Apple and MLB reveal August’s “Friday Night Baseball” lineup

Apple and Major League Baseball Announce Exciting August "Friday Night Baseball" Schedule for 2024

July 9, 2024

Apple and Major League Baseball (MLB) have officially unveiled the August lineup for "Friday Night Baseball," an exclusive weekly doubleheader event available to Apple TV+ subscribers. This exciting series will continue to entertain baseball fans across 60 countries and regions every Friday throughout the 2024 regular season, with no local broadcast restrictions.

Broadcast Talent and Production Quality

The "Friday Night Baseball" broadcasts feature a remarkable lineup of announcers and analysts to enhance the viewing experience. The commentary team includes Wayne Randazzo and Alex Faust on play-by-play duties, with analysts Dontrelle Willis and Ryan Spilborghs providing expert insights. Sideline reporting is handled by Heidi Watney and Tricia Whitaker. Former MLB umpires Ted Barrett, Brian Gorman, and Dale Scott will offer detailed analysis of rules and calls, adding depth to the broadcasts. Each game assignment for the announcers will be announced on a weekly basis.

Lauren Gardner hosts the live pre- and post-game coverage, accompanied by former MLB player and analyst Xavier Scruggs, and baseball journalist Russell Dorsey. This comprehensive coverage ensures fans are well-informed and engaged before and after each game.

Advanced Production Techniques

"Friday Night Baseball" is produced by MLB Network’s Emmy Award-winning team in collaboration with Apple’s live sports production unit, promising an unparalleled viewing experience. The broadcasts utilize state-of-the-art cameras to capture vivid live-action shots, and the audio experience is enhanced with 5.1 surround sound and Spatial Audio technology. Drone cameras provide stunning aerial views of stadiums, while player and field-level microphones immerse fans in the game and stadium atmosphere. For fans in the U.S. and Canada, there’s even an option to listen to the home and away teams’ local radio broadcasts during the games.

Apple Sports App and Additional Content

Apple has introduced Apple Sports, a new free app for iPhone users, offering real-time scores, stats, and more for sports enthusiasts. The app delivers a personalized experience, putting users’ favorite leagues and teams front and center with an easy-to-use interface designed by Apple.

U.S. fans can also enjoy the MLB Big Inning whip-around show, which features live look-ins and in-game highlights every weeknight. Additionally, Apple TV+ offers a variety of MLB-related content, including Countdown to First Pitch, MLB Daily Recap, and MLB This Week. Fans can access condensed game recaps, classic games, highlights, interviews, and more for free in the Apple TV app.

DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS Partnership

DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS remains the exclusive national provider of "Friday Night Baseball" for commercial establishments in the U.S. This partnership ensures that more than 300,000 restaurants, bars, hotel lounges, retail shops, and other venues can broadcast the games throughout the regular season using existing satellite equipment.

Apple News and Apple Music Integration

In Apple News, fans can follow the MLB and their favorite teams through the MLB feed, which includes personalized highlights and curated stories every Friday. With a subscription to Apple TV+, fans can watch "Friday Night Baseball" directly in the Apple TV app. Apple Music users can access exclusive playlists featuring the walk-up songs of each week’s teams, as well as a collection of classic baseball-themed songs.

How to Watch "Friday Night Baseball"

Apple TV+ subscribers can watch "Friday Night Baseball" on the Apple TV app, preinstalled on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro. The app is also available on various smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony, TCL, VIZIO, and others. Additionally, the Apple TV app is accessible on Amazon Fire TV, Roku devices, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, Chromecast with Google TV, and set-top boxes like Sky Q, SK Broadband, and Comcast Xfinity. For more information, visit apple.com/apple-tv-app.

Fans can also follow the action on their iPhone Lock Screen with Live Activities and use the multiview feature on Apple TV 4K devices and iPad to watch up to four simultaneous streams, including "Friday Night Baseball" games, Major League Soccer matches, and select MLS and MLB live shows.

August "Friday Night Baseball" Schedule on Apple TV+

• Friday, August 2
  • Kansas City Royals at Detroit Tigers – 6:30 p.m. ET
  • Milwaukee Brewers at Washington Nationals – 6:30 p.m. ET
• Friday, August 9
  • Cleveland Guardians at Minnesota Twins – 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Cincinnati Reds at Milwaukee Brewers – 8:00 p.m. ET
• Friday, August 16
  • Toronto Blue Jays at Chicago Cubs – 2:00 p.m. ET
  • Seattle Mariners at Pittsburgh Pirates – 6:30 p.m. ET
• Friday, August 23
  • St. Louis Cardinals at Minnesota Twins – 8:00 p.m. ET
  • Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates – 6:30 p.m. ET
• Friday, August 30
  • Seattle Mariners at Los Angeles Angels – 9:30 p.m. ET
  • San Diego Padres at Tampa Bay Rays – 6:30 p.m. ET

    Pricing and Availability

    Apple TV+ is available for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. Additionally, eligible customers who purchase and activate a new Apple device can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.

    Conclusion

    With its innovative production techniques, expert commentary, and comprehensive coverage, "Friday Night Baseball" on Apple TV+ offers a premium viewing experience for baseball fans worldwide. The integration of Apple Sports, Apple News, and Apple Music further enhances the fan experience, making it easier than ever to stay connected with the MLB and enjoy the sport in new and exciting ways. Whether you’re watching from home or on the go, Apple TV+ ensures you won’t miss a moment of the action this August.

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