DenverSportsZone.com ยป MLB Fair Press is a “movement to force Major League Baseball to open up its press pass policy to including the world of legitimate blogging.” Apparently MLB has a league wide ban on issuing credentials to independent websites.
The authors of the site came across this information while applying for press credentials for the Colorado Rockies. He was denied based on the MLB policy.
Assuming this is true, this is disappointing to say the least. I understand the apprehension, but a blanket policy probably isn’t the best way to deal with it. Most of the teams are probably familiar with most of the blogs that aren’t following them. It should be up to the individual teams whether or not they grant access.
Has anybody actually had luck applying for credentials?
Hat tip Redleg Nation
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Not MLB, but Redleg Nation has been granted media credentials from the Dayton Dragons minor league team. It’s how one of our contributors interviewed last year’s Reds #1 draft pick in the dugout last weekend.
I do know that the MLS has been friendly to bloggers, as have several NHL owners…but not the MLB, except apparently one guy who got access to the As.
I tried to get access to the MLB Press Box on MLB.com and was denied. Bloggers will have an uphill battle in getting journalistic respect due to the relative ease of being a blogger versus a beat reporter from a traditianal meadia outlet. I have chosed to take a more grass roots approach by working with minor league teams and working my way up. The way I figure, if you can prove that you will write and blog with integrity, soon the blog barrier will break and there will be a blogger in the major leagues.
The Washington Nationals are considering it….
I do some work on the Nationals’ side with mvn.com, and the Washington Nationals seem to have a liberal approach towards the issue.
As well, I know the website, Orioles Hangout at http://orioleshangout.com has credentials with the Orioles…
Thanks for the info Anthony. I think it’s great that some teams are willing to make their own rules.
What’s ashame is that there are clubs that will just hold up the MLB rule and not explore other options.
I have submitted my information for consideration to the Milwaukee Brewers this week and was denied. Is there any updates in regards to the 2008 MLB policy for bloggers?
Please email me if you have any updates!
Thanks,
Michael
ruschm@gmail.com
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
In obtaining credentials try coming at MLB obliquely. In my case I am from North Brookfield, Massachusetts, where Connie Mack grew up. His hometown is East Brookfield. Mr. Mack was the first All-Star Game American League Manager.
It seems MLB has a “holier than thou” attitude.Face it. Bloggers bring the truth.. even in MLB. Carry-on fellow bloggers.
Bob Potvin
508-867-3360
Has anyone had any luck getting access to the (formerly) open and free MLB Pressbox website?
Do I need media credentials/permission in order to post photos I have taken at MLB games on my website? The photos would be used to illustrate free baseball instruction articles. In other words, I don’t think this is considered commercial use of a photo.