Image Source: Michael Elizondo
Key Takeaways
- The author is critical of the FOX baseball broadcast, particularly its use of gimmicks and in-game interviews that detract from the game itself
- The author argues that good baseball is good baseball, regardless of the outcome, and that the broadcast should focus on showcasing the game rather than trying to artificially create drama
- The author praises the Dodgers’ broadcast team, but criticizes the trend of trying to emulate film storytelling in baseball broadcasts
- The author suggests that broadcasts should focus on the game itself, rather than relying on gimmicks and close-ups, and that the rhythm and story of the season are inherently compelling
Introduction to the Problem
The author of this article is expressing their frustration with the FOX baseball broadcast, particularly with regards to the way they presented Game 7 of the 2025 World Series. Despite being a thrilling game in person, the broadcast was "infuriating" to watch, with too much focus on gimmicks and in-game interviews that detracted from the game itself. The author notes that they had previously watched the game on MLB.com, but had not seen the entire FOX broadcast until rewatching it on New Year’s Eve. As the author says, "being at Game 7 was one of the highlights of my life, a riveting ballet of high tension and drama where hours flew by in what felt like minutes as the Dodgers repeated as champions in one of, if not the best, game ever played."
The Issue with FOX’s Broadcast Style
The author argues that FOX’s broadcast style, which focuses on gimmicks and close-ups, is a major problem. They cite the work of Daniel Evensen, who has written about the topic and created a video discussing the issue. Evensen notes that it takes a knack for understanding the game to televise it properly, which is sorely lacking today. The author agrees, saying "I hate Fox’s unique style of focusing on gimmicks of zoom-ins to artificially extract as much drama from the game as possible." For example, during the Rojas play, the broadcast focused on Rojas himself, rather than the runner, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who was the key to the play.
The Trend of Emulating Film Storytelling
The author is also critical of the trend of trying to emulate film storytelling in baseball broadcasts. They cite the work of John DeMarsico, the Broadcast Director of the Mets’ SNY broadcast, who is using unique angles and influences from film to present baseball. However, the author argues that this approach is misguided, saying "I do not think of mashing my admiration for De Palma with the Dodgers playing baseball." As DeMarsico himself admits, some of his gimmicks are meant to lessen the tedium of the regular season, which the author sees as a damning statement. The author notes that "baseball storytelling is compelling enough on its own" and that the game does not need to be artificially dramatized.
A Better Approach
The author suggests that broadcasts should focus on the game itself, rather than relying on gimmicks and close-ups. They praise the Dodgers’ broadcast team, saying that they do a good job of showcasing the game without resorting to gimmicks. The author also notes that the rhythm and story of the season are inherently compelling, and that broadcasts should try to capture this rather than trying to create artificial drama. As the author says, "baseball is the intersection of life and mathematics, where you can predict anything except the moments that change everything." The author also appreciates the new "My stats" tab on MLB.com’s streaming service, which allows users to generate a statistics layout similar to the one shared in the article.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the author is critical of the FOX baseball broadcast and the trend of trying to emulate film storytelling in baseball broadcasts. They argue that good baseball is good baseball, regardless of the outcome, and that the broadcast should focus on showcasing the game rather than trying to artificially create drama. The author suggests that broadcasts should focus on the game itself, rather than relying on gimmicks and close-ups, and that the rhythm and story of the season are inherently compelling. By following this approach, broadcasts can create a more engaging and authentic experience for viewers, one that captures the beauty and excitement of the game itself.
https://www.truebluela.com/los-angeles-dodgers-television-media/108813/fox-sports-mlb-broadcasts
