Happy Dead Day, Sports Fans
Today is possibly the worst day to be a sports fan. Why you ask? Have you checked your TV listings for today?
Well this is what you'll find airing in primetime: a replay of an Orioles/Mariners game from 1996, a replay of the men's gymnastics U.S. Trials, a replay of the Rangers/Senators game 4 from this year's NHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals and a slew of college football replays. The one live event is the Minor League All-Star game, which is actually not that bad considering what has aired in past years. Basically: There are no live sports!
Back in the day, I had what some considered the best job in the world: I was paid to watch sports. Technically, I was a production coordinator for ESPN Zone, and one responsibility was monitoring and switching out games. Today was my least favorite day to work. It was "Dead Day."
On the day after the MLB All-Star game the sports world goes on a hiatus. Baseball is the only major sport played during the summer, so if they’re on a break, we all suffer. There’s some Tour de France action on in the morning, if you’re into cycling, with some replays later on in the evening, but other than that it’s a slow day.
The Minor League ASG might be a good game to catch since it features Triple-A players, and they are the stars of tomorrow (or washed up MLB players, career minor leaguers, etc.). But if Triple-A all-star games are not your cup of tea, you’re pretty much screwed. That is unless you like awards shows.
In recent years, ESPN has decided to air the ESPYs live instead of waiting until the following Sunday to air, thus filling “Dead Day” with tuxes, gowns and statues. With the tape delay, everyone knew who won and wasn’t really interested when the air date rolled around. Yet it seems that few people are interested in them live, too.
The voting is done by fans (a.k.a. a popularity contest) and the only glimmer of excitement is what could possibly happen with athletes and live mics. I mean we’ve all seen Hard Knocks and HBO’s 24/7 series. I guess if you enjoy the comedy stylings of Rob Riggle, then by all means tune in tonight at 9 pm.
So, as sports fans, you have very few viewing options on Dead Day 2012. Either watch some replays of sporting events, the ESPYs, a minor league game or some reruns on network TV. I’d suggest going out to dinner and enjoying this summer evening because that sounds more appealing than what’s on TV.
