Archive for the ‘Broadcasts’ Category

Vin Scully gets the OK to return to the Dodgers in 2012 for 63rd season

Saturday, August 27th, 2011

Editor’s note: Say it again. Out loud. Sixty-third season. Remarkable.

From the Los Angeles Times

By Dylan Hernandez

The Dodgers could be even worse next season. Their ownership situation could remain unresolved and their stadium could remain half-empty.

But fans can take solace in at least this: Vin Scully will return for his 63rd season as the team’s broadcaster.

On a Friday night when Matt Kemp became the second player in franchise history to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a season, Scully shared his future plans with the Prime Ticket audience watching the Dodgers’ 6-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

“God’s been awfully good to me, allowing me to do the things I love to do,” Scully said on the telecast. “I asked him one more year, at least, and he said OK.”

The Dodgers issued a news release soon after, confirming the 83-year-old Hall of Fame broadcaster would be back. The team said Scully would again call all home and select road games.

Scully said he made the announcement on the air to avoid the kind of news conference he held the previous year to declare his intentions to return for the 2011 season.

“I hate to make a big deal out of it,” he said. “I’m not trying to be a Brett Favre or whoever else.”

Scully said he was lured back in part by the familiar faces at the ballpark.

“I enjoy the people,” he said. “I really like newspapermen. I enjoy talking and visiting. The winning and losing doesn’t bother me. I think it’s just the love of people. I just don’t know what I would do without it.”

Scully handles the play-by-play for all nine innings of his Prime Ticket and KCAL telecasts. The first three innings of the games are simulcast on KABC 790 AM. His 62 years with the Dodgers is said to be the longest tenure of any broadcaster in American sports history.

“He’s the face of the Dodgers,” Kemp said. “If he was to leave, I think everyone would miss that voice.”

Scully’s announcement came on the week that Times columnist T.J. Simers reported that the Dodgers asked their season-ticket holders to evaluate the Hall of Fame broadcaster.

The ensuing uproar resulted in Current TV political analyst Keith Olbermann showcasing Dodgers owner Frank McCourt on his “Worst Person in the World” segment.

Scully revealed his decision in the sixth inning, when the Dodgers were trailing, 1-0. The Dodgers scored six runs an inning later.

“Can he announce it again tomorrow?” Manager Don Mattingly asked. Click here to continue reading.

Women’s European Cup Video

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Click here to view streaming video.

ISC World Tournament Video and Audio Archives

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

If you missed any of the broadcasts from the 2010 ISC World Tournament, or just want to relive some great moments, the games are available for viewing or listening at the archives section of the broadcast sites, ISC TV and Ballparkradio.

As with the live broadcasts, the audio broadcasts are free (along with the Kitchener-Marshal game opening night on video), while the others require use of the “All Access Pass” or ticket number that you purchased to watch the game.

Ballparkradio (Audio):

ISC TV (video):

Finally, the games are available for purchase on CD/DVD from the ISC, via the Meridix broadcast sites for ISC TV (video) and Ballparkradio (audio). The production and shipping of the CD/DVD’s are handled by the new streaming vendor, Meridix, which sets the pricing.

Editor’s note: As for now, any device, desktop or mobile, must be Windows Media compatible in order to listen/watch. On iPhone, we’ve heard that the WunderRadio app will also work. A solution for Android phones is expected by year’s end.

2010 ISC Championship Game – Kitchener v. Jarvis – 7pm EDT

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

7PM EDT
G141
ISC CHAMPIONSHIP
Kitchener Rivershark Twins, Kitchener ON vs. Jarvis Travelers, Jarvis ON

Live Video Stream, click logo below:


Spanish audio feed, available on Ballarkradio:
ISC 2010 – Juego Final – en directo y en español
ISC2010 – Juego 141 – en directo y en español
FINAL /
Sábado 21 de Agosto – 20hs.(Argentina)
#2 KITCHENER Riversharks Twins vs. # 1JARVIS Travelers

Cristian Lacout (play by play), Duilio Scialacomo (comentarios), Raúl Bittor (estadísticas).
Los esperamos.
Muchas gracias.




Broadcast Crew for the 2010 ISC World Tournament

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

Editor’s note: Yesterday, we profiled the Spanish language broadcast crew at Softbol Radio, headed up by Cristian Lacout. Today, we share a bit about the ISC Broadcast crew in Midland, Michigan, which has been broadcasting virtually non-stop since a week ago Friday.

