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TNT to Tip Off Return of 2019-20 NBA Season with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Zion Williamson and Donovan Mitchell in Action, Thursday, July 30

June 26, 2020 By admin

Doubleheader to Feature Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans at 6:30 p.m. & LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 9 p.m. ET
Network to Present 18 “Seeding Games” via Tuesday Doubleheaders, Thursday Tripleheaders & More

Turner Sports, in its 36^th consecutive year of NBA coverage, will tip off the league’s comeback with a blockbuster NBA on TNT doubleheader, Thursday, July 30. In the NBA’s first regular season game since March, the New Orleans Pelicans and rookie standout Zion Williamson will take on the Utah Jazz and Donovan Mitchell at 6:30 p.m. ET. Two of the Western Conference’s top teams will follow – the Los Angeles Lakers with LeBron James and Anthony Davis vs. the LA Clippers with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George – at 9 p.m.

TNT will present a total of 18 games, highlighted by Tuesday doubleheaders and Thursday tripleheaders throughout the remainder of the regular season, in addition to a tripleheader on Saturday, Aug. 8,that will mark the end of an eight-game, three-day stretch on the network.

Under the competitive format for the restart, the 22 participating teams will be the eight teams in each conference with the highest current winning percentages and the six teams that are currently within six games of the eighth seed in either conference. The restart will begin with each participating team playing eight “seeding games,” as selected from its remaining regular-season matchups.

The network’s game schedule highlights include (full schedule below):

Seventeen different teams will be featured across the 18 game telecasts, led by four appearances from the Lakers with James and Davis; and three each by the Clippers with Leonard and George; and Celtics with Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker.
A collection of the league’s biggest stars – including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, James, Davis, Leonard, George and Jimmy Butler – in action across a tripleheader on Thursday, Aug. 6.
Rookie stars Williamson and Ja Morant both featured during a doubleheader – Celtics vs. Grizzlies and Pelicans vs. Kings – on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

TNT will also televise more than 40 NBA Playoff games – the most of any network – including first and second round action and the exclusive presentation of the 2020 NBA Western Conference Finals.

Live streaming coverage of all NBA on TNT games is available via http://www.tntdrama.com/watchtnt and the Watch TNT app and participating TV providers’ websites and apps. Fans will be able to access the games whenever and wherever they desire by logging in with the username and password provided by their TV service provider.

TNT’s NBA Season Resumption Game Schedule (All Times Eastern)

Day	Date	Time (ET)	Game
Thursday	July 30	6:30 p.m.	Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans
		9 p.m.	LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Tuesday	Aug. 4	6:30 p.m.	Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
		9 p.m.	Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Thursday	Aug. 6	4 p.m.	Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks
		6:30 p.m.	LA Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks
		9 p.m.	Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets
Friday	Aug. 7	6:30 p.m.	Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers
		9 p.m.	Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors
Saturday	Aug. 8	1 p.m.	LA Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
		3:30 p.m.	Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets
		6 p.m.	Los Angeles Lakers vs. Indiana Pacers
Monday	Aug. 10	9 p.m.	Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Tuesday	Aug. 11	6:30 p.m.	Boston Celtics vs. Memphis Grizzlies
		9 p.m.	New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings
Thursday	Aug. 13	4 p.m.	TBD vs. TBD
		6:30 p.m.	TBD vs. TBD
		9 p.m.	TBD vs. TBD

Sports Illustrated Launches “Tech & Media” Vertical Dedicated to Intersection of Sports, Media and Technology

June 16, 2016 By admin

Enterprise Includes Major Partnership with SportTechie

(New York, NY, June 15, 2016)—Time Inc.’s (NYSE:TIME) Sports Illustrated Group today debuted “Tech & Media” (SI.com/tech), a new multi-platform vertical that will explore the rapidly evolving and all-important presence of technology in the sports world. In addition to SI’s award-winning reporting and analysis, the new venture will feature daily contributions from SportTechie, a leading site covering the global sports and tech scene. Also anchoring the vertical will be Richard Deitsch’s “Media Circus” columns and breaking sports media news. Deitsch, who is a writer/reporter for SI and an adjunct professor at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism, is the preeminent journalist on the sports media beat and is renowned for breaking news and his access to every major sports media decision-maker, producer, and A-list talent.

“From video replay to VR, from social media to wearables and the total transformation of the full spectator and athlete experience, the crossroads of sports, media and technology is alive with innovation and is an integral part of the sports landscape today,” said Chris Stone, Sports Illustrated Editorial Director. “These are deep-dive stories that no one is telling and we are going to cover them across all of our platforms and in the best tradition of Sports Illustrated. This will only be bolstered by our alliance with SportTechie, the incredibly smart upstart site that will stay one step ahead of the competition and build on the mission to help sports fans understand where technology is taking the future of sports.”

Multimedia coverage of game-changing innovations, products and strategies and the latest from Deitsch on emerging trends in sports media will run across SI’s digital and social ecosystems. Content will be rich in long and short form video with social media heavily integrated into the storytelling. The vertical will also feature native digital content presented in imaginative and compelling packages.

With this new dedicated editorial platform, sports fans and industry insiders will find the latest on tech innovations, ideas and gear transforming fan experiences, player performance and the sports industry as a whole. SI and SportTechie will deliver a mix of multi-platform content daily, including new offerings like a social-first series spotlighting innovators from the sports and tech industries. Long-form features will explore topics not previously introduced to the sports public yet essential to understanding where sports is going: stories such as the development of FreeD, which could dramatically change instant replay for viewers and pro sports leagues by providing precise 360-degree views of the action; the proliferation of sports betting mutual funds; the 3D printers that are building cartilage that is saving the careers of teen athletes; and how the newest, youngest influencers in sports are leveraging digital media to build the industry’s biggest, best audiences. This new partnership will also reach more broadly across the SI Group with collaborations slated for The MMQB and other channels beginning this fall.

SportTechie launched several years ago and has rapidly become one of the industry’s leading destinations for coverage of the technology of sports. Established as required reading for many top executives in sports business and tech, the growing operation will complement the established SI Group in new and innovative ways.

“We are thrilled to enter into this robust partnership with such an esteemed outlet. In conjunction with Sports Illustrated, my co-founder, Simon Ogus, and I look forward to amplifying the great work of our writers and the stories of the burgeoning sports technology space across our combined global audiences and platforms,” said Taylor Bloom, SportTechie’s CEO and co-founder. “Technology will never stop evolving sports, and we look forward to remaining at the forefront of that evolution.”

