{"id":140499,"date":"2026-01-16T08:22:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T08:22:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=140499"},"modified":"2026-01-16T08:22:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T08:22:14","slug":"report-fans-werent-expecting-this-especially-in-spring-the-orioles-have-raised-the-bar-with-unprecedented-spring-training-coverage-on-masn-airing-more-games-than-ever-and-signaling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=140499","title":{"rendered":"REPORT: Fans weren\u2019t expecting this\u2014especially in spring. The Orioles have raised the bar with unprecedented spring training coverage on MASN, airing more games than ever and signaling a deeper push to connect with fans. With Josh Lewin joining the booth, even preseason baseball now feels like a showcase\u2014hinting that something bigger may be brewing in Baltimore"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Orioles Announce Record 20 Televised Spring Training Games as New MASN Era Begins<\/h2>\n

<\/p>\n

The Baltimore Orioles<\/strong> have officially announced a major expansion of their spring training television coverage<\/strong>, signaling a new era of flexibility and fan access following the resolution of their long-running broadcast dispute with the Washington Nationals. In a move that underscores the organization\u2019s growing confidence and media independence, the Orioles will televise a record 20 spring training games<\/strong> this year \u2014 the most in franchise history.<\/p>\n

Of those 20 broadcasts, 19 games will be called remotely from Baltimore<\/strong>, reflecting both advancements in broadcast technology and a cost-efficient strategy that still prioritizes high-quality coverage for fans.<\/p>\n

Orioles No Longer Limited by Nationals Television Restrictions<\/h3>\n

In previous seasons, the Orioles and Nationals were required to televise the same number of spring training games<\/strong> due to the shared structure of the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN)<\/strong>. That restriction stemmed from a lengthy and contentious financial dispute<\/strong> between the two franchises over television rights revenue.<\/p>\n

However, with last year\u2019s settlement finally resolving the MASN money conflict, the Orioles are now free to determine their own broadcast strategy \u2014 and they wasted no time taking advantage of that freedom.<\/p>\n

The result is a significantly expanded spring training television slate that gives fans unprecedented access to the team\u2019s preparations for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n

Nationals Take a Different Broadcasting Path<\/h3>\n

\"Baltimore<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the Orioles\u2019 announcement came just days after the Washington Nationals revealed a dramatic shift of their own<\/strong>. On Wednesday, the Nationals confirmed that they will not televise their games on MASN<\/strong> this season.<\/p>\n

Instead, Washington will join a growing list of MLB teams opting to broadcast games directly through Major League Baseball<\/strong>, embracing a league-managed streaming and distribution model.<\/p>\n

This divergence highlights the changing media landscape in Major League Baseball, where teams are increasingly exploring alternatives to traditional regional sports networks.<\/p>\n

All Orioles Games Will Air on MASN and MASN+<\/h3>\n

For Orioles fans, the picture is now simpler and more centralized.<\/p>\n

All Orioles games this season will be televised on MASN<\/strong>, eliminating the need for MASN2<\/strong>, which had previously been used to accommodate overlapping Orioles and Nationals broadcasts. In addition, games will also be available on MASN+<\/strong>, providing enhanced digital access for viewers who prefer streaming platforms.<\/p>\n

This streamlined approach should reduce confusion and improve consistency for fans following the team throughout the season.<\/p>\n

Full Orioles Spring Training Television Schedule<\/h3>\n

The Orioles\u2019 20-game spring training broadcast schedule spans from late February through late March, giving fans extensive coverage of roster battles, prospect debuts, and preseason storylines.<\/p>\n

The televised spring training dates are:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • \n

    February:<\/strong> 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 28<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    March:<\/strong> 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    In addition to those games, the Orioles will televise two special exhibitions:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • \n

      March 20:<\/strong> Spring Breakout game against the top Boston Red Sox prospects<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      March 22:<\/strong> Exhibition game against the Washington Nationals<\/strong> at Oriole Park at Camden Yards<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      These additional broadcasts provide fans with a look at both the organization\u2019s top young talent and a familiar regional rival.<\/p>\n

