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The fans were so awesome to us all game. When I caught that ball, they booed the heck out of me when I refused to throw it back. I just stood up, pointed to my shirt and yelled “that isn’t happening!”. At that point I had no idea that it was # 300. Then next thing I know we are being whisked away by security and taking pics/videos with Cutch and the other Pirates. This will be a day that Toren never forgets!
Apologies in advance for the novel..........The fans were so awesome to us all game. When I caught that ball, they booed the heck out of me when I refused to throw it back. I just stood up, pointed to my shirt and yelled “that isn’t happening!”. At that point I had no idea that it was # 300. Then next thing I know we are being whisked away by security and taking pics/videos with Cutch and the other Pirates. This will be a day that Toren never forgets!
I think I (and maybe others) had forgotten about your son’s health journey. I’m sure it makes it even more special for your family.
How is he doing?
So happy for him!
Apologies in advance for the novel..........The fans were so awesome to us all game. When I caught that ball, they booed the heck out of me when I refused to throw it back. I just stood up, pointed to my shirt and yelled “that isn’t happening!”. At that point I had no idea that it was # 300. Then next thing I know we are being whisked away by security and taking pics/videos with Cutch and the other Pirates. This will be a day that Toren never forgets!
I think I (and maybe others) had forgotten about your son’s health journey. I’m sure it makes it even more special for your family.
How is he doing?
So happy for him!
Thank you @AAABatteries !
p.s. I hate the fact that I'm all over the internet but it was all worth it for Toren to experience this.
Apologies in advance for the novel..........The fans were so awesome to us all game. When I caught that ball, they booed the heck out of me when I refused to throw it back. I just stood up, pointed to my shirt and yelled “that isn’t happening!”. At that point I had no idea that it was # 300. Then next thing I know we are being whisked away by security and taking pics/videos with Cutch and the other Pirates. This will be a day that Toren never forgets!
I think I (and maybe others) had forgotten about your son’s health journey. I’m sure it makes it even more special for your family.
How is he doing?
So happy for him!
Thank you @AAABatteries ! Yes Toren was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in October of 2022. The first 10-12 months of his journey were extremely difficult for all of us (Toren, younger sister Zanya, mom and dad) but he fought hard and taught me a lot of things about resiliency and character. Kids are just different beasts compared to adults. He's now in the maintenance phase of treatment and doing great. I dare say he's pretty much back to "normal" and we can certainly see the light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously from the video you can see that he has a nice, healthy head of hair again (unlike his dad). I told him last summer that he would soon have more hair than me and here we are! There were a couple FBGs (won't mention any names) that were instrumental in helping us get through this.
Yesterday was an absolute surreal experience for us. I really am a diehard Pirates fan and Cutch has always been my favorite player growing up (I wasn't old enough during the Stargell/Clemente days). Let me tell you about the unbelievable chain of events that had to happen for us to get that ball:
1. I had just gotten back from a business trip Thursday night and was not really in the mood to go to a game over the weekend. Toren was adamant that he wanted to see his Pirates.
2. My wife and I had planned for the 4 of us to go to the game on Saturday. However, the weather was really crappy and we decided to scrap that plan.
3. Toren was adamant that he now wanted to go on Sunday (last chance to see the Pirates in Philly unless they meet in October - lol yeah good one). We have close friends who are Phils season ticket holders and usually just buy their tickets. They had already sold them.
4. Wheeler was pitching and the weather was going to be gorgeous so there were only a handful of seats left. In fact, 4 of us going together was no longer an option. I asked Toren to pick who he wanted to go with and he picked me over mom! She's shorter than me and would have had no chance at catching that ball!
5. Tickets for 2 were also extremely limited. Basically there were upper deck and a few remaining seats just beyond the outfield fence. Obviously the upper deck tickets were cheaper but I decided that giving him a nice view and experience was worth the extra money. The potential for catching a HR ball did not play into my decision at all lol.
6. I told Toren at the start of the game that if the Pirates are losing late, we are leaving early to beat out traffic. They're facing Wheeler so we both agreed the odds of that are pretty damn good.
7. Suwinski hits that grand slam (after some sloppy Phils defense) and I tell him that we're sticking around until the end of the game.
8. The 9th inning hits and all I'm thinking is that I just want the game to end and go home. I wasn't even paying attention to what was going on at that point.
