Full History Of MLB on Fox In Timeline From 1939

1939: Recreation of 1939 Television Technology on Fox

On August 26, 2000, Fox aired a special "Turn Back the Clock" broadcast, starting with a recreation of the television technology of 1939 during a Dodgers-Cubs game.

1947: NBC carried Major League Baseball broadcasts

Since 1947, NBC had carried Major League Baseball broadcasts, with the exception of a four-year absence from 1990 to 1993.

1967: 1967 All-Star Game Highlights

During the 2008 All-Star Game, Fox displayed highlights from the 1967 MLB All-Star Game in the 4:3 frame on the HD broadcast.

1977: This Week in Baseball

This Week in Baseball program had previously aired in syndication from 1977 to 1998

1990: NBC absence from MLB broadcasts

Except for a four-year absence from 1990 to 1993, NBC had carried Major League Baseball broadcasts since 1947.

1990: CBS had MLB TV rights

From 1990-1993, CBS had the Major League Baseball television rights before Fox obtained them.

1993: NBC absence from MLB broadcasts

Except for a four-year absence from 1990 to 1993, NBC had carried Major League Baseball broadcasts since 1947.

1993: CBS had MLB TV rights

From 1990-1993, CBS had the Major League Baseball television rights before Fox obtained them.

1994: The Baseball Network began

In 1994, "The Baseball Network," a partnership between ABC and NBC, began. Fox later reverted to televising regular-season games on Saturday afternoons, offering regionalized telecasts.

1994: Fox used "Same game, new attitude" motto

In 1994, Fox used the motto "Same game, new attitude" to promote its MLB telecasts, mirroring its NFL coverage launch. The goal was to promote Fox's prime-time schedule, including shows like Beverly Hills 90210, The Simpsons, Married... with Children, and The X-Files.

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1994: Contract protected MLB in event of labor dispute

The television contract with Fox protected Major League Baseball in the event of a labor dispute in 1994. If games were canceled due to a strike or lockout, MLB would still be paid but had to compensate Fox with additional telecasts.

November 7, 1995: MLB reached a TV deal with Fox and NBC

On November 7, 1995, Major League Baseball reached a television deal with Fox and NBC, allowing Fox to obtain MLB game rights. Fox paid $575 million for the five-year contract.

June 1, 1996: Fox began airing MLB games

On June 1, 1996, Fox Sports began its presentation of Major League Baseball games. This marked the start of "MLB on Fox."

June 1996: Original MLB on Fox Theme Music Composed

In June 1996, NJJ Music composed the original MLB on Fox theme music. This theme music was used exclusively from June 1996 until early May 2007.

1996: Youth-Targeted Baseball Program

In 1996, Fox aired In the Zone, a youth-targeted baseball program.

1996: Fox broadcasted the World Series

In 1996, Fox had the rights to broadcast the World Series.

1996: MLB on Fox original theme started in 1996

In 1996, Fox introduced the original theme music for MLB on Fox.

1996: Fox Used Scoring Bug on MLB Telecasts

In 1996, during its first year of coverage, Fox implemented a scoring bug on their Major League Baseball telecasts.

1996: Fox Begins Baseball Coverage in 1996

Since baseball coverage began in 1996, the Fox network has aired five regular season games on days other than Saturday or Thursday.

July 8, 1997: Fox Televised First All-Star Game

On July 8, 1997, Fox televised its first ever All-Star Game from Jacobs Field in Cleveland. Fox introduced "Catcher-Cam" to provide unique perspectives of the action around home plate during the game.

1997: Fox aired the All-Star Game

In 1997, Fox aired the All-Star Game as part of its MLB coverage.

1997: McCarver's Sarcastic Comment on Umpire Merrill

In Game 4 of the 1997 American League Championship Series, Tim McCarver sarcastically commented on umpire Durwood Merrill's gesture during a wild pitch, leading to a response from Merrill in his autobiography.

1998: Fox aired the World Series

In 1998, Fox aired the World Series as part of its MLB coverage.

