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MLB on Fox

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Major League Baseball on Fox
Company typeSports broadcasting
IndustrySports television
PredecessorThe Baseball Network (ABC and NBC)
FoundedJune 1, 1996; 30 years ago (1996-06-01)
FounderFox Sports
FateOngoing broadcast
Headquarters
Los Angeles
,
United States
Area served
United States
Key people
Ed Goren (former president of Fox Sports)
ProductsMLB game broadcasts, including World Series, All-Star Game, League Championship Series, Division Series, regular season games
OwnerFox Corporation
ParentFox Sports
Websitewww.foxsports.com/mlb

Major League Baseball on Fox—also referred to as MLB on Fox or Fox MLB'—is the American broadcast of Major League Baseball contests produced by Fox Sports, the sports division of the Fox Broadcasting Company (Fox), beginning June 1, 1996. Fox has televised the World Series in 1996, 1998, and every year since 2000, along with the All-Star Game in 1997, 1999, and annually from 2001 onward. The network has also covered the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and American League Championship Series (ALCS) on an alternating basis between 1996 and 2000 and again since 2007—airing the NLCS during even-numbered years and the ALCS in odd-numbered years—with both series broadcast simultaneously from 2001 through 2006.

In 2022, Fox Sports extended its agreement for regular-season broadcasts on both the primary Fox network and FS1 through the year 2028. This contract grants Fox Saturday regular-season game rights as well as exclusive broadcasting privileges for the World Series, All-Star Game, and the Field of Dreams Game throughout its duration.

1996–2000

On November 7, 1995, Major League Baseball (MLB) finalized a television agreement with both Fox and NBC, marking Fox’s entry into MLB broadcasting following the conclusion of ABC’s contract. Fox committed $575 million for this five-year deal, which was a lower amount than what CBS had paid during its tenure from 1990 to 1993.

Departing from the prior arrangement under "The Baseball Network," a joint venture between ABC and NBC, Fox resumed airing regular-season games—typically around sixteen Saturday afternoon broadcasts starting near Memorial Day weekend each year. The network maintained regionalized telecasts, usually offering three separate regional broadcasts per game day. Rights included coverage of the 1996, 1998, and 2000 World Series, the All-Star Games in 1997 and 1999, shared League Championship Series coverage with NBC, and five Division Series games annually.

To market its baseball programming, Fox adopted the slogan "Same game, new attitude," a phrase previously used during its NFL launch in 1994. The network sought to leverage marquee baseball events such as the World Series to enhance viewership for its then-developing prime time lineup featuring shows like Beverly Hills 90210, The Simpsons, Married... with Children, and The X-Files. Ed Goren, president of Fox Sports at the time, highlighted using high-profile baseball broadcasts as a strategy to drive audience engagement for other network programming.

Exclusivity: 2001–2006

In September 2000, MLB secured a six-year contract valued at $2.5 billion with Fox that provided exclusive broadcasting rights for Saturday games, the All-Star Game, selected Division Series matchups, as well as sole coverage of both League Championship Series and the World Series. Fox’s annual payment was $417 million, with approximately 90% of the contract’s worth tied to postseason events that attracted significant viewership and supported Fox’s fall programming schedule.

The agreement incorporated safeguards against labor disruptions by guaranteeing payment to Fox even if games were canceled due to strikes or lockouts. Additionally, MLB was obligated to offer compensatory telecasts in such cases. This design discouraged work stoppages since a recurrence of the 1994–95 strike would have resulted in losses exceeding $1 billion for Fox—a financial risk not present in earlier contracts.

Previously, Fox had paid $575 million over five years (averaging $115 million per year) for MLB rights compared to NBC’s $400 million ($80 million annually). The new deal represented an approximate 45% increase in annual payments relative to the combined value previously split between NBC and ESPN. Notably, CBS and ABC reportedly chose not to bid at MLB’s asking price.

Commissioner Bud Selig commended the collaboration with Fox as advantageous and forward-thinking. Neal Pilson, former president of CBS Sports, observed that while Fox’s exclusive arrangement required delaying its entertainment season for playoff broadcasts, it likely yielded strong financial returns by avoiding competitive underbidding.