9. Then the play happens and well you all see the amount of fortuitous luck that directs that ball into my hand lol.
When we were in the clubhouse with Cutch and the other players/staff, one of the guys asked Toren if he plays baseball. Since his diagnosis, he has a port in his chest to receive his infusions and cannot play any contact sports. I thought about mentioning his cancer right there but decided not to. I felt that the moment was about Cutch and not us. In hindsight and now witnessing how classy of a man Cutch is, I feel that I made a mistake. It likely would have made that moment so much more special for Cutch if he knew that the Pirates fan (in Philly surrounded by red) who got that ball has gone through hell for the past year and a half.
The chapter isn't over yet. The principal of Toren's school has connections with people high up in the Phillies organization. He contacted me today and wants to get the word of Toren out to the Pirates. Not that I need or want anything for our family but me somehow catching that ball has probably changed his life. After what he's been through, I want him to be spoiled. I still just can't believe it happened. It doesn't even feel real and Toren's story makes it an absolute miracle.
p.s. I hate the fact that I'm all over the internet but it was all worth it for Toren to experience this.
Apologies in advance for the novel..........The fans were so awesome to us all game. When I caught that ball, they booed the heck out of me when I refused to throw it back. I just stood up, pointed to my shirt and yelled “that isn’t happening!”. At that point I had no idea that it was # 300. Then next thing I know we are being whisked away by security and taking pics/videos with Cutch and the other Pirates. This will be a day that Toren never forgets!
I think I (and maybe others) had forgotten about your son’s health journey. I’m sure it makes it even more special for your family.
How is he doing?
So happy for him!
Thank you @AAABatteries ! Yes Toren was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in October of 2022. The first 10-12 months of his journey were extremely difficult for all of us (Toren, younger sister Zanya, mom and dad) but he fought hard and taught me a lot of things about resiliency and character. Kids are just different beasts compared to adults. He's now in the maintenance phase of treatment and doing great. I dare say he's pretty much back to "normal" and we can certainly see the light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously from the video you can see that he has a nice, healthy head of hair again (unlike his dad). I told him last summer that he would soon have more hair than me and here we are! There were a couple FBGs (won't mention any names) that were instrumental in helping us get through this.
Yesterday was an absolute surreal experience for us. I really am a diehard Pirates fan and Cutch has always been my favorite player growing up (I wasn't old enough during the Stargell/Clemente days). Let me tell you about the unbelievable chain of events that had to happen for us to get that ball:
1. I had just gotten back from a business trip Thursday night and was not really in the mood to go to a game over the weekend. Toren was adamant that he wanted to see his Pirates.
2. My wife and I had planned for the 4 of us to go to the game on Saturday. However, the weather was really crappy and we decided to scrap that plan.
3. Toren was adamant that he now wanted to go on Sunday (last chance to see the Pirates in Philly unless they meet in October - lol yeah good one). We have close friends who are Phils season ticket holders and usually just buy their tickets. They had already sold them.
4. Wheeler was pitching and the weather was going to be gorgeous so there were only a handful of seats left. In fact, 4 of us going together was no longer an option. I asked Toren to pick who he wanted to go with and he picked me over mom! She's shorter than me and would have had no chance at catching that ball!
5. Tickets for 2 were also extremely limited. Basically there were upper deck and a few remaining seats just beyond the outfield fence. Obviously the upper deck tickets were cheaper but I decided that giving him a nice view and experience was worth the extra money. The potential for catching a HR ball did not play into my decision at all lol.
6. I told Toren at the start of the game that if the Pirates are losing late, we are leaving early to beat out traffic. They're facing Wheeler so we both agreed the odds of that are pretty damn good.
7. Suwinski hits that grand slam (after some sloppy Phils defense) and I tell him that we're sticking around until the end of the game.
8. The 9th inning hits and all I'm thinking is that I just want the game to end and go home. I wasn't even paying attention to what was going on at that point.
9. Then the play happens and well you all see the amount of fortuitous luck that directs that ball into my hand lol.
When we were in the clubhouse with Cutch and the other players/staff, one of the guys asked Toren if he plays baseball. Since his diagnosis, he has a port in his chest to receive his infusions and cannot play any contact sports. I thought about mentioning his cancer right there but decided not to. I felt that the moment was about Cutch and not us. In hindsight and now witnessing how classy of a man Cutch is, I feel that I made a mistake. It likely would have made that moment so much more special for Cutch if he knew that the Pirates fan (in Philly surrounded by red) who got that ball has gone through hell for the past year and a half.
