A cable network and a streaming service are virtually fighting over who should air tonight’s game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, and fans and MLB are in the middle.
The Yankees’ official entertainment system, the YES Network, and the Apple TV+ streaming app both want to air the game because it will have enormous ratings.
Why?
Because it could be the game in which Aaron Judge ties Roger Maris‘ old franchise record of 61 home runs in a season.
The outfielder is currently at 60: the next homer will tie it, but he is no stranger to two-homer games, so he could also take sole possession of the record tonight, too.
The game, simply put, has historical implications.
Long story short, Apple TV+ reached an agreement with MLB to stream some games on Fridays.
Tonight’s game between Yanks and Sox is one of them.
Not Everybody Knows How To Use A Smart Device
Not everyone knows how to use a computer or smartphone, let alone a streaming app, so it could be a problem for some even though the game is actually free.
An MLB analyst offered his thoughts on the issue.
“Hard to fault Apple for wanting to air NYY-BOS. They bought the rights. A dream game. Equally understandable that Yankees fans would want to hear YES call should Judge make history. And lost in this are the (likely older) fans for whom the Apple TV+ log-in is a real obstacle,” Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet tweeted.
Hard to fault Apple for wanting to air NYY-BOS. They bought the rights. A dream game. Equally understandable that Yankees fans would want to hear YES call should Judge make history. And lost in this are the (likely older) fans for whom the Apple TV+ log-in is a real obstacle
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) September 23, 2022
In reality, there is no reason why Apple TV+ shouldn’t air the game.
One can’t help but feel bad at the people who won’t be able to watch, because there will be plenty.
There is no agreement in place for YES to air the game, though, so the most likely scenario has Apple TV+ being the only way to watch it.