Fox placed significant value on postseason ratings boosts more than other networks did—particularly after experiencing a 17% decline in prime time ratings during the 1999–2000 season when averaging approximately 8.97 million viewers.

In response to scheduling conflicts caused by postseason delays following the September 11 attacks in 2001, Fox introduced split telecasts for League Championship Series games—simultaneously airing different games on Fox’s main channel and regional Fox Sports Net affiliates. Although initially met with resistance from viewers, this format was occasionally employed later to preserve playoff schedules and maximize prime time advertising revenue by broadcasting secondary games on FX. The scheduling challenge was addressed in the subsequent 2007–2013 contract by granting TBS rights to one LCS annually; however, Fox continued to televise some weekday afternoon LCS matchups throughout its contract period.

2007–2013

On July 11, 2006, Major League Baseball revealed that Fox had secured a seven-year extension to continue as the broadcaster of the World Series through 2013. Fox maintained its rights to the regular-season broadcasts beginning each April and remained the exclusive broadcaster for both the All-Star Game and the World Series. Postseason coverage outside of the World Series was limited to one League Championship Series annually—specifically the American League Championship Series (ALCS) in odd-numbered years and the National League Championship Series (NLCS) in even-numbered years—alternating with TBS, which held exclusive rights to the Division Series.

Beginning in 2007, Fox expanded its Saturday "Game of the Week" coverage to span the full season, with most contests airing from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This window was later adjusted to 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. after Fox discontinued its pre-game show in 2009. Exceptions to these timeframes included earlier afternoon broadcasts on days featuring NASCAR events and later evening games scheduled for UEFA Champions League finals.

In 2012, Fox modified its programming schedule so that certain Saturday games would commence at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time on weekends coinciding with NASCAR races. Additionally, evening games were introduced under the branding Baseball Night in America, running from the UEFA Champions League Final through to just before the All-Star Break.

2014–present

On September 19, 2012, it was announced that Major League Baseball would enter into separate eight-year television agreements with Fox Sports and Turner Sports extending through 2021. Fox committed approximately $4 billion over eight years (about $500 million annually), while Turner agreed to pay around $2.8 billion (approximately $350 million per year). These contracts preserved much of the existing coverage structure but divided Division Series broadcasts between Fox and TBS. Furthermore, Fox planned to air select games on its recently launched cable channel, Fox Sports 1 (debuted August 2013), and considered sublicensing some Division Series games to MLB Network.

Officially finalized on October 2, 2012, the agreement granted Fox rights to broadcast 12 Saturday afternoon games (a reduction from the previous 26), alongside 40 games on Fox Sports 1, plus the All-Star Game, two Division Series (with some matchups on MLB Network), one League Championship Series (rotating ALCS and NLCS coverage with Turner), and exclusive World Series coverage on Fox. All games under the Fox Saturday Baseball banner were made accessible via MLB Extra Innings and MLB.TV, subject to blackout policies. The deal also included TV Everywhere streaming rights, a nightly baseball highlights program, Spanish-language broadcasts through Fox Deportes, and a weekly show produced by MLB Productions.

On November 15, 2018, Fox extended its MLB broadcasting rights through 2028 with enhancements including expanded digital offerings and an increase in network telecasts. This renewal guaranteed that from 2020 onward at least two of the first four League Championship Series games and all decisive seventh games would air on Fox. The contract also featured more Saturday night baseball broadcasts and added two Division Series games on the broadcast network beginning in 2022.

In 2022, Fox broadened its schedule to include 18 broadcast windows showcasing prime-time Baseball Night in America weekly starting from Memorial Day weekend. Most weeks featured two regional Saturday evening contests; some September broadcasts shifted to Thursdays to prevent conflicts with college football programming.

For the 2023 season, Fox arranged for a total of 24 broadcast windows: twenty occurring on Saturdays—either late afternoon or evening slots including coverage of the London Series—and four taking place on Thursday nights. Three weeks during the season did not have any network game scheduled. In September, Thursday night and late-September Saturday matchups employed flexible scheduling similar to NFL practices to emphasize games with playoff significance. Meanwhile, FS1 supplemented this lineup with additional broadcasts including Saturdays, Mondays, Thursdays, and one Wednesday game each week.

