In Chicago, Paul Sullivan noted MLB on Friday will “produce a new version of ‘This Week in Baseball,’ making it into a ‘short-form episode’ of 5-10 minutes and posting it every week on MLB’s X account” in effort to come up with a new way to market the game to Gen Z. Naturally, the solution was to “bring back a classic idea and rebrand it for the kids.” The classic show from the late 1970s and ’80s was narrated by HOF broadcaster Mel Allen. The new version will be hosted by sports content creator Kait Maniscalco (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/1).
FRESH VOICES: In K.C., Pete Grathoff noted though the Royals never announced it, former MLBers Eric Hosmer, Jeremy Guthrie and Rex Hudler will “each work roughly one-third of the broadcasts this season.” Even though Hudler’s role “has been reduced,” he is “excited for” Royals play-by-play announcer Ryan Lefebvre to work with Hosmer and Guthrie -- who will “bring a fresh voice to the broadcasts.” Hudler said that the analyst rotation is “great for Hosmer,” as he has three kids at home and a full season “would be a big load to carry.” Also, Guthrie moved to K.C. and has “fully embraced his broadcast role” (K.C. STAR, 4/1).
FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS: In Denver, Patrick Saunders noted KOA 850 announced Wednesday that Zach Goodman will join veteran Rockies broadcaster Jack Corrigan in the radio booth beginning Saturday. Zach is the son of Drew Goodman, the longtime television play-by-play man for the Rockies. For most of the last two seasons, Zach has been calling games on radio and TV for the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles. The Rockies have been “searching for someone” to team with Corrigan since longtime Rockies radio voice Jerry Schemmel was laid off for the second time by iHeartMedia last October (DENVER POST, 4/1).
