Many baseball fans will now be able to enjoy all of their favorite MLB Network programming on television, on their computer or on*mobile devices via MLB.com's At Bat app after the network launched their new authenticated 24/7 live stream.
The new streaming service launched prior to Thursday's broadcast of the San Francisco Giants-New York Mets game at Citi Field.
It marks the first time that a league-owned television sports network has offered live, authenticated stream of its programming on PC/Mac, iPhone, iPad and supported Android smartphones and tablets across multiple distributors.
It again shows that MLB remains one step ahead of the other leagues in terms of embracing online audiences and providing convenient coverage for its fans. Unfortunately, there is one*big catch that will still keep some baseball fans on the outside looking in.*
Subscribers to the stream must prove that they’re also signed up with a participating pay-TV service, which means cord cutters and those living outside the United States are excluded from the offer even if they’re paying for MLB.TV Premium.
According to Maury Brown of Forbes, the list of participating service providers so far includes AT&T U-Verse, Bright House Networks, Cablevision/Optimum, Cox, DirecTV, Dish Network, Time Warner Cable, and Verizon Fios. That's eight of the top ten pay TV providers in the U.S, but it leaves Comcast and Charter Communications subscribers in the dark at least initially.
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Those with access will have to provide a*username and password from their cable provider to view the stream.*
According to the MLB Network press release,*the stream will include all MLB Network studio shows, original programming, regular season, Postseason and Spring Training game telecasts, and analysis from their vast crew of MLB experts, insiders and former players. All game broadcasts will still be subject to*local blackouts. That's not a surprise, of course, but is still worth noting.*
Though not the ideal set up initially, this is obviously a big step for MLB and a great offering to those with access. It's still in its infancy as well, which means there's plenty of room for growth and adjustments down the road that could potentially include all*MLB.TV Premium subscribers regardless of cable status or location.*
Given the effort the league and MLB Advance Media have put into the venture, we're sure efforts will be made to cover those bases as well. MLBAM is always looking to expand and provide content on a level above everyone else in sports and will no doubt continue striving to reach as many fans as possible. **

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813