Replays of games past, hour after hour of pre-game commentary and then a big post-game show have the MLB Network going wall-to-wall with All-Star Game action next Tuesday. Everything, it seems, except the actual game.
MLB Network is actually beginning its coverage on Monday, July 13th, with “MLB Tonight: All-Star Batting Practice Presented by Budweiser” at 5:00 pm ET. Replays of past games will be airing in the afternoons through Sunday, July 19 so fans can relive memories.
On game day, Tuesday, July 14th, 4:00 pm ET brings the “MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet Show Presented by Chevy”; at 5:00 pm it’s “MLB Tonight: All-Star Batting Practice Presented by Budweiser”; and at 7:30 pm “MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet Show Presented by Chevy.” The game gets underway at 8:00 pm. But wait! That’s on Fox. So, we wondered, what will MLB Network carry while the actual game is airing elsewhere?
It turns out that MLB Network will be airing episodes of its “Prime 9” countdown shows, with such topics as the “All-Time Top 9 All-Star Moments” and the “All-Time Top 9 Greatest Hitting Seasons.”
Once the game ends, MLB Network returns to live programming. “MLB Tonight Presented by Budweiser” will air for a full hour, regardless of start time.
Throughout July 13 and 14, MLB Network’s Bob Costas, Greg Amsinger, 12-time MLB All-Star Barry Larkin, two-time MLB All-Star Al Leiter, Joe Magrane, two-time MLB All-Star Harold Reynolds and Matt Vasgersian will share on-air hosting duties while Trenni Kusnierek, Hazel Mae and Reynolds will report from the field each day.
“We’re looking forward to hitting the road to bring fans the latest All-Star news and updates. We will air over 70 hours of All-Star Game-related programming from July 6 through July 15, anchored by our on-site host position in St. Louis,” said Tony Petitti, MLB Network’s President and CEO.
