The answer is: Victor Rojas
tmc...@gmail.com
The question: Who was the first broadcaster ever to appear on MLB
Network?
Rojas, who prepped as the Rangers No. 2 radio announcer for five
seasons, was the first of the hired help to make it on camera during
Thursday's 5 p.m. launch. He hosted the network's first-ever studio
show. Analysts Barry Larkin, Al Leiter and Harold Reynolds joined in.
The very first face to yak on the network was Commissioner Bud Selig,
who offered a hearty welcome to "the ultimate television destination
for baseball," I'm sure ESPN is quaking in its high-priced boots.
We just might have another Curt Menefee situation here with
Mansfield's Rojas. You know: not-so-high profile local broadcaster
finds fame and fortune on network TV.
Here's one rave review for MLB Network:
(Please turn the page to read it. You won't want to miss it.)
"MLB Network was launched on Thursday night and the reaction to the
first two shows was fast and furious. Fans liked the first 60-minute
edition of "Hot Stove" and they loved the digitized kinescope of Don
Larsen's perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series replete with
commercials from the original broadcast." --- Barry M. Bloom, mlb.com
At the bottom of the review on mlb.com was this disclaimer: "This
story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its
clubs." I'm guessing Bud Selig wasn't too upset with the piece.
Not at the bottom of the review: In his youth, Barry M. Bloom
delivered meat for a butcher in Barry E. Horn's Bronx neighborhood.
If you missed the debut and have five minutes to spare...