The Home Run Derby for this year's All-Star festivities is looking a lot different. For the first time in over a decade, the event will no longer have a pitch clock, with the eight competing sluggers transitioning to a swing-based format instead.
However, another change the event is having is where viewers can watch. For the first time ever, the Home Run Derby is being held as a live streaming event on Netflix, available for anyone with a subscription to the streaming service.
Netflix has been increasingly getting involved in major sporting events, and this year they even bought the rights to Opening Night, showcasing the very first game of the season when the San Francisco Giants hosted the New York Yankees.
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Unfortunately, not every MLB fan is appreciative of how Netflix is handling the Home Run Derby this year. Part of the appeal of watching the event is seeing the swings from the league's best power hitters in all their glory.
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However, a recurring theme from fans on X is that the camera angles this season are not doing the players justice, particularly during the opening round. Fans voiced their frustration on X.
"The camera angles in this Home Run Derby are just not it…. SMH Netflix," wrote a fan.
Another said, "Home run derby where the camera doesn’t show the batter swing, and using stupid angles. Thanks Netflix."
One more added, "My gosh… these @netflix camera angles in the Home Run Derby are atrocious."
"@netflix Fix your camera angles!! Absolute trash! Why do we want to see a zoomed up shot of the pitcher in a home run derby? Can we please see the actual SWINGS???" asked a fan.
"@MLB @netflix this is the worst broadcast of the home run derby I’ve ever seen. These camera angles and zooms are terrible. Show the pitcher angle or behind home plate, also where are the exit velocities and launch angles? Just awful stuff," wrote another.
It is a notable early stumbling block for Netflix as they continue to expand their live sports footprint, and if the camera issues persist into the later rounds, it could overshadow what is otherwise one of the more entertaining events of the baseball calendar.
