New MLB Channel features a studio 42--Neil Best

(Newsday): "Still, for all the urgency, the buzz around the Secaucus, N.J., headquarters is one of calm efficiency as workers build two huge, complex studios -

• one dubbed Studio 3 to honor Babe Ruth,

• the other Studio 42 for Jackie Robinson.

Because the network initially will rely heavily on live studio shows - eight or more hours' worth on a busy summer night - it is important for the sets to be versatile and visually interesting.

• That they are, especially No. 42, which is being constructed as a half-scale faux stadium, complete with brick walls and artificial turf, that can be used for live demonstrations from staff experts such as Al Leiter and Harold Reynolds....

• In the first hour Jan. 1, a studio show, then the first-ever TV replay of
• Don Larsen's 1956 perfect game, with expected appearances by Larsen and Yogi Berra."...

Mr. Best notes MLB Channel chief Petitti aims to offer wide coverage. Best wonders:

• "Does that include the bad stuff? Remember, Petitti answers to MLB owners and executives."...

And baseball fans don't care that this is the way it is (otherwise, things would change). (sm)

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