1998: Fox Aired McGwire's Record-Breaking Home Run Game

In 1998, as part of its coverage of Mark McGwire's pursuit of Roger Maris's home run record, Fox aired a game between the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals on September 6 and a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cardinals on September 8. McGwire hit his 62nd home run in the September 8 game, which earned a 14.5 rating share for Fox.

1998: Modification of Scoring Bug

In 1998, the scoring bug was modified: The layout remained the same but it now was a square. The teams and scores also now had a white background, with a red arrow indicating which team was at bat. Occupied bases were now represented by a yellow triangle. Also beginning in 1998, pitch speed began to briefly cover the count and outs area after a pitch was thrown.

1998: This Week in Baseball

This Week in Baseball program had previously aired in syndication from 1977 to 1998

1999: Fox suffered a prime time ratings decline

During the 1999–2000 television season, Fox suffered the biggest prime time ratings decline among the four major networks, with an average prime time audience of 8.97 million viewers, down 17% from the year before, according to Nielsen Media Research.

1999: Fox Aired In the Zone until 1999

From the inaugural season of MLB rights in 1996 until 1999, Fox aired "In The Zone".

1999: Fox aired the All-Star Game

In 1999, Fox aired the All-Star Game as part of its MLB coverage.

1999: New Scoring Bug Unveiled

In 1999, Fox unveiled a new scoring bug that was nearly identical to the NFL bug unveiled the previous fall. A permanent baserunner graphic was on the left side, and occupied bases would light up in yellow. The team scores were on a black background on the right side of the bug. A bar with the Fox logo and the inning extended from the top, and a bar with the count and outs extended from the bottom.

1999: MLB graphics package updated

In 2001, the MLB graphics package was an updated version of the design in 1999.

August 26, 2000: "Turn Back the Clock" Broadcast on Fox

On August 26, 2000, Fox aired a special "Turn Back the Clock" broadcast for a Los Angeles Dodgers/Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field, commemorating the 61st anniversary of the first televised baseball game.

September 2000: MLB and Fox reached a $2.5 billion contract

In September 2000, Major League Baseball and Fox reached a six-year, $2.5 billion contract. Fox retained rights to Saturday baseball games, the All-Star Game, select Division Series games, and exclusive coverage of the League Championship Series and World Series.

September 26, 2000: NBC decided to part ways with MLB

On September 26, 2000, NBC officially decided to part ways with Major League Baseball for the second time in about 12 years.

2000: Fox suffered a prime time ratings decline

During the 1999–2000 television season, Fox suffered the biggest prime time ratings decline among the four major networks, with an average prime time audience of 8.97 million viewers, down 17% from the year before, according to Nielsen Media Research.

2000: Scoring Bug Moved to Lower Portion of Screen

During the 2000 season, the bug sometimes would move to the lower portion of the screen and flip over to reveal player statistics graphics.

2000: This Week in Baseball on Fox

From 2000 to 2011, Fox aired "This Week in Baseball".

2000: Fox aired the World Series

In 2000, Fox aired the World Series. This was the start of a continuous run of airing the World Series every year since then.

2001: FSN Use of On-Screen Look

FSN used this on-screen look for all of its sports broadcasts from 2001 until mid-2005, but using different graphics packages than the one Fox used.

2001: Fox aired the All-Star Game

In 2001, Fox aired the All-Star Game. This was the start of a continuous run of airing the All-Star Game every year since then.

2001: Fox did a split telecast for the League Championship Series

In 2001, Fox did a split telecast for the League Championship Series. Two games were played simultaneously, with one airing on the Fox network and the other on the regional Fox Sports Net cable channel. This was due to the September 11 attacks delaying the post-season schedule.

2001: New Graphics Package Implemented

In 2001, Fox implemented a new graphics package for its MLB telecasts, which debuted on Fox's NASCAR broadcasts in February of that year. The graphics package was an updated version of the design in 1999, but the FoxBox was revised as a top-screen banner.

2003: Banner Changed to Mirror FSN

In 2003, the banner was slightly changed to mirror that used by FSN, although Fox retained its own graphics package; it was enlarged, except on All-Star Game and World Series telecasts as well as the April 16, 2004 Yankees–Red Sox game, and made more translucent.