Special coverage

Since initiating baseball broadcasts in 1996, Fox has occasionally aired regular season games outside its standard Saturday and Thursday time slots. A prominent example occurred in 1998 during Mark McGwire's bid to surpass Roger Maris's single-season home run record, when Fox televised a Sunday matchup between the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals on September 6, followed by a Tuesday night game featuring the Chicago Cubs and Cardinals on September 8. It was during this latter game that McGwire hit his historic 62nd home run, drawing a 14.5 rating share—the highest-rated regular season MLB broadcast in Fox’s history. On April 16, 2004, Fox aired a Friday night Yankees-Red Sox game, their first encounter since the 2003 ALCS. Additionally, on August 12, 2016, Fox broadcast a Friday night Rays-Yankees game to honor Yankees player Alex Rodriguez in his final appearance.

On March 18, 2025, Fox presented Game 1 of the MLB Japan Series at 6:00 a.m. ET, with Game 2 airing on Fox Sports 1. Although Fox generally holds exclusive rights to these games, MLB allowed the Cubs’ Marquee Sports Network and Dodgers’ Spectrum SportsNet LA to produce local broadcasts for Chicago and Los Angeles audiences.

For the August 26, 2000 Saturday broadcast, Fox delivered a unique "Turn Back the Clock" presentation during a Dodgers-Cubs game at Wrigley Field, celebrating the 61st anniversary of televised baseball. This special telecast showcased the progression of television technology by transitioning from a single black-and-white camera setup to contemporary graphics, illustrating the development of network baseball coverage over time.

During the 2020 season, Fox modified its schedule due to pandemic-related delays, shifting to Thursday night games for six weeks in mid-summer and extending Saturday broadcasts over seven weeks from mid-summer through early fall.

Other MLB related programming

Fox’s Saturday baseball telecasts have frequently been preceded by youth-oriented baseball programs. From 1996 through 1999, Fox aired In the Zone, succeeded by This Week in Baseball from 2000 until 2011 (which had previously been syndicated from 1977 to 1998). Between 2012 and 2013, Fox presented MLB Player Poll, a show featuring players and fans discussing MLB topics and participating in opinion surveys; this program was hosted by Greg Amsinger.

Current play-by-play commentators

Fox maintains a primary roster of play-by-play announcers who are supplemented by substitutes when regular commentators cover Fox College Football or NFL on Fox events.

Substitute play-by-play announcers include Brandon Gaudin, Don Orsillo, Jeff Levering, Cory Provus, Wayne Randazzo, and Aaron Goldsmith. Notably, Gaudin previously served as the fifth play-by-play announcer while Goldsmith was formerly third in the rotation.

Current color commentators

Current field reporters

Current studio team

Innovations

On July 8, 1997, Fox aired its inaugural Major League Baseball All-Star Game from Cleveland's Jacobs Field. This broadcast marked the debut of the "Catcher-Cam," a specialized camera affixed to catchers' masks, offering viewers distinctive angles around home plate.

Starting in October 2004, Fox began presenting all MLB postseason games—including the League Championship Series and World Series—in high definition. The All-Star Game was also upgraded to HD that same year. By the 2008 season, every MLB game televised by Fox, including Saturday regional matchups, was delivered in high definition.

On September 29, 2010, Fox revealed the implementation of cable-cams for its coverage of both the National League Championship Series and World Series. These cable-cams operated at heights ranging from 12 to 80 feet above the field, providing aerial views of pivotal plays and exchanges between managers and pitchers.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 MLB season's start was postponed until July. In response, Fox incorporated virtual fan seats at key stadiums such as Wrigley Field in Chicago, Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Nationals Park in Washington, and Petco Park in San Diego during broadcasts. Commentators explained and showcased this virtual fan technology during games like the July 25 contest between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.

1996–1998

When Fox began its Major League Baseball coverage in 1996, it introduced the scoring bug, a semi-transparent parallelogram displaying essential game information such as the Fox logo, inning, score, pitch count, and outs. When runners occupied bases, a diamond-shaped outline surrounded the bug with red dots highlighting which bases were taken. This feature enhanced viewer experience and was rapidly adopted across other Fox sports broadcasts and rival networks.