In 2009, the ISC World Tournament and ISC II Tournament of Champions was merged under one umbrella – just as the two divisions were for competition on the field in 2010. For 2010, the ISC Broadcast crew worked with a new streaming vendor, Meridix, which brought lots of new features, including the fan-favorite on-screen graphic scoreboard to go with the live stream. Of necessity, it also saw the introduction of pay-per view, to help towards the expenses involved in producing the broadcasts, and bringing the staff from around the continent for the weeklong event.

Meridix, an internet software broadcasting company was founded by computer and business whiz kid, Tyler Feret, who it in high school. His company, Meridix Creative Inc., has clients in sports leagues from as far as Puerto Rico. The 22-year-old was impressive enough that the clients at a business meeting later told Ferret’s father Ronald that “(Tyler) blows my socks off.”

But beyond all of the technical advancements of the broadcasts, are the people that make up the ISC Broadcast crew, and the commitments they make to bring the live action to computers around the world, whether its’ in video or audio format. We hope that have enjoyed the broadcasts this year, and that you’ll have a chance to tune in for the final day of a great ISC World Tournament, Midland 2010.



(Photo by Maddy Flanagan, www.maddysphotos.com) – click to enlarge

Blair Setford, Kyle Smith and Lance Winn at ISC World Tournament 2010

The quartet of Kyle Smith, Lance Winn, Blair Setford and Joe Todd have been on the scene in Midland Michigan this year, from beginning to end, with help yours truly and guest color commentators including Bill Hillhouse, Derek Pukash, Chad Honnaker, Kyle Beane and more. Without the help provided by these players/color men, we simply could not provide the depth and scope of coverage required to do the tournament justice.


Ballparkradio’s lead play-by-play man, Kyle Smith, has anchored the ISC’s 36 game schedule of broadcasts for the 2010 ISC World Tournament in Midland Michigan

Kyle Smith, a graduate of Mohawk College broadcasting program, who also broadcasts minor league baseball and hockey and Lance Winn of CBC (Canadian television) are the “working pros” of the crew, lending their experience in the world of broadcasting to the productions.

Kyle has become the “voice of Ballparkradio” throughout the summer, working non-stop, or so it seems through the month leading up to the ISC World Tournament with stops in Kitchener (Legends Fastball Classic), Tavistock (Tavistock Ontario Tournament), Erie Pennsyslvania (Erie Tournament) and a full week in Stratford Ontario (Canadian Midget Boys Championships), taking the baton from yours truly who had the opportunity to broadcast from Orlando (AAU), Santa Barbara (Best of the West) and San Diego (Cal Classic). The summer long broadcast schedule provided the opportunity to learn and test the new Meridix system, now in use at the ISC.

Lance Winn has been taking time our of his summer for a number of years, blending his experience as a ballplayer and broadcaster, with the ability to carry broadcasts as play-by-play man, and provide some great entertainment, including those extra inning gems that he seems to be a magnet for.


Blair Setford, Co-program director

Co-program director Blair Setford has been a part of the ISC’s streaming operation since 2004, with stops in Fargo, Chippewa Falls, Kitchener, Kimberly, Rock Island, and now Midland. Blair laid out the ambitious 36 game schedule, maximizing the coverage available to the fans, fulfilling his official duties as an officer of the ISC, and somehow still finding time for a full slate of broadcasts in the booth where he has been a mainstay since 2004. Did I mention that he also played in his first ISC World Tournament, notching his first ISC hit – a home run — for the Toronto Gators?


Joe Todd, shown here at left, with Steve Sabourin at right

Joe Todd was the original 2003 ISC II Tournament of Champions broadcaster, back in the early days when the ISC Streaming broadcast program was just getting off the ground. Joe’s reputation among the crew and fans alike is his thorough preparation for each game that he works, as the crew’s # 1 color commentator.

The guys in the booth will be the first to tell you that they have the easy part, and would not be able to bring you the live coverage without the production crew.


Executive Producer Dave Blackburn, shown here at right, with original ISC broadcaster Ron Chambers at left. Dave, the man who brought streaming broadcasts to men’s fastball, will be inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame in 2011.