2003: NFL Graphics Package

Starting with the 2004 postseason, Fox's baseball broadcasts began using the same graphics package that debuted with NFL telecasts in 2003.

2003: 2003 ALCS

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox first head-to-head meeting since the 2003 ALCS was broadcasted on Fox on April 16, 2004.

2003: Baseball Telecasts Graphics

While Fox Sports upgraded the graphics packages on its other properties, the NFL and NASCAR starting with the 2003 NFL season, baseball telecasts continued to use this on-screen appearance in 2004 (except during its coverage of that year's postseason), but used elements from a new package that debuted with FSN's baseball broadcasts in mid-summer 2003.

April 16, 2004: Yankees vs. Red Sox Game on Fox

On April 16, 2004, Fox broadcasted a Friday night game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, marking their first meeting since the 2003 ALCS. The telecast was aired on Fox.

April 16, 2004: Scooter debuts during Yankees-Red Sox game

On April 16, 2004, Scooter debuted during a game between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

October 2004: Fox Began Airing Postseason Broadcasts in HD

In October 2004, Fox started airing all Major League Baseball postseason broadcasts (including the League Championship Series and World Series) in high definition; Fox also started airing the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in HD that year.

2004: McCarver Refers to Bronson Arroyo as Brandon Arroyo

During the 2004 World Series, McCarver repeatedly referred to Bronson Arroyo as "Brandon Arroyo".

2004: Fox's Baseball Broadcasts Used NFL Graphics Package

Starting with the 2004 postseason, Fox's baseball broadcasts began using the same graphics package that debuted with NFL telecasts in 2003. The score banner was modified to match the layout adopted by the network's football coverage, but using the abbreviations of the teams playing instead of their logos.

2004: MLB Telecasts Graphics

While Fox Sports upgraded the graphics packages on its other properties, the NFL and NASCAR starting with the 2003 NFL season, baseball telecasts continued to use this on-screen appearance in 2004 (except during its coverage of that year's postseason), but used elements from a new package that debuted with FSN's baseball broadcasts in mid-summer 2003.

2005: Fox accused of misleading viewers with Chevy-sponsored banner during 2005 All-Star Game

During Fox's coverage of the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the network was accused of attempting to mislead viewers with a Chevy-sponsored banner that read "HHRYA.com".

2005: Jeanne Zelasko's All-Star Game interview angers fans

During the 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, host Jeanne Zelasko angered fans for abruptly cutting off legendary broadcaster Ernie Harwell during a pre-game interview.

2005: New White Banner Introduced

During the 2005 World Series, a new white banner was introduced, which resembled a chrome finish; and team abbreviations became white letters in parallelograms colored in the teams' respective primary colors (scores were now shown in black text in white parallelograms); the next few years, the new banner was adopted for all games.

2005: FSN Graphics until 2005

FSN used this on-screen look for all of its sports broadcasts from 2001 until mid-2005, but using different graphics packages than the one Fox used.

July 11, 2006: Fox signed a new seven-year contract

On July 11, 2006, Major League Baseball announced that the Fox network had signed a new seven-year contract, guaranteeing that Fox would remain the broadcaster of the World Series through the 2013 season.

October 13, 2006: Fox Fires Steve Lyons for Racially Insensitive Remarks

On October 13, 2006, Fox fired Steve Lyons for making racially insensitive remarks during a broadcast of Game 3 of the 2006 American League Championship Series, where he made comments about Lou Piniella speaking Spanish. Lyons was replaced by José Mota.

October 17, 2006: Fox contract package officially announced

On October 17, 2006, the new deal between Major League Baseball and Fox was officially announced. Fox retained rights to the regular-season package, the All-Star Game, and the World Series. Fox's postseason coverage was limited to one League Championship Series per year, alternating with TBS.

2006: Scooter used until after the 2006 World Series

Despite overwhelmingly negative reactions, Scooter continued to be used in televised baseball games until after the 2006 World Series.

