1994 MLB Season
As originally written by Tim Brulia and GRL:
1994.
After the not too pleasant experience with CBS, MLB decides to try another tact. MLB forms an entity called The Baseball Network. TBN produces its own telecasts, right down to the TV graphics and even uses its own "flags" on the commentator mikes. NBC and ABC are reenlisted to provide coverage. The contract is for $0 and is a full revenue sharing program between TBN and ABC/NBC.
Each network is to do six weeks of regionalized telecasts; first ABC and then NBC, after the all-star break. One night a week where TBN will have exclusive coverage across as many as 14 games for that night. The marquee game will be called by the in-house crew (Al Michaels, Jim Palmer, Tim McCarver for ABC, Bob Costas, Bob Uecker for NBC). This telecast takes a cue from the Great White North and is called "Baseball Night in America."
For the post season, with a new three division set up in each league, a new round of playoffs are established, the League Division Series. The new LDS and the in place LCS will be fully regionalized. All games to be played concurrently, unless one series is still going, in which case it would be televised nationally. For 1994, the "jewels" were to go something like: NBC to cover the All-Star Game, then ABC to do the LDS, NBC back to work the LCS with ABC to do the World Series.
Then something happened on August 12th, and baseball would be forever changed. And not really for the better
Over at ESPN, the status quo continues with a new contract in place, BUT the number of games is cut in half, from the previous six games a week down to three (Sunday nights and Wednesday night doubleheaders).
The crews:
National Television
Regular Season
APRIL
Sunday 4/3:
Cardinals-Reds, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Monday 4/4:
Mariners-Indians, 1:00, ESPN. Chris Berman, Buck Martinez
Rangers-Yankees, 1:00, ESPN alt. Bob Carpenter, Fred Lynn
Pirates-Giants, 4:00, ESPN. Joel Meyers, Jim Kaat
Royals-Orioles, 4:00, ESPN alt. Steve Physioc, Jim Rooker
Wednesday 4/6:
White Sox-Blue Jays, 7:30, ESPN. Chris Berman, Jim Kaat
Braves-Padres, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Joe Morgan
Marlins-Dodgers, 10:30, ESPN alt. Steve Physioc, Fred Lynn
Sunday 4/10:
Marlins-Padres, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 4/13:
Giants-Braves, 7:30, ESPN. Sean McDonough, Jim Kaat
Rockies-Phillies, 7:30, ESPN alt. Bob Carpenter, Dave Campbell
Blue Jays-Athletics, 10:30, ESPN. Joel Meyers, Joe Morgan
Indians-Angels, 10:30, ESPN alt. Steve Physioc, Fred Lynn
Sunday 4/17:
Orioles-Rangers, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 4/20:
Rangers-Blue Jays, 7:30, ESPN. Sean McDonough, Buck Martinez
Mets-Dodgers, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Joe Morgan
Expos-Padres, 10:30, ESPN alt. Steve Physioc, Fred Lynn
Sunday 4/24:
Expos-Dodgers, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 4/27:
Phillies-Dodgers, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Buck Martinez
Red Sox-Athletics, 10:30, ESPN alt. Joel Meyers, Fred Lynn
MAY
Sunday 5/1:
Red Sox-Angels, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 5/4:
Cardinals-Rockies, 7:30, ESPN. Chris Berman, Jim Kaat
Royals-Blue Jays, 7:30, ESPN alt. Dave Sims, Tommy Hutton
Yankees-Angels, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Joe Morgan
Sunday 5/8:
Dodgers-Giants, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 5/11:
Blue Jays-Orioles, 7:30, ESPN. Sean McDonough, Jim Kaat
Pirates-Marlins, 7:30, ESPN alt. Dave Sims, Tommy Hutton
Astros-Dodgers, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Joe Morgan
Reds-Padres, 10:30, ESPN alt. Joel Meyers, Fred Lynn
