MLB Network today will begin rolling out four new spots to highlight its flagship “MLB Tonight” highlight show, with three more spots planned for later in April. The campaign, titled “Closer To The Game,” focuses on the show’s many live look-ins, and user humor to imagine what it would be like if players could talk back. The ads were shot during Spring Training in Arizona. Players making appearances include Royals C Salvador Perez and P Wade Davis, Blue Jays P Marcus Stroman, Rangers DH Prince Fielder, Reds CF Billy Hamilton, Rockies RF Carlos Gonzalez, A’s RF Josh Reddick and Indians 2B Jason Kipnis. Each player was shot over a green screen and integrated with real game footage. MLB Network personalities appearing in the ads were filmed at the net’s Secaucus, N.J., studios. The campaign was produced in-house by MLB Network, with ads directed by writer/producer Enrico Bolognino. Spots were shot by Hamid Shams of BBP Films. An MLB spokesperson said that a decision had not yet been reached on whether there will be more original spots past April.