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Notes from Inside the NBA 2015-16 Season Preview Conference Call

October 27, 2015 By admin

TNT will open its 32^nd consecutive season of NBA coverage with a doubleheader tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 27, with the Sports Emmy Award-winning Inside the NBA studio team providing a live pre-game show from San Francisco’s Pier 43 at 7 p.m. ET. The Opening Night doubleheader will feature the NBA Eastern Conference Champion Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James visiting the Chicago Bulls and Jimmy Butler at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the Golden State Warriors and Kia NBA MVP Stephen Curry hosting the New Orleans Pelicans and Anthony Davis at 10:30 p.m. TNT’s live game coverage will also include the Ring Ceremony for the Warriors prior to its showdown with the Pelicans.

Marv Albert will call the Pelicans/Warriors telecast with analyst Chris Webber and reporter Craig Sager, while Kevin Harlan will provide play-by-play of the Cavs/Bulls telecast alongside analyst Reggie Miller and reporter David Aldridge.

Earlier today, the Inside the NBA team of Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and Ernie Johnson shared their insights on the 2015-16 NBA season:

O’Neal on Kobe Bryant’s return from injury and what drives him at this stage of his career: “For him to be a Laker his whole career [is one motivation]. He’s already passed Michael Jordan; knowing the guy he is, I could see him trying to pass Karl Malone. It would be nice if two Lakers are No. 1 and 2 all-time on the scoring list. That’s probably his only motivation at this point is to keep climbing up the charts.”

Barkley on if this will be Kobe’s final season: “I hope it is his last year. He is one of the greatest players ever. I don’t want to see him out there just playing, just for the heck of it. He could play, but it wouldn’t, obviously, be the same. He keeps getting hurt; his body can’t take the NBA pounding anymore. Everybody’s body gives out at some point. I want to remember the great Kobe Bryant. I want him to come out and play 20-25 minutes a night and have a farewell tour.”

Barkley on Steve Kerr’s expected early season absence from Golden State: “I don’t think it’ll matter at all. They’re elite, one of four great teams in the West. I’ll pick Oklahoma City to win the West, followed by Golden State, the Clippers and San Antonio. Those are the four elite teams in my opinion. If any of them won the West, I wouldn’t be totally shocked. It’ll be a dog fight out there. The regular season out west won’t be that important, just get to the playoffs healthy. It’s going to be crazy out west.”

Smith on the outlook for the Western Conference: “I like what San Antonio has done, their role’s more definitively defined. Billy Donovan is a new coach in Oklahoma City and will have to figure out some things about the NBA that are different from college, that could keep him from winning a title in his first year. Steve Kerr did it, but he had an NBA pedigree for a long time. David West added to the Spurs allows Duncan to miss multiple games and not be missed.”

O’Neal on the Warriors’ key to repeating: “The key for Golden State to repeat is for them to not get out of character. We’ve all played with guys [that change] after winning a title. If they stay in character, they’ll be tough.”

Barkley on the expectations for the New York Knicks this season: “The Knicks are one of my sleeper teams. I think they will make the playoffs. I think Phil Jackson has done a good job getting good, quality players. [Kristaps] Porzingis is a young kid with some tremendous upside, but I am picking the Knicks to make the playoffs. They have actual NBA players on their squad this year, to go along with Carmelo Anthony. Robin Lopez is a legitimate player, Arron Afflalo is an NBA player, Jerian Grant is an NBA player and you’ve got Derrick Williams. They got actual NBA players. I’m picking the Knicks to make the playoffs. I’m guaranteeing it.”

Barkley’s expectations for Anthony Davis this year: “He’ll be the best basketball player in the world in the next couple years. LeBron is the best but he’s breaking down a little bit from the minutes and Olympics. Anthony Davis will be the best alive in the next 2-3 years. He is unbelievable and a great kid also. New Orleans is in a little trouble when you look at the teams out west. Oklahoma City is going to make the playoffs. They’ve got to get a lot better to make playoffs in the Western Conference this year. Oklahoma City won’t be battling for the No. 8 seed if Durant is healthy.”

Smith on Davis: “Overall, that team has to take that next step in terms of maturity. Alvin Gentry is installing a new offense, a little more free-flowing which probably will have Anthony Davis’s numbers go through the roof. I’m not sure if will translate to wins and that’s the key.”

O’Neal on Davis: “He’s three years from being the best player in world. For now, he’s the best big man in the game; I like how he runs the floor and plays the game. The expectations are high, I’m looking forward to see if they can advance further than last year.”

Barkley on the passing of Flip Saunders: “That was tough, he was a nice man and a terrific coach. Our paths crossed a few times and he’s just a really nice man and a good man. He’s really going to be missed. When you lose someone like Darryl Dawkins, Jerome Kersey, Moses Malone, or Flip Saunders, it affects the entire NBA family. We’ve all spent quality time with them in our lives. Living in Philly in the summer, the losses of Darryl and Moses hit close to home and it was tough for the 76ers family. They’re all going to be missed.”

Smith on Saunders: “It was unfortunate and shocking. I know a lot of people and the University of Minnesota and the Timberwolves and everyone from top to bottom said the same thing, they are distraught.”

Johnson on Saunders: “I just know when you talk about a situation like he was in, and we’ve seen Craig Sager deal with cancer, Flip with this battle, I went through it about nine years ago, as I said on NBA TV yesterday, my thoughts go to the family at that time because I know when the dad gets news like that, I see what it does to the family. His four kids having to come to grips with the fact that he had cancer was one thing. To see relatively quickly everything that happened has to be a complete shock to their systems. My thoughts are with the kids who have had a dad taken away from them way too early.”

Barkley on Miami’s outlook: “I think Pat Riley has done a good job retooling that team. The big key is [Hassan] Whiteside… Those top three teams in the East are really good and Miami is probably in that fourth slot. Erik [Spoelstra]’s done a good job, but Whiteside’s the key. Dwyane [Wade] will play solid, [Goran] Dragic is an All-Star. [Chris] Bosh and Whiteside will be the key. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a kid.”

