Dodgers Fans React To First LA Game Broadcasted on AppleTV
Dodgers fans got to experience something for the first time on Friday night. It was the first time that a Dodgers game had been exclusively broadcasted by AppleTV as part of the tech giants foray into streaming baseball games. Meaning, fans did not get their usually dose of Joe Davis and Orel Hershiser commentating.
Apparently, most fans did not particularly enjoy the broadcasting team that AppleTV used to cover the Dodgers game:
- Stephen Nelson (play-by-play)
- Katie Nolan (analyst)
- Hunter Pence (analyst)
- Heidi Watney (on-field reporter)
Dodgers fans took to Twitter both during and after the game. Surprise, surprise, there were some strong takes.
picture quality on Apple was incredible
Everything else about that broadcast…well I’m hoping that’s the only one we have to watch this season
— Max (@aoxamaxoa) April 16, 2022
Agree on picture quality....amazing! Also, the sound from the game and crowd were great. If they had just broadcast the game with zero talking, i could be good with that.
— Doug Douglas (@atapic7) April 16, 2022
One fan pointed out that Dodgers fans might have a higher bar as most when it comes to broadcasters.
We’ve been spoiled with Vin and now with Joe and Orel. Nelson was okay. Pence seemed a little awkward. I’m not going to say anything about Katie. I’ll leave this here… pic.twitter.com/WXuLeJsi7v
— rolipolioli (row•lee•poe•lee•oh•lee) (@smilewithpasion) April 16, 2022
Predictably, some of the Dodgers faithful were frustrated by the game only being available on Apple TV despite paying for the MLB app.
So I pay for the Dodger Network. But was unable to watch the game because it was on AppleTV. Do I get my channel fees prorated? I’d like a refund.
— RanSanity (@ranbud1970) April 16, 2022
But not everyone was critical of the broadcast.
Everyone here is over exaggerating. The casting was underwhelming, but it’s obvious that Pence and Katie just need more reps to have more seamless commentary. Graphically some parts were stunning and others were a little bizarre. So much potential though. 7/10 for me
— HonestDodgerFan (@HonestLADFan) April 16, 2022
Since it’s the only way I can watch my own local team in my own local area, I’m not going to complain.
It is new and they do have a few things they need to improve and will over time: better announcer and the ability to pause and rewind for starters.
— Jason King ??????? ?? (@SkepticCyclist) April 16, 2022
I promise to never ever ever never take for granted Orel's/EK's/Nomar's player perspectives/Dodger knowledge nor Joe Davis' painstakingly meticulous preparation. Apple TV broadcast is perfect for sports bars or house parties to connect guests w the game w no audio.
— 1.fein.gal (@1_Fein_Gal) April 16, 2022
As of right now, it appears that the Dodgers-Guardians game on June 17th will also only be available on Apple TV.
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The best part about any sports broadcast is the ability to mute at my discretion.
I don’t care about the broadcasters. But I want to watch the broadcast I paid for. I don’t live in LA so I pay MLB.TV a yearly subscription so I can watch my Dodgers. It is not cheap. But they keep selling some of their games to other providers and cutting me off – even though I paid for the games. This infuriates me to no end, I will likely cancel after this season. I imagine some SNLA subscribers feel the same way.
I would have at least tried it, but Apple+ would let me log in using my Firefox browser. As I result, I understand I missed a pretty good game–one that I had paid for.
I do not have any apple devices, was not able to watch game on cable tv, not very happy.
Apple should just stick to phones…(even, that is a stretch)
What a waste of money. HATED IT!
I turned the sound off. I am only interested in the game. Not anything else. The broadcasters were disappointing to say the least.
MLB screwed us all over by selling out to Apple TV and making it their exclusive broadcast. A load of crap. The $$$ were substantial – yet they claim poverty. Figures. Also, please ban Katie Nolan from doing any more baseball games. Please. I love Katie but this is not what she is good at, nor do I see her improving either. Her schtick is what it is and what it will always be, it has no place broadcasting baseball games. Period.
The Apple announcing team sounded like a frat group. Half the time they didn’t tell you who was up or even what just occurred. Horrible at best. The lead announcer made Brent Musburger sound like Vin Scully.
The Sportsnet LA team is oranges we’re comparing it to apples. Rotten apples.