Executive Producer Dave Blackburn is the innovator who brought live streaming media to men’s fastball back in 2001, working with tech guru Greg Panos to literally create the productions from the ground up. Since 2005, using the ever present “Tri-Caster”, they have worked to deliver – and improve – the live streaming video broadcasts delivered to a world-wide audience. The ISC has recently recognized David Blackburn’s efforts, announcing his pending induction into the ISC Hall of Fame for 2011, in the “contributions to the game” category. A well deserved honor for someone who changed the face of men’s fastball.

Others toil throughout the week, largely unseen and unknown, but hugely appreciated by the broadcast crew.

Rosanne Allan serves as assistant Executive Producer, fully capable of manning the controls of the Tri-Caster, but equally important as the person who links all of the “moving parts” together, making sure that all cameras (and cameramen) are operational during the games, and trouble shooting any problems which arise.

Rosanne’s daughter, Jessica Allan has joined the crew, the ever-smiling face in the booth, who tends to a myriad of tasks, including hands-on operation of the Tri-Caster. Jessica has become an integral part of the operation, helping to make sure that things run smoothly.

Cousins Mike Betz and Gerry Betz are the full time cameramen for the ISC TV Broadcast production. While we sit in the comfort of the broadcast booth, taking turns at the mike, these two somehow find the stamina to survive the grueling schedule of broadcasts, sitting for hours on end in the hot sun (and sometimes rain), enabling us to bring fastball fans the live action game after game, day after day. In the early days of the video broadcasts, the cameras were manned by a list of volunteers who shared the duties. The addition of these two full time cameramen, Mike and Gerry has improved the quality of the broadcasts, that seem to get better by the day. Due to work commitments back home this year, my broadcast duties were cut short. Upon returning home mid-week, I found myself in the same position as other fans – relying on the streaming broadcasts that I was able to catch here and there, for my dose of fastball action. It gave me a fuller appreciation for the value of the coverage – the ability to flip on a computer and “be there” for all of the exciting action.

The “family” connection of the production team goes beyond Rosanne and Jessica Allan. This year, with the advent of the Meridix “on-screen” graphic scoreboard, the ISC broadcast crew needed to find volunteers to operate them. Enter the sons of cameraman Gerry Betz, Geoffrey and Derek Betz. Like many of the youth of this new generation, Geoffrey and Derek arrived carrying “Macs” (Apple computers). With volunteers in short supply, within hours of their arrival, they had gone to work to learn and master the operation of the scoreboards, something that fan emails tell us adds a great deal to the enjoyment of the broadcasts.

And last, but certainly not least, in making the ISC Broadcasts an enjoyable experience, are, of course, fastball fans, who login, watch, listen, and comment via emails to the booth, keeping us on our toes, and giving us the feedback to carry us through the long days (like one the other night that took Kyle and Blair into the wee hours of the morning, to 2am with that Kitchener-Chicago/NY game). It is that steady stream of input from all of you, which helps us improve the quality of the broadcasts, and to know that the work is appreciated and worthy of the effort.

As I look at the clock on my computer, I see that we are minutes away from the start of broadcasts for this ninth — and final day of the 2010 ISC World Tournament. Broadcasts are set to go at 11am, 1pm, 4pm and 7pm EDT. So I will close now, and head over to the broadcast site, where I can hear the familiar refrain…….


“Live from Currie Stadium in Midland Michigan, you’re watching and listening to the 2010 ISC World Tournament !”


Yours truly, Jim Flanagan, Ballparkradio

Softbol Radio’s ISC World Tournament Broadcast Crew

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Meet the broadcast crew from Softbol Radio, who have been broadcasting ISC World Tournament games in Spanish, for the first time ever in 2010. The crew is working in collaboration with Ballparkradio and the ISC, with broadcasts originating in Argentina, and being streamed via a remote connection with Ballparkradio.



(Left to right: Raul Bittor (Scoreboard), Duilio Scialacomo (color commentator), and CRISTIAN LACOUT (play by play). Cristian is the founder of Softbol Radio.)

The Softbol Radio crew broadcast the Tuesday night game between the NY Gremlins and Minnesota Angels – the night that fellow Argentine Juan Potoliccio struck out 22 — and another tonight, the Winner’s Bracket final between Kitchener and the NY Gremlins. They’ll be back on the air for two more games on the final day of the 2010 ISC World Tournament, at 1pm EDT and 7pm EDT for the Loser’s Bracket Final and Championship game.

Saturday, the crew will grow by one member, as former ISC World Tournament catcher Julio Gamarci (who caught fellow Argentine Lucas Mata) will be sitting in to add some color commentary.