Sunday 5/15:
Blue Jays-Red Sox, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 5/18:
Royals-Mariners, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Buck Martinez
White Sox-Angels, 10:30, ESPN alt. Joel Meyers, Fred Lynn
Sunday 5/22:
Rangers-Mariners, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 5/25:
Cubs-Dodgers, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Buck Martinez
Giants-Padres, 10:30, ESPN alt. Joel Meyers, Fred Lynn
Sunday 5/29:
Tigers-Twins, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Monday 5/30:
Phillies-Cubs, 4:00, ESPN. Chris Berman, Joe Morgan
Royals-Red Sox, 4:00, ESPN alt. Dave Sims, Tommy Hutton
Tigers-Orioles, 7:30, ESPN. Joel Meyers, Jim Kaat
Athletics-Blue Jays, 7:30, ESPN alt. Steve Physioc, Jim Rooker
JUNE
Wednesday 6/1:
White Sox-Yankees, 7:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Jim Kaat
Tigers-Orioles, 7:30, ESPN alt. Bob Carpenter, Peter Gammons
Braves-Giants, 10:30, ESPN. Chris Berman, Buck Martinez
Cardinals-Dodgers, 10:30, ESPN alt. Steve Physioc, Tommy Hutton
Sunday 6/5:
Indians-Athletics, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 6/8:
Dodgers-Marlins, 7:30, ESPN. Sean McDonough, Buck Martinez
Astros-Expos, 7:30, ESPN alt. Bob Carpenter, Dave Campbell
Indians-Mariners, 10:30, ESPN. Joel Meyers, Jim Kaat
Brewers-Athletics, 10:30, ESPN alt. Steve Physioc, Tommy Hutton
Sunday 6/12:
Cardinals-Phillies, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 6/15:
Rockies-Braves, 7:30, ESPN. Sean McDonough, Buck Martinez
Yankees-Orioles, 7:30, ESPN alt. Bob Carpenter, Jim Rooker
Reds-Dodgers, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Joe Morgan
Cubs-Padres, 10:30, ESPN alt. Joel Meyers, Fred Lynn
Sunday 6/19:
Phillies-Expos, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 6/22:
Mariners-Angels, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Buck Martinez
Royals-Athletics, 10:30, ESPN alt. Joel Meyers, Fred Lynn
Sunday 6/26:
Orioles-Blue Jays, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 6/29:
Yankees-Red Sox, 7:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Jim Kaat
Orioles-Indians, 7:30, ESPN alt. Dave Sims, Jim Rooker
Giants-Dodgers, 10:30, ESPN. Chris Berman, Buck Martinez
Tigers-Mariners, 10:30, ESPN alt. Steve Physioc, Fred Lynn
JULY
Sunday 7/3:
Twins-Indians, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Monday 7/4:
Blue Jays-Royals, 7:30, ESPN. Joel Meyers, Tommy Hutton
Pirates-Braves, 7:30, ESPN alt. Dave Sims, Jim Rooker
Expos-Dodgers, 10:30 (JIP), ESPN. Steve Physioc, Jim Kaat
Phillies-Padres, 10:30 (JIP), ESPN alt. John Sanders, Fred Lynn
Wednesday 7/6:
Pirates-Braves, 7:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Jim Kaat
Mariners-Orioles, 7:30, ESPN alt. Bob Carpenter, Peter Gammons
Mets-Giants, 10:30, ESPN. Joel Meyers, Fred Lynn
Expos-Dodgers, 10:30, ESPN alt. Steve Physioc, Jim Rooker
Sunday 7/10:
Astros-Cubs, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Tuesday 7/12:
Baseball All-Star Game from Pittsburgh.
American-National, 8:00, NBC. Bob Costas, Joe Morgan, Bob Uecker, Johnny Bench, Hannah Storm
Saturday 7/16:
Cubs-Reds, 8:00, ABC. Thom Brennaman, Marty Brennaman
Indians-White Sox, 8:00, ABC. Ken Harrelson, Lary Sorensen
Tigers-Royals, 8:00, ABC. Tom Hammond, Tommy Hutton
Marlins-Braves, 8:00, ABC. Pete Van Wieren, Steve Zabriskie
Astros-Pirates, 8:00, ABC. Lanny Frattare, Larry Dierker
Dodgers-Phillies, 8:00, ABC. Chris Wheeler, Jim Kaat
Brewers-Twins, 8:00, ABC. George Grande, George Frazier
Yankees-Mariners, 8:00, ABC. Al Michaels, Jim Palmer, Tim McCarver
Cardinals-Rockies, 8:00, ABC. Joe Buck, Dave Campbell
Padres-Mets, 8:00, ABC. Gary Thorne, Bob Murphy