The chapter isn't over yet. The principal of Toren's school has connections with people high up in the Phillies organization. He contacted me today and wants to get the word of Toren out to the Pirates. Not that I need or want anything for our family but me somehow catching that ball has probably changed his life. After what he's been through, I want him to be spoiled. I still just can't believe it happened. It doesn't even feel real and Toren's story makes it an absolute miracle.
p.s. I hate the fact that I'm all over the internet but it was all worth it for Toren to experience this.
this more than once. So awesome for Toren and your family!!
Amazing story Fred, thank you for typing this all out and sharing. Huge Bucs/Cutch fan here so that part especially hits home, but incredible story even outside that.Apologies in advance for the novel..........The fans were so awesome to us all game. When I caught that ball, they booed the heck out of me when I refused to throw it back. I just stood up, pointed to my shirt and yelled “that isn’t happening!”. At that point I had no idea that it was # 300. Then next thing I know we are being whisked away by security and taking pics/videos with Cutch and the other Pirates. This will be a day that Toren never forgets!
I think I (and maybe others) had forgotten about your son’s health journey. I’m sure it makes it even more special for your family.
How is he doing?
So happy for him!
Thank you @AAABatteries ! Yes Toren was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in October of 2022. The first 10-12 months of his journey were extremely difficult for all of us (Toren, younger sister Zanya, mom and dad) but he fought hard and taught me a lot of things about resiliency and character. Kids are just different beasts compared to adults. He's now in the maintenance phase of treatment and doing great. I dare say he's pretty much back to "normal" and we can certainly see the light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously from the video you can see that he has a nice, healthy head of hair again (unlike his dad). I told him last summer that he would soon have more hair than me and here we are! There were a couple FBGs (won't mention any names) that were instrumental in helping us get through this.
Yesterday was an absolute surreal experience for us. I really am a diehard Pirates fan and Cutch has always been my favorite player growing up (I wasn't old enough during the Stargell/Clemente days). Let me tell you about the unbelievable chain of events that had to happen for us to get that ball:
1. I had just gotten back from a business trip Thursday night and was not really in the mood to go to a game over the weekend. Toren was adamant that he wanted to see his Pirates.
2. My wife and I had planned for the 4 of us to go to the game on Saturday. However, the weather was really crappy and we decided to scrap that plan.
3. Toren was adamant that he now wanted to go on Sunday (last chance to see the Pirates in Philly unless they meet in October - lol yeah good one). We have close friends who are Phils season ticket holders and usually just buy their tickets. They had already sold them.
4. Wheeler was pitching and the weather was going to be gorgeous so there were only a handful of seats left. In fact, 4 of us going together was no longer an option. I asked Toren to pick who he wanted to go with and he picked me over mom! She's shorter than me and would have had no chance at catching that ball!
5. Tickets for 2 were also extremely limited. Basically there were upper deck and a few remaining seats just beyond the outfield fence. Obviously the upper deck tickets were cheaper but I decided that giving him a nice view and experience was worth the extra money. The potential for catching a HR ball did not play into my decision at all lol.
6. I told Toren at the start of the game that if the Pirates are losing late, we are leaving early to beat out traffic. They're facing Wheeler so we both agreed the odds of that are pretty damn good.
7. Suwinski hits that grand slam (after some sloppy Phils defense) and I tell him that we're sticking around until the end of the game.
8. The 9th inning hits and all I'm thinking is that I just want the game to end and go home. I wasn't even paying attention to what was going on at that point.
9. Then the play happens and well you all see the amount of fortuitous luck that directs that ball into my hand lol.
When we were in the clubhouse with Cutch and the other players/staff, one of the guys asked Toren if he plays baseball. Since his diagnosis, he has a port in his chest to receive his infusions and cannot play any contact sports. I thought about mentioning his cancer right there but decided not to. I felt that the moment was about Cutch and not us. In hindsight and now witnessing how classy of a man Cutch is, I feel that I made a mistake. It likely would have made that moment so much more special for Cutch if he knew that the Pirates fan (in Philly surrounded by red) who got that ball has gone through hell for the past year and a half.
