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USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
ESPN's awful Home Run Derby coverage won't be missed after MLB split
Congratulations to Cal Raleigh, the MLB home-run leader who continued his slugging ways last night in the Home Run Derby where he became the first catcher in league history to win the competition. I hope he had a lot more fun winning it than we did watching at home because whew, the broadcast was some rough viewing. I came away from the Derby thinking it was too long, and I don't think I've ever felt that way about watching dudes hit dingers. But after dedicating almost three hours of my night squinting to see a white blur that ESPN's cameras could barely track, I couldn't help but feel like there was a better way I could've spent that time. Don't get me wrong. There were some high moments. Junior Caminero put on a show with his surprise run to the final. Oneil Cruz hit moonshot after moonshot. And Raleigh delivered the dramatics. But it was a three-hour show! That's longer than the average baseball game. And I repeat, ESPN's cameras barely provided the thing we came to see. Which made the long derby so much harder to stomach. HR THIEVERY: Here's the kid who nearly robbed Caminero The obvious issue with ESPN's coverage was the split-screen view, which was supposed to provide a shot of the batter on one side and a shot of where his hits were traveling on the other. But far too often, the ball-tracking cameras were left staring into space at nothing in particular... or locked in too long on an outfield spot where a non-dinger may or may not have landed... or showing player and fan reactions to home runs we never actually got to see at home -- which actually became my preferred view over the bad ball-tracking. But that wasn't the only issue. The coverage was a turn-off from the start when ESPN used Pat McAfee to do player introductions despite him having no apparent connection to baseball or the host city, Atlanta. The network used the Derby as another venue to force its high-cost former punter personality down our throats. And bruh, who asked for this? Then, there was the moment in the semifinals when the in-house audio at Truist Park began overpowering the broadcast audio, causing intermittent bursts of music to drown out Karl Ravech's commentary as Raleigh made his push past Cruz. Suddenly, the broadcast was hard to watch and listen. And by that point, the only thing that kept me around was a desire to see the thing through after suffering through so much already. Several people across social media pointed out how the Statcast broadcast on ESPN2 was better. I gave that a try, but better didn't mean it was perfect. The digital home run tracker on ESPN2 was a massive improvement over what was happening on the main broadcast, and there were some cool camera angles too. Kevin Brown had a delightful call of Cruz's 513-foot blast. But the "stat" cast predictably didn't have the same pageantry and spectator views of the main broadcast. A marriage of the two would have made for a better experience over both. So, what's the solution to making a three-hour home run derby easier to watch? That'll be a question for whichever network picks it up next, as ESPN's coverage of MLB ends after this season after the sides agreed to opt out of their contract together. Thankfully for whoever's next, the bar for improvement hasn't been set very high. Is UNO coming to a casino near you? This is a question people have apparently been asking after the popular card game's manufacturer, Mattel, announced the Friday debut of its new UNO Social Club at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, and that more social clubs would be opening across the country. And if I'm being honest, security concerns aside, it didn't sound like the worst idea in the world. I would absolutely lay a few bucks down to draw-four a stranger to death. But that's not exactly what's happening, as UNO explained this morning in an Instagram post clearing up the confusion: "We hate to be the bearers of bad news but the casino floor isn't ready for us yet. We've been told that while they do have tight security, it's not robust enough for UNO at this time." Well, that's a bummer. I guess there's hope in that "yet" word. Here's Charles Curtis with more of UNO's response. Quick Hits: Emmy nominations ... Johnny Furphy's poster ... and more Thanks for reading. We'll be back with more tomorrow. This was For The Win's daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Oneil Cruz's 513-foot Home Run Derby blast sent Kevin Brown into a delightful frenzy
Oneil Cruz has Kevin Brown going wild on the Statcast broadcast."513! HE DID IT! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING! ONEIL CRUZ HAS BROKEN THE DERBY!" ⚾️💣📺🎙️ #MLB #HomeRunDerby Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz blasted a 513-foot homer out of Atlanta's Truist Park on Monday night during the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. It's one of the most impressive homers you're likely to see this season, even if it was technically done in a non-game event specifically engineered to produce homers. Live HR Derby bracket updates, rules, results: Best moments and dingers However, Cruz even outdid the expectations for an event such as a home run derby. ESPN2's Statcast Edition broadcaster Kevin Brown absolutely flipped out over how much power Cruz put on his stunning homer. Brown always has been one of the best in the business for broadcasting baseball, and he brings the heat with this sincerely jubilant call. Sometimes, it's just nice when somebody who genuinely loves something gets excited about it on live television. There is no snark or cynicism here, just a guy experiencing genuine joy at getting to broadcast such a monster home run. While the main ESPN broadcast got lots of bad reviews, Brown's great call of Oneil's homer made his feed stand out.
