Overview
- Netflix’s first MLB telecast, carried Wednesday as Opening Night from Oracle Park, put Yankees vs. Giants on the streamer for the first time.
- The on-air team featured host Elle Duncan with analysts Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols and Anthony Rizzo, plus Matt Vasgersian, CC Sabathia and Hunter Pence in the booth, and Lauren Shehadi reporting.
- Giants quarterback Jameis Winston joined as a special guest in a role Netflix did not define beforehand, leaning on his Florida State baseball background and his 2012 MLB draft selection by the Rangers.
- During the show, Winston handled roving bits such as helping the grounds crew, tossing drinks to fans in McCovey Cove, and quick player interviews, which drew strong praise on social media, according to talkSPORT.
- Some viewers criticized the broadcast for feeling like promotion for Netflix shows, while the guest list that included comedian Bert Kreischer and wrestlers Jey and Jimmy Uso underscored the platform’s event-style approach to live sports.