During this year’s incredible World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians, much of the digital ink about the broadcast has been devoted to FS1’s postgame show and the on-air relationship between Alex Rodriguez, Pete Rose, and Frank Thomas.
However, as per usual during the Postseason, MLB Network is providing wall to wall coverage of the World Series, with many of their shows on-site at Wrigley Field and Progressive Field. That includes their MLB Tonight postgame show, which is delivering an entertaining and informative experience for viewers.
Because of MLB Tonight’s position on the field, that leads to some unique possibilities, like on-field Diamond Demos discussing crucial moments in the game. One example came on Tuesday night, when Al Leiter, Harold Reynolds, and Eric Byrnes (on the scoreboard from MLB Network’s studios) demonstrated what happened during a misjudged fly ball in the first inning.
MLB Tonight: Outfield Mistake
MLB Tonight debates which Indians outfielder should have had the fly ball in the 1st inning of Game 6 using an outfield demo
This is also in play for the pregame show, which resulted in Dan Plesac exploring how to field near Wrigley Field’s on-field bullpens.
MLB Tonight: Wrigley Bullpens
The MLB Tonight crew gives a demo on how fielders try and play with the Wrigley Field bullpen mounds near the field
The on-field set also allows players to show up immediately after the game for brief interviews in a setting more loose than the post-game press conferences in front of numerous members of the media.
Kris Bryant made an appearance after his Game 6 heroics.
Bryant on his approach at plate
Kris Bryant joins MLB Tonight to discuss his Game 6 home run and his plan at the plate against Indians’ pitching in the World Series
While after Game 5, David Ross and Jon Lester heaped love onto each other.
Ross, Lester on win over Indians
David Ross and Jon Lester join the MLB Tonight panel to discuss a Game 5 win over the Indians and their relationship as pitcher and catcher
It’s a fun, unique show that really should be getting more love. Why isn’t it? There are probably a few reasons – the ubiquity of MLB Network over the course of the entire season, the intense dislike many viewers have for Harold Reynolds, the fact that all of the World Series games have been airing on Fox, people just realizing that A-Rod and Pete Rose are MLB analysts, and that’s just me naming four reasons off the top of my head.
Consistency is key in sports media, and MLB Tonight is as consistently good as it comes – just because you’re used to it doesn’t mean you should jump ship once something shiny and new comes along during the playoffs.