Blue Jays-Rangers, 8:00, ABC. Steve Busby, Buck Martinez
Orioles-Angels, 11:00, ABC. Ken Wilson, Bert Blyleven
Red Sox-Athletics, 11:00, ABC. Dick Stockton, Jerry Remy
Sunday 7/17:
Tigers-Royals, 8:00, ESPN. Sean McDonough, Joe Morgan
Monday 7/18:
Braves-Pirates, 8:00, ABC. Pete Van Wieren, Steve Blass
Cubs-Rockies, 8:00, ABC. Steve Physioc, Dave Campbell
Tigers-White Sox, 8:00, ABC. Ken Harrelson, Lary Sorensen
Marlins-Reds, 8:00, ABC. Paul Kennedy, Johnny Bench
Royals-Brewers, 8:00, ABC. Bob Carpenter, George Frazier
Dodgers-Mets, 8:00, ABC. Gary Thorne, Jim Kaat
Twins-Blue Jays, 8:00, ABC. Jim Hughson, Buck Martinez
Cardinals-Astros, 8:00, ABC. Joe Buck, Larry Dierker
Padres-Expos, 8:00, ABC. Dave Van Horne, Jerry Coleman
Giants-Phillies, 8:00, ABC. Ted Robinson, Garry Maddox
Rangers-Indians, 8:00, ABC. Tom Hamilton, Steve Busby
Orioles-Mariners, 8:00, ABC. Jon Miller, Ron Fairly
Red Sox-Angels, 11:00, ABC. Al Michaels, Jim Palmer, Tim McCarver
Yankees-Athletics, 11:00, ABC. Dick Stockton, DeWayne Staats
Wednesday 7/20:
Rangers-Indians, 7:30, ESPN. Sean McDonough, Buck Martinez
Twins-Blue Jays, 7:30, ESPN alt. Dave Sims, Jim Rooker
Yankees-Athletics, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Joe Morgan
Red Sox-Angels, 10:30, ESPN alt. Joel Meyers, Fred Lynn
Sunday 7/24:
Braves-Cardinals, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Monday 7/25:
Cubs-Pirates, 8:00, ABC. Steve Physioc, Steve Blass
White Sox-Royals, 8:00, ABC. Ken Harrelson, Steve Palermo
Astros-Reds, 8:00, ABC. Brent Musburger, Larry Dierker
Twins-Rangers, 8:00, ABC. Steve Busby, George Frazier
Expos-Braves, 8:00, ABC. Pete Van Wieren, Ken Singleton
Mets-Cardinals, 8:00, ABC. Gary Thorne, Al Hrabosky
Phillies-Marlins, 8:00, ABC. Chris Wheeler, Mike Schmidt
Rockies-Padres, 11:00, ABC. Jerry Coleman, Dave Campbell
Dodgers-Giants, 11:00, ABC. Al Michaels, Jim Palmer, Tim McCarver
Wednesday 7/27:
Red Sox-Yankees, 7:30, ESPN. Jon Miller, Buck Martinez
Indians-Orioles, 7:30, ESPN alt. Dave Sims, Jim Rooker
Dodgers-Giants, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Joe Morgan
Rockies-Padres, 10:30, ESPN alt. Joel Meyers, Fred Lynn
Sunday 7/31:
Athletics-Tigers, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Buck Martinez
AUGUST
Wednesday 8/3:
Rockies-Astros, 7:30, ESPN. Sean McDonough, Tommy Hutton
Braves-Mets, 7:30, ESPN alt. Dave Sims, Jim Kaat
Padres-Dodgers, 10:30, ESPN. Dave Campbell, Buck Martinez
Saturday 8/6:
Braves-Reds, 8:00, ABC. Brent Musburger, Buck Martinez
Orioles-Brewers, 8:00, ABC. Steve Zabriskie, Mike Flanagan
Indians-Red Sox, 8:00, ABC. Tom Hamilton, Bob Montgomery
Tigers-Blue Jays, 8:00, ABC. Bob Carpenter, Rick Cerone
Marlins-Mets, 8:00, ABC. Gary Thorne, Bob Murphy
Expos-Phillies, 8:00, ABC. Dave Van Horne, Garry Maddox
Yankees-Twins, 8:00, ABC. Al Michaels, Jim Palmer, Tim McCarver
Cardinals-Pirates, 8:00, ABC. Joe Buck, Steve Blass
Padres-Cubs, 8:00, ABC. Steve Physioc, Lary Sorensen
Giants-Astros, 8:00, ABC. Ted Robinson, Larry Dierker
White Sox-Angels, 8:00, ABC. Ken Harrelson, Bert Blyleven
Mariners-Royals, 8:00, ABC. Dave Niehaus, Billy Sample
Rangers-Athletics, 8:00, ABC. Dick Stockton, Steve Busby
Sunday 8/7:
Giants-Astros, 8:00, ESPN. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 8/10:
Dodgers-Reds, 7:30, ESPN. Chris Berman, Jim Kaat
Orioles-Yankees, 7:30, ESPN alt. Bob Carpenter, Tommy Hutton
Royals-Angels, 10:30, ESPN. Joel Meyers, Buck Martinez
ESPN Minor League Broadcasts
When the Major League Baseball strike began on August 12th, the various networks broadcasting Major League Baseball were faced with a situation in terms of what to program to fill the schedule.
