MLB Network Showcase featuring an enhanced broadcast format from Statcast powered by Google Cloud returns this Wednesday, May 26 for Cardinals vs. White Sox at 2 p.m. ET
May 24, 2021 ¨C For the first time this season, MLB Network Showcase will feature an enhanced broadcast format from Statcast powered by Google Cloud when the AL Central Division-leading Chicago White Sox host the NL Central Division-leading St. Louis Cardinals this Wednesday, May 26 at 2 p.m. ET. Called by Brian Kenny, Dan O¡¯Dowd, Carlos Pe?a and MLB.com writer Mike Petriello, the broadcast will feature real-time data, game-relevant analytics and thoughtful commentary all through the lens of Statcast. In-studio demonstrations and Statcast-focused essays written by Kenny will be part of the telecast. Wednesday will mark the eighth analytics-focused game telecast MLB Network has produced since 2015.
¡°Our goal is to call a good ballgame and entertain those watching. But MLB Now is the ¡®Show for the Thinking Fan,¡¯ and we will approach the live game call the same way,¡± said Kenny who has been the host of MLB Now since 2013. ¡°We will speak the language of the modern game, with all its sophisticated game planning, tactics, and strategy. We will question decisions with a level of scrutiny rarely done in a live telecast.¡±
Following Wednesday¡¯s game, MLB Network will have produced three non-traditional game telecast formats this season. Greg Amsinger, Dan Plesac and Harold Reynolds called the season debut of MLB Network Showcase - MLB Tonight style presented by Chevrolet featuring the Chicago White Sox against the Minnesota Twins on May 12. The broadcast incorporated elements from MLB Tonight_, including highlights, demonstrations and live look-ins to other games. _MLB Network Showcase: Clubhouse Edition featuring the New York Yankees against the Cleveland Indians debuted April 25. From a casual setup inside MLB Network¡¯s Studio 21, six-time All-Star CC Sabathia joined Carlos Pe?a, Hall of Famer John Smoltz and host Stephen Nelson for the call, which highlighted the organic conversations that take place among a group of former players when they watch a game.
As the case for every live regular season game on MLB Network, Wednesday¡¯s telecast will be available for authenticated live streaming via the MLB app and MLBNetwork.com. Wednesday¡¯s game will be blacked out in the White Sox¡¯s and Cardinals¡¯ home television territories.