In an exciting announcement, ESPN and FOX have unveiled the initial broadcast schedules for the 2024 Major League Baseball season. With postseason rematches, international road trips, and special events on the horizon, there is a lot to look forward to. This article will highlight some of the intriguing nationally televised games that fans should mark on their calendars for the upcoming season.
The 2024 campaign will mark the 35th consecutive season of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. This long-standing tradition will showcase many of the sport’s top superstars, including Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts of the Dodgers, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto of the Yankees, Corey Seager of the Rangers, Yordan Alvarez of the Astros, and many more.
Returning for their third season as the Sunday Night Baseball broadcast team are Karl Ravech, David Cone, and Eduardo PĂ©rez. Joining them is Buster Olney, who enters his 14th season as the Sunday Night Baseball reporter. Fans can also enjoy the Spanish broadcast of Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN Deportes, with Jon “Boog” Sciambi and Doug Glanville returning for their third season together.
The 2024 season will kick off in Seoul, South Korea, with the Padres taking on the Dodgers in the 2024 Seoul Series. This game will be a historic event as it will be the first regular-season game played on Korean soil in MLB history. It will also mark Shohei Ohtani’s official debut with the Dodgers after signing a lucrative 10-year, $700 million contract in December.
Another highly anticipated game is the faceoff between the Astros and the Rangers on April 7. This matchup serves as a rematch of the intense 2023 American League Championship Series, which saw the Rangers ultimately clinch their first World Series title. With a rivalry now firmly established between these division rivals, this game is sure to be filled with excitement.
Baseball fans will also be treated to a nostalgic series between the Cubs and Red Sox, with the finale scheduled as a Sunday Night Baseball game on April 28. The Cubs’ visit to Fenway Park will be their first regular-season trip since 2017, making it a special occasion for both teams and their fans.
For those craving a matchup between two baseball giants, mark June 9 on your calendar. The Dodgers will face the Yankees in New York, providing a rare opportunity for fans to witness a regular-season game between these storied franchises. This game will feature the much-anticipated showdown between Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.
The MLB Little League Classic, taking place on August 18 at Historic Bowman Field in Williamsport, adds an exciting twist to the season. This event will honor promising young talent as the Tigers and Yankees compete in a game that holds extra significance for the Detroit Tigers, who will be making their first appearance at this annual event.
FOX Sports, entering its 29th season of providing MLB coverage, has a packed schedule lined up. The season opener features an NL East Division rivalry between the Braves and the Phillies, setting the tone for a thrilling season. Additionally, FOX will celebrate its 25th year broadcasting the MLB All-Star Game, which will be held on July 16 at Globe Life Field, the home of the Rangers.
Finally, opening weekend on FOX will include a notable matchup between the Phillies and the Braves on March 30. Given their recent history in the playoffs, this game promises to be a compelling one. Over the past two seasons, the Phillies have thwarted the Braves’ playoff hopes in the National League Division Series, making this early-season clash one to watch.
Another highlight is the 2024 London Series, featuring a matchup between the Phillies and the Mets on June 8. This will be the third edition of the MLB London Series, following the successful games between the Red Sox and Yankees in 2019 and the Cardinals and Cubs in 2023.
Furthermore, a significant event honoring the Negro Leagues and Juneteenth will take place on June 20. The Giants and Cardinals will play at Rickwood Field, the oldest professional ballpark in the United States. This game aims to pay tribute to the rich history of the Negro Leagues and will feature both teams wearing special uniforms.
Overall, the 2024 Major League Baseball season is packed with exciting matchups and special events. From historic games in Seoul, South Korea, to long-awaited rivalries and commemorations of baseball history, fans have much to anticipate. Make sure to mark these games on your calendar and enjoy the thrilling action that lies ahead.