Although the 2020 Texas State baseball and softball season didn’t last long, it will be one to be remembered, not only by Texas State but by me. I was able to learn two new broadcasting positions and also take part in the first-ever ESPN+ broadcast of Texas State baseball.
The first broadcast of the season was on February 26, 2020, and the Bobcats faced off against the Rice Owls at Bobcat Ballpark. The Bobcats topped the Owls 9-2, with the help of outstanding pitching which held Rice scoreless for seven out of the nine innings. For this game, I was assigned to work Cam 2. Cam 2, also known as High Home is set up behind home plate on top of the broadcasting booth. The primary role of this camera postion is to follow the ball once the batter hits the ball into play.
Before the NCAA cancelled spring sports I also had the opertunity to work a softball game. For the softball game I was assigned tovwork Cam 3. Cam 3, also known as High First Home is set-up on the first base side right next to the away dugout and has many jobs. Cam 3 captures rights-handed batters and left-handed pitchers. As the batter prepares to bat, Cam 3 will get a close- up so that a graphic of the batter’s name and stats can be placed on the television screen. Once the camera is not live anymore, the operator will zoom out for a head-to-toe shot. This shot can be used as a replay iso-shot of a player’s swing as the ball crosses the plate. Another shot the camera could capture if demanded by the director is a shot called a shag. A shag is where the camera operator has the first baseman, second baseman, and the shortstop in the frame so they’re ready to catch the play at the base on camera. Cam 3 could also be used for fan shots when coming back from commercials.
Even though the Texas State baseball and softball season were cut short, this season laid the foundation for the broadcasting of Bobcat’s baseball games. From now on, they will be televised on ESPN+, which will give alumnus an opportunity to follow the team.
Keep up with Texas State baseball and softball by following their Twitters. @TxStateBaseball @TXStateSoftball
Behind the Scenes of ESPN+ Broadcasting 