Today MLB announced its new TV agreements for 2008-2013. And while Turner Sports (TBS) secured exclusive rights to broadcast Division Series and 26 regular-season Sunday games, they will stop carrying Atlanta Braves regular-season games after 2007.
Big deal, right? Well, for most it’s not a big deal. But if you grew up watching the powder-blue Braves on TBS in the early 80’s and, most recently, the incredible 14 division titles, it’s a big deal. Just recently I wrote about MLB.TV because TBS was not broadcasting as many Braves games as they used to. I guess I knew this day would come, but it’s just sad.
The Angel of Business sits on my right shoulder and fights with the Angel of Sentiment on my left shouder. I understand the business reasons for such a move, but at the same time, there’s nothing traditional about Friends and Seinfeld reruns. Nobody is going to grow up thinking, “Wow, I had some unforgettable Friday night sleepovers at Charles’ house watching Friends.”
I have countless memories watching Braves games on TBS over the last 26 years. It’s just sad.
