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FOX Sports Sets Postseason Lineup Led by Hall of Famers, World Champions and Lauded Broadcasters

Powerhouse Studio Team of Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez and Kevin Burkhardt Set the Stage for FOX Sports’ Postseason Coverage

Lead Broadcasters Joe Davis and John Smoltz Reunite with Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci for the 120th Fall Classic  

NEW YORK – With the magic of October baseball in full swing, FOX Sports reveals the starting lineup for its coverage of the National League Division Series presented by Booking.com (NLDS), National League Championship Series (NLCS) presented by loanDepot and 120th World Series presented by Capital One. Today’s announcement was made by Brad Zager, President of Production & Operations, Executive Producer.

FOX MLB POSTSEASON STUDIO

40 All-Star Game appearances. 38 Postseason appearances. 10 World Series championships. Altogether, FOX MLB’s studio analysts bring an unprecedented amount of experience and success to the network’s coverage.

The collective, star-studded group which represents an entire generation of baseball – first-ballot Hall of Famers Derek Jeter and David Ortiz and World Series champion Alex Rodriguez – welcomes in viewers to the network’s Emmy Award-winning FOX MLB studio coverage, anchored by veteran host Kevin Burkhardt. World Series champion Dontrelle Willis also joins the team throughout the NLDS.

Acclaimed reporters Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci are set to contribute, in addition to highlighted features from the renowned Tom Rinaldi.

Postseason pregame and postgame shows open from the Los Angeles studio for the NLDS before shifting to on-site locations for the NLCS and World Series.

FOX MLB GAME COVERAGE

FOX Sports begins its Postseason coverage Saturday, Oct. 5 at 4:00 PM ET on FOX, FOX Deportes and the FOX Sports app as the New York Mets face the Philadelphia Phillies. The lauded three-man booth of World Series champions Adam Wainwright, AJ Pierzynski and play-by-play announcer Adam Amin reunite for the call. Verducci rounds out the crew from Citizens Bank Park in what is primed to be a huge day for Pennsylvania sports fans as Game 1 of the NLDS is preceded by BIG NOON SATURDAY’s UCLA-Penn State clash.

The network’s lead booth of Joe Davis and first-ballot Hall of Famer John Smoltz take the call from Dodger Stadium, while Rosenthal reports from the field, as NLDS coverage continues at 8:30 PM ET on FS1, FOX Deportes and the FOX Sports app when the San Diego Padres head to Los Angeles to battle the Dodgers.

Davis and Smoltz team with Rosenthal and Verducci throughout the rest of the Postseason for the NLCS and World Series.

All FOX MLB Postseason games will stream on the FOX Sports app, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content through iOS and Android devices. Each game will also be available to stream in 4K on connected TV and “living room” apps, including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV and Roku devices.

FOX DEPORTES

The leader in Spanish-language MLB coverage for more than two decades, FOX Deportes’ roster is led by veteran play-by-play announcer Adrian Garcia-Marquez, analyst and former MLB infielder Edgar Gonzalez, announcer/reporter Carlos Alvarez and veteran reporter/analyst Jaime Motta. Also joining the team throughout the Postseason are reporters Michelle Liendo and Rolando Nichols.

In addition to live broadcasts of each game, the network’s new daily program, TOTAL SPORTS 360, offers highlights, interviews and live reports throughout the Postseason.

FOX Deportes also presents BEISBOLEROS, a brand-new weekly digital baseball program featuring news, analysis, audience interaction, player interviews and more featuring Alvarez and Liendo.

James Jones

James Jones, a member of the FOX Sports family since 2022, serves as the co-host for FS1’s daily studio show, THE FACILITY, a position to which he was assigned in the fall of 2024.

A former standout on the gridiron at wide receiver, Jones was drafted in the third round by the Green Bay Packers in 2007 and played nine NFL seasons for the Packers and Oakland Raiders, earning a Super Bowl ring in 2011 with Green Bay. Having played eight seasons with the Packers, he finished his career as one of the franchise’s all-time greatest wideouts.

