Let’s post some press releases for you while I have a free moment.
Starting with MLB Network, it’ll air another edition of Studio 42 with Bob Costas tonight featuring former Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox first baseman Dick Allen.
SEVEN-TIME ALL-STAR & 1972 AL MVP DICK ALLEN DISCUSSes his controversial mlb CAREERon MLB NETWORK’S STUDIO 42 WITH BOB COSTAS on tuesday, DECEMBER 15December 14, 2009 – 1971 American League MVP Dick Allen discusses his career in an episode of MLB Network’s Studio 42 with Bob Costas on Tuesday, December 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET & PT. Throughout the interview Allen talks about playing during segregation in Philadelphia in the 1960’s, why he is not in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, his prolific home runs, and his reputation during his playing career. A preview of the interview can be viewed here.Prior to Studio 42 with Bob Costas, at 6:00 p.m. ET MLB Network will air Hot Stove, its live studio show in the offseason with updates and analysis of the moves all 30 clubs are making and planning in preparation for the upcoming season. Immediately following the interview with Allen, MLB Network will re-air Bob Costas’ interview with Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. at 9:00 p.m. ET.Highlights from the interview with Allen include:ON NOT BEING IN THE HALL OF FAMEI’ll be honest with you, Bob, and truthful about it. I don’t really know how it works and what actually makes a Hall of Famer because baseball to me, it seemed like it’s a team sport and they [Hall of Fame Voting Committee] single out one guy over his stats.I’m pretty satisfied inside, because people don’t know the truth. And I ask you Bob, really. On your show, what are the criteria of a Hall of Famer? Is he just an ambassador to the game? Or is it just statistics? Because statistics, the stats, he really doesn’t gather up any stats unless he has those teammates.ON PLAYING BASEBALL IN PHILADELPHIA DURING SEGREGATION IN THE 1960’SThere’s a ton of guys that had to go through hardship during segregated days … I look at it this way, you either left home and you wanted to prove that you could make the Major Leagues, prove that you can play with the best, and, to answer to your other question [about] … well that’s why we left home; to prove that we can play – to make the major leagues and to prove that you can play and help a team with the best.ON PLAYING IN THE ERA AFTER JACKIE ROBINSONYeah, I’m really a part of it, and not only that, I’m glad to be, even though they were tough, tough days. It brings light onto what we have on the field today, as far as players that I’m awful proud of.ON HAVING A REPUATION FOR BEING A TROUBLEMAKERAll through the ‘60’s, we were a pretty radical bunch. They were marching everywhere, and the next thing I know, my name is ‘Richie,’ not Dick here. Now it’s Richie, we’re at war at Vietnam, we got the hippies and we got the love people. We were a pretty radical bunch. The point of it is here, unless some of those rules change and we’re wearing the same uniform, that’s a team, hey, we’re going to a
ct like a team, let the rules be the same of all of them. So, in defiance, I’m trying to get out of there and maybe people just look at here, he’s a troublemaker, I’m looking out for my own benefit.ON HAVING A DRINK THE DAY OF A GAMEBeer is mostly much what ballplayers did back then, we’d have a beer. Heck, everybody advertised. No, we weren’t supposed to. If there was any fun in that game, I didn’t miss much of it, Bob, to tell you the truth. I’m serious. Some guys had aches, pains and coughs and, golly, maybe a little brandy in a cup of coffee. On cold days, we’d come in and say, “Hey Broom, give me some of that coffee.” Everybody would have a sip or two. They would be off and we’d go get them. So maybe I was enhancing with a little brandy and a little coffee but it wasn’t an ongoing, everyday type of thing. Like I said, if there was any fun out there, I didn’t miss much of it.ON THE ’64 PHILLIES COLLAPSEJohnny Callison, he led us right on through. We manufactured a lot of runs and everybody blamed it on Gene Mauch, but I really can’t. They say he ruined a lot of players’ careers and things. I don’t think he did – maybe some of them were destined to go and take that. I loved playing for him because he wanted to do the same thing I did: He wanted to win at any cost, but maybe not knowing how to talk with the other players. I’m not going to use the word “handle” because I hated that myself. You handle horses. You handle problems and adversity but you don’t people that way.ON HITTING PROLIFIC HOME RUNSTo be honest with you, it’s not how long and how far and how many. I got a bigger kick out of maybe that ground ball that ate that shortstop up. I got more gratification out of handcuffing an infielder than the home run depending on whether we need that run that puts us ahead.ON PLAYING THE GAMEI think the good thing was my mind was always in the ballgame. Win or lose, the happiest time for me was between the lines. Outside the lines were tough.
