrible Hawk Harrelson call of the Buehrle perfect game the "Number One Call of the Year."

"Alexei.....YES! YES YES!" etc., is quite profound.