Smith on the Heat: “They have quality NBA players on their roster. The Heat probably have eight guys that started at some point in their career. That’s a big upside for them. Gerald Green and Justise Winslow can come off [the bench] and give you some energy. They’re underrated and forgotten about but they’re probably second or third most talented on paper in the Eastern Conference.”

Barkley on Kevin Durant’s pending free agency and the outlook for the Thunder: “It could be a distraction if he lets it be. I love Enes Kanter. What’s interesting about Oklahoma City is that [Sam] Presti has done a good job but he shouldn’t have fired [Scott] Brooks. Scott wasn’t the issue, their inside game was the issue. [Russell] Westbrook has to become a superstar. Instead of being a great individual player, the next step is making guys around you better. When you can get your shot every time, you don’t take it. You [share the ball], that’s what a star, a really great player does. LeBron takes role players and makes them stars, that’s why he’s the best. Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Hakeem Olajuwon did that. I’m picking Oklahoma City to win the West, I think they have a deep team. I love their low post scoring with Kanter, that’s the only thing they’ve been missing. If Durant is healthy, they’re the team to beat.”

Barkley on how LaMarcus Aldridge will fit with San Antonio: “There are going to be some bumps in the road. It will be very difficult for LaMarcus because he’s not going to get all of the touches that he got in Portland. He doesn’t do other stuff to help the team enough to off-set his lack of touches. In Portland, he was the guy, taking 25-30 shots a night. That’ll go to 10 or 15 in San Antonio and it’ll be tough to adjust for him. Is he a good enough defender or rebounder to offset that? When you go to another team and are the third option, that’s a major adjustment. He’s going to have to learn and say ‘OK, I’ll be a better rebounder and a better defender.’ He’s a very good player, don’t get me wrong, it’s going to be an adjustment without getting all of those touches.”

Smith on the Spurs: “I have faith in Gregg Popovich understanding the adjustment [Aldridge will go through]. I think he’s a really underrated rebounder and his ability to shoot from the outside will give Tim Duncan some good looks inside. You add David West to that mix, I don’t see how they don’t win the West.”

Barkley on how the Wizards stack up in the Eastern Conference: “They can’t beat Cleveland, Chicago or Milwaukee. They will battle with Miami for the fourth spot. They have a terrific backcourt, I love [John] Wall and [Bradley] Beal but they have to hope Beal stays healthy. Atlanta won’t be in the top five in the Eastern Conference.”

Smith on where the Wizards need to improve: “Washington hasn’t proven consistency. They go through a lot of peaks and valleys, and have not found a lot of flat land. That’s something in the dynamic of concentration that is missing.”

Barkley on Tristan Thompson’s value to the Cavaliers: “They’re one of the three or four best teams in the NBA. What you get paid is what the market bears. I’d love to see that team healthy all season. Anderson Varejao back. One thing they are going to learn, when they put LeBron James, Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson in the game together, it’s a tough rebounding night for everyone else. I don’t complain about what anyone gets [paid], the kid is a good player. I want them healthy, Kyrie [Irving], Kevin. They are the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.”

Barkley on the off-season passing of Moses Malone: “That was tough for me. Moses was like a father for me. I really appreciated everything he did for me and it was difficult to do that eulogy, but I was honored to do it. I called him ‘dad’ for the last 30 years. It was a tough time for me when he passed away, he was just a great man.”

Barkley on the Celtics: “Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens have done a fantastic job. They have a nice, deep squad with new additions. Not on a level with Chicago, Cleveland and Milwaukee, those are the three elite teams in the east and Miami is a sleeper as the fourth best if everything works out. As far as adding impact pieces through free agency, I just don’t know about that. It’s not the old days, these guys all want to get the most money, nothing wrong with that, and play in major markets…I take my hat off to Danny and Brad, they’ve been getting better every year.”

Barkley on the outlook on Philadelphia: I think they got screwed by the [Joel] Embiid injury. I like what the Sixers have been doing. If he’s healthy, they would really be on the right track. Unfortunately, you’ve got to be patient in Philly. This season is about [Nerlens] Noel getting bigger and stronger, getting [Jahlil] Okafor together and finding some guards. You traded away the Rookie of the Year, now you have to find out who your guards are going to be. They’ll be in the lottery and will get another nice piece. I hope Embiid comes back. I like everything they did the last couple years but unfortunately he got hurt. That kid from overseas [Dario] Saric is going to come over and if you can get Embiid back, they are going to have a bright future.”

Barkley on Karl-Anthony Towns’ rookie season: “It’s too early to project, they haven’t played any games. I don’t waste my time with this preseason [stuff]. I want to see how they play when they really start playing against NBA players. The guys have to play more than a half or a quarter. I like the rookie crop coming in this year, but they haven’t played any games yet. I think Towns, the No. 1 pick in the draft, Jahlil Okafor, I like Okafor. You have the kid with the Lakers also, D’Angelo Russell. It’s too early, to see how good these rookies are going to be.”

Smith on this year’s rookie class: “Some of them have shown their skill set, their NBA skills. Towns has some skills that are transferable. Justise Winslow in Miami has some. I think some of these guys will have a hard time, because they are used to being the best player in their position, and now they won’t be. Getting accustomed to playing with guys who are better than you will take getting used to.”

Barkley on the Clippers: “The Clippers are going to be interesting with Lance Stephenson, Josh Smith, and Paul Pierce, that is going to be interesting. The biggest problem the Clippers had was no depth and now you have an old guy in Paul Pierce and two guys who can go either way. Doc Rivers has his work cut out for him trying to control that situation. They are one of the better teams in the Western Conference.”

O’Neal on DeMarcus Cousins: “He’s the No. 2 big guy in the league. He’s going to have to be a better leader. A lot of times he’s very emotional, which can be good, but there are many ways to lead. Lead by your play and your actions. He’ll be responsible if Sacramento gets to next level or not he has all the talent in the world.”

O’Neal on Scott Skiles’ impact and his assessment of the Magic this year: “Scott Styles is a feisty individual, he is a fighter. I hope he will be able to relate to today’s youth. He did a good job in Indiana, played with a lot of firepower. Orlando is definitely in the rebuilding phase, it will take him a year or two to get his feet wet, but he is the right man for the job.”

Smith on Orlando: “Nikola Vucevic is one of my favorite players in the game, so is Tobias Harris. If they go past their sixth man, they can’t prove themselves in the NBA yet. As you saw last year, players seven through nine are invaluable in the season.”

