I’m a baseball fan. Been one for as long as I can remember, as I vividly recall falling asleep to Dave Niehaus calling Seattle Mariners games. I’ve bought merchandise, attended games, collected baseball cards and cheered the Mariners through their sucky times, their Refuse To Lose times, their really sucky times and just about every other chance I’ve had.
Since moving to Phoenix, one of the few times I get to see the Mariners is during Spring Training. Oh, glorious Spring Training with your warm sun, cheap tickets and wide, comfy lawns. But that wasn’t nearly enough. I had to have more.
Enter MLBTV, a subscription-based service that allowed me to pay to listen to radio broadcasts, video broadcasts and, if I paid enough, HD broadcasts of every game anywhere. Not wanting to shell out a full season’s worth, I always paid monthly (yes, I know it’s more expensive to do so) and enjoyed audio and video broadcasts of baseball games whenever I wanted. Because I don’t have cable, this was really my only recurring expense when it came to TV watching, so that $24.95 a month was pretty damn significant to me.
I read all the MLBTV restrictions and noted that some Saturday and Sunday afternoon games weren’t broadcast on MLBTV in video format and was fine with that. I’ve gotten used to hearing the disclaimer from broadcasters every single game I’ve listened to or watched and was comfortable in knowing I’d only miss a few games a season.
Until I tuned in to the All-Star Game tonight. ESPN had reported MLBTV would have full coverage, which was great, as I had previously watched the Home Run Derby on ESPN3.com and was excited to be able to watch the all stars in full-screen, HD glory.
And then I saw the following screen.
In case you can’t make it out, it’s the same disclaimer that appears during Saturday and Sunday games that are scheduled between 1:05pm and 7:05pm, meaning I CAN’T WATCH THE GAME LIVE. As I’m fairly sure it’s not the weekend, I’m fucking pissed. Nowhere in the MLBTV restrictions does it mention ANYTHING about All-Star Game blackouts (I read it multiple times) and hell, the disclaimer doesn’t even mention the game.
So fuck you, MLBTV. Screw you and your stupid restrictions and your lame ass rules. Screw you for not telling me that I wouldn’t be able to watch the mid-summer classic.
I’d cancel my subscription now, but your offices are all closed. Perhaps you’re at home, watching the All-Star Game on Fox, while those that specifically paid to watch your product and your product only are shit out of luck.
Sincerely,
One disappointed, former customer.