2006: McCarver's Incorrect Rule Explanation

During a St. Louis Cardinals balk in Game 4 of the 2006 NLCS, Tim McCarver incorrectly explained the balk rule, stating a specific duration and location were necessary for a complete stop, when the rules only require a discernible stop anywhere in front of the pitcher's body.

2006: Adoption of NFL Graphics Package

For the 2008 season, Fox's baseball coverage used the same graphics package adopted for its NFL telecasts in 2006.

2006: Fox aired both the ALCS and NLCS

In 2006, Fox aired both the American League Championship Series (ALCS) and the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

2006: New Graphics Package for NFL and College Football

In 2006, Fox introduced another new graphics package for its NFL and college football coverage beginning with the 2006 NFL season, and was subsequently rolled out to NASCAR for the 2007 Daytona 500. However, MLB broadcasts continued using this on-screen appearance in 2007.

2006: Family Guy Lampoons McCarver's Broadcasting Ability

In 2006, an episode of the Fox animated series Family Guy lampooned Tim McCarver's broadcasting ability with the quip, "Well, at least he couldn't be any worse than Tim McCarver is at sportscasting."

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2006: NFL schedule format

Since 2006, the NFL schedule format has been used to allow flexible scheduling.

May 2007: Updated Theme Music Unveiled

In mid-May 2007, an updated version of the MLB on Fox theme music was unveiled, featuring a more jazzy feel and implementing a full orchestra instead of the synth elements used by the 1996 theme. The updated version was composed by Pete Calandra.

2007: Saturday 'Game of the Week' coverage extended

Beginning with the 2007 season, the Saturday "Game of the Week" coverage was extended over the entire season.

2007: MLB Broadcasts Continued On-Screen Appearance

In 2006, Fox introduced another new graphics package for its NFL and college football coverage beginning with the 2006 NFL season, and was subsequently rolled out to NASCAR for the 2007 Daytona 500. However, MLB broadcasts continued using this on-screen appearance in 2007.

2007: Fox aired the ALCS

In 2007, Fox aired the American League Championship Series (ALCS). Since 2007, Fox has alternated airing the ALCS in odd years and the NLCS in even years.

2007: MLB on Fox original theme ended in 2007

In 2007, Fox discontinued the original theme music for MLB on Fox.

2007: Joe Buck's Reduced Schedule

In 2007, Joe Buck was scheduled to call only eight regular season MLB games out of a 26-game schedule for Fox.

2007: TBS had rights to one of the League Championship Series

The 2007–2013 contract eliminated the split-telecast issue, as TBS had rights to one of the League Championship Series each year.

2007: Previous broadcast structure

The new deals between Fox and Turner Sports meant their coverage would essentially be the same as in the 2007–2013 contract.

July 12, 2008: Score Banner in Rockies-Mets Game

The score banner was also used in the July 12, 2008 game between the Colorado Rockies and the New York Mets until the 9th inning, but with the 2008 graphics package instead of the package that was used with this banner.

September 2008: Jeanne Zelasko refers to Tampa Bay Rays as the "Tampa Rays"

In September 2008, Jeanne Zelasko received backlash for referring to the Tampa Bay Rays as the "Tampa Rays".

2008: Display of 1967 All-Star Game Highlights

During the 2008 All-Star Game, a graphic was seen from this package during the 15th inning, when Fox displayed highlights from the 1967 MLB All-Star Game, but only seen in the 4:3 frame on the HD broadcast.

2008: Fox's Baseball Coverage Used NFL Graphics Package

For the 2008 season, Fox's baseball coverage used the same graphics package adopted for its NFL telecasts in 2006. The diamond graphic was placed to the right of the scores.

2008: Use of 1999 Scoring Bug Through 2008

In 1999, Fox unveiled a new scoring bug, which was used through 2008.

2008: Joe Buck's Comments on ESPN Radio

In 2008, Joe Buck drew criticism for comments he made during an appearance on ESPN Radio's The Herd with Colin Cowherd. He admitted to spending "barely any" time following sporting events he does not broadcast and claimed that he preferred watching The Bachelorette instead.