TBS’ Exclusive Presentation of 2015 National League Division Series Begins Friday, October 9, at 6 p.m. ET

October 9, 2015 By admin

TBS’ Exclusive Presentation of 2015 National League Division Series

Begins Friday, October 9, at 6 p.m. ET

Start Time Scenarios for NLDS Games 3-5 Announced

TBS’ exclusive coverage of the National League Division Series (NLDS), presented by T-Mobile, begins Friday, October 9, with doubleheader action featuring the St. Louis Cardinals hosting the Chicago Cubs at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by the New York Mets visiting the Los Angeles Dodgers at 9:30 p.m. Coverage will begin at 6 p.m. with the MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler show.

The network’s NLDS Game 2 coverage on Saturday, Oct. 10, will include the Cubs vs. Cardinals at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Mets vs. Dodgers at 9 p.m. Pre-game coverage will precede live game action at 5 p.m.

On Monday, Oct. 12 – if all four Division Series games are necessary – TBS will televise NLDS Game 3 action including the Cardinals visiting the Cubs at 6 p.m., along with the Mets hosting the Dodgers at 8:30 p.m. The network’s pre-game coverage will begin at 5:30 p.m. If three or fewer LDS games are necessary on Monday, Oct. 12, TBS’ schedule will feature Cardinals/Cubs at 4:30 p.m. and Dodgers/Mets at 8 p.m. with pre-game at 4 p.m.

Tuesday’s potential NLDS Game 4 coverage (Oct. 13) will include Cardinals/Cubs at 4:30 p.m., with Dodgers/Mets beginning at 8 p.m. (if both NLDS Game 4s are necessary) and pre-game at 4 p.m. If only one NLDS extends to a Game 4, the game will be aired at 8 p.m., with pre-game coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m.

On Thursday, Oct. 15, Cardinals/Cubs will be televised at 4:30 p.m., with Dodgers/Mets beginning at 8 p.m. and pre-game at 4 p.m., if both NLDS extend to Game 5. If only one NLDS extends to a Game 5, the game will be aired at 8 p.m., with pre-game coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Ernie Johnson will provide play-by-play for the Dodgers/Mets series with analysts Ron Darling and Cal Ripken and reporter Sam Ryan. Brian Anderson will call the Cardinals/Cubs series with analysts Dennis Eckersleyand Joe Simpson and reporter Matt Winer. TBS’ N.L. Division Series coverage is presented by T-Mobile.

Casey Stern will host all pre-game and post-game coverage (airing nightly on TBS game nights) with analysts Pedro Martinez, Gary Sheffield and Dusty Baker.

TBS will also exclusively televise the National League Championship Series (NLCS), scheduled to begin Saturday, Oct. 17, with Game 1 of the best-of-seven series. NLCS coverage on TBS is presented by Exxon and Mobil.

Live streaming coverage of all MLB Postseason games airing on TBS will be available via www.tbs.com and the Watch TBS app. Fans will be able to access the games whenever and wherever they desire by logging in with the user name and password provided by their TV service provider.

TBS’ MLB Postseason schedule through Game 4 of the National League Division Series:

Date	Time (ET)	Games/Commentator Teams
Fri, Oct. 9	6 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Casey Stern, Pedro Martinez, Gary Sheffield, Dusty Baker
	6:30 p.m.	NLDS: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals (Game 1) Brian Anderson (play-by-play), Dennis Eckersley and Joe Simpson (analysts) with Matt Winer (reporter)
	9:30 p.m.	NLDS: New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers (Game 1) Ernie Johnson, Ron Darling and Cal Ripken, Jr. with Sam Ryan (reporter)
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker

Sat, Oct. 10	5 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	5:30 p.m.	NLDS: Cubs at Cardinals (Game 2) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	9 p.m.	NLDS: Mets at Dodgers (Game 2) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
		*IF ALL FOUR SERIES ARE STILL BEING PLAYED*
Mon, Oct. 12	5:30 p.m. ET	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	6 p.m.	NLDS: Cardinals at Cubs (Game 3) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	8:30 p.m.	NLDS: Dodgers at Mets (Game 3) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
		*IF ONE OR BOTH OF THE ALDS HAVE CONCLUDED*
Mon, Oct. 12	4 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	4:30 p.m.	NLDS: Cardinals at Cubs (Game 3) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	8 p.m.	NLDS: Dodgers at Mets (Game 3) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
		*IF BOTH NLDS REACH GAME 4*
Tue, Oct. 13	4 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	4:30 p.m.	NLDS: Cardinals at Cubs (Game 4) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	8 p.m.	NLDS: Dodgers at Mets (Game 4) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
		*IF CARDINALS-CUBS HAS CONCLUDED*
Tue, Oct. 13	7:30 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	8 p.m.	NLDS: Dodgers at Mets (Game 4) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
		*IF DODGERS-METS HAS CONCLUDED*
Tue, Oct. 13	7:30 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	8 p.m.	NLDS: Cardinals at Cubs (Game 4) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
		*IF BOTH NLDS REACH GAME 5*
Thu, Oct. 15	4 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	4:30 p.m.	NLDS: Cubs at Cardinals (Game 5 ) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	8 p.m.	NLDS: Mets at Dodgers (Game 5) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
		*IF CARDINALS-CUBS HAS CONCLUDED*
Thu, Oct. 15	7:30 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	8 p.m.	NLDS: Mets at Dodgers (Game 5) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
		*IF DODGERS-METS HAS CONCLUDED*
Thu, Oct. 15	7:30 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	8 p.m.	NLDS: Cubs at Cardinals (Game 5) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker

Postseason.TV Returns for 2015 MLB Postseason

In addition to its exclusive live game telecasts on TBS and live simulcast streaming on TBS.com and the Watch TBS app, Turner Sports and MLB Advanced Media will once again partner to provide fans with digital companion coverage via Postseason.TV. Postseason.TV delivers baseball fans up to 10 live alternative camera angles and is available for every game televised by TBS during the MLB Postseason including the NL Wild Card game, NL Division Series and NL Championship Series. Subscribers can customize their viewing experience by picking up to four different cameras simultaneously during live game action. Fans can also exclusively watch live coverage of their team’s batting practice before each postseason game. Postseason.TV is accessible via desktop and mobile through MLB.com’s At Bat 15 app for supported iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.