In the case of ESPN, they chose to solve this issue in part by covering Minor League Baseball, which continued after the strike began (albeit without any players on the 40-man rosters of MLB). I have found evidence indicating at least ten games aired on ESPN and ESPN2, with the documented evidence indicating the use of the regular ESPN announcers (and, for that matter, the regular ESPN theme). A clear focus on Michael Jordan can be detected in this coverage- four of the ten documented games feature the Birmingham Barons, whom he was playing for during that season.
This list is inspired by this list from the IMDb website, with the materials present fact-checked from both contemporary newspaper coverage and (when available) footage from these games. Announcers with a question mark are taken from the IMDb, while those with clear listings are taken from newspaper coverage and game footage.
The full names of all teams shall be used in these listings, with visitors listed first.
Any corrections or comments you may have will be much appreciated.
And now, the list:
Sunday 8/14:
Birmingham Barons-Memphis Chicks. ESPN, 8. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Sunday 8/21:
Chattanooga Lookouts-Birmingham Barons. ESPN, 8. Bob Carpenter (?), color unknown
Sunday 8/28:
Memphis Chicks-Birmingham Barons. ESPN2, 2. Bob Carpenter, Buck Martinez
Pawtucket Red Sox-Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons. ESPN, 8. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan
Wednesday 8/31:
Birmingham Barons-Chattanooga Lookouts. ESPN, 7:30. Dave Campbell, Buck Martinez
Monday 9/5:
Reading Phillies-Portland Sea Dogs. ESPN, 1. Jon Miller, Jim Kaat, Peter Gammons
Omaha Royals-New Orleans Zephyrs. ESPN, 9. Bob Carpenter, Buck Martinez
Saturday 9/10:
Richmond Braves-Syracuse Chiefs (Governor's Cup-Game 1). ESPN2, 7:30. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan.
Sunday 9/11:
Richmond Braves-Syracuse Chiefs (Governor's Cup- Game 2). ESPN, 8. Jon Miller, Joe Morgan.
Tuesday 9/13:
Syracuse Chiefs-Richmond Braves (Governor's Cup- Game 3). ESPN2, 7:30. Announcers unknown.
Local Radio Crews
Originally written by garretta
Now for the local announcers in 1994. We begin with radio:
Braves: Pete Van Wieren, Skip Caray, Joe Simpson, Don Sutton
Rangers: Mark Holtz, Eric Nadel
Tigers: Rick Rizzs, Bob Rathbun
Rockies: Wayne Hagin, Jeff Kingery
Marlins: Joe Angel, Dave O'Brien
White Sox: John Rooney, Ed Farmer
Twins: Herb Carneal, John Gordon, Jim Powell
Blue Jays: Tom Cheek, Jerry Howarth
Royals: Denny Matthews, Fred White
Mariners: Dave Niehaus, Ken Levine, Ron Fairly, Chip Caray
Indians Herb Score, Tom Hamilton
Padres: Jerry Coleman, Ted Leitner, Bob Chandler, Al Conin(English); Mario Thomas, Eduardo Ortega (Spanish)
Giants: Hank Greenwald, Duane Kuiper, Ted Robinson, Mike Krukow (English); Julio Gonzalez, Rene De La Rosa (Spanish)
Dodgers: Vin Scully, Ross Porter, Rick Monday (English); Jaime Jarrin, Rene Cardenas (Spanish)
Pirates; Lanny Frattare, Greg Brown, Bob Walk, Steve Blass
Astros: Milo Hamilton, Vince Cotroneo, Larry Dierker, Enos Cabell (English); Francisco Ernesto Ruiz, Danny Gonzalez (Spanish)
Reds: Marty Brennaman, Joe Nuxhall
Expos: Dave Van Horne, Ken Singleton, Richard Griffin, Elliott Price (English); Jacques Doucet (French)
Athletics: Bill King, Lon Simmons, Ray Fosse
Yankees: Michael Kay, John Sterling
Angels: Bob Starr, Billy Sample
Orioles: Jon Miller, Chuck Thompson, Fred Manfra
Red Sox: Joe Castiglione, Jerry Trupiano (English); Hector Martinez, Bobby Serano (Spanish)
Cubs: Thom Brennaman, Ron Santo, Harry Caray
Phillies: Harry Kalas, Richie Ashburn, Andy Musser, Chris Wheeler
Cardinals: Jack Buck, Joe Buck, Mike Shannon, Jim Kaat (fill-in)
