MLB has big night at Sports Emmys
NEW YORK -- While an evening of live Major League Baseball drama unfolded for millions of fans over an ever-expanding set of broadcast platforms, Tuesday also marked a big night for the very act of baseball broadcasting. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recognized the best in the business with the presentation of the 36th annual Sports Emmy Awards.
Overall, MLB coverage earned eight total awards during the special ceremony at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall, including four for MLB Network and Harold Reynolds' second straight honor. The winners include:
Outstanding Studio Show -- Daily: MLB Tonight. It is MLB Network's fourth win in the category.
Outstanding Studio Analyst: Reynolds. Two Sports Emmys now matches his number of All-Star selections. A generation of fans has grown up with his unique and spirited analysis.
"Great night for baseball," Reynolds said in a text after the event. "And personally, I am so happy to be part of such a talented group of people that stand in the trenches with me night in and night out and represent the best this game has to offer to fans."
Outstanding Sports Reporter: Ken Rosenthal. The bow-tied longtime journalist won this one on behalf of FOX, FS1 and MLB Network.
Outstanding Production Design/Art Direction: "Hall of Heroes." This set the stage for last summer's Induction ceremonies, and you absolutely have to watch this either again or for the first time now. Seeing Ozzie Smith do a backflip and his steel cleats clicking on the floor inside the Hall, or seeing Tom Seaver suddenly walk from his exhibit, the above video is a marvel of technology.
Outstanding Live Event Audio/Sound: MLB on FOX (FOX/FS1).
Outstanding Short Form Editing: "Corked: The Albert Belle Bat Heist," Fox Sports Live/FoxSports.com.
Outstanding New Approaches -- Sports Programming Short Format: "Captain's Curtain Call," Fox Sports Live/FoxSports.com.
Outstanding Short Feature: "Corked: The Albert Belle Bat Heist," Fox Sports Live/FoxSports.com.
MLB Network and MLB.com combined for 17 total nominations as a group. Since its launch on Jan. 1, 2009, MLB Network has won 21 Emmy Awards out of a total of 67 nominations.
"I've been a television executive and a sports fan all my life, and I've been amazed at the changes over the years in the presentation and coverage of every corner of the global sports market," NATAS president Bob Mauro said. "The quality of sports television continues to shine as the ability for the fan to receive programming in multiple formats has grown exponentially. It is our joy to honor tonight's many outstanding nominees who continue to challenge what is possible, and consistently find new and exciting ways to engage the sports viewing audience."