By 1998, the scoring bug evolved into a square design featuring a white background for team names and scores. A red arrow indicated which team was batting, while yellow triangles represented occupied bases. Additionally, after each pitch, pitch speed momentarily replaced the count and outs display, offering viewers and advertisers timely data.

1999–2000

In 1999, Fox unveiled a revamped scoring bug inspired by its NFL counterpart. A permanent baserunner graphic appeared on the left side with yellow highlights denoting occupied bases. Team scores were displayed against a black backdrop on the right side. Above this was a Fox logo alongside an inning indicator using arrows to signify top or bottom halves of innings; below were the count and outs.

During the 2000 season, this bug sometimes shifted to the bottom of the screen to accommodate player statistics graphics. However, this approach was inconsistently applied—at times stats would fade in while the bug remained static.

2001–2004

For the 2001 MLB season, Fox introduced an updated graphics package that had earlier premiered on NASCAR broadcasts. The FoxBox transformed into a banner stretching across the top of the screen featuring a diamond graphic. Team abbreviations appeared in white with scores highlighted in yellow boxes. The banner also included inning indicators, outs, pitch count, pitch speed in yellow text, and an MLB on Fox logo positioned on the far right. The banner smoothly slid down or retracted when appearing or disappearing.

In 2003, this top-screen banner was enlarged and made more translucent to resemble FSN’s style while maintaining Fox’s unique graphic elements. For special occasions such as the 2003 World Series and 2004 All-Star Game, an event-specific logo replaced the usual MLB on Fox emblem on the right side of the banner.

While Fox refreshed NFL and NASCAR graphics beginning in 2003, MLB broadcasts retained this package through 2004—excluding postseason coverage—which incorporated some features from FSN’s mid-2003 baseball graphics set. FSN employed this visual theme for all sports telecasts from 2001 until mid-2005 but utilized distinct graphics from those used by Fox.

A graphic from this design package briefly appeared during the 15th inning of the 2008 All-Star Game as Fox presented highlights from the 1967 All-Star Game within the HD broadcast’s 4:3 aspect ratio frame.

2004–2007

Beginning with the 2004 postseason, Fox's baseball broadcasts incorporated the graphics package previously introduced for NFL coverage in the 2003 season. The scoreboard design reflected the format used during the 2004 football season, displaying team abbreviations in electronic eggcrate style lettering colored to match each team's primary palette, while the scores appeared as white numerals on black parallelograms. From this iteration forward, the FoxBox integrated an animation to indicate home runs.

During the 2005 World Series, Fox debuted a white, chrome-like banner featuring team abbreviations in white text set against parallelograms shaded with each team's main color; scores were presented as black text on white parallelograms. This design was subsequently adopted for all following games.

In 2006, Fox unveiled a new graphics package for its NFL and college football broadcasts beginning with the 2006 NFL season, which was later extended to NASCAR during the 2007 Daytona 500. Despite these updates, MLB telecasts continued using the prior graphic style through the 2007 season. Notably, during the July 12, 2008 matchup between the Colorado Rockies and New York Mets, the score banner appeared until the ninth inning but utilized the 2008 graphics package instead.

2008

For the 2008 campaign, Fox's baseball broadcasts transitioned to the graphics package introduced for its 2006 NFL coverage. The diamond icon was relocated to the right of the score display and simplified to depict only three bases, omitting home plate; meanwhile, the MLB on Fox logo shifted to the far left side. The top banner featured a uniform blue band rather than adopting team-specific colors. Team abbreviations no longer displayed their primary color schemes, and the shaded area above lacked animated stripes, which were confined solely to player statistics graphics.

2009–2010

During the 2009 and 2010 seasons, broadcasts utilized the same graphics package deployed by FSN, with the FoxBox returning to a rectangular shape positioned in the upper-left corner within the 4:3 safe zone. For both the Fourth of July weekend and the 2010 All-Star Game, the baserunner graphic was altered to a blue pattern adorned with stars. Starting in July 2010, production shifted to full 16:9 widescreen format while employing letterboxing for standard-definition viewers via the #10 Active Format Description code; this change primarily affected Fox feeds distributed to pay television providers. The score box was repositioned to the top-left corner of this widescreen presentation.

