American Forces Network to air MiLB games
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball announced an agreement Wednesday with the American Forces Network (AFN) granting them permission to broadcast a select number of MiLB games this season. AFN provides active duty, uniformed military personnel stationed at U.S. military installations, U.S. embassies and U.S. consulates in foreign lands access to news, information and entertainment programming through multi-channel television. Soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen based around the world, including aboard NAVY vessels, can watch their favorite shows in full-length without interruption. The AFN services can be accessed in more than 170 countries and U.S. territories and by more than 140 U.S. naval ships at sea outside of U.S. territorial waters.
"We are grateful to all the individuals who serve our country and protect our freedom both stateside and abroad," said Michael Hand, Minor League Baseball CMO and President, MiLB Enterprises. "MiLB is proud to expand our game coverage with AFN and continue our ongoing partnership with them. We hope that in some small way, these games will bring a piece of home and a sense of comfort to the men and women of the armed forces."
Located in Riverside, California, the organization downlinks selected programming from more than 300 U.S. television networks of all genres. AFN, a service of the Department of Defense (DoD), then uplinks American networks to a bouquet of satellites positioned around the globe outside of the United States borders and waters. Games being televised on CBS Sports Network, MLB Network and NBC Sports Network will be available to AFN, allowing U.S. troops to see Major League Baseball's top prospects showcasing their talents. The mission of AFN is to provide "a touch of home" to those in uniform who serve their nation overseas while based or deployed around the world.
"The agreement to offer Minor League Baseball to the U.S. American military personnel serving overseas couldn't have come at a better time," said AFN spokesman George Smith. "We're launching a second 24/7 sports service June 1 in response to audience requests for more sports. Now we can give viewers a chance to continue to follow their hometown team, even though they serve overseas."
The schedule of televised games kicks off with a Lone Star State matchup of Triple-A teams as the El Paso Chihuahuas visit the Round Rock Express on CBS Sports Network May 28. For a complete listing of game dates and times, click here.
About Minor League Baseball
Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2014, Minor League Baseball attracted 42.4 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information about Minor League Baseball, visit www.MiLB.com.
About American Forces Network (AFN)
The Department of Defense operates AFN American Forces Network®. AFN, a worldwide radio and television broadcast network, serves overseas American service men and women, State Department employees, Department of Defense civilians and their families, stationed at bases in 170 countries and U.S territories, as well as 140 U.S. Navy ships at sea. AFN broadcasts the most popular American radio and television programs from all the major networks. AFN is a service of the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS), a field office of the Defense Media Activity (DMA). For more information about AFN's programming, please visit their website.