The Spanish language broadcasts have proven to be very popular with Spanish speaking fans – drawing the largest number of listeners of all of the ISC WT/Ballparkradio broadcasts. We are delighted to have been a part of the project, and hope that it’s just the beginning of more to come in the future.

To Cristian, and his crew, and to all Spanish speaking fastball fans around the world, we say “Bienvenidos” ! (Welcome!)

” 1º Transmisión en vivo y español ISC – SOFTBOLradio”

Click the media players below to listen – even if you don’t speak Spanish, you can get a sense of the great work they are producing, and wonderful service provided to Spanish speaking fastball fans everywhere.

(AUDIO ONLY)

(AUDIO ONLY)

Simulcast of Winner’s Bracket Final Tonight at 7pm EDT (4pm PDT) in English (Video) and Spanish (Audio)

Friday, August 20th, 2010

The 2010 ISC World Tournament Winner’s bracket final between the two-time defending champions, the Kitchener Rivershark Twins and the New York Gremlins will be simulcast in both English and Spanish.

The video stream will be in English, via ISC TV.


The audio stream will be in Spanish, via Ballparkradio.


Estimados amigos softbolistas:

SOFTBOLradio vuelve a transmitir en vivo (audio) las instancias finales del torneo más importante que tiene el planeta softbol, el ISC 2010.

Luego de la transmisión de Minesotta ANGELS vs New York GREMLINS, con la presencia de los argentinos Bruno Motroni, Nicolás Bittor y Juan Potolicchio, SOFTBOLradio vuelve a transmitir los juegos finales del ISC, en vivo y para todos los paises de habla hispana.

Esta noche a partir de las 20 horas transmitirá KITCHENER RIVERSARK TWINS vs NEW YORK GREMLINS

Los partidos de mañana serán:

14:00 hs – juego por el pase a la final

20:00 hs – FINAL

Escuchalo por SOFTBOLradio

Los esperamos

Saludos

Cristian Lacout y Duilio Scialacomo

Video Broadcasts from ISC World Tournament – Friday Aug 20

Friday, August 20th, 2010


3PM EDT G136 – Jarvis Travelers, Jarvis ON vs. Winner of G134

5PM EDT – G137 – Chicago/NY Fastpitch, New York NY vs. Winner of Game 135

7PM EDT – G138 – Kitchener Rivershark Twins, Kitchener ON vs. New York Gremlins, Clifton Park NY

$19.95 for the Final Two Days on ISC TV

Friday, August 20th, 2010


The ISC is announcing a “Playoff Package” for its ISC TV coverage of the 2010 World Tournament.

For $19.95, viewers will be able to watch the final six games of the 2010 ISC World Tournament plus the championship game of the inaugural ISC Legends tournament.

Please see the ISC website for details on how to buy the Playoff Package.

Blair Setford
Co-Program Director
ISC Broadcast Program

Fans can watch the rest of the ISC’s live streaming broadcasts one of two ways:

1. Subscribe to the “All Access” coverage, $19.95.

or
2. Purchase single games, $5.00

7 Games for $19.95

FRIDAY AUG 20

Fri 11 am G134 E1 Loser’s Bracket – free audio –
Fri 1 pm G135 E1 Loser’s Bracket – free audio –
Fri 3 pm G136 E1 Loser’s Bracket Semi-Final – PPV video
Fri 5 pm G137 E1 Loser’s Bracket Semi-Final – PPV video
Fri 7 pm G138 E1 Winner’s Bracket Final – PPV video- Kitchner v. NY Gremlins

SATURDAY AUG 21

Sat 11 am Loser’s Bracket Final – PPV video
Sat 1 pm Loser’s Bracket Grand Final – PPV video
Sat 4 PM Legends Championship Game – PPV video
Sat 7 PM G141 ISC Championship Game – PPV video

California A’s Live on Ballparkradio Today at 3pm EDT, 12 noon California time

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

The California A’s will regroup after yesterday’s 5-1 loss to a very strong New York Gremlin team, and try to extend their stay at the 2010 ISC World Tournament, playing at 3pm EDT (12noon California time), against the Decatur Pride IL.

In the final set of rankings released before the 2010 ISC World Tournament, California was ranked #5, and Decatur# 10. You can throw those out the window, though, as the game is now on the field.

Fans can listen to the game on BALLPARKRADIO.