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TBS to be Exclusive Home of the National League Throughout 2015 MLB Postseason Beginning with N.L. Wild Card Game Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. ET

October 6, 2015 By admin

TBS to be Exclusive Home of the National League Throughout 2015 MLB Postseason Beginning with N.L. Wild Card Game Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. ET

Live Streaming for Every TBS MLB Postseason Game Available Via Watch TBS App

Turner Sports’ Postseason Studio Coverage to Include Use of

Virtual Reality Ballpark Models for First Time

TBS will be the exclusive home of the National League throughout the 2015 MLB Postseason beginning with National League Wild Card Coverage on TBS Presented by Hankook Tire on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. ET when former NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, dynamic right-hander Gerrit Cole and the Pittsburgh Pirates host rising stars Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Addison Russell, Cy Young contender Jake Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs. Sports Emmy Award winning commentator Ernie Johnson will provide play-by-play for the game with analysts Ron Darling and Cal Ripken, Jr. and reporter Matt Winer.

Pregame coverage for the N.L. Wild Card will begin with the MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler show at 7:30 p.m. featuring Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, nine-time All-Star Gary Sheffield and three-time NL Manager of the Year Dusty Baker joining host Casey Stern. The studio team will also offer postgame analysis via The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company.

The network’s exclusive National League Division Series (NLDS) coverage will begin Friday, Oct. 9 at 6 p.m., with MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler. At 6:30 p.m., the St. Louis Cardinals, owners of the best record in baseball, host the winner of the N.L. Wild Card Game, followed by aces Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and the Los Angeles Dodgers opening their series against Yoenis Cespedes, young hurlers Jacob deGrom, Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard and the New York Mets at 9:30 p.m. Johnson will provide play-by-play for the Mets vs. Dodgers series with Darling, Ripken and reporter Sam Ryan. Brian Anderson will call the best-of-five Pirates/Cubs vs. Cardinals series with analysts Dennis Eckersley and Joe Simpson and Winer. TBS’s NLDS coverage is presented by T-Mobile.

Live streaming coverage of all MLB Postseason games airing on TBS will be available via http://www.tbs.com and the Watch TBS app. Fans will be able to access the games whenever and wherever they desire by logging in with the user name and password provided by their TV service provider.

The network’s MLB Postseason game coverage will include:

Live Vu – debuting during the NL Wild Card Game, the camera can send footage wirelessly from anywhere with an available wireless signal. Live Vu will allow TBS to capture the sights and sounds from the road team’s city and incorporate that team’s fan base into the game telecast.
Newly Designed Broadcast Booth – this year’s broadcast booth at each ballpark will include a 40-inch monitor to allow viewers to see who and what the announcers are breaking down while they appear on camera. The booth’s design elements match TBS’s Postseason graphics package and the booth will be utilized during Inside the Booth presented by Esurance segments.
Sony HDC-4300 Cameras – these super slow motion cameras will provide the viewer more angles of gripping super slow motion replays during key moments of the game. These cameras are able to capture 1920 x 1080 high-definition images at a frame rate six times above normal. Each TBS MLB Postseason game telecast will utilize five HDC-4300s (two more than 2014), with a sixth camera added for the NLCS.
Statcast powered by Amazon Web Services – a revolutionary tracking technology that measures the elements of on-field performance including, but not limited to, pitch spin rates, batted ball exit velocity and defensive route efficiency.
Player Microphones – during each NLCS game telecast, fans will feel part of the action, as they hear the sounds of the action from a player’s perspective, with added access and excitement via additional on-field microphones.
Pitch Trax presented by Chevrolet – the on-screen graphic will be used to show pitch location and type, while also illustrating other variables such as a swinging strike vs. being caught looking. It is also be able to display a hitter’s batting history against a specific pitcher.

New virtual elements for the 2015 MLB Postseason studio shows will include:

Virtual Reality Ballpark Models – these 3D renderings are scale replicas of each NL Postseason team’s home ballpark. Full 360-degree views from all vantage points are available, and cameras can zoom in to profile specific ballpark nuances while analysts break down strategy, execution and plays unique to each stadium.
Offensive and Defensive Information – defensive alignments and shifts, along with hitter spray charts, will be overlaid onto the virtual reality field renderings. This information will help fans visualize a team’s defensive strategy against certain hitters, based on their batted ball data.
Virtual Monitors – on-screen graphics will be able to show match-ups, single player or team information and sponsorship elements. These non-intrusive overlays will appear on screen while keeping camera shots focused on the commentators at the studio desk.
NLCS On-Site Studio Shows – the MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler and The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company will both air live on site during the NLCS. The shows will be located in outfield positions in areas with exposure to fans, to incorporate the ballpark atmosphere into the telecast.

TBS’ MLB Postseason schedule through the National League Division Series:

Date	Time (ET)	Games/Commentator Teams
Wed, Oct. 7	7:30 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Casey Stern (host), Pedro Martinez, Gary Sheffield and Dusty Baker (analysts)
	8 p.m.	N.L. Wild Card Game: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates Ernie Johnson (play-by-play), Ron Darling and Cal Ripken (analysts) with Matt Winer (reporter)
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker

Fri, Oct. 9	6 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	6:30 p.m.	NLDS: N.L. Wild Card Winner at St. Louis Cardinals (Game 1) Brian Anderson (play-by-play), Dennis Eckersley and Joe Simpson (analysts) with Winer (reporter)
	9:30 p.m.	NLDS: New York Mets at Los Angeles Dodgers (Game 1) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Sam Ryan (reporter)
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker

Sat, Oct. 10	5 p.m.	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	5:30 p.m.	NLDS: N.L. Wild Card Winner at Cardinals (Game 2) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	9 p.m.	NLDS: Mets at Dodgers (Game 2) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker

Mon, Oct. 12	TBD	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	TBD	NLDS: Cardinals at N.L. Wild Card Winner (Game 3) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	TBD	NLDS: Dodgers at Mets (Game 3) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker

Tue, Oct. 13	TBD	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	TBD	NLDS: Cardinals at N.L. Wild Card Winner (Game 4 – if necessary) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	TBD	NLDS: Dodgers at Mets (Game 4 – if necessary) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker

Thu, Oct. 15	TBD	*MLB Postseason Pre-Game on TBS presented by Chrysler* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker
	TBD	NLDS: N.L. Wild Card Winner at Cardinals (Game 5 – if necessary) Anderson, Eckersley and Simpson with Winer
	TBD	NLDS: Mets at Dodgers (Game 5 – if necessary) Johnson, Darling and Ripken with Ryan
	Postgame	*The Postseason Show on TBS presented by The Lincoln Motor Company* Stern, Martinez, Sheffield, Baker

Postseason.TV Returns for 2015 MLB Postseason

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Sunday MLB on TBS to Feature Full National Telecast Showcasing American League Postseason Contenders – Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers – Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. ET

September 30, 2015 By admin

Sunday MLB on TBS to Feature Full National Telecast Showcasing American League Postseason Contenders – Los Angeles Angels vs. Texas Rangers – Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. ET

MLB on TBS Pregame Show presented by Chrysler Begins at 2:30 p.m.

