Some things in sports broadcasting can easily be taken for granted, especially those innovations that have been in place for decades. One of those is baseball’s centerfield camera angle that has been in place, believe it or not, since the 1950s. The Baseball Hall of Fame credits local broadcasts in Chicago for coming up with the idea of putting a camera all the way out in centerfield to successfully see the batter and the pitcher all the way back when baseball on television was in its early stages.
And for 70 years now, the centerfield camera has been the standard way baseball has been viewed on television.
Unfortunately for NESN this weekend, we were also shown how *not* to watch a game through the centerfield camera.
The beauty of the centerfield camera is being able to see all the action. But if you’ll notice, the camera is usually slightly off-center. And there’s a good reason for that! When that camera can draw a straight line through the pitcher and home plate, it can make for some really awkward viewing.
Something special about that Pivetta sweeper. pic.twitter.com/dg4QNTCk0f
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 23, 2024
Story just keeps hitting. pic.twitter.com/ZNWliv1UMK
— Red Sox (@RedSox) March 23, 2024
Now, if you’re watching a Spring Training game in late March, during the middle of March Madness, you’re probably a hardcore baseball fan. In all likelihood, you’re the type of fan that’s going to notice whether or not the pitcher’s body is blocking your view of home plate on the telecast.
Hey @NESN who ever thought this camera angle for the Red Sox game was a good idea should be sent back to the minors.
— Anthony DiCenso (@dice1386) March 23, 2024
Hi @NESN, why is the outfield camera for todays game on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, directly behind the pitcher of the Minnesota Twins at Boston Red Sox game going on right now? You cannot see the catcher or home plate at all! Be better!
We're near the end of Spring Training!
— Evan Troxel (@Evan_Troxel) March 23, 2024
@NESN This center field camera angle is awful in the @RedSox game. The pitcher is right in the path of the catcher. What the heck????
— Kelly (@kelly83066) March 23, 2024
We’re going to assume that given some of the limitations that exist in Spring Training that this camera angle somehow couldn’t be avoided by moving a few feet to either side. Either that, or the folks at NESN are just really inspired by the upcoming total solar eclipse next month.