The NFL Network gives us some quotage from NFL Gameday Highlights and NFL Gameday Final.
Week 14 (Dec. 13, 2009) – Quotable from NFL GameDay Final on NFL Network(Airs Sundays at 7:30 PM ET & 11:30 PM ET)***UNBEATEN WEEK ON NFL NETWORK***13-0 Colts vs. Jaguars – Thursday, Dec. 17 at 8:00 PM ET on NFLNCowboys vs. 13-0 Saints – Saturday, Dec. 19 at 8:00 PM ET on NFLN“If you are going to rest me, rest me in practice all week and let me play in the games.”–- Deion Sanders on playing for perfect season“The Saints are in a different boat than the Colts. The Colts have won a Super Bowl. They win 12 games before breakfast every year. The Saints haven’t been there and need to go there. They are going to put the pedal to the metal and try to win every game for that city.”– Steve Mariucci on Saints and Colts pursuing perfect record“I would go for it, but within reason. I’d discuss with my medical staff who would benefit by resting or being limited in some of these games. The caveat is ‘What do I do with healthy guys?’ How much do I play Peyton Manning and what is my alternative? Am I going to play seventh-round rookie Curtis Painter and look discombobulated on offense or am I going to sign a veteran backup quarterback? I would start Peyton Manning, try to get a lead and win these games.”– Steve Mariucci on Colts going for 16-0 after clinching home-field advantage“He is instant entertainment.”— Rich Eisen on Eagles WR DeSean Jackson, who had two long scoring plays vs. Giants to tie the NFL record with eight touchdowns of at least 50 yards in a season“This guy is a highlight film.”– Steve Mariucci on Eagles WR DeSean Jackson“He’s getting better and better as a pass receiver.”– Steve Mariucci on Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, who has 15 catches in the past four games (vs. 21 receptions in first nine games)“Antoine Winfield is the key to that secondary. Not only is he tough, he can cover.”– Steve Mariucci on Vikings CB Antoine Winfield“He is the most physical corner in football.”– Deion Sanders on Vikings CB Antoine Winfield“He’s one of the great rookie class of receivers this year.”— Steve Mariucci on Giants WR Hakeem Nicks, who had four catches for 110 yards and a touchdown vs. Eagles“That is what he does best. Put him on the move. Let him run and pass.”– Steve Mariucci on Miami QB Chad Henne*** Additional exclusive video clips from Sunday’s NFL GameDay are available on NFL.com. Click on the video segments. These videos include:
– Highlights of the back-and-forth Eagles-Giants Sunday night game– Deion Sanders’ “Let’s Go Primetime”– And many more Week 14 game highlights and postgame video only on NFL.com.Golf Channel will unveil a new high definition studio and 3-D studio simulator in January.
GOLF CHANNEL Completes HD TransitionWith New Studio Makeover Revealed Jan. 4PGA TOUR Simulator Highlights New SpaceORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 14, 2009) – With the year’s first telecast of Golf Central on Jan. 4, GOLF CHANNEL not only will reveal the network’s first major studio makeover since 2003, it will launch its high-definition production capabilities for all its studio programming.The new-look GOLF CHANNEL studios in Orlando, Fla., will be a departure from its understated look of the past, with a complete overhaul featuring high-tech elements and contemporary stylings. The new sets will live in the same 4,700-square-foot space but now will include four, separate “environments,” from which various studio shows will originate.“This spectacular new studio – as well as new graphics and music for Golf Central – show our continued commitment to updating and improving our channel,” said GOLF CHANNEL President Page Thompson. Commenting on the show’s reach into 82 million homes in the United States and 40 million elsewhere around the world, Thompson continued, “Golf Central is the leading news program for the sport, and now we have a new studio that truly reflects the passion and dedication we have to this great game.”Anchoring the studio will be the set of Golf Central, which is situated in the very center to provide greater depth of field for the viewer and a desk that pivots 180 degrees to showcase different backgrounds.A dedicated analyst area will feature a desk with integrated telestrators that will allow each analyst to “telestrate” on demand. Adjacent, a large, multi-touch screen allows them to interact with video and graphics for demonstrations. The desk also is fronted by two, scrolling tickers at the base of the desk that will offer tournament leaderboard information and other golf news as it happens. The appearance of a new interview set will be consistent with the rest of the studio’s high-tech feel, but also will incorporate materials and colors traditional to the game of golf.Additionally, the studio will feature a myriad of monitors of all sizes that will be used for graphic treatments, as well as stand-up stations for the network talent. And, demonstration areas – including a putting green, a sand trap and a tee box with an added two cuts of rough – will be used for a variety of purposes.“In addition to providing a contemporary and visually stunning set for our studio programming, this design utilizes technology to provide Golf Channel anchors, analysts and instructors with an advanced state-of-the-art tool set,” said Dan Overleese, GOLF CHANNEL vice president of operations. “From swing breakdowns and statistical analysis to simulated reenactments and instruction, our studio shows will be visually more compelling and entertaining.”New Simulator Makes Instruction, Shot Re-Creation Come to Life