The chapter isn't over yet. The principal of Toren's school has connections with people high up in the Phillies organization. He contacted me today and wants to get the word of Toren out to the Pirates. Not that I need or want anything for our family but me somehow catching that ball has probably changed his life. After what he's been through, I want him to be spoiled. I still just can't believe it happened. It doesn't even feel real and Toren's story makes it an absolute miracle.
p.s. I hate the fact that I'm all over the internet but it was all worth it for Toren to experience this.
I tried watching the game yesterday and got through 6 or so innings. The pitching hasn't looked horrible, for the most part, but the offense and the defense? Sheesh. WTF.
How can you not be romantic about baseball?Apologies in advance for the novel..........The fans were so awesome to us all game. When I caught that ball, they booed the heck out of me when I refused to throw it back. I just stood up, pointed to my shirt and yelled “that isn’t happening!”. At that point I had no idea that it was # 300. Then next thing I know we are being whisked away by security and taking pics/videos with Cutch and the other Pirates. This will be a day that Toren never forgets!
I think I (and maybe others) had forgotten about your son’s health journey. I’m sure it makes it even more special for your family.
How is he doing?
So happy for him!
Thank you @AAABatteries ! Yes Toren was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in October of 2022. The first 10-12 months of his journey were extremely difficult for all of us (Toren, younger sister Zanya, mom and dad) but he fought hard and taught me a lot of things about resiliency and character. Kids are just different beasts compared to adults. He's now in the maintenance phase of treatment and doing great. I dare say he's pretty much back to "normal" and we can certainly see the light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously from the video you can see that he has a nice, healthy head of hair again (unlike his dad). I told him last summer that he would soon have more hair than me and here we are! There were a couple FBGs (won't mention any names) that were instrumental in helping us get through this.
Yesterday was an absolute surreal experience for us. I really am a diehard Pirates fan and Cutch has always been my favorite player growing up (I wasn't old enough during the Stargell/Clemente days). Let me tell you about the unbelievable chain of events that had to happen for us to get that ball:
1. I had just gotten back from a business trip Thursday night and was not really in the mood to go to a game over the weekend. Toren was adamant that he wanted to see his Pirates.
2. My wife and I had planned for the 4 of us to go to the game on Saturday. However, the weather was really crappy and we decided to scrap that plan.
3. Toren was adamant that he now wanted to go on Sunday (last chance to see the Pirates in Philly unless they meet in October - lol yeah good one). We have close friends who are Phils season ticket holders and usually just buy their tickets. They had already sold them.
4. Wheeler was pitching and the weather was going to be gorgeous so there were only a handful of seats left. In fact, 4 of us going together was no longer an option. I asked Toren to pick who he wanted to go with and he picked me over mom! She's shorter than me and would have had no chance at catching that ball!
5. Tickets for 2 were also extremely limited. Basically there were upper deck and a few remaining seats just beyond the outfield fence. Obviously the upper deck tickets were cheaper but I decided that giving him a nice view and experience was worth the extra money. The potential for catching a HR ball did not play into my decision at all lol.
6. I told Toren at the start of the game that if the Pirates are losing late, we are leaving early to beat out traffic. They're facing Wheeler so we both agreed the odds of that are pretty damn good.
7. Suwinski hits that grand slam (after some sloppy Phils defense) and I tell him that we're sticking around until the end of the game.
8. The 9th inning hits and all I'm thinking is that I just want the game to end and go home. I wasn't even paying attention to what was going on at that point.
9. Then the play happens and well you all see the amount of fortuitous luck that directs that ball into my hand lol.
When we were in the clubhouse with Cutch and the other players/staff, one of the guys asked Toren if he plays baseball. Since his diagnosis, he has a port in his chest to receive his infusions and cannot play any contact sports. I thought about mentioning his cancer right there but decided not to. I felt that the moment was about Cutch and not us. In hindsight and now witnessing how classy of a man Cutch is, I feel that I made a mistake. It likely would have made that moment so much more special for Cutch if he knew that the Pirates fan (in Philly surrounded by red) who got that ball has gone through hell for the past year and a half.
The chapter isn't over yet. The principal of Toren's school has connections with people high up in the Phillies organization. He contacted me today and wants to get the word of Toren out to the Pirates. Not that I need or want anything for our family but me somehow catching that ball has probably changed his life. After what he's been through, I want him to be spoiled. I still just can't believe it happened. It doesn't even feel real and Toren's story makes it an absolute miracle.
p.s. I hate the fact that I'm all over the internet but it was all worth it for Toren to experience this.