Jones played college football at San Jose State University, where he was named offensive MVP of the inaugural New Mexico Bowl and earned second team All-WAC honors his senior year.

Prior to joining FOX Sports, Jones was a studio analyst on NFL Network, appearing on a variety of programs such as NFL Total Access.

Inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic to Debut on Martin Luther King Jr. Day Featuring Powerhouse Women’s College Basketball Lineup

FOX Sports, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Playfly Sports team up to launch first-of-its-kind event featuring Baylor, Maryland, Texas, UCLA at Newark’s Prudential Center airing nationally on FOX

Tickets On Sale via Prucenter.comTicketmaster, and Prudential Center’s Box Office

NEWARK, N.J. (September 24, 2024) – FOX Sports, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), and Playfly Sports today announced a first-of-its-kind Division I women’s basketball doubleheader, dubbed the Coretta Scott King Classic. The inaugural event will be held on January 20, 2025 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, featuring four prestigious programs: Baylor, Maryland, Texas, and UCLA. The showcase will air on the FOX broadcast network.

The Coretta Scott King Classic (CSKC) was formed to honor the legacy of Mrs. King and celebrate female empowerment in sports. This is the first time the names of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King have been licensed for a sporting event.  The CSKC joint venture partners have partnered with The King Center, founded by Coretta Scott King and currently led by their daughter Dr. Bernice A. King, to launch this event.

“My mother, Mrs. Coretta Scott King, is often thought of and honored as my father’s dedicated spouse and life partner. But she was also a civil and human rights stalwart in her own right,” said Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center. “She lived for almost four decades following my father, Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination and continued the work to create a humane, just, equitable and peaceful world through ‘Kingian’ nonviolence. She was a leading advocate and activist in the causes of women’s equality and empowerment. During a time when the recognition of female empowerment is on the rise and the fight for gender equality in sports is beginning to bear fruit, honoring my mother through a women’s college basketball event bearing her name is timely and fitting. Her enduring message of love and nonviolence is sorely needed during the challenging times we currently face. I pray the use of her name for this event further fosters the perpetuation of her indelible legacy.”

“We wanted to create an event with deeper meaning, one that encapsulates female empowerment and diversity in sports, during this time of meteoric growth for women’s sports, and we feel we’ve checked all those boxes,” said Michael Neuman, Co-Head of Playfly Sports Consulting, a division of Playfly Sports. “Being able to work with Dr. Bernice King and The King Center to honor her parents on MLK Day through such a prolific event, coupled with four powerhouse women’s basketball programs, you won’t want to be anywhere else on the afternoon of January 20th, other than Prudential Center or watching on FOX. Last year, college women’s basketball saw a 104 percent increase in viewership, and that number isn’t going to slow down.”

Broadcast nationally on FOX, the games will take place at 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM ET, with matchups of UCLA vs. Baylor and Texas vs. Maryland. Specific matchup time assignments to be announced. Three of the four teams finished inside the top 15 of the 2023-24 Associated Press rankings, while two are projected to be placed in the preseason top 10 and another in the top 15. 

“FOX Sports is thrilled to honor the legacy of Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by shining a light on the exponential growth of women’s basketball on a national stage on the FOX broadcast network,” said Jordan Bazant, Executive Vice President, FOX Sports. “The creation of the CSKC is a testament to the power and reach of women’s sports and we could not be more excited to showcase these elite programs and exceptional student-athletes to viewers across the country.”

“As women’s sports continues its enormous growth and popularity across the country, HBSE is honored to host perennial powers Baylor, Maryland, Texas, and UCLA for the inaugural Coretta Scott King Classic at Prudential Center this Martin Luther King Day,” said Dylan Wanagiel, Vice President, Sports Properties and Special Events, HBSE/Prudential Center. “HBSE is incredibly excited to collaborate with Playfly Sports and FOX Sports to attract some of the best women’s college basketball programs in the nation to Newark. Hosting this historic women’s basketball event embodies the spirit of empowerment and equality which Mrs. King championed, as these student-athletes continue to uplift the next generation of leaders, both on and off the court.”