Dominating the back studio wall and facing the tee box area is a 23 feet by 13 feet video screen. In addition to showcasing logos and graphics, the screen also will function as the display for a high-tech golf simulator.GOLF CHANNEL has partnered with Ohio-based aboutGolf, which has installed a highly customized PGA TOUR Simulator that will be utilized by GOLF CHANNEL analysts for real-to-life demonstrations – like shot re-creation – and for shows like The Golf Fix, the popular, high-energy instructional show hosted by Michael Breed.
“The Golf Channel strives to deliver relevant news, analysis and instruction, so reliable and definitive data is critical,” said Chuck Faust, president of aboutGolf. “Not only does the PGA TOUR Simulator apply stereoscopic, high-speed photography technology, it’s used with a proprietary methodology that allows it to achieve an even higher level of accuracy and produce a realistic golf experience.”
The PGA TOUR Simulator is powered by aboutGolf’s proprietary 3Trak technology, which precisely measures and displays club performance and true ball flight including spin, velocity and trajectory. aboutGolf also will have high-definition, 3-D renderings of the 18th hole at each of the 2010 PGA TOUR scheduled courses on GOLF CHANNEL’s PGA TOUR Simulator.The studio makeover began in March 2009, when the GOLF CHANNEL operations team began the process of upgrading its entire studio operations and backstage technical areas to accommodate HD production. Other updates include new lighting – which has been designed to reduce the studio’s overall energy consumption by more than 30 percent – and other infrastructure.The studio design was completed by Jack Morton/PDG, which has earned recognition for studio design work for NBC, CBS and ESPN, among others. Construction was handled by Massachusetts-based Mystic Scenic Studios Inc.
Big Ten Network unveils three new basketball shows in the new year.Big Ten Network to Launch Three New Basketball Shows in January‘The Journey’ returns to the network starting Jan. 10CHICAGO – As the calendar turns to 2010 and Big Ten Conference play heats up, the Big Ten Network will introduce three new basketball shows, The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2010, Big Te
n Hoops: On Campus and This Week in Big Ten Basketball.“The Big Ten is poised to have a highly competitive season,” said Big Ten Network President Mark Silverman, “and we’re going to be there every step of the way, giving fans more access, coverage and insight into their favorite teams and the overall conference.”This January marks the return of the Big Ten Network’s popular series, The Journey. This year’s installment, titled The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2010, will let fans experience the conference’s 10-week schedule in a documentary-style format. Episodes will follow the most intriguing storylines, and producers will follow multiple teams each week throughout the season. The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2010 debuts at 9 PM ET on Sunday, January 10, and runs through Selection Sunday (March 14).Excitement and anticipation for Big Ten basketball resonates on campus all season long and the Big Ten Network will capture that passion with the new show, Big Ten Hoops: On Campus. Starting with Indiana University, the network will visit different a Big Ten campus each week to showcase the loyalty, passion, and tradition that defines Big Ten basketball. Mike Hall will host the show the hour-long show at 10 PM ET every Friday, beginning January 8, with contributions from Jim Jackson, the former two-time Big Ten Player of the Year, as well as network newcomers Tiffany Simons and Natalie Kane.This Week in Big Ten Basketball premieres at 9:30 PM ET on Sunday, January 3. Dave Revsine will host the show alongside Jim Jackson and Dan Dakich, former Indiana player and head coach. Every Sunday night, This Week in Big Ten Basketball will provide a comprehensive breakdown of all of the Big Ten hoops action of the week, jam-packed with action footage, highlights, and awards for game and player of the week. The 30-minute shows will also preview the week ahead.The Big Ten Network will nationally televise 63 of 99 men’s conference basketball games in 2009-10. Every week starting in January, “Big Ten Super Wednesdays” will feature a doubleheader, preceded by a 30-minute Big Ten Tip-Off Show and a post-game show immediately following. The network also will air games on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and the Big Ten Tip-Off Show each weekend. Gus Johnson will have play-by-play responsibilities for 17 conference matchups, including the network’s Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament games.We have a preview of this week’s ACC All Access program airing on Fox Sports South and Fox Sports Florida and SportSouth.
