It’s been a few years since the last time I had anything to say – in writing, at least – about the Cubs broadcast on Marquee Sports Network. And that’s because, for the most part, they’ve cleaned up a lot of the issues about which we used to complain. But there are still some flaws – well, one main flaw today – I want to discuss. And that’s the occasional lack of feel for the moment.
No, I don’t mean any particular game-specific moment, like if a guy is up at the plate with the bases loaded and two outs or whatever. But rather the slightly larger moment in time … as in, the particular stretch the team is experiencing, good or bad, and how that should impact the broadcast, pre-planned segments, and overall conversation during a matchup.
When the Cubs are winning, and everyone is feeling good, go ahead, tell me about the apple sauce squeeze pouches Ben Brown is getting from the team’s nutritionist. Or opine on the stylistic wisdom of the Brewers’ mismatched uniforms. You can even go off on a tangent about which type of fishing — fly fishing or regular fishing — is the most prevalent in America.
And, yes, those were all real conversations from the last three games, alone.
But when the Cubs have lost four consecutive series, including back-to-back series against the White Sox and Brewers in the middle of a particularly frustrating stretch, those types of non sequiturs don’t just land on deaf ears; they actively make me more annoyed. More frustrated. And less likely to tune into Marquee at all.
They don’t want people hitting the mute button, but I can tell them from first-hand experience that’s what happens (people, both friends and followers of the site, tell me that all the time).
Again, I do understand that the team is trying to produce an overall gameday experience and that a few preplanned segments or one-off conversations are going to happen. It’s not radio, they don’t need to call every single pitch the way Pat Hughes does. And I get that. I kind of prefer that, but I get and appreciate the distinction.
I also understand – probably moreso than the average fan, because I also cover this team for my job – that the people who work on these broadcasts and cover these games can’t ride the Cubs roller coaster up and down as much as the typical fan. You’d simply lose your mind if you did. A little bit of numbness and business as usual is more or less necessary to preserve your sanity.
I ALSO understand that I, a diehard Cubs fan, am not the only person tuning into these broadcasts, and therefore, my interests and preferences aren’t a perfect overlap with the masses.
But maaaaaaybe, just maybe, when the Cubs are getting their freakin’ butts kicked in night after night, we can call an audible on the funny anecdote and picture from the clubhouse or parking lot or batting practice before the game. Ya know?
Maybe that means you lose your opportunity to run a story you really like, but that might be an exit ramp worth taking.
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Now, listen, I don’t think I speak for all fans, and I really do think the Marquee Sports Network broadcast/production has improved over the years. I also know full well that if the Cubs had been winning here lately, I probably wouldn’t have even considered writing this article, because I would just be in a better mood and wouldn’t be bothered.
I also have friends who work at Marquee, and I like them all and think they all do a great job. This isn’t meant to single any one person out.
But that’s also kind of my point. When they’re winning, this stuff is a fun and cool mid-game reprieve from whatever’s going on. But when they’re losing (again, not one specific game or moment, but rather a long stretch against teams we especially hate to lose to) … it’s like a double dose of pain.
That’s just one man’s opinion, but that’s where I’m at. And I have to imagine I’m not quite alone on this one.
Hence then, the article about a request for marquee have some feel for the moment please was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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