Dr. King historically had several ties to the state of New Jersey. Dr. King primarily lived in Camden from 1948-51 while serving as a seminarian in Philadelphia. Many believe King’s initial fight for civil rights began in Camden when he was informed of a restaurant in Maple Shade that was denying service to black patrons. Dr. King and a group of companions visited the restaurant, and when denied service, refused to leave. This is widely regarded as one of Dr. King’s first acts of civil disobedience. Additionally, he received an honorary Doctorate of Law from Jersey City’s St. Peter’s College in 1965 and gave multiple speeches within New Jersey borders.

Tickets for the Coretta Scott King Classic are on sale now via Prucenter.com, Ticketmaster, and Prudential Center’s Box Office.  For Group opportunities and experiences for 10+ people, contact 973-757-6000 or email groupevents@prucenter.com. For Premium seating opportunities, visit prucenter.com/premium.

Hear from the Head Coaches…

“We are very honored to have the opportunity to compete in the first-ever Coretta Scott King Classic in Newark. It is a privilege to honor such a powerful woman and her family on Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year as we play to celebrate their legacy of courage and commitment to social justice. Getting a chance to test ourselves on a national stage against an elite Bruin team will provide valuable experience for us in March. I can’t wait to see our fans in the northeast take over the Prudential Center.”

–  Baylor Head Coach Nicki Collen

“We are thrilled to honor the legacy of Coretta Scott King and the entire King family by playing in this inaugural event. Bringing strong, fearless women together to play these games is such a special way to honor Coretta Scott King’s memory and to educate others about the integral role she played in fighting for civil rights. We are honored to be included in this event.”

– Maryland Head Coach Brenda Frese

“We here at The University of Texas are both excited and honored to take part in this event. Knowing the impact that Martin Luther King, Jr. has had on our country and in the world, and to be part of an event named after his wife on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is an honor for us here at The University of Texas. We are excited about the opportunity to play Maryland, a well-coached and outstanding basketball team. We look forward to the opportunity”

– Texas Head Coach Vic Schaefer 

“To be a part of excellent competition in playing Baylor and having national exposure is always special. When you can couple it with such an amazing, important cause and recognition in the Coretta Scott King Classic – acknowledging the great work of the King family – that’s really unique. It’s really an honor to be a part of it, and I love the vision that has been executed here. We’re lucky to be participating in such a great event!”

– The Michael Price Family UCLA Head Coach Cori Close

Follow us on social media for more up-to-date information as it becomes available: @CSKClassic (X) and @CorettaScottKingClassic (Instagram).

Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce, a former NBA Finals MVP and 10-time NBA All-Star, serves as co-host for FS1’s daily studio show, SPEAK, alongside Joy Taylor and Keyshawn Johnson, airing weekdays at 5:00 PM ET. Known as “The Truth” for his clutch performances and scoring ability, Pierce brings his wealth of basketball knowledge to the FOX Sports family.

During his illustrious 19-year NBA career on the court, Pierce earned a reputation as one of the league’s most versatile and dynamic forwards. He spent the majority of his career with the Boston Celtics, where he led the team to an NBA Championship in 2008, claiming Finals MVP honors in the process. Over his career, Pierce amassed over 26,000 points, ranking among the top scorers in NBA history.

A standout at the University of Kansas, Pierce was drafted 10th overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1998 NBA Draft. Known for his leadership on and off the court, Pierce’s legendary career also saw him play for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Clippers before retiring in 2017.

Since transitioning to broadcasting, Pierce has brought his on-court experience and candid commentary to various sports networks, offering viewers an authentic and engaging perspective on today’s sports landscape.

In addition to his broadcasting career, Pierce is active in community and charitable work, including his Truth Fund, which provides resources and educational support to underprivileged youth.