This weekend’s Sunday MLB on TBS full national live game telecast (Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. ET) – the final day of the 2015 regular season – will showcase reigning American League MVP Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angelsvisiting Prince Fielder, Adrian Beltre and the first place Texas Rangers. The Angels are currently one-half game up in the AL Wild Card race and two games behind Texas in the AL West. Ernie Johnson will provide play-by-play with analysts Cal Ripken, Jr. and Ron Darling.

The MLB on TBS Pregame Show presented by Chrysler – with host Casey Stern joined by Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, nine-time All-Star Gary Sheffield and three-time National League Manager of the Year Dusty Baker – will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Live streaming coverage of all regular season MLB on TBS games is available via http://www.tbs.com/watchtbs/ and the Watch TBS app. Fans are able to access the games whenever and wherever they desire by logging in with the user name and password provided by their TV service provider.

TBS is in its 8^th consecutive year of live regular season MLB game coverage, with a lineup featuring 13 regular season Sunday afternoon telecasts and an extensive MLB Postseason schedule including the exclusive presentation of National League Wild Card coverage on TBS presented by Hankook Tire, National League Division Series coverage on TBS presented by T-Mobile and National League Championship Series coverage on TBS presented by Exxon and Mobil this year.

Upcoming Sunday MLB on TBS Schedule

Oct. 4, 2:30 p.m. ET MLB on TBS Pregame Show presented by Chrysler

3 p.m. Los Angeles Angels @ Texas Rangers

Ernie Johnson (play-by-play), Cal Ripken, Jr. and Ron Darling (analysts)

Visit the Turner Sports online press room for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.

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Sunday MLB on TBS Continues Sunday, July 26, with Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Mets at 1 p.m. ET; Game to be Seen Locally in L.A.

July 21, 2015 By admin

Coverage Continues with Full National Telecast August 2 – New York Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox – at 2 p.m.

Sunday MLB on TBS will continue July 26 with a match-up of National League playoff contenders, as the first place Los Angeles Dodgers and All-Stars Adrian Gonzalez, Yasmani Grandal and Joc Pederson visit the New York Mets and All-Star and probable starting pitcher Jacob deGrom at 1 p.m. ET. Brian Anderson will provide play-by-play for the game, seen locally in the Los Angeles market, alongside veteran MLB on TBS analyst Ron Darling.

In a full national broadcast, Sunday MLB on TBS will feature the New York Yankees visiting the Chicago White Sox on August 2 at 2 p.m. Dick Stockton will provide play-by-play, joined by Darling in the broadcast booth.

TBS is entering its 8^th consecutive year of live MLB game coverage, with a lineup featuring regular season telecasts each Sunday afternoon and an extensive MLB Postseason schedule including the exclusive presentation of the National League Wild Card Game, both National League Division Series and the National League Championship Series this year.

Upcoming Sunday MLB on TBS Schedule

July 26, 1 p.m.: Los Angeles Dodgers @ New York Mets

Brian Anderson (play-by-play) and Ron Darling (analyst)

August 2, 2 p.m.: New York Yankees @ Chicago White Sox

Dick Stockton (play-by-play) and Darling (analyst)

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Notes from Turner Sports’ 2015 Sunday MLB on TBS Media Conference Call

July 9, 2015 By admin

Notes from Turner Sports’ 2015 Sunday MLB on TBS
Media Conference Call

Sunday MLB on TBS will return July 12 with the New York Yankees and Alex Rodriguez visiting the Boston Red Sox and David Ortiz at 1:30 p.m. ET. Three-time Sports Emmy Award winning commentator Ernie Johnson will provide play-by-play for the game, seen locally in the Boston market, alongside veteran MLB on TBS analyst Ron Darling.

The following week, Sunday MLB on TBS will feature a match-up of current National League division leaders as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Yasiel Puig visit the Washington Nationals and Bryce Harper on July 19 at 1:30 p.m., with the telecast shown locally in Washington, D.C. Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr. will join Johnson and Darling in the broadcast booth.

Notes from today’s media conference call, featuring Ripken, Darling and 2015 Hall of Fame Inductee Pedro Martinez:

Ripken on the season’s most interesting storylines: “The Minnesota Twins are the big surprise. I don’t think anyone expected them to play as well as they’ve played. [Rookie Manager] Paul Molitor has done a fantastic job and seems like exactly what they needed. They’re back again, they are always a good story as a small market team making good baseball decisions and baseball evaluations, putting a team together that’s competitive, similar to the Rays. They will be fun to watch and see if they can keep it going in the second half. The Oakland A’s are good, and you scratch your head and wonder why they aren’t winning. The answer there is how important the defensive execution is in one run games and putting yourself in a position to win and developing momentum through their defense. They are a good club, and it will be interesting to see what happens with them, if they make moves. Billy Beane is always entertaining to try and predict [what he will do]. It will be fun to see their direction in the second half.”

Martinez on the season’s biggest surprise: “I was very sarcastic about them, so I have to tip my hat to the Houston Astros. I kept saying no, no, they’re going to land. I was the same way about the Mets, they wouldn’t hold on. Both teams have really surprised me with how they’ve played and how consistent they are. It’s no coincidence that probably the best pitcher in baseball is one of the Houston Astros [left-hander Dallas Keuchel]. I was sarcastic about them but they proved me wrong in the first half and now I have to believe the second half they will keep on playing baseball the way they have.”

