There are a lot of dumb rules in sports, especially when it comes to television blackouts. Major League Baseball has been at the forefront of criticism for its blackout rules, and this Saturday there will undoubtedly be another swarm of criticism over this:
↵↵↵The Detroit Tigers’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at 7 p.m. Saturday will not be televised due to Major League Baseball’s primetime exclusivity for "Fox Saturday Baseball."
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Games that fall into the national broadcast window won't be on TV. Instead people in Michigan will get to watch either the Cubs/Red Sox or Yankees/Mets. How exciting!
↵I realize this national exclusivity window is in Fox's contract with MLB, but I really don't understand it. Will that many more people watch the game on Fox because the local team's game isn't on TV? I know I won't be wasting my time watching a Yankees or Red Sox game just because the Tigers aren't on TV, and I'm sure the majority of baseball fans in other markets would agree.