Brewers: Bob Uecker, Pat Hughes
Mets: Bob Murphy, Gary Cohen. Howie Rose (fill-in), Gary Thorne (fill-in), Ralph Kiner (fill-in)
Local Broadcast TV Crews
Originally written by garretta
Now let's look at over-the-air TV in 1994. Teams not on this list used their radio announcers for TV as well:
Rangers: Steve Busby, Jim Sundberg
Tigers: George Kell, Al Kaline
Rockies: Charlie Jones, Dave Campbell
Marlins; Jay Randolph, Gary Carter
White Sox: Ken Harrelson, Tom Paciorek
Twins: Dick Bremer, Al Newman, Tommy John, Bob Carpenter, Chad Hartman
Blue Jays: Don Chevrier, Tommy Hutton, Fergie Olver (Wednesdays, Sundays. holidays); Brian Williams, Hutton, Ken Daniels (Fridays and Saturdays)
Royals: Dave Armstrong, Paul Splittorff
Indians: Jack Corrigan, Mike Hegan
Reds: Marty Brennaman, George Grande, Gordy Coleman, Chris Welsh
Athletics: Dick Stockton. Ray Fosse
Yankees: Paul Olden, Bobby Murcer, Phil Rizzuto
Angels: Ken Wilson, Ken Brett
Orioles: Add Chuck Thompson
Red Sox: Sean McDonough, Bob Montgomery
Cubs: Harry Caray, Steve Stone, Thom Brennaman, Wayne Larrivee (fill-in), Vince Lloyd (fill-in)
Cardinals: Joe Buck, Al Hrabosky, Jack Buck
Brewers: Rory Markas, Del Crandall
Mets: Gary Thorne, Tim McCarver, Ralph Kiner. Ed Lynch (fill-in)
Local Cable TV Crews
Originally written by garretta
Now for a look at local cable announcers in 1994. If a team isn't listed, they use all of their radio or OTA television announcers:
Braves: Pete Van Wieren, Joe Simpson
Rangers: Greg Lucas, Norm Hitzges
Tigers: Ernie Harwell, Jim Northrup, Jim Price
Blue Jays: Jim Hughson, Buck Martinez
Indians: John Sanders, Rick Manning
Yankees; DeWayne Staats, Al Trautwig, Tony Kubek
Red Sox: Bob Kurtz, Jerry Remy, Amy Stone, Steve Burton
Phillies: Andy Musser or Chris Wheeler, Garry Maddox, Kent Tekulve, Todd Kalas
Cardinals: Joe Buck, Al Hrabosky, Mike Shannon, Jim Kaat (fill-in), Joel Meyers (fill-in)
Mets: Fran Healy, Ralph Kiner, Rusty Staub
Athletics: Greg Papa, Ray Fosse, Joe Morgan
Local Broadcast TV Info
NOTE: The number of games each team was set to carry was based on having a full season, so each television partner only aired a fraction of the number of originally scheduled games
Originally written by garretta
I've decided to go back to the beginning of the six-division era in 1994 and fill in the gap until 2001. We'll see where we go next after that, but right now I want to do a little less typing every day with the holidays coming up,
With that said, here's the local television story for 1994, beginning in the National League East:
National League
Braves: WTBS-TV (Channel 17) will carry 118 games. Turner Broadcasting owns both the team and WTBS. Games will also be shown on the national TBS feed.
Marlins: WBFS-TV (Channel 33) is the flagship of a ten-station network This is the second year of a four-year contract.
Expos: SRC, a French-language network, will carry forty games to twelve different stations. This is the final year of a four-year contract.
Phillies: WPHL-TV (Channel 17) will carry eighty-five games. Two other stations will receive games. This is the second year of a five-year contract. The team and WPHL have a revenue-sharing agreement,
Mets: WWOR-TV (Channel 9) as well as the WWOR EMI Service will carry seventy-two games. This is the third year of a five-year contract. The team and WWOR have a revenue-sharing agreement.
(By this time, WWOR had begun its EMI Service, which was a totally different feed designed specifically for the national audience similar to WGN America. Mets games were allowed to be cleared on the EMI Service, as well as WWOR's 10pm newscast, and some syndicated shows and movies that weren't syndex-restricted.)