Darling on the first half’s standout performers: “Josh Donaldson having an MVP year, he’s become one of my favorites to watch because of his grit and determination and Toronto is better for it…[Houston’s] Carlos Correa…is one of the brightest shortstop prospects we’ve seen in quite some time…We’re talking [a talent level] like the Mike Trouts and Bryce Harpers and Manny Machados. The future of the game has some great young stars in it.”

Darling on the All-Star Final Vote candidates: “I’m lucky enough to watch [Mets closer Jeurys] Familia every day and he’s had an amazing year. I think it’s going to be difficult for him to garner enough votes to beat out [Dodgers’ ace Clayton] Kershaw or [Rockies’ shortstop Troy] Tulowitzki. He didn’t get the closer job until Mejia was suspended, and once he got it, he’s been as good as anyone in baseball. He has seven saves of more than an inning, which is unheard of. He’s gone above and beyond and I’d like to see him rewarded because of that. I’ll stick up for [Yankees’ outfielder Brett] Gardner in the American League, I hope he [wins the vote]. They’ve both been their team MVPs and it would be nice if they were rewarded for that.”

Ripken on the Final Vote: “Mine are more sentimental choices. I know that the game matters for home field advantage in the World Series and if I’m in the manager’s seat I’d look at the make-up of the club and add a specialty piece. I can’t imagine the way that Clayton Kershaw’s pitched the last few years [penalizing him for] looking a little bit human this year…I would vote for him and his body of work. Brian Dozier from Minnesota, I really enjoy watching him play and compete. He jumps out at me, but it’s not to slight anyone else on the list.”

Martinez on the Final Vote: “I have to agree with Ron on Familia because, when you look at the numbers, you don’t really stop to think of the importance he has had for the Mets. The Mets had [reliever] Bobby Parnell go down, then [closer] Jenrry Mejia came up and got suspended. If Familia wasn’t there, where would the Mets be, regardless of [Matt] Harvey and [Jacob] deGrom and those guys? The kid has done an outstanding job and because of the importance of what he means to the team and how steady he has been, I think he deserves a chance. On the other side, Dozier has done some unbelievable things for the Minnesota Twins and probably the biggest reason they are having the success they are having this year is because of what he does.”

Martinez on his upcoming Hall of Fame induction: “I’ve always been a fan of expressing what I feel at the time. I had a draft of things and people I wanted to mention that I couldn’t have forgotten that have influenced me and my career and my life. Things I wanted to say to the fan bases, but I’ll be speaking from my heart. I’m anxious to see what it’s going to be like. For Latinos and Dominicans, it’s not every day you get a Hall of Famer. It’s been 32 years for a Dominican. It’s really important to acknowledge that and maybe a lot of Dominicans will show up in Cooperstown. We are different, we are loud, we have drums and merengue and I’m interested in seeing those things. I did not know [the preparation] was going to be so much work.”

Ripken on his memories of facing 2015 Hall of Fame inductee Randy Johnson: “I’m thankful I was a right-handed hitter. As tall as he was, it felt like he reached halfway to home plate before he delivered the ball. His velocity was really high and there was a shortened time when you could see the ball. I couldn’t imagine hanging in with his three-quarter delivery [as a left-handed hitter]. He was as tough as anyone, tough competitor, his velocity was maintained all game…Randy was an early two-pitch guy, he didn’t need to change up. His slider was the speed of everybody else’s fastball. I guess the best compliment you can pay is that I always liked to see the papers and see that he pitched the day before he was coming to town…It was not an easy day when you were facing Randy.”

Ripken on the value of winning a championship when weighing free agency decisions: “I think there’s a lot of considerations when you think about your career that don’t always revolve around money. It’s where you want to play. I played in my hometown and we went through some major rebuilding processes. Even through those, I wanted to stay here and get through those and back to the World Series. There are a lot of considerations, the money being what it is, you have choices in how much you make. Sometimes people say, ‘How much money is enough?’ It depends on situation and what your needs are. I applaud people thinking about their life instead of their job just in terms of money.”

Martinez on money as a deciding factor in free agency: “I had to really think of what I was doing and you have to think about the market. The Players Association is really strong and works together like a wolf pack. I became a free agent in two years that were a turning point for baseball in terms of the market. I had to be careful how I chose because it would affect the market. If I take a pay cut, from there on, everything else goes down. Thank God I never was in a position where I had to take a big chunk of money off my salary to go somewhere. The ring I got in 2004 is priceless to me. It doesn’t matter what you give me, how much money, I would take my ring.”

Martinez on the development of Tampa Bay’s Chris Archer: “I’ve seen him develop the last few years and it seems like he’s growing in front of our eyes. Each time you see him, something is improving. I’m extremely proud that he’s following my footsteps and somehow I’ve influenced his talent. I’m really proud he’s looking up to me as someone to emulate. He has no ceiling for improvement. But I don’t know how the Rays do it. It seems like every year they have a special rookie that comes up and becomes that mega-star. I hope they keep Archer for a long time because that kid is really special. His strength, durability and mechanics are getting better. I see a determination in him that I don’t see every day when it comes to pitching.”

Darling on Archer as a student of the game: “I think there’s thousands and thousands of kids that emulate Pedro and what he’s done. The thing I love about Archer is that in this day and age where everyone has to act the same, the great thing that separated Pedro from a lot of pitchers was his passion for the game, and Archer has the same. He’s a free spirit, has great passion, he stomps around the mound and is a great competitor. Sometimes he wears his heart on his sleeve, but so be it, I love to see that instead of everyone playing everything close to the vest. He’s a fun watch and baseball is an entertaining game and there’s none more entertaining than Mr. Archer.”

Ripken on Alex Rodriguez’s first half: “I think all of us could agree that what Alex has done in the first half has surprised us. He’s been nothing short of amazing. I kind of think that the All-Star team isn’t always based on someone’s first half performance. A lot of times you’ll pick your All-Stars because they are All-Stars for their career. Based on his first half numbers, he’s very deserving.”

Ripken on his impressions of the Baltimore Orioles: “They’ve been hit with the injury bug and somehow they find a player to contribute and get them to where they need to be. You know how good Buck Showalter is as a manager at finding different talent and handling the bullpen. Zach Britton and Darren O’Day as All-Stars, it’s really indicative of how great they’ve been at the back end of the bullpen. Their numbers are extraordinary. I think a lot of people were concerned that they lost Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis in the off-season, where was the offense going to come from…They are in a particularly good position now having weathered some of the injuries with Matt Wieters and Jonathan Schoop back. I think they’re positioned pretty well and I’m not surprised about four All-Stars, they’ve got a good ball club.”