2011–2013

From Opening Day of the 2011 MLB season, both Fox’s broadcast network and Fox Sports Networks adopted a graphics package previously used for NFL on Fox in 2010. This design featured a horizontal arrangement with team abbreviations flanking inning information, diamond representation, count, outs (indicated by three lights), and pitch speed. The scoreboard had an expandable feature that slid open to reveal additional statistics or home run notifications. In the 2012 season, team abbreviations were replaced by cap logos, and outs were indicated by two lamps instead of three.

Starting with the 2012 NLCS, Fox updated its score box to align with its 2012 NFL design: teams and scores were stacked vertically on the left side; a base graphic moved to the right with pitch speed displayed below it; pitch count appeared after 40 pitches; count, outs, and inning number were shown within a tab beneath. This graphic remained visible through to the final out of that year’s World Series. In March 2013, Fox Sports Networks adopted this updated version for their 2013 broadcasts, while earlier scoring bugs continued to be used during 2013 Spring training.

2014–2017

For the 2014 season, Fox unveiled a refreshed graphics package for its MLB broadcasts, initially rolled out on its NASCAR coverage. The score box was repositioned to the lower-left corner, displaying team abbreviations and scores aligned to the left against the respective team’s background color. The inning and base indicators were situated in the upper right, with the count and outs positioned beneath. Above these elements appeared a "dynamic" banner showcasing the current pitcher's surname and pitch tally, which could expand to reveal team-specific details such as on-deck hitters and bullpen pitchers.

In June 2015, the graphics received an update featuring a white segment that displayed the batter’s last name alongside their in-game statistics or batting average during first at-bats. When a home run occurred, the main score box shifted to the team’s color and displayed "Home Run," while the dynamic banner expanded to include the team name over its logo. On FSN broadcasts, this often highlighted the home run hitter’s name along with their total home runs for the season. The refreshed graphics preserved a similar structure but adopted a more squared shape and a less sporty typeface.

With the commencement of the 2016 season, Fox moved the score box to the bottom right corner, further refining its visual presentation for MLB telecasts.

2017–2021

During the 2017 postseason, Fox introduced a new graphics package for MLB coverage that had debuted earlier on its NFL broadcasts. This design retained the 2014 scoring bug format but incorporated two additional statistical panels displaying batter/pitcher matchups, at-bat outcomes, and individual player stats. The inning marker, ball-strike count, and out count—now represented numerically—were relocated to the bottom section of the scoring bug.

In 2020, Fox rolled out a new graphics package for NFL and college football starting with Super Bowl LIV; however, baseball telecasts continued utilizing the existing package through the 2021 regular season. Beginning in 2021, Fox and FS1 integrated stylized "graphic novel" player illustrations similar to those introduced in NFL coverage after the previous Super Bowl and later applied in NASCAR Cup Series broadcasts from 2022 onward. That year also marked Fox’s debut of a vintage-themed graphics package for its annual Field of Dreams game, incorporating classic team emblems and scoreboard animations reminiscent of earlier eras.

2021–present

In October 2021, Fox launched a fresh graphics package for its baseball telecasts starting with the 2021 ALDS. This enlarged score bug features an unconventional arrangement with team abbreviations positioned above scores, inning and ball-strike counts centralized, and base indicators at the bottom. It continues to include statistical panels covering batter/pitcher matchups and individual statistics. In 2024, Fox introduced a revamped retro-inspired graphics package for the Rickwood Field game, drawing inspiration from Negro Leagues scoreboard designs. On August 2–3, 2025, elements from NASCAR on Fox were incorporated during the MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway, where the Atlanta Braves defeated the Cincinnati Reds 4-2.

Theme music

The original MLB on Fox theme was composed by NJJ Music in 1996 and remained in exclusive use until mid-2007. That year, Pete Calandra updated it with a jazz-infused full orchestral rendition that replaced earlier synthesized sounds. For postseason coverage in 2007, Jochen Flach created a slower orchestral theme which was used alongside Calandra’s version through the 2010 All-Star Game. Meanwhile, Fox Saturday Baseball continued exclusively with Calandra's 2007 theme.