This gave me chills, what an unbelievable experience. So happy for you and especially your son.Apologies in advance for the novel..........The fans were so awesome to us all game. When I caught that ball, they booed the heck out of me when I refused to throw it back. I just stood up, pointed to my shirt and yelled “that isn’t happening!”. At that point I had no idea that it was # 300. Then next thing I know we are being whisked away by security and taking pics/videos with Cutch and the other Pirates. This will be a day that Toren never forgets!
I think I (and maybe others) had forgotten about your son’s health journey. I’m sure it makes it even more special for your family.
How is he doing?
So happy for him!
Thank you @AAABatteries ! Yes Toren was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in October of 2022. The first 10-12 months of his journey were extremely difficult for all of us (Toren, younger sister Zanya, mom and dad) but he fought hard and taught me a lot of things about resiliency and character. Kids are just different beasts compared to adults. He's now in the maintenance phase of treatment and doing great. I dare say he's pretty much back to "normal" and we can certainly see the light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously from the video you can see that he has a nice, healthy head of hair again (unlike his dad). I told him last summer that he would soon have more hair than me and here we are! There were a couple FBGs (won't mention any names) that were instrumental in helping us get through this.
Yesterday was an absolute surreal experience for us. I really am a diehard Pirates fan and Cutch has always been my favorite player growing up (I wasn't old enough during the Stargell/Clemente days). Let me tell you about the unbelievable chain of events that had to happen for us to get that ball:
1. I had just gotten back from a business trip Thursday night and was not really in the mood to go to a game over the weekend. Toren was adamant that he wanted to see his Pirates.
2. My wife and I had planned for the 4 of us to go to the game on Saturday. However, the weather was really crappy and we decided to scrap that plan.
3. Toren was adamant that he now wanted to go on Sunday (last chance to see the Pirates in Philly unless they meet in October - lol yeah good one). We have close friends who are Phils season ticket holders and usually just buy their tickets. They had already sold them.
4. Wheeler was pitching and the weather was going to be gorgeous so there were only a handful of seats left. In fact, 4 of us going together was no longer an option. I asked Toren to pick who he wanted to go with and he picked me over mom! She's shorter than me and would have had no chance at catching that ball!
5. Tickets for 2 were also extremely limited. Basically there were upper deck and a few remaining seats just beyond the outfield fence. Obviously the upper deck tickets were cheaper but I decided that giving him a nice view and experience was worth the extra money. The potential for catching a HR ball did not play into my decision at all lol.
6. I told Toren at the start of the game that if the Pirates are losing late, we are leaving early to beat out traffic. They're facing Wheeler so we both agreed the odds of that are pretty damn good.
7. Suwinski hits that grand slam (after some sloppy Phils defense) and I tell him that we're sticking around until the end of the game.
8. The 9th inning hits and all I'm thinking is that I just want the game to end and go home. I wasn't even paying attention to what was going on at that point.
9. Then the play happens and well you all see the amount of fortuitous luck that directs that ball into my hand lol.
When we were in the clubhouse with Cutch and the other players/staff, one of the guys asked Toren if he plays baseball. Since his diagnosis, he has a port in his chest to receive his infusions and cannot play any contact sports. I thought about mentioning his cancer right there but decided not to. I felt that the moment was about Cutch and not us. In hindsight and now witnessing how classy of a man Cutch is, I feel that I made a mistake. It likely would have made that moment so much more special for Cutch if he knew that the Pirates fan (in Philly surrounded by red) who got that ball has gone through hell for the past year and a half.
The chapter isn't over yet. The principal of Toren's school has connections with people high up in the Phillies organization. He contacted me today and wants to get the word of Toren out to the Pirates. Not that I need or want anything for our family but me somehow catching that ball has probably changed his life. After what he's been through, I want him to be spoiled. I still just can't believe it happened. It doesn't even feel real and Toren's story makes it an absolute miracle.
p.s. I hate the fact that I'm all over the internet but it was all worth it for Toren to experience this.
Wow, so great, got a little dusty in hear reading this. "How Can You Not Be Romantic About Baseball?"Apologies in advance for the novel..........The fans were so awesome to us all game. When I caught that ball, they booed the heck out of me when I refused to throw it back. I just stood up, pointed to my shirt and yelled “that isn’t happening!”. At that point I had no idea that it was # 300. Then next thing I know we are being whisked away by security and taking pics/videos with Cutch and the other Pirates. This will be a day that Toren never forgets!
