I understand not every ST ballpark has the infrastructure for a telecast, but why isn't there one for every game that takes place in a park that does have the infrastructure? Like Charlotte Sports Park?
I don't know much about the economics of television, but why isn't there a telecast for every spring training game at Charlotte Sports Park?
DISCUSSIONOk, makes sense. But some of these games are still filmed at a broadcasting level, but then they aren't streamed or broadcasted. In game 1 a couple days ago there were highlight clips from our game against the Braves that came from the professional film crew, but they just didn't broadcast it. So obviously they are spending the resources to film some of these games from start to finish, so why don't they broadcast them?
For games that aren’t televised, the Rays provide highlights to the local stations to use for their sportscasts from a single cameraman they have contracted with. It’s why all the highlights from those games are from high behind home plate.
Would be nice if they streamed that one camera angle.
That guy also has to get the clubhouse interviews, so he doesn’t roll on the full game. When they open the clubhouse in the middle of the game, he has to take his camera for them.
Just covered the Detroit @ Rays game yesterday and work almost every Rays/Lightning game.
I am a technical crew member so my knowledge is largely limited to getting the show setup and on the air. However, I have some educated assumptions on why not every game is covered.
Money. Spring Training games don't make a lot of money, especially for less popular teams like the Rays. I'm pretty sure Bally's wouldn't even cover Rays ST if it weren't for a contractual obligation.
As one of the other users mentioned, it costs a lot of money to hire a TV truck and full crew. The Rays ST games are the smallest and most basic production I've worked compared to Yankees, Pirates, Blue Jays, Twins, Orioles and Phillies.... even worked bigger high school and college events.
There is a barebones jumbotron show that I suppose the team could stream somewhere, but the production value is almost zero. I think it's a two camera show, maybe just one. I don't think the Rays brand would want to look that cheap, even if most fans wouldn't mind.
For games where the Rays are visiting, you can watch those broadcasts on the other team's network, but the show will be heavily biased towards the home side and largely won't cover the Rays at all. For in-season games, there are two entire shows. One for visiting and another for home.
Just want to say thanks for what you do. The Rays broadcasts are one of the best broadcasts in all of major league sports, in my humble opinion. The production value is always top-notch.
The games they broadcast on fox and Apple are almost unwatchable to me.
Our producers, directors, cam ops, replay pals, audio and on-air talent are very good at what they do! Glad I get to be a part of the crew. On their behalf, thank you for watching.
Ironic, considering how cheap the Rays are lol. They're synonymous with being cheap and almost miserly in baseball.
I think their notorious frugality is a strength. I'm not so sure they'd be around without their strict budgeting and it gives them a permanent underdog storyline.
I could be wrong but I remember in the past MLB.tv had something where you could watch the game even if it wasn't a broadcast game. It would just be video and maybe the radio broadcast as play by play.
But economics probably play a big part. Most spring games take place during the middle of the work day for most people. If they aren't going to get an audience, then why broadcast the game?
What's funny is that the games that aren't broadcast are still being filmed. There are some highlight clips from our first game against the Braves that obviously come from a professional film crew. They're already going through the effort of filming the games, so why not just stream it to the MLB app? We're already paying $150 a year for it.
So they don't do that no announcer broadcast thing anymore then? Or am I misremembering that even being a thing?
Then pair it with the radio broadcast? My point is they are obviously filming the games at a broadcasting level, but they don't broadcast it. Why film it then? It's just a waste if resources if isn't going to be streamed or broadcast at all.
I was asking if they used to do the no TV booth stream on MLB TV in the past. I remember a lot of games having that option where you could watch the game but they wouldn't have TV announcers. You could supplement with radio broadcast
There was no radio today either.
Would be a good question for that guy that works at Bally and posts here every so often. I forget his u/ though. I'm curious as well
Think he just answered me lol
Just found his username, its u/SolarMoth
I have been summoned! Happy Spring Training y'all!
Answered the question in another comment on this post.
Late reply but thanks! Would love to see more behind the scenes posts this year, always very interesting to see.
Also, your 🔫 collection is 🔥 🔥 🔥
Happy you enjoy the behind the scenes looks! I'll try to keep it up.
And thanks, the arsenal always brings a smile!
I’ve been saying this, like even just one camera in centerfield or behind the catcher. No commentators or they could partner with a local college and let kids get practice reps
I work in live sports and it takes a large crew of people to telecast a game live. It probably comes down to the cost outweighing the gain. All the behind the scenes people would have to be put up at hotels, given money for meals, reimbursed for travel, and paid their day rate.