By 2009, several Fox Sports regional affiliates had adopted the 2007 theme; by 2011 all affiliates had transitioned. Starting with the 2010 postseason, both prior themes were superseded by Fox’s enduring NFL on Fox theme across all sports broadcasts. From 2011 onward, music selections from Heroes: The Olympic Collection have been featured during commercial breaks of high-profile games.

In 2014, the jazz-oriented theme from 2007–2010 was reinstated for MLB on FS1 regular season games while MLB on Fox broadcasts—including postseason—continued using the NFL theme. Occasionally, these themes were swapped between telecasts.

In 2020, MLB on Fox revived its original theme from 1996–2007; meanwhile, regional affiliates maintained use of the 2007–2010 version until their rebranding as Bally Sports in 2021. Since the start of the 2021 season, this original theme has been consistently applied across all MLB coverage on Fox and FS1.

Scheduling

Fox Sports has been criticized by baseball enthusiasts for showing a preference toward American League franchises in Major League Baseball, notably the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Throughout the regular season, Fox seldom highlights teams outside the top ten media markets.

In-game commentators

In 2007, Joe Buck was assigned to call only eight regular-season MLB games on Fox, out of a total 26 broadcasts, alongside regional coverage of St. Louis Cardinals games on FSN Midwest. Buck justified his reduced baseball schedule by citing the need to balance professional commitments with family life. The following year, he faced backlash after revealing on ESPN Radio that he rarely followed sports events he was not directly covering, humorously mentioning his preference for watching The Bachelorette instead.

The original lead commentary duo of Joe Buck and Tim McCarver encountered significant criticism over time. During the 2012 National League Championship Series between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco media accused Buck and McCarver of favoring the Cardinals, an allegation Buck denied.

Color commentators

In Game 4 of the 1997 American League Championship Series, when umpire Durwood Merrill indicated the ball’s position after a wild pitch, color analyst Tim McCarver sarcastically remarked that Merrill was "trying to tell himself where the ball is." Merrill later explained in his autobiography that the gesture was intended for other umpires. McCarver frequently provided rule explanations during broadcasts, occasionally inaccurately; for example, after a balk by the Cardinals in the 2006 NLCS, he incorrectly described the balk rule’s criteria.

McCarver was also noted for occasional verbal errors, mixing up player names such as confusing Albert Pujols with Luis Pujols and misnaming Bronson Arroyo as "Brandon Arroyo" during the 2004 World Series. In the 2009 World Series, he mistakenly called Derek Jeter "Jerek Deter." His style of commentary attracted criticism due to perceived excessive analysis and verbosity, which some viewers felt interrupted the natural flow of the game.

During Game 3 of the 2006 American League Championship Series, Fox color commentator Steve Lyons made racially insensitive remarks regarding manager Lou Piniella’s use of Spanish expressions, resulting in Lyons being dismissed. Lyons had previously been suspended for derogatory comments about Dodgers outfielder Shawn Green’s Jewish heritage. José Mota took over Lyons’ role for the remainder of that series.

In 2012, Fox was criticized for employing local announcers on national broadcasts, which many perceived as demonstrating favoritism. For instance, Billy Ripken was accused of partiality toward the Orioles during a telecast. Similarly, Philadelphia Phillies broadcasters Tom McCarthy and Mitch Williams were faulted for displaying inconsistent enthusiasm during a Phillies-Giants matchup. In 2019, Cubs announcer Len Kasper received attention for his monotonous delivery when calling Nationals home runs.

Following McCarver’s departure in 2014 and alongside Tom Verducci, Harold Reynolds faced criticism for providing shallow commentary. During the 2015 ALCS, Reynolds’ limited analysis stood in contrast to Verducci’s more thorough insights.

At the 2018 World Series, John Smoltz was reproached for his pessimistic views on changes in baseball. In postseason coverage during 2020, Smoltz frequently voiced complaints about defensive shifts, pitcher usage patterns, and reliance on analytics, attracting additional criticism.