WEST:
Dodgers: KTLA-TV (Channel 5) will carry sixty games. One other station will receive them (which one?). This is the second year of a five-year contract,
Rockies: KWGN-TV (Channel 2) heads an eight-station network that will carry eighty games. This is the second year of a five-year contract.
Padres: KUSI-TV (Channel 51) is the flagship of a nineteen-station network that will carry forty=wight games. This is the final year of a four-year contract.
Giants: KTVU-TV (Channel 2) leads a five-station network that will carry fifty games. This is the final year of a six-year contract.
CENTRAL:
Reds: WLWT-TV (Channel 5) is the flagship of a seventeen-station network that will carry fifty-three games. This is the first year of a two-year contract.
Cardinals: KPLR-TV (Channel 11) has a one-year contract. It will be the flagship of a twenty-station network that will carry sixty-two games.
Astros: KTXH-TV (Channel 20) is the head of a sixteen-station network that will carry at least sixty-three games. This is the ninth year of a ten-year contract.
Cubs: Both the Cubs and WGN-TV are owned by The Tribune Company. WGN will carry 137 games on both its local and national feeds.
Pirates: The Pirates' TV situation wasn't set at press time. Under the deal being negotiated. KDKA-TV (Channel 2) would sublicense thirty-five games from the rights holder, KBL Sports Network, and head a six-station network.
American League
Now let's move over to the American League, beginning in the West:
Angels: KTLA-TV (Channel 5) will televise fifty-two games. This is the third year of a four-year contract.
Athletics: KRON-TV (Channel 4) is the flagship of a seventeen-station network that will televise fifty games. This is the second year of a five-year contract.
Mariners: KSTW-TV (Channel 11) heads a five-station network that will televise seventy-one games. This is the second year of a three-year contract.
Rangers: KTVT-TV (Channel 11) is the flagship of a thirteen-station network that will carry ninety games. This is the second year of a three-year contract.
CENTRAL:
Indians: WUAB-TV (Channel 43) will carry sixty-one games. This is the third year of a four-year contract.
Royals: KSMO-TV (Channel 62) is the flagship of a nineteen-station that will carry sixty-three games. This is the second year of a three-year contract.
White Sox: WGN-TV (Channel 9) will carry fifty-two games on both its local and national feeds. This is the final year if a five-year contract.
Brewers: WVTV-TV (Channel 18) heads a seven-station network that will carry sixty-six games. Contract status is unknown at press time.
Twins: Midwest Sports Channel owns the rights. It has sublicensed sixty games to WCCO-TV (Channel 4) and a four-station network. Contract status is not known at press time.
EAST:
Red Sox: WSBK-TV (Channel 38) is the flagship of a six-station network that will carry seventy-five games. This is the fourth year of a six-year contract.
Tigers: WDIV-TV (Channel 4) heads a five-station network that will carry forty-eight games. This is the final year of a three-year contract.
Yankees: MSG Network owns all of the team's TV rights. It has bought time on WPIX-TV (Channel 11) to show fifty games. This is the first year of a three-year contract.
Blue Jays: The team's rights are split. Baytone will carry thirty-five games over a twenty-station-network, while the CBC will carry twenty-five games over a thirty-nine-station network. This is the third year of a five-year contract.
(Two questions here: 1) What was Baytone and 2) How did they get the bigger part of the Jays' TV contract?)
Orioles: Westinghouse Broadcasting owns both WJZ-TV (Channel 13) and the team's cable outlet, Home Team Sports as well as the team's TB rights. Thirty games will air on WJZ, while forty games are sublicensed to WRUV-TV. These games will also be carried over a four-station network. This iis the first year of a three-year contract.
Local Cable TV Info
Originally written by garretta
Here's the outlook for cable TV in 1994, beginning in the National League East:
National League
Marlins: Sunshine Network will carry sixty-two games. This is the second year of a four-year contract.
Mets: SportsChannel New York will carry seventy-five games. This is the eighth year of a thirty-year contract.
Braves: SportSouth will carry twenty-nine games. Turner Broadcasting owns both the team and SportSouth.
Expos: Rouseau Des Sport will carry fifty games, and TSN (The Sports Network) will carry twenty-five games. I know that TSN is an English-speaking network, and I'm almost positive that RDS is a French-speaking network. This is the final year pf a four-year contract for both channels.
Phillies: The team's cable rights are split. PRISM will carry forty-one games, while SportsChannel Philadelphia carries twenty-five games. Contract status is unknown at press time.
