MLB-N To Debut Reality Series "The Pen" This Sunday

"The Pen", a reality show which follows the goings on of the Philadelphia Phillies bullpen, is set to debut this Sunday on the MLB Network. The show gives unprecedented access to a Major League club, and will be narrated by none other than Mitch Williams....

The Pen takes a look at the players’ lives following the team’s 2008 World Series win and the pressures of keeping their roster spot for the 2009 team. The series features relief pitchers Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, J.C. Romero, Scott Eyre, Clay Condrey, Chad Durbin, Gary Majewski, Jack Taschner, J.A. Happ, Chan Ho Park and bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer, and follows them to everything from fishing trips and youth baseball games to the White House for a post-World Series visit. The program also speaks with players following the sudden death of longtime Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas on April 13.

“As a reality-based series The Pen is the ultimate look into the lives of these players, both on and off the field,” said Tony Petitti, President and CEO of MLB Network. