FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 11th, 2014

COMCAST SPORTSNET TO CARRY ITS FIRST-EVER “COMMERCIAL-FREE” PRO GAME TELECASTS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S WHITE SOX & CUBS SPRING TRAINING GAMES (MARCH 15 & 16)

Saturday, March 15 (White Sox) and Sunday, March 16 (Cubs) COMMERCIAL-FREE spring training telecasts to showcase brand new, one-on-one player interviews with new and veteran players from both sides of town, along with in-depth player profiles, numerous feature stories and much more;

CSN’s first of “15 Games in 16 Days” spring training telecasts to take place this Friday, March 14 (3:00 PM CT) featuring the White Sox hosting Cleveland LIVE from Camelback Ranch;

Network to also present two, new Cubs/White Sox specials debuting later this month!

Chicago, IL (March 11, 2014) – FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NETWORK HISTORY, Comcast SportsNet, the television home for the most games and most comprehensive coverage of the 2014 Chicago White Sox and 2014 Chicago Cubs, has announced it will present its very first COMMERCIAL-FREE pro game telecasts for this weekend’s White Sox spring training game (Saturday, March 15 vs. LA Dodgers from Camelback Ranch in Glendale, AZ – 9:00 PM CT, featuring Ken “Hawk” Harrelson and Steve Stone with the game call) and Cubs spring training game (Sunday, March 16 vs. Cleveland from Cubs Park in Mesa, AZ – 3:00 PM CT, featuring the announcing tandem of Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies).  The official announcement was made by Phil Bedella, VP/GM of Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

Saturday and Sunday’s White Sox and Cubs spring training telecasts on Comcast SportsNet, which will be presented entirely commercial-free by Xfinity (White Sox) & Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Toyota Dealers (Cubs), will take this unique opportunity to showcase brand new, one-on-one player interviews and player profiles with all the young and upcoming standouts for both organizations, along with interviews featuring key veterans and returning players, plus – Comcast SportsNet will also provide numerous, entertaining feature stories that fans will not want to miss.

“We wanted to start off our coverage of the 2014 Chicago baseball season in a big way by taking the time we would normally air commercials and provide some very unique content for our viewers,” said Bedella.  “These special features and player profiles we have created will continue throughout all 15 of our spring training telecasts and will help viewers get to know and appreciate the emerging new talent that will be building blocks on both sides of town for years to come.”

Among the key in-game features that fans can look forward to seeing during the commercial-free telecasts this weekend include:

WHITE SOX

  • New centerfielder and lead-off hitter Adam Eaton takes CSN Chicago on an unforgettable fishing trip as we learn about Chicago’s newest ‘grinder.’ 
  • Highly-touted rookie first baseman Jose Abreu signed the largest contract in White Sox history this offseason.  We get an inside look on how the new slugger trains with strength and conditioning coordinator Allen Thomas in the White Sox weight room, where cameras are not allowed.  
  • New third baseman Matt Davidson sits down with Chuck Garfien for a 1-on-1 about his excitement of playing for the White Sox. 
  • Paul Konerko tells CSN Chicago what would define a successful final season. 
  • CSN Chicago mic’s up the always-entertaining pitching coach Don Cooper for a candid conversation about this year’s staff. 
  • And, ever wonder what it’s like to get in the batter’s box against a professional pitcher?  Catcher Josh Phegley gives us that view by wearing a Go-Pro camera while catching starter John Danks.

CUBS

  • Gold glove second baseman Darwin Barney takes us onto the field to detail how he plays the position, what he does to the dirt for both he and Starlin Castro each inning in the hopes of turning a double play, and how he positions himself for some of the National League’s toughest hitters. 
  • All-Star starter Travis Wood didn’t just have success on the mound in 2013…he was also the best power-hitting pitcher a season ago.  Wood takes us in the batter’s box to describe why he’s had success at the plate and why last year’s grand slam against the White Sox is one he will never forget. 
  • Plus, how do the Cubs relax after a tough day of prepping for the season?  Well, it’s a game of H.O.R.S.E. that works for Anthony Rizzo, top prospect Javier Baez and outfielder Ryan Sweeney.

Starting with Comcast SportsNet’s first spring training game telecast this Friday, March 14 (White Sox vs. Cleveland – 3:00 PM CT), fans can look forward to numerous additional special features and profiles that will air throughout CSN’s “15 Games in 16 Days” spring training schedule, including White Sox interviews/features with Chris Sale, Gordon Beckham, Matt Davidson, Erik Johnson, Micah Johnson, Chris Beck, hitting coach Todd Steverson, groundskeeper Roger Bossard, head trainer Herm Schneider, plus – Adam Dunn’s Oscars journey, a special Hall of Fame tour with White Sox legend Frank Thomas and more.  Cubs interviews/features will showcase new manager Rick Renteria, Kris Bryant, Jason Hammel, George Kottaras, Chris Rusin, Edwin Jackson, cousins James & Darnell McDonald and a tour of the new Cubs Park in Mesa among others.