CENTRAL:
Cardinals: Prime Sports will carry forty-three games. This is the first year of a three-year contract.
Cubs: Chicagoland will carry ten games. The Tribune Company owns both the team and Chicagoland.
Astros: Home Sports Entertainment will carry between forty-five and fifty games. This is the final year of a six-year contract.
Reds: SportsChannel Cincinnati will carry thirty-five games. This is the second year of a three-year contract.
Pirates: KBL Sports Network will carry sixty games on a one-year contract. It also holds the team's broadcast TV rights.
WEST:
Giants: SportsChannel Pacific will carry fifty-five games. This is the fifth year of a seven-year contract.
Padres: Prime Ticket will carry twenty-five games. This is the first year of a six-year contract. Prime Ticket will produce the games, and it has a revenue-sharing agreement with the team.
Rockies: None.
Dodgers: None.
Now let's move to the American League. We begin in the East:
American League
Tigers: Pro Am Sports (PASS) will televise seventy games. Contract status was unknown at press time.
Orioles: Home Team Sports will televise seventy-eight games. This is the first year of a three-year contract.
Blue Jays: The Sports Network will televise eighty games. This is the second year of a three-year contract.
Yankees: Madison Square Garden Network will televise 108 games. This is the sixth year of a twelve-year contract.
Red Sox: New England Sports Network (NESN) will televise eighty-two games. This is the tenth year of a sixteen-year contract.
WEST:
Rangers: Home Sports Entertainment (HSE) will televise fifty-seven games. This is the final year of a six-year contract.
Angels: Prime Ticket will televise twenty-two games. This is the second year of a five-year contract.
Athletics: SportsChannel Pacific will televise sixty games. This is the final year of a five-year contract.
Mariners: None
CENTRAL:
Royals: None
Brewers: None
Indians: SportsChannel Ohio will televise sixty games. This is the second year of a three-year contract.
White Sox: SportsChannel Chicago will televise ninety-three games. This is the eleventh year of a seventeen-year contract.
Twins: Midwest Sports Channel will air eighty-four games. Twenty-four will be on basic cable. while sixty will be on a pay-per-view basis. This is the first year of a four-year contract.
Local Radio Info
Originally written by garretta
Let's begin our look at local radio with the American League West:
American League
Angels: KMPC-AM (710) heads a twenty-three-station network. This is the final year of a three-year contract.
Athletics: KFRC-AM (610) is the flagship of a twenty-two-station network. This is the first year of a four-year contract.
Mariners: KIRO-AM (710) heads a twenty-six-station network. This is the second year of a five-year contract.
Rangers: WBAP-AM (820) will be the flagship of a network umbering between thirty and thirty-five stations. This is the final year of a three-year contract.
CRNTRAL:
Twins: WCCO-AM (830) heads a seventy-station network. Contract status was unavailable at press time.
Brewers: WTMJ-AM (620) leads a forty-eight-station network. This is the third year of a four-year contract.
Royals: WIBW-AM (580) is the flagship of a 115-station network. This is the final year of a three-year contract.
Indians: WKNR-AM (1220) is the head of a thirty-station network. This is the first year of a three-year contract.
White Sox: WMAQ-AM (670) heads a twenty-eight-station network. This is the third year of a four-year contract.
(If I'm reading the article correctly, the team keeps all of the money generated from the sale of beer on its broadcasts. Was an agreement like this common back in the day? I've never heard of anything like it,)
EAST:
Red Sox: WRKO-AM (680) heads a sixty-station network. This is the first of a three-year contract.
Tigers: WJR-AM (760) is the leader of a thirty-two-station network, This is the fourth year of a five-year contract.
Blue Jays: CJCL-AM (1430) is the head of a forty-eight-station network. This is the fourth year of a six-year contract.
Yankees: WABC-AM (770) is the flagship of a twenty-station network. This is the final year of a six-year contact.
Orioles: WBAL-AM (1090) is the flagship of a twenty-station network. The Washington, D.C. affiliate is WTOP-AM. This is the first year of a three-year contract.
National League
Noe let's move to the National League, beginning in the West:
Rockies: KOA-AM (850) is the head of a fifty-station network. This is the third year of a five-year contract.
Padres: KFMB-AM (760) leads a fourteen-station network. This is the final year of a five-year contract.
Giants: KNBR-AM (680) is the head of a fourteen-station network. KIQI-AM broadcasts games in Spanish. This is the final year of a six-year contract.
Dodgers: KABC-AM (790) is the flagship of a twenty-nine-station network. This is the second year of a five-year contract.