Economic Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Economic Times
MLB Home Run Derby 2025: What is it? Here's start time, how to watch on TV and stream online, participants, format, predictions and odds
MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Start Time and How to Watch on TV and Stream Online Television Channels: ESPN (main coverage), ESPN2 (Statcast edition) ESPN (main coverage), ESPN2 (Statcast edition) Streaming Services: ESPN+, Fubo, DirecTV, and YouTube TV. Canadian fans can stream via Sportsnet+. MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Participants Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners (38 home runs) James Wood, Washington Nationals (24 home runs) Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins Brent Rooker, Oakland Athletics Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees Live Events MLB Home Run Derby 2025: What is it? First Round: Each player gets 3 minutes or 40 pitches. A bonus period allows up to 3 outs, and one additional out is allowed for a 425-foot home run. Each player gets 3 minutes or 40 pitches. A bonus period allows up to 3 outs, and one additional out is allowed for a 425-foot home run. Second Round (Semifinals): Top four hitters advance. Time is reduced to 2 minutes or 27 pitches. Top four hitters advance. Time is reduced to 2 minutes or 27 pitches. Final Round: Top two players compete under the same rules as the semifinals. Top two players compete under the same rules as the semifinals. Tiebreakers: Decided by longest home run or sudden-death swing-offs. Who Was the Defending Champion? MLB Home Run Derby 2025 History MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Predictions and Odds MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Notable Records Most Home Runs in a Single Derby: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (91, in 2019) Single-Round Record: Julio Rodríguez (41 home runs in 2023) FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel will take place on Monday, July 14, at Truist Park in Atlanta, one day before the MLB All-Star Game 2025. This year's contest features eight powerful hitters competing in a bracket-style format, including Cal Raleigh, James Wood and Matt Olson. The event will air live on ESPN and ESPN2 and will also be available through multiple streaming Home Run Derby 2025 will start at 8:00 PM ET. Pre-event festivities may push the actual first pitch to 8:30 PM lineup includes players with strong first-half performances. This year's participants are:None of the participants has previously won a Home Run Home Run Derby 2025 will follow a three-round bracket format:Teoscar Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 Home Run Derby. He hit 14 home runs in the final round, defeating Bobby Witt Jr. (13 home runs).The last derby held in Atlanta was in 2000 at Turner Field, where Sammy Sosa emerged victorious. The 2025 event returns to Atlanta at the Braves' Truist Park as part of the MLB All-Star Raleigh leads this year's Home Run Derby odds at +310. He is followed by Oneil Cruz (+330) and James Wood (+380). Raleigh's 38 first-half home runs set an American League record and put him in strong Home Run Derby 2025 starts at 8:00 PM ET on Monday, July 14, with competition beginning around 8:30 PM can watch MLB Home Run Derby 2025 live on ESPN, ESPN2, or stream through ESPN+, Fubo, YouTube TV, DirecTV and
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
MLB Home Run Derby 2025: What is it? Here's start time, how to watch on TV and stream online, participants, format, predictions and odds