Ripken on Chicago Cubs’ group of talented young infielders: “I kind of laugh because everyone was a shortstop at one point in their life…I think it’s a really good problem to have. Kris Bryant has continued to amaze. I haven’t gotten to watch him in person closely yet but I’d like to soon. He’s a big guy, seems to be under control at all times. His approach and the way that he takes it in stride are amazing to me. They are all really, really talented players. You have to find a mix and match to get them to all play together. I think all teams would be lucky to have those choices.”

Ripken on his memories of playing with Martinez in the 1999 All-Star Game: “The whole All-Star Game in Boston, there’s a lot of really great memorable moments from that experience. Very rarely do you get pumped up and psyched at the All-Star Game, especially if you’ve had a few under your belt, but the adrenaline was flowing really good. It was fun to be on that side of it. I’m glad I wasn’t trying to face Pedro. It was a much more fun environment and there was this great excitability different than the other All-Star Games. It was fun to be part of that.”

Visit the Turner Sports online press room for additional press materials; follow Turner Sports on Twitter at @TurnerSportsPR.

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New Sports Illustrated Special Cover Featuring U.S. Women’s National Team

July 7, 2015 By admin

SI editors write about the special new cover: “We couldn’t resist the chance to commemorate this moment while it’s still so fresh—so we put together the cover we would have run if there were a magazine this week…. This special digital cover is a beautiful shot by SI photographer Simon Bruty, one that perfectly captures what the U.S. women’s national team is all about: a dedicated and seamless group of 23 that worked as one to bring home the World Cup trophy, the third in the program’s history—notice those three stars on the cover—and one that was a long time coming. We’ve been waiting 16 years for this cover. We weren’t going to wait another week to show it to you.”

See the cover and read more about it here: http://on.si.com/USWNTcover

Sports Illustrated: Where Are They Now Issue Featuring Exclusive New Interview With Brett Favre

July 1, 2015 By admin

Today, Sports Illustrated releases its special “Where Are They Now?” double issue, featuring interviews with some of the top sports headliners and athletes from years past who reflect on their careers, discuss what they’re doing now, what they miss, and more. Brett Favre is featured on the cover wearing his old Green Bay Packers jersey — the first time that he’s worn the dark green number 4 since his final game with the team in 2008. The cover story features an exclusive interview with Favre in which he discusses whether he could still play in the NFL, what he thinks of the league today, his excitement to return to Green Bay to be inducted into the Packers’ Hall of Fame, his health fears after a career full of big hits and concussions, and more. SI Editors write about this year’s Where Are They Now issue: “They were promoters (Don King) and pariahs (Jose Canseco), record breakers (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and underachievers (Drew Henson). But Where Are They Now? To catch up with this year’s crop of former headliners, SI ranged from Hollywood to small-town Oklahoma to the Bahamas and beyond.”

See the cover and read more about the cover shoot and new issue, here: http://on.si.com/1NsnZzg

Read more and watch video of SI’s interview with Brett Favre, here: http://on.si.com/1dv3YLy

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SI’S EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BRETT FAVRE:

On whether he could still play in the NFL: “I think I could play…. As far as throwing, of course. I could make all the throws I made before…. We’re not trying to start some he’s-coming-out-of-retirement deal…. But I could play.”

Favre discusses his health concerns after a career that included more than 300 NFL starts over 20 seasons: “No one’s invincible…Things do catch up with you. There is a price to be paid. What that will be is yet to be seen. It may be from one violent hit. I don’t know, but it’s scary. Because you wonder, you can’t help but wonder, what is that going to do to me? Or am I going to be one of the lucky ones? Whatever lucky is. I’m not knocking the NFL. I knew what I signed up for. I could have got out whenever I wanted to get out…. I didn’t do myself any favors, the way I played.”

On suffering a concussion on what ended up being the last play of his career: “I shouldn’t have been playing…. From that point on, I never missed it…. I knew it was time.”

On his abrupt retirement from the Packers in 2008: “Had I [taken my time deciding], I would have come back and played…The drama would have been avoided.” And on his larger history of retiring: “I don’t study my retirements…But I have watched them. I look at them the way I do old pictures. Like, Oh my gosh. That haircut.”

On returning to Green Bay in July to be inducted into the Packers’ Hall of Fame and the fans’ interest in the ceremony: “I was blown away…. I mean, it’s not Elvis, but it feels that way. Like Elvis is coming back for one last show.”

On his successor in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers: “We got along fine, regardless of what you’ve heard.”

On his life today: “I just want to hide on my property and not do anything.”

Former Packer head coach Mike Holmgren tells SI of Favre: “That’s how he should be remembered…As a Packer.”

SI senior writer Greg Bishop writes on Favre: “Favre did not make any master plan for life after football. He approached retirement the same way he approached the game itself: He winged it…. He turned down offers from at least 10 reality television shows and Dancing with the Stars…. He made more than 30 trips to Disney World, still the boy who never quite grew up.”

MORE FEATURES FROM THE WHERE ARE THEY NOW ISSUE:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The Hall of Fame center who played with his back to the world was immersing himself in Malcolm X and Sherlock Holmes stories before tip-offs. Now he has grown comfortable sharing his insights on race, religion, sports and history as a public intellectual.

Jose Canseco: He’s been a feared slugger, a disgraced whistle-blower and a Twitter oddity. Now the six-time All-Star travels to minor league towns and indy ball fields, putting on a show—and it’s the closest he’ll ever again get to the major league game he changed forever.

Don King: The octogenarian who promoted and personified a glorious era in boxing—the heyday of the heavyweights—is as recognizable and bombastic as ever. It’s just that fewer people are looking or listening, and that’s not necessarily a good thing.

Major League Soccer: As the league plays its 20th season, key figures recall the kickoff campaign in an oral history of its first year.

+Plus: Cheryl Miller, Marlin Briscoe, Dolph Lundgren, Drew Henson, WWE Mania, the stray dogs of Sochi, the Baha Men, and more.

-See the latest content from the “Where Are They Now?” issue as it rolls out on SI.com over the coming weeks, here: SI.com/WATN