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2008: All MLB Games on Fox in HD

Since 2008, all MLB games televised by Fox – including Saturday regional games – are presented in high definition.

2009: Chris Rose criticized for being too friendly with players during 2009 World Series

During the 2009 World Series, Chris Rose was criticized for being overly friendly with players he interviewed, such as referring to Derek Jeter as "Jeets."

2009: McCarver Refers to Derek Jeter as Jerek Deter

During the 2009 World Series, Tim McCarver referred to New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter as "Jerek Deter".

2009: Theme Music Switch by Fox Sports Regional Affiliates

During the 2009 season, some Fox Sports regional affiliates switched to the 2007 theme while others continued using the original 1996 theme.

2009: Telecasts Used FSN Graphics Package

For the 2009 and 2010 seasons, telecasts used the same graphics package implemented by FSN, with the FoxBox now reverting to a rectangular box in the top-left corner of the 4:3 safe area. Along with FSN in observance of the holiday weekend, the baserunner graphic was changed to a blue pattern with stars during the Fourth of July weekend and All-Star Game in 2010.

2009: Fox cancelled its in-studio pre-game program

In 2009, Fox cancelled its in-studio pre-game program, reducing the "Game of the Week" time slot to 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

July 2010: Broadcasts Produced in Widescreen

Also in July 2010, broadcasts began to be produced in full 16:9 widescreen and letterboxed for standard definition viewers through the use of the #10 Active Format Description code. The score box was moved to be in the top-left corner of the widescreen feed.

July 2010: Fox repositions on-screen graphics for 16:9 aspect ratio in July 2010

In July 2010, Fox repositioned on-screen graphics for the 16:9 aspect ratio, which resulted in the HD picture being derided as highly imperfect.

September 29, 2010: Fox to Use Cable-Cams for NLCS and World Series

On September 29, 2010, Fox announced that it planned to use cable-cams for the network's coverage of the National League Championship Series and World Series, allowing overhead shots of plays at bases and manager-pitcher mound discussions.

October 23, 2010: Fan backlash over Fox using NFL theme music for MLB coverage

As of October 23, 2010, a poll indicated fan backlash against Fox's decision to use its NFL theme music for MLB coverage, with nearly 60% of fans disliking the move.

2010: NFL on Fox Theme Music Used for Postseason

Beginning with the 2010 postseason, both the 2007 theme and the Flach theme were replaced by the longtime NFL on Fox theme music, which began to be used for all Fox sporting events.

2010: Slow Orchestral Theme Used Alongside New Orchestral Theme

For the 2007 postseason, a Jochen Flach-composed slow orchestral theme was unveiled, and was used alongside the new orchestral theme for the All-Star Game and postseason from the 2007 ALCS until the 2010 All-Star Game. Fox Saturday Baseball, including the prime time games starting in 2010, still used the 2007 version of the regular theme song exclusively.

2010: Exceptions added to 'Game of the Week' schedule

In 2010, exceptions were added to the "Game of the Week" schedule. A 3:00 to 7:00 afternoon window was used when Fox broadcast a NASCAR Cup Series race in prime time, and a 7:00 to 10:00 window was used when Fox broadcast the UEFA Champions League soccer final.

2011: This Week in Baseball Aired until 2011

From 2000 to 2011, Fox aired "This Week in Baseball".

2011: Songs from Heroes: The Olympic Collection Used

Starting in 2011, various songs from the album Heroes: The Olympic Collection were used when going into commercial breaks during the All-Star Game, postseason, and other marquee games.

2011: New Graphics Package Adopted

Starting with Opening Day of the 2011 MLB season, Fox broadcast network and Fox Sports Networks began using the same graphics package adopted for NFL on Fox telecasts in 2010. The package featured a new horizontal layout with team abbreviations, scores flanking the inning, diamond, count, outs, and pitch speed in the center. The new scoreboard could slide open to reveal statistical information or home run notifications.

2011: All Regional Affiliates Use 2007 Theme

Starting with the 2011 season, all Fox Sports regional affiliates began using the 2007 theme for MLB on Fox broadcasts.