CENTRAL:
Reds: WLW-AM (700) is the head of a seventy-station network. This is the final year of a three-year contract.
Astros: KPRC-AM (950) heads a network of at least forty-six stations. This is the fourth year of a five-year contract.
Cardinals: KMOX-AM (1120) is the flagship of a 125-station network. This is the third year of a five-year contract.
Cubs: WGN-AM (720) heads a sixty-four-station network. The Tribune Company owns both the team and WGN.
Pirates: KDKA-AM (1020) leads a fifty-station network. This is the final year of a four-year contract.
EAST:
Braves: WGST-AM (640) is the flagship of a 162-station network. This is the final year of a three-year contract.
Phillies: WOGL-AM (1210) heads a twenty-one-station network. This is the second year of a five-year contract.
Mets: WFAN-AM (660) leads a twenty-station network. This is the fourth year of a five-year contract.
Marlins: WQAM-AM (560) is the head of a seventeen-station English-speaking network. This is the second year of a four-year contract. WCMQ-AM (1210) broadcasts the games in Spanish. This is the second year of a two-year contract.
Expos: CKAC-AM (730) is the flagship of a thirty-four-station French-language network. CIQC-AM (940) leads a thirteen-station English-speaking network. Both stations are in the final year of four-year contracts.
National TV Info
Originally written by garretta
Let's look at national television:
ABC and NBC are partners with MLB in The Baseball Network. All games on certain days (selected Saturdays and Mondays) are televised on a regional basis beginning at either 8PM or 11PM Eastern, Each affiliate gets one game, even in two-team markets such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area. Eastern markets whose teams are on the West Coast are almost always given an East Coast game anyway, meaning that their team is blacked out. If the Cubs are playing at home in the afternoon, they're blacked out as well.
Because of the strike, NBC only got to air the All-Star Game, and there was no postseason.
(I think I covered the major problems that The Baseball Network had. If there are any I missed, please let me know,)
Here's the list of announcers used by TBN/ABC this year:
PLAY-BY-PLAY:
Thom Brennaman
Ken Harrelson
Tom Hammond
Pete Van Wieren
Lanny Frattare
Chris Wheeler
George Grande
Al Michaels
Joe Buck
Gary Thorne
Steve Busby
Ken Wilson
Dick Stockton
Steve Physioc
Paul Kennedy
Bob Carpenter
Jim Hughson
Dave Van Horne
Ted Robinson
Tom Hamilton
Jon Miller
Brent Musburger
Jerry Coleman
Dave Niehaus
ANALYSTS:
Marty Brennaman
Lary Sorenson
Tommy Hutton
Steve Zabriskie
Larry Dierker
Jim Kaat
George Frazier
Jim Palmer
Tim McCarver
Dave Campbell
Bob Murphy
Buck Martinez
Bert Blyleven
Jerry Remy
Steve Blass
Johnny Bench
Jerry Coleman
Garry Maddox
Steve Busby
Ron Fairly
DeWayne Staats
Steve Palermo
Ken Singleton
Al Hrabosky
Mike Schmidt
Mike Flanagan
Bob Montgomery
Rick Cerone
Billy Sample
(Some of these had to be situations where two play-by-play announcers rotated, kind of like the early days of televised baseball. In a case where two play-by-play guys were listed, I put the one listed first under play-by-play and the one listed second under analyst.)
NBC will carry the All-Star Game live from Pittsburgh on July 12, with coverage beginning at 8PM Eastern. Bob Costas, Joe Morgan, and Bob Uecker will call the action, with Johnny Bench and Hannah Storm serving as dugout reporters. John Rooney, Jeff Torborg, and Jerry Coleman will call the game for CBS Radio.
Confirmed sponsors for The Baseball Network are Texaco and Russell Athletic. Probable (though not yet confirmed) sponsors are Gatorade and Sherwin-Williams.
ESPN will carry games on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays, with extra coverage on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. Sunday Night Baseball is the centerpiece of the franchise. ESPN will also cover the All-Star festivities in Pittsburgh, including the Home Run Derby.
Here's a list of all the announcers ESPN used in 1994:
PLAY-BY-PLAY:
Jon Miller
Chris Berman
Bob Carpenter
Joel Meyers
Steve Physioc
Dave Campbell
Sean McDonough
Dave Sims
John Sanders
ANALYSTS:
Joe Morgan
Buck Martinez
Fred Lynn
Jim Kaat
Jim Rooker
Dave Campbell
Tommy Hutton
Peter Gammons