      Radio Coverage Expands as Well<\/h3>\n

      \"Orioles<\/p>\n

      The Orioles\u2019 commitment to expanded coverage isn\u2019t limited to television. WBAL Radio and 98 Rock<\/strong> will broadcast 12 spring training games<\/strong>, offering fans another way to follow the team.<\/p>\n

      The radio broadcast dates include:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • \n

        February:<\/strong> 20, 21, 22, 28<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        March:<\/strong> 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        This combination of television and radio coverage ensures that fans have multiple options to stay connected throughout spring training.<\/p>\n

        Josh Lewin Joins Orioles Radio Broadcast Team<\/h3>\n

        One of the most notable personnel announcements accompanying the broadcast schedule is the addition of veteran broadcaster Josh Lewin<\/strong> to the Orioles\u2019 radio booth.<\/p>\n

        Lewin is no stranger to Orioles fans. He previously broadcast games for the team in 1995 and 1996<\/strong> while working with WBAL radio. His return brings experience, familiarity, and credibility to the broadcast team.<\/p>\n

        Following the departure of Geoff Arnold<\/strong>, Lewin will join Brett Hollander and Ben Wagner<\/strong> as the Orioles\u2019 lead radio broadcasters.<\/p>\n

        The move strengthens the radio lineup and ensures continuity and professionalism across Orioles game coverage.<\/p>\n

        Kevin Brown, Jim Palmer, and Ben McDonald Return to TV Booth<\/h3>\n

        On the television side, stability remains a key theme.<\/p>\n

          \n
        • \n

          Kevin Brown<\/strong> returns as the Orioles\u2019 lead television play-by-play broadcaster<\/strong>, continuing his role as the primary voice of the team.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Jim Palmer<\/strong>, the Hall of Famer and longtime Orioles analyst, returns as a primary analyst<\/strong>, offering his trademark insight and historical perspective.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

        • \n

          Ben McDonald<\/strong> also resumes his role as a primary analyst, providing detailed pitching analysis and modern perspective.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          In addition, Brian Roberts<\/strong> will once again contribute analysis on select broadcasts, adding a former player\u2019s viewpoint to the coverage.<\/p>\n

          Pregame and Postgame Shows Remain Strong<\/h3>\n

          The Orioles\u2019 broadcast ecosystem is further bolstered by their studio coverage.<\/p>\n

          Rob Long<\/strong> and Melanie Newman<\/strong> will host Orioles pregame and postgame shows on MASN<\/strong> throughout the season. Newman, recently named Maryland Sportscaster of the Year<\/strong>, continues to be a rising presence in Orioles media coverage.<\/p>\n

          Their roles ensure that fans receive in-depth analysis, interviews, and context before and after each game.<\/p>\n

          What This Means for Orioles Fans<\/h3>\n

          For Orioles fans, this announcement represents a significant win.<\/p>\n

            \n
          • \n

            More televised spring training games than ever before<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            No shared broadcast restrictions with the Nationals<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            Simplified access through MASN and MASN+<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

          • \n

            A strong, experienced broadcast team across TV and radio<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            The expanded coverage reflects the organization\u2019s commitment to fan engagement and transparency as the team continues to build on-field momentum.<\/p>\n

            Spring training is more than preseason baseball \u2014 it\u2019s where young prospects emerge, roster battles are decided, and optimism is renewed. By televising a record number of games, the Orioles are inviting fans deeper into that process than ever before.<\/p>\n

            Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n

            The Orioles\u2019 decision to televise 20 spring training games<\/strong> marks a turning point not just in coverage, but in organizational autonomy. Freed from past constraints and backed by a talented broadcast team, Baltimore is setting a new standard for how it connects with its fan base.<\/p>\n

            As the 2026 season approaches, Orioles fans can look forward to unprecedented access, familiar voices, and comprehensive coverage \u2014 all signs of a franchise fully embracing its future both on and off the field.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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