July 24, 2012: Awful Announcing Questions Fox's Use of Local Broadcasters

On July 24, 2012, Matt Yoder of Awful Announcing questioned Fox's need to hire local broadcasters on their national telecasts, bringing about a perceived sense of favoritism towards one of the participating teams.

September 19, 2012: MLB agreed to TV deals with Fox Sports and Turner Sports

On September 19, 2012, Sports Business Daily reported that Major League Baseball would agree to separate eight-year television deals with Fox Sports and Turner Sports through the 2021 season. Fox would pay around $4 billion, while Turner would pay around $2.8 billion. Fox would carry some of the games on Fox Sports 1.

October 2, 2012: New deal between MLB and Fox confirmed

On October 2, 2012, the new deal between Major League Baseball and Fox was officially confirmed. It included TV rights to 12 Saturday afternoon games on Fox, 40 games on Fox Sports 1, rights to the All-Star Game, two Division Series, one League Championship Series, and the World Series. All Fox Saturday Baseball games would be available on MLB Extra Innings and MLB.TV.

2012: Score Box Modified for NLCS

Beginning with the 2012 NLCS, the score box was modified again to match the new layout adopted by Fox's NFL coverage at the start of the 2012 season. Teams and scores reverted to being vertically stacked on the left, the base graphic moved to the right-hand side, and pitch speed was displayed below the base graphic. The count, outs, and inning number moved to a tab below the box.

2012: Criticism of Buck and McCarver's Bias

During the 2012 National League Championship Series between the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, Joe Buck and Tim McCarver were accused by the San Francisco media of being too biased towards the Cardinals.

2012: Fox's camera angles criticized during the 2012 National League Championship Series

During the 2012 National League Championship Series, Fox's camera angles were criticized for being directly in-line with home plate.

2012: MLB Player Poll on Fox

From 2012 to 2013, Fox aired "MLB Player Poll".

2012: Erin Andrews joins Fox Sports MLB coverage

In 2012, Erin Andrews joined Fox Sports' MLB coverage and her performance has been criticized since then.

2012: Fox revised its MLB schedule

In 2012, Fox revised its schedule for MLB games. Games on certain Saturdays when Fox aired NASCAR races at Texas Motor Speedway, Richmond International Raceway, and Darlington Raceway started at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. "Game of the Week" telecasts started at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time from the UEFA Champions League Final until the Saturday before the All-Star Break, branded as "Baseball Night in America".

March 2013: Fox Sports Networks Adopt New Score Box

In late-March 2013, the Fox Sports Networks began using the new score box version in time for the start of the 2013 MLB season. The previous scoring bug was used for 2013 Spring training games.

August 17, 2013: Fox Sports 1 launched

On August 17, 2013, Fox Sports 1 launched, which would carry some of the MLB games previously on Fox.

2013: Fox cameras miss game-ending pickoff in Game 4 of 2013 World Series

During Game 4 of the 2013 World Series, Fox's cameras missed Boston closer Koji Uehara picking off Kolten Wong to end the game.

2013: Erin Andrews misidentifies Jackie Autry at ALCS trophy presentation

During the 2013 American League Championship Series trophy presentation, Erin Andrews misidentified Jackie Autry as her late husband Gene.

2013: Fox remained broadcaster of the World Series

Fox signed a seven year contract on July 11, 2006, guaranteeing that Fox would remain the broadcaster of the World Series through the 2013 season.

2013: MLB Player Poll

From 2012 to 2013, Fox aired "MLB Player Poll", a show in which players and fans talk about current MLB-related topics and participate in opinion polls about the sport/players of baseball; it was hosted by Greg Amsinger.

2013: TBS had rights to one of the League Championship Series

The 2007–2013 contract eliminated the split-telecast issue, as TBS had rights to one of the League Championship Series each year.

2014: Erin Andrews criticized for generic questions at World Series trophy presentation

Erin Andrews was further criticized during the 2014 World Series trophy presentations for asking generic questions.