I think I (and maybe others) had forgotten about your son’s health journey. I’m sure it makes it even more special for your family.
How is he doing?
So happy for him!
Thank you @AAABatteries ! Yes Toren was diagnosed with Acute Leukemia in October of 2022. The first 10-12 months of his journey were extremely difficult for all of us (Toren, younger sister Zanya, mom and dad) but he fought hard and taught me a lot of things about resiliency and character. Kids are just different beasts compared to adults. He's now in the maintenance phase of treatment and doing great. I dare say he's pretty much back to "normal" and we can certainly see the light at the end of the tunnel. Obviously from the video you can see that he has a nice, healthy head of hair again (unlike his dad). I told him last summer that he would soon have more hair than me and here we are! There were a couple FBGs (won't mention any names) that were instrumental in helping us get through this.
Yesterday was an absolute surreal experience for us. I really am a diehard Pirates fan and Cutch has always been my favorite player growing up (I wasn't old enough during the Stargell/Clemente days). Let me tell you about the unbelievable chain of events that had to happen for us to get that ball:
1. I had just gotten back from a business trip Thursday night and was not really in the mood to go to a game over the weekend. Toren was adamant that he wanted to see his Pirates.
2. My wife and I had planned for the 4 of us to go to the game on Saturday. However, the weather was really crappy and we decided to scrap that plan.
3. Toren was adamant that he now wanted to go on Sunday (last chance to see the Pirates in Philly unless they meet in October - lol yeah good one). We have close friends who are Phils season ticket holders and usually just buy their tickets. They had already sold them.
4. Wheeler was pitching and the weather was going to be gorgeous so there were only a handful of seats left. In fact, 4 of us going together was no longer an option. I asked Toren to pick who he wanted to go with and he picked me over mom! She's shorter than me and would have had no chance at catching that ball!
5. Tickets for 2 were also extremely limited. Basically there were upper deck and a few remaining seats just beyond the outfield fence. Obviously the upper deck tickets were cheaper but I decided that giving him a nice view and experience was worth the extra money. The potential for catching a HR ball did not play into my decision at all lol.
6. I told Toren at the start of the game that if the Pirates are losing late, we are leaving early to beat out traffic. They're facing Wheeler so we both agreed the odds of that are pretty damn good.
7. Suwinski hits that grand slam (after some sloppy Phils defense) and I tell him that we're sticking around until the end of the game.
8. The 9th inning hits and all I'm thinking is that I just want the game to end and go home. I wasn't even paying attention to what was going on at that point.
9. Then the play happens and well you all see the amount of fortuitous luck that directs that ball into my hand lol.
When we were in the clubhouse with Cutch and the other players/staff, one of the guys asked Toren if he plays baseball. Since his diagnosis, he has a port in his chest to receive his infusions and cannot play any contact sports. I thought about mentioning his cancer right there but decided not to. I felt that the moment was about Cutch and not us. In hindsight and now witnessing how classy of a man Cutch is, I feel that I made a mistake. It likely would have made that moment so much more special for Cutch if he knew that the Pirates fan (in Philly surrounded by red) who got that ball has gone through hell for the past year and a half.
The chapter isn't over yet. The principal of Toren's school has connections with people high up in the Phillies organization. He contacted me today and wants to get the word of Toren out to the Pirates. Not that I need or want anything for our family but me somehow catching that ball has probably changed his life. After what he's been through, I want him to be spoiled. I still just can't believe it happened. It doesn't even feel real and Toren's story makes it an absolute miracle.
p.s. I hate the fact that I'm all over the internet but it was all worth it for Toren to experience this.
It is.
And if they are the game of the day on MLB network? They black me out. I guess, if they are ever on Fox or ESPN, I'll (maybe?) get them.
Sucks. This year, the Mariners were taken away from standard cable....not that I was a diehard viewer or anything, but it's nice to turn on a baseball game in the evening when I'm rarely alone in my house. Can't even do that this year.
I'd for sure pay a few bucks to watch the Os this season. So dumb you can't support them. That's broken.
Yes. In those instances they are the "Game of the Week" so they aren't on the "local" station which would cause the blackout. I have this issue with Dodger games. I am not a Dodger fan but I do like Glasnow and would like to see his starts but I can't because of hte blackout rules.
But what about the beloved cable companies that pay for the RSN? Who will look out for those poor saps?