Hosts and field reporters

At the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game held at Comerica Park in Detroit, host Jeanne Zelasko faced backlash after abruptly ending a pre-game interview with legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell just 17 seconds in. Many viewers considered her handling of the segment awkward and disrespectful, although Harwell later expressed that he was not offended. In September 2008, Zelasko attracted criticism for referring to the Tampa Bay Rays simply as the "Tampa Rays." Overall, Zelasko has often been viewed as too casual, lacking substantial baseball expertise, and relying excessively on clichés and puns during her commentary.

Chris Rose has been reproached for an overly familiar style when interviewing players. For example, during the 2009 World Series, he addressed Derek Jeter as "Jeets," and in the 2010 World Series, he referred to Brian Wilson and Tim Lincecum as his "friends."

Field reporter Erin Andrews, who joined Fox Sports' MLB coverage in 2012, has been criticized for insufficient preparation and lack of depth. During the 2013 American League Championship Series trophy presentation, she mistakenly identified former Anaheim Angels owner and honorary AL president Jackie Autry as her late husband, Gene Autry. Andrews was also noted for asking generic and uninformed questions during the 2014 World Series trophy presentations, which detracted from the broadcast’s professionalism.

Production

The character Scooter made its debut during the 2004 baseball season on April 16, in a game featuring the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Although Fox Sports chairman David Hill described Scooter as "really cute and really terrific," the response was predominantly negative. Critics, including writers from Sports Illustrated, regarded Scooter as an ill-conceived technological gimmick, with some calling for its removal. Nevertheless, Scooter remained part of Fox’s baseball broadcasts until after the 2006 World Series.

During Fox’s coverage of the 2005 MLB All-Star Game in Detroit, a Chevrolet-sponsored banner displaying "HHRYA.com" was prominently shown, leading to accusations that Fox misled viewers into thinking it was a fan-made sign.

From the 2010 MLB playoffs through 2019, Fox incorporated its NFL theme music across all MLB telecasts as well as other Fox Sports properties such as NASCAR and UFC. This choice was met with criticism from fans who felt that the NFL theme was unsuitable for baseball coverage. A 2010 survey revealed that nearly 60% of fans disapproved; however, in 2020 Fox reinstated its original MLB theme used from 1996 to 2007.

In July 2010, Fox updated its on-screen graphics to accommodate a 16:9 aspect ratio as part of its transition to HDTV broadcasts. Despite this upgrade, the high-definition picture quality was widely criticized for lacking the expected sharpness and detail.

Fox’s camera work has also faced scrutiny. During the 2012 National League Championship Series, cameras placed directly aligned with home plate frequently obstructed views behind pitchers. Similar complaints emerged during the 2016 National League Division Series regarding elevated center camera angles. Additionally, in Game 4 of the 2013 World Series, Fox failed to capture a historic postseason pickoff that ended the game.

In the 2019 American League Division Series on FS1 between Houston and Tampa Bay, Fox initially utilized an off-center camera angle resembling a shortstop’s perspective. This drew viewer complaints from those accustomed to center field angles that offer better visibility of pitches; FS1 switched to a center field camera during the third inning.

In September 2020, while broadcasting a nationally televised game between the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds from Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark, Fox mistakenly displayed Pittsburgh’s skyline.

In July 2022, during a broadcast of a Boston Red Sox versus New York Yankees game, Fox was criticized for overlaying team logos over the footprint of the original World Trade Center at the September 11 Memorial in an aerial shot.

Advertisements

In the crucial moments of the top of the ninth inning during Game 7 of the 2025 American League Championship Series featuring the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners, Fox abruptly switched to a 15-second Capital One advertisement with two outs remaining.[1] This move sparked widespread backlash, being described as both baffling and unacceptable.[2]

Other baseball coverage

Beyond Major League Baseball, Fox Sports holds exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights for the World Baseball Classic,[3] covers the annual Congressional Baseball Game,[4] and broadcasts collegiate baseball and softball from both the Big East Conference and Big Ten Conference.[5][6] Additionally, Fox Sports televised the Triple-A National Championship Game in 2019,[7] while in 2024, Fox Deportes provided Spanish-language coverage of the Choque de Gigantes club baseball tournament.[8]

Fox's regular season viewership averages

Fox's World Series viewership averages

Sources

External links

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