2014: New Graphics Package Debuted

For the 2014 season, Fox's MLB coverage debuted a new graphics package, first seen on its NASCAR broadcasts that year. The score box was moved to the bottom-left corner of the screen with team abbreviations and scores on the left side over the team's background color. A dynamic strip was added to display team-specific information.

2014: League Championship Series coverage

In 2014, Games 1 and, if necessary, 6 of the League Championship Series aired on Fox as part of the new deal between Major League Baseball and Fox.

2014: Harold Reynolds joins Fox as lead color commentator

In 2014, Harold Reynolds succeeded Tim McCarver as Fox's lead color commentator, joining Tom Verducci.

2014: 2007-2010 Jazz Theme Brought Back for FS1

In 2014, the 2007–2010 jazz theme was brought back for regular season games on MLB on FS1. The NFL theme was retained for MLB on Fox, including Fox Saturday Baseball.

June 2015: Graphics Expanded to Include Batter Performance

In June 2015, the graphics package was expanded to include a white area featuring the last name of the current batter and their performance throughout the game. When a home run is hit, the main box turns to the team's color and displays the text "Home Run", while the dynamic strip grows and displays the name of the team over the team's logo.

2015: Harold Reynolds criticized for superficial commentary

During Game 5 of the 2015 American League Championship Series, Harold Reynolds was criticized for providing superficial commentary when Toronto's Chris Colabello hit a home run.

August 12, 2016: Alex Rodriguez's Final Game Aired on Fox

On August 12, 2016, Fox aired a Friday night game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees, which was the final game for Yankees player Alex Rodriguez.

2016: Fox's camera angles criticized during 2016 National League Division Series

During FS1's coverage of Game 1 of the 2016 National League Division Series, Fox's camera angles were again criticized for being elevated and more dead center.

2016: Score Box Moved to Bottom Right

Starting with the 2016 season, the score box was moved to the bottom right of the screen during MLB on Fox broadcasts.

2017: New Graphics Package Unveiled for Postseason

For the 2017 postseason, Fox's MLB coverage unveiled a new graphics package, first seen on its NFL telecasts. The same layout from the 2014 version for the scoring bug continued to be used, with the addition of two statistical panes atop the scoring bug for batter/pitcher matchups.

November 15, 2018: Fox renewed its rights through 2028

On November 15, 2018, Fox renewed its rights through 2028, maintaining its existing structure but with expanded digital rights, and a promise to begin airing more games on the Fox broadcast network.

2018: John Smoltz criticized during the 2018 World Series

During the 2018 World Series, John Smoltz faced heavy criticism for his apparent dislike of the evolving direction of baseball.

2019: Fox criticized for off-center camera angle during 2019 ALDS Game 4 broadcast

During Fox's broadcast of Game 4 of the 2019 American League Division Series, the network used an off-center camera angle, which drew criticism from viewers.

2019: Fox continues using NFL theme music for MLB coverage until 2019 MLB playoffs

From the 2010 MLB playoffs until the 2019 MLB playoffs, Fox used its NFL theme music for its MLB coverage, drawing criticism from fans.

2019: Fox Sports airs Triple-A National Championship Game in 2019

In 2019, Fox Sports aired the Triple-A National Championship Game.

2019: September broadcasts moved to Thursday

In 2019, some September broadcasts were moved to Thursday to avoid college football conflicts.

September 2020: Fox mistakenly shows Pittsburgh skyline during Cincinnati game in September 2020

During a nationally broadcast game between the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds in September 2020, Fox mistakenly showed Pittsburgh's skyline.

2020: MLB on Fox reintroduces original theme in 2020

Beginning with the 2020 MLB season, MLB on Fox reintroduced the original 1996-2007 theme music.

2020: Expanded League Championship Series games on Fox

From 2020 to 2028, at least two of the first four League Championship Series games and all seventh games in its league aired on Fox.

2020: New Graphics Package for NFL and College Football

In 2020, Fox unveiled a new graphics package for its NFL and college football coverage starting with Super Bowl LIV. Baseball broadcasts continued using this package through the end of the 2021 regular season, as the new on-screen look is for football only.