FOX Sports Debuts New Original Podcast Series TOM RINALDI PRESENTS: SACRED ACRE

Emmy-Winning Storyteller Tom Rinaldi’s Newest Episodic Podcast Series Chronicles the Life, Tragic Death, and Enduring Legacy of Beloved Iowa High School Football Coach, Ed Thomas

Los Angeles – FOX Sports proudly announces the release of the latest installment in its acclaimed original podcast series, TOM RINALDI PRESENTS: SACRED ACRE, premiering today, September 19. The new season of FOX Sports’ award-winning serialized audio documentary series, crafted by 17-time Emmy-winning storyteller Tom Rinaldi, delves into the remarkable and heart-wrenching story of Ed Thomas, one of America’s most esteemed high school football coaches, who was tragically murdered by a former player in 2009.

The first two episodes of TOM RINALDI PRESENTS: SACRED ACRE are available now across all major podcast platforms, including Apple and Spotify, as well as FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App. The remaining four episodes release the following Thursdays, culminating with the series finale on October 17.

  • Click HERE to subscribe and listen to THE SACRED ACRE on Apple
  • Click HERE to subscribe and listen to THE SACRED ACRE on Spotify

Narrated by Rinaldi, the podcast explores Thomas’ extraordinary journey and tragic death – from building a tiny team in Parkersburg, Iowa into a state powerhouse and being named the NFL High School Coach of the Year along the way, to his pivotal role in rebuilding the small town after it was demolished by one of the deadliest tornadoes in state history. Thomas was a beloved member of the community until his untimely death.

Just a year after the devastating tornado and coaching his team through a defiant and resilient season, Thomas was gone – murdered on school grounds during a morning workout in front of his players and students. But why did it happen?

Were there signs of such danger, before the shooting ever took place and could it have been prevented? What has changed, if anything, in the wake of such a tragedy and how has such violence, 15 years later, touched the Thomas family yet again?

Through Rinaldi’s unmatched storytelling, listeners gain insight into the immense legacy Thomas left behind, not only as a two-time state champion coach who helped produce four NFL players, but as a mentor who shaped so many lives. Featuring exclusive interviews and never-before-heard accounts, SACRED ACRE explores powerful themes of leadership, faith, and forgiveness in the wake of unthinkable tragedy.

For Rinaldi, SACRED ACRE represents the second chapter of his award-winning TOM RINALDI PRESENTS podcast series. The first, WESLEY, profiled the gripping story of Lyman Wesley Bostock Jr., the activist-turned-athlete who became one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball, and tragically, was murdered in-season during the height of his career.

A world class storyteller, Rinaldi’s illustrious career includes 17 national Sports Emmy Awards, seven national Edward R. Murrow Awards and a New York Times best-selling book.

SACRED ACRE is the latest addition to the FOX Sports Podcast Network, joining an established lineup of award-winning original digital podcasts that have amassed millions of listeners and fans. Additional FOX Sports digital originals include THE JOEL KLATT SHOW, WHAT’S WRIGHT? WITH NICK WRIGHT, ALL FACTS NO BRAKES WITH KEYSHAWN JOHNSON, ALEXI LALAS’ STATE OF THE UNION PODCAST, KEVIN HARVICK’S HAPPY HOUR, BEAR BETS and the NFL ON FOX PODCAST.

SACRED ACRE, produced for FOX Sports in conjunction with Blue Duck Media, is executive produced by FOX Sports’ Eric Shanks, Charlie Dixon and Rinaldi, alongside Gabe Goodwin from Blue Duck Media.

For more information on FOX Sports programming, visit FOX Sports Press Pass and follow @FOXSportsPR on Twitter.

About FOX Sports

FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing Fox Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, the business has ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes. FOX Sports’ digital properties include FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, which provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content, instant scores, stats and alerts to iOS and Android devices. Also included in FOX Sports’ portfolio are FOX’s interests in joint-venturebusinesses Big Ten Network and the UFL and a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.

 Contact

Jase Bandelow | Jase.Bandelow@FOX.com