Tonight’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET) is one of the most-watched sporting events of the summer, and ESPN is swinging for the fences by unveiling several new and innovative production elements to document this year’s event.
Leading off is ESPN’s use of 4D replay technology that will provide a 360-degree view of the home runs throughout the evening. The 4D element joins new 3D spray charts, a new commercial format and an ESPNEWS alternative viewing experience to help anchor an impressive lineup of enhancements.
Phil Orlins, ESPN senior coordinating producer, discusses his thoughts on Monday’s event and what he believes will resonate with viewers:
“This is our 26th year televising the Home Run Derby and we are proud to have played a role in its growth from what was once a non-televised exhibition to one of the most-anticipated events of the baseball season. Our goal is to create a fast-paced and fun event that presents baseball in a visually dynamic manner. In addition to unique camera angles and ultra slo-motion shots of swings, we have added several important enhancements. Two-box floating commercials will allow us to present the event with limited commercial interruption. The new 4D replay system shows rotating images of the great power swings with unprecedented detail. And, ESPN Advanced Technology will interpret real-time StatCast data into vivid displays of the hitter’s home run charts.”
The above video was produced by David Scott.