2020: Original Theme Music Reintroduced

In 2020, MLB on Fox reintroduced the original 1996–2007 theme for broadcasts.

2020: Virtual Fans During COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fox announced that they would virtually fill the seats of ballparks, including Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium. Announcers explained and demonstrated the use of virtual fans during the July 25 game between the Chicago Cubs-Milwaukee Brewers at Wrigley Field.

2020: Fox's Broadcast Schedule in 2020

In the 2020 season, Fox aired Thursday night games through mid and late summer for six weeks and only aired Saturday games for seven weeks from mid-summer to early-fall due to the delayed start of the season.

October 2021: New Graphics Package Unveiled for Baseball Broadcasts

In October 2021, Fox unveiled a new graphics package specifically for its baseball broadcasts, starting with the 2021 ALDS. This score bug, which increased in size, features an unconventional layout with the team abbreviations over the scores, the inning, ball-strike counter and the out counter sandwiched in between, with the bases at the bottom.

2021: Original Theme Used for All Games

As of the 2021 season, the original theme is now used for coverage of all MLB on Fox games across both Fox and FS1.

2021: Stylized Illustrations and Retro Graphics Debuted

Beginning with the 2021 season, Fox and FS1 started using stylized "graphic novel" illustrations on players rather than traditional photos. In the same season, Fox debuted a retro-inspired graphics package designed for broadcasts for the annual Field of Dreams game.

2021: End date of Fox Sports and Turner Sports TV deals

In September 19, 2012, Sports Business Daily reported that Major League Baseball would agree to separate eight-year television deals with Fox Sports and Turner Sports through the 2021 season.

July 2022: Fox's 9/11 memorial broadcast garners criticism

During a July 2022 broadcast of a game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, Fox faced criticism for superimposing team logos over the 9/11 Memorial.

2022: Fox Sports renewed television rights through 2028

In 2022, Fox Sports renewed its television rights for regular-season MLB games on the main Fox broadcast network and FS1 through 2028. Fox will continue to exclusively broadcast the World Series, All-Star Game, and Field of Dreams Game.

2022: Expanded Fox network games

In 2022, the number of Fox network games expanded to 18 broadcast windows as part of the network's contract renewal, with prime time games, branded as Baseball Night in America airing every week beginning with the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.

2022: NASCAR Cup Series Coverage Starts Using Stylized Illustrations

In 2022, the stylized "graphic novel" illustrations of players rather than traditional photos were later used by NASCAR Cup Series coverage.

2022: Expanded baseball on Saturday nights and Division Series games on the broadcast network

In 2022, two Division Series games (previously on MLB Network) were aired on the broadcast network as part of Fox's renewed rights agreement.

2023: Fox's MLB Broadcast Schedule for 2023

In 2023, Fox will broadcast 24 MLB games, featuring 20 Saturday games and 4 Thursday night games. Flexible scheduling will be implemented for games on September 14, September 21, and September 30. FS1 will broadcast 23 Saturday games, 12 Monday games, 4 Thursday games, and 1 Wednesday game in 2023.

2024: Fox Deportes aired the Choque de Gigantes club baseball tournament in Spanish in 2024

In 2024, Fox Deportes aired the Choque de Gigantes club baseball tournament in Spanish.

2024: Rickwood Field Game Graphics

In the 2024 season, Fox debuted a re-tooled version of the retro-inspired graphics package designed for the broadcast for the Rickwood Field game, this time being based on the design of the scoreboard in the Negro Leagues.

March 18, 2025: Fox Aired Game 1 of the MLB Japan Series

On March 18, 2025, Fox aired Game 1 of the MLB Japan Series at 6:00 a.m. eastern time.

2028: Fox Sports television rights renewal end date

In 2022, Fox Sports renewed its television rights for regular-season MLB games on the main Fox broadcast network and FS1 through 2028. Fox will continue to exclusively broadcast the World Series, All-Star Game, and Field of Dreams Game.

2028: End date of Fox's renewed rights

On November 15, 2018, Fox renewed its rights through 2028, maintaining its existing structure but with expanded digital rights, and a promise to begin airing more games on the Fox broadcast network.