As part of the All-Time Games series, the MLB Network will telecast the shootout of the Cubs versus the Pirates from Sunday, April 21, 1991 at Three Rivers Stadium on Sunday night at 7:00pm C.T.
For those counting down the day until the Cubs Convention (the CCO will post the full schedule of the 24th Annual Convention later on Sunday) and to Spring Training, the MLB Network will give the Faithful a chance to watch a Cubs team that featured the likes of Ryne Sandberg, Mark Grace, Andre Dawson, Shawon Dunston and George Bell. Cubs Starting Lineup:
- Jerome Walton – CF
- Ryne Sandberg – 2B
- Mark Grace – 1B
- George Bell – LF
- Andre Dawson – RF
- Shawon Dunston – SS
- Gary Scott – 3B
- Erik Pappas – C
- Mike Harkey – P
Pirates Starting Lineup:
- Orlando Merced – 1B
- Jay Bell – SS
- Andy Van Slyke – CF
- Bobby Bonilla – RF
- Barry Bonds – LF
- Jeff King – 3B
- Mike LaValliere – C
- Jose Lind – 2B
- Randy Tomlin – P
The Cubs lost the game 13-12 in 11 innings but Ryne Sandberg and Andre Dawson both went 3-for-6. The Cubs scored five runs in the top of the 11th….the Pirates scored six in the bottom half for the win. Heathcliff Slocomb and Mike Bielecki surrendered the six runs and Bielecki took the loss.
The first eleven days of the MLB Network has been very successful. From the historical games, to Ken Burns’ Baseball, to the Hot Stove Show the network has not disappointed. The new channel should add a new dimension to Spring Training and the regular season that other outlets simply cannot provide.
For all of the criticism Major League Baseball receives, they appear to have gotten one right.