Veteran Sports Anchors Mark Giangreco and Jim Rose, will join the acclaimed Chicago Cubs broadcast team of Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies as part of the station's 1 PM coverage -- in anticipation of ABC 7's first Cubs broadcast since 1949. (In 1949, the Cubs games aired on ABC owned WENR-TV, a precursor to ABC 7/WLS-TV). Rose will also serve as a sideline reporter throughout the April 8th game. ABC 7 Meteorologist Cheryl Scott will provide the game time forecast prior to the start of the game.
Then, beginning with the first pitch at 1:20 PM, ABC 7 will capture all the action with Len Kasper's play-by-play calls and Jim Deshaies analysis. Eyewitness News Anchor Ron Magers will be making a special 5th inning appearance in the broadcast booth.
Throughout ABC 7's Cubs broadcast schedule, various ABC 7 talent will be featured in the booth during the home games.
A new music and graphics package will be featured for the 24 games the station broadcasts in 2015.
"Broadcasting Chicago Cubs baseball on ABC 7 is an exciting moment in our station's history. We are thrilled to be a part of this new chapter with the Chicago Cubs organization and are looking forward to kicking off our coverage with the fierce Cubs-Cardinals rivalry," said John Idler, President and General Manager, ABC 7.
ABC 7 will air 24 games per year through 2019, as a result of its partnership with the Chicago Cubs.
On days when ABC 7 broadcasts weekday, afternoon Cubs games, the station's regularly scheduled afternoon programming will move to overnight:
1:05 AM INSIDE EDTION
1:35 ABC 7 News rebroadcast
2:10 GENERAL HOSPITAL
3:10 JEOPARDY
3:40 ABC WORLD NEWS NOW