I think it would be easy to work around. That was my point about the feed you get to see. Currently in the MLB.TV app you can choose which feed you get to watch the game. For those located in the local area you would only get the local feed (RSN feed for instance). That way that cable company is still getting the viewership (essentially) because the viewer is watching their telecast. Seems easy to accommodate.......but of course that is just me thinking simple.
It is ******* stupid. Where I live the Pirates, Phillies, Mets and Yankees are blacked out. The closest of those stadiums is a 3 hour drive
At least I'm able to listen to the radio broadcast (though, I do not like the announcers) through SXM.
Probably. But I'm not doing that - I've used up most of my tech patience the last several years. It's easier for me to ***** about it than go the extra mile
That is me to a T. I held on to DirecTV way too long because I really didn't want to learn the new tech (yes I am old). When they lost the Sunday Ticket it was the push I needed. Now I don't know why I didn't do it sooner. Although I do hate having to jump around from service to service if I just change my mind on what I want to watch. That is a bit of a pain. but not terrible.Probably. But I'm not doing that - I've used up most of my tech patience the last several years. It's easier for me to ***** about it than go the extra mile
I'm at work, so "watching" it on MLB gameday from the computer.
Your avatar says you support the Dodgers though.It is ******* stupid. Where I live the Pirates, Phillies, Mets and Yankees are blacked out. The closest of those stadiums is a 3 hour drive
I stopped jumping around with streaming services several years ago. Too much work. I'm good with what I have. I would pay a la carte to watch the Orioles, though.That is me to a T. I held on to DirecTV way too long because I really didn't want to learn the new tech (yes I am old). When they lost the Sunday Ticket it was the push I needed. Now I don't know why I didn't do it sooner. Although I do hate having to jump around from service to service if I just change my mind on what I want to watch. That is a bit of a pain. but not terrible.Probably. But I'm not doing that - I've used up most of my tech patience the last several years. It's easier for me to ***** about it than go the extra mile
I do obviously. I don’t get to see them live when they’re on the west coast usually because it’s too late for me. Then they come to my time zone and get blacked out often. It’s stupidYour avatar says you support the Dodgers though.It is ******* stupid. Where I live the Pirates, Phillies, Mets and Yankees are blacked out. The closest of those stadiums is a 3 hour drive
In Spectrum's case (your example) - they own the channel / feed / broadcast showing the Dodgers game (i.e. they're also the regional sports network, it's called SpectrumSportsNet). So I imagine they're getting paid by MLB.tv, etc. to have access to their feed. I know that isn't the arrangement for most other teams.
The cable companies don't make squat (ok by me, as they're historically one of the worst around) when you use the MLB.tv app on your phone (direct or casting to your tv) or through your smart TV app. The cable company doesn't get any viewership (or revenue) from that. At least I can't see how Spectrum is making any money off of my watching the Dodgers via MLB.tv on my PC (ftr, Spectrum is not my internet provider either).
The whole system is still sorting itself out as there is big money involved. The cable companies pay money to the regional sports networks to carry the "local" teams games. They sell ads during these games, the price of which is driven by viewership. I guess in your model, they'd have to somehow be able to track who is watching the game via MLB.tv locally, and somehow credit that viewership so that the revenue to the cable companies from ads doesn't crater.
I have this same issue. I live in Iowa, 4 hours away from the closest MLB teams. MN, KC, CHI Cubs and White Sox, STL, and MIL are all blacked out. When Bally got into the Peeing match with Dish, DirecTV and all of the streaming services, I got tired of not being able to watch Twins games and went down the dark alley of streaming. Now I can watch all MLB games. I would gladly give them my $$, but if they are going to stick with these antique blackout rules, I will stay on the dark side.
An "all encompassing type of suck"
I don't mind it and kind of miss it when it's not there but that is more because I'm used to it now.
Only the triggering mechanism for fans whining about balls & strikes has changed. It's been going on for 150 years, superimposed box or no superimposed box.
It has ruined baseball and perception of how games are called.
Are you Angel Hernandez?
"That's it Capella- You're out of here!!!"
Yep, the only difference is now we're a little better informed when we start whining about the call.
It goes beyond a triggering mechanism though. Sure people always argued balls/strikes but with the box everyone thinks they are experts and it makes the complaining much, much worse.
The CF camera had at least as big an effect as that box, IMO. That's when there was a big jump in fan-experts.
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