Georgia Tech Basketball SeniorNC State Women’s Basketball Head CoachRoy Williams’ 600th WinThursday, December 17 at 6 p.m. ET and Friday, December 18 at 2:30 p.m. on FOX Sports FloridaGeorgia Tech senior guard/forward D’Andre Bell missed the entire 2008-09 basketball season after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a congenital condition discovered after he collided with a teammate in a preseason workout. ACC All Access takes a closer look at Bell’s recovery from surgery and his comeback to lead the Yellow Jackets to a 6-1 record and a No. 15 national ranking this season.Kellie Harper, who was the head women’s basketball coach at Western Carolina University for five seasons, was named head coach of th
e NC State women’s basketball team on April 16, 2009. ACC All Access profiles Harper’s career in women’s basketball and how she plans to lead the Wolfpack to success.And in the ACC All Access Hog Blog, Mike Hogewood examines the career of North Carolina head basketball coach Roy Williams, who earned his 600th career win when the Tar Heels defeated Nevada 80-73 in November.Fox Sports Ohio has announced its ratings for the Columbus Blue Jackets are up 38% from last year.
LOCAL RATINGS FOR THE COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS ON FOX SPORTS OHIO ARE UP 38 PERCENTCOLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets created a lot of excitement and fan support last season in making their Stanley Cup Playoff debut and setting various team and television ratings records. That enthusiasm has continued into this season as the local ratings for their live game telecasts on FOX Sports Ohio are up 38 percent.· The average rating through 28 televised games is 1.82 HH.· Last season, the average rating was 1.32 at same number of games.The Blue Jackets ratings on FOX Sports Ohio started off strong this season with an October rating 54% higher than last year’s October rating. November was up 37% respectively as well.Nielsen HH ratings for the Blue Jackets on FOX Sports Ohio are additionally on the rise outside the Columbus, Ohio market. In Cleveland and Cincinnati, ratings continue to see an increase.“Clearly, Ohio fans are still discovering this team and like what they see,” stated Henry Ford, Senior Vice President and General Manager, FOX Sports Ohio. “Downtown Columbus comes alive for a Blue Jackets game. This type of enthusiasm translates not only to a greater economic impact in the home city, but also to improved ratings throughout our viewing area.”And ESPN has hired former NBA coach Byron Scott as a studio analyst.
Byron Scott Joins ESPN as Studio Analyst
Former NBA star and head coach Byron Scott has joined ESPN as an NBA studio analyst and will start his new role in January. Scott previously served as an ESPN analyst during the 2003-04 season.
“Byron has excelled in every professional endeavor and we know his success will carry over to his on-air role,” said Norby Williamson, ESPN executive vice president, production. “We welcome him back. His experience and passion for the game will resonate with our fans.”
“I look forward to being able to contribute my insights and perspective on the game I love,” said Scott. “ESPN has an abundance of terrific talent and I’m glad to be back in broadcasting with the premier sports network.”
Scott most recently served as head coach of the New Orleans Hornets (2005-09), and won NBA Coach of the Year in 2008. He was head coach of the New Jersey Nets (2000-04) and, in 2001-02, led them to a franchise record 52 wins and The Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Scott led the Nets back to The Finals the following season (2002-03) against the San Antonio Spurs.
Scott was a key player for the Lakers during the “Showtime” era, playing alongside Magic Johnson, James Worthy, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He played for the Lakers for 10 consecutive seasons (1983–1993). During that time he won three NBA championships (1985, 1987 and 1988).
That’s it for this post.