MLB Home Run Derby 2025 will take place on Monday, July 14, at Truist Park in Atlanta, one day before the MLB All-Star Game 2025. This year's contest features eight powerful hitters competing in a bracket-style format, including Cal Raleigh, James Wood and Matt Olson. The event will air live on ESPN and ESPN2 and will also be available through multiple streaming platforms. MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Start Time and How to Watch on TV and Stream Online The Home Run Derby 2025 will start at 8:00 PM ET. Pre-event festivities may push the actual first pitch to 8:30 PM ET. Television Channels: ESPN (main coverage), ESPN2 (Statcast edition) Streaming Services: ESPN+, Fubo, DirecTV, and YouTube TV. Canadian fans can stream via Sportsnet+. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Participants The lineup includes players with strong first-half performances. This year's participants are: Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners (38 home runs) James Wood, Washington Nationals (24 home runs) Matt Olson, Atlanta Braves Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins Brent Rooker, Oakland Athletics Jazz Chisholm Jr., New York Yankees None of the participants has previously won a Home Run Derby. Live Events Also Read: Sotheby's Auction: Biggest Martian rock on Earth goes on sale. Here's how it came to Earth MLB Home Run Derby 2025: What is it? The Home Run Derby 2025 will follow a three-round bracket format: First Round: Each player gets 3 minutes or 40 pitches. A bonus period allows up to 3 outs, and one additional out is allowed for a 425-foot home run. Second Round (Semifinals): Top four hitters advance. Time is reduced to 2 minutes or 27 pitches. Final Round: Top two players compete under the same rules as the semifinals. Tiebreakers: Decided by longest home run or sudden-death swing-offs. Who Was the Defending Champion? Teoscar Hernández of the Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 Home Run Derby. He hit 14 home runs in the final round, defeating Bobby Witt Jr. (13 home runs). Also Read: New Video Game Releases 2025: See complete list of titles and platforms MLB Home Run Derby 2025 History The last derby held in Atlanta was in 2000 at Turner Field, where Sammy Sosa emerged victorious. The 2025 event returns to Atlanta at the Braves' Truist Park as part of the MLB All-Star Week. MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Predictions and Odds Cal Raleigh leads this year's Home Run Derby odds at +310. He is followed by Oneil Cruz (+330) and James Wood (+380). Raleigh's 38 first-half home runs set an American League record and put him in strong contention. MLB Home Run Derby 2025 Notable Records Most Home Runs in a Single Derby: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (91, in 2019) Single-Round Record: Julio Rodríguez (41 home runs in 2023) FAQs What time does the MLB Home Run Derby 2025 start? MLB Home Run Derby 2025 starts at 8:00 PM ET on Monday, July 14, with competition beginning around 8:30 PM ET. Where can I watch the MLB Home Run Derby 2025? You can watch MLB Home Run Derby 2025 live on ESPN, ESPN2, or stream through ESPN+, Fubo, YouTube TV, DirecTV and
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 MLB Home Run Derby announcers: Who's calling it on ESPN and ESPN2?
We've reached the All-Star break in Major League Baseball, and the festivities at the Atlanta Braves' Truist Park will begin on Saturday with the All-Star Futures Game. Before we get to Tuesday night's All-Star game, however, we'll be treated to everyone's All-Star weekend event: the MLB Home Run Derby. On Monday night, the game's best moonshot artists will take the field at Truist Park to try to take home the crown. THE GREATEST HR DERBY MOMENTS OF ALL TIME: Here are the five best No matter what happens on Monday, we'll witness a new winner. Defending champion Teoscar Hernandez isn't participating this year, and none of the eight players invited to participate have won it previously. On the call Monday night will be a familiar voice as ESPN's Karl Ravech leads the broadcast team along with Eduardo Pérez and Todd Frazier. Frazier, who won the event in 2015, will be making his Derby broadcasting debut after previously calling Little League games for the network. The main broadcast will air on ESPN, but the Worldwide Leader will also be simulcasting a Statcast edition on ESPN2. Kevin Brown, Jessica Mendoza and Mike Petriello will carry the alternative broadcast. It's a strong Home Run Derby field in 2025, even though it doesn't feature any past winners, and one of the eight challengers will become the 41st Home Run Derby champion. What time is the 2025 Home Run Derby? It'll be at 8 p.m. ET. What channel is the 2025 Home Run Derby on? As we mentioned: the main broadcast will be on ESPN and the alternative broadcast will be on ESPN2.