Please note Comcast SportsNet’s complete “15 Games in 16 Days” White Sox & Cubs spring training telecast schedule:

Composite “15 GAMES IN 16 DAYS” White Sox/Cubs Spring Training Schedule:

  1. Fri, Mar. 14   3:00 pm        WHITE SOX vs. Cleveland     Glendale, AZ   (replay at 12:30 am)
  2. Sat, Mar. 15 9:00 pm        WHITE SOX vs. LA Dodgers  Glendale, AZ   (replay at 1 am)

(COMMERCIAL-FREE LIVE TELECAST)

  1. Sun, Mar 16 3:00 pm        CUBS vs. Cleveland               Mesa, AZ         (replay at 12:30 am)

(COMMERCIAL-FREE LIVE TELECAST)

  1. Mon, Mar 17 3:00 pm        CUBS vs. LA Angels               Mesa, AZ         (replay at 12:30 am)
  2. Tue, Mar 18 3:00 pm        WHITE SOX vs. Oakland        Glendale, AZ   (replay at 12:30 am)
  3. Wed, Mar 19 3:00 pm       WHITE SOX vs. LA Angels    Glendale, AZ    (replay at 12:30 am)
  4. Thu, Mar 20  3:00 pm        CUBS vs. Seattle                    Mesa, AZ         (replay at 12:30 am)
  5. Fri, Mar 21    3:00 pm        WHITE SOX vs. CUBS          Glendale, AZ   (replay at 12:30 am)
  6. Sat, Mar 22 3:00 pm        WHITE SOX vs. San Francisco Glendale, AZ            (replay at 7 pm)
  7. Sun, Mar 23 3:00 pm        WHITE SOX @ Colorado        Scottsdale, AZ (replay at 12:30 am)
  8. Mon, Mar 24 3:00 pm        WHITE SOX @ Seattle          Peoria, AZ       (replay at 12:30 am)
  9. Tue, Mar 25 3:00 pm        CUBS vs. LA Angels               Mesa, AZ         (replay at 12:30 am)
  10. Wed, Mar 26 3:00 pm       WHITE SOX vs. Cincinnati    Glendale, AZ   (replay at 7 pm)
  11. Fri, Mar 28    8:30 pm        CUBS @ Arizona                    Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field (replay at 1 am)
  12. Sat, Mar 29  3:00 pm        CUBS @ Arizona                    Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field (replay at 7 pm)

White Sox Spring Training Schedule:        

  1. Fri, Mar 14                   3:00 pm           vs. Cleveland                    Glendale, AZ   (replay at 12:30 am)
  2. Sat, Mar 15                 9:00 pm           vs. LA Dodgers                 Glendale, AZ   (replay at 1 am)

(COMMERCIAL-FREE LIVE TELECAST)

  1. Tue, Mar 18                 3:00 pm           vs. Oakland                       Glendale, AZ   (replay at 12:30 am)
  2. Wed, Mar 19               3:00 pm           vs. LA Angels                    Glendale, AZ   (replay at 12:30 am)
  3. Fri, Mar 21                   3:00 pm           vs. CUBS                          Glendale, AZ   (replay at 12:30 am)
  4. Sat, Mar 22                 3:00 pm           vs. San Francisco             Glendale, AZ   (replay at 7 pm)
  5. Sun, Mar 23                3:00 pm           @ Colorado                       Scottsdale, AZ (replay at 12:30 am)
  6. Mon, Mar 24                3:00 pm           @ Seattle                          Peoria, AZ       (replay at 12:30 am)
  7. Wed, Mar 26               3:00 pm           vs. Cincinnati                     Glendale, AZ   (replay at 7 pm)

Cubs Spring Training Schedule:

  1. Sun, Mar 16                3:00 pm           vs. Cleveland                    Mesa, AZ         (replay at 12:30 am)

(COMMERCIAL-FREE LIVE TELECAST)

  1. Mon, Mar 17                3:00 pm           vs. LA Angels                    Mesa, AZ         (replay at 12:30 am)
  2. Thu, Mar 20                 3:00 pm           vs. Seattle                         Mesa, AZ         (replay at 12:30 am)
  3. Tue, Mar 25                 3:00 pm           vs. LA Angels                    Mesa, AZ         (replay at 12:30 am)
  4. Fri, Mar 28                   8:30 pm           @ Arizona                         Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field (replay at 1 am)
  5. Sat, Mar 29                 3:00 pm           @ Arizona                         Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field (replay at 7 pm)

In addition, on Thursday, March 27 at 9:00 PM CT, Comcast SportsNet will present viewers with a new half-hour special entitled The Future of Chicago: Cubs & White Sox Emerging Players, hosted by Cubs Pre/Postgame Live host David Kaplan and White Sox Pre/Postgame Live host Chuck Garfien.  This special will provide viewers with a detailed look at all the young and upcoming standouts from both teams, including a one-on-one interview with Cubs SVP/Scouting and Player Development Jason McLeod, a profile on White Sox pitcher Erik Johnson, and insight/breakdown on Cubs and White Sox prospects from MLB.com’s Jim Callis among other highlights.  This program will also re-air on Sat, March 29 at 2:30 PM.

Plus, on Sunday, March 30 at 9:00 PM CT, viewers can look forward to the premiere of the network’s one-hour special entitled Hope Springs Eternal: Cubs and White Sox Season Preview. Among the highlights in the special, hosted by Kaplan and Garfien and featuring reports from Jen Lada and Kelly Crull, will include a complete breakdown and analysis of both teams, prospects to keep an eye on, along with numerous features and player profiles.  This special will also re-air on Mon, March 31 at 1:00 PM, leading up to an expanded, one-hour “Opening Day” edition of White Sox Pregame Live presented by Orland Park Toyota at 2:00 PM.

Comcast SportsNet will also be announcing its complete on-air/online 2014 White Sox and Cubs regular season coverage details next week.