EPSN is offering an incredible behind-the-scenes baseball experience.
The Take Me Out to the Ballpark Tour is the first of its kind, and fans are in agreement that it sounds unbeatable.
But the staggering price has raised a few eyebrows.
The five-day, four-night trip includes three games – Blue Jays–Red Sox, Cardinals–Yankees, and Braves–Phillies.
There are tours of ESPN HQ, Yankee Stadium, and the Jackie Robinson Museum.
Fans will have the chance to meet network personalities like Michael Kay and Karl Ravech.
Hotels and transportation are also covered, as well as some meals.
“ESPN Experiences: Take Me Out to the Ballparks tour is a new offering we’re incredibly proud to introduce,” said ESPN exec Zack Malet.
“The curated experience between ESPN, MLB, and our friends at Adventures by Disney will bring baseball enthusiasts closer to the game they love.
“We anticipate this tour to be the first of more to come across other sports and leagues.”
The trip is due to take place from August 29 to September 2.
TAKE ME OUT
The experience may seem like a great way to see a host of teams and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the network covers ball games.
Not bad, right? And all this can be yours for just $6,999.
But that price tag is already turning off prospective participants.
“Not worth 7k,” one fan commented on X.
“Seems way too expensive,” added another.
Five key MLB rule changes in 2024
1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with bases empty.
2. When a pitching change is made, the innings timer will reset to 2:00 rather than 2:15 like it did last year.
3. Teams will only be allowed four mound visits per game in 2024, down from five last season.
4. Fielders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction.
5. The runners’ lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.
“Yankee Stadium tour is like $30,” a third posted.
But if you’re not balking at the cost, tickets have been on sale since June 26.
More information can be found at experiences.espn.com.
BUCK IN THE BOOTH
ESPN’s NFL announcer Joe Buck will return to the baseball booth this month after rain ruined his plans last time.
The voice of ESPN’s Monday Night Football coverage was due to call the Cardinals against the Cubs on May 24.
He was alongside Chip Caray, as they reminisced about their families’ broadcasting legacy.
But incessant rain meant the game was called off that day.
The pair did share some stories during the delay, but the weather ultimately meant they were cut short.
However, the Cardinals have managed to find another date for Buck and Caray.
They will now call the game against the Texas Rangers on July 29th.
The game will be particularly significant as it’s a rematch of the 2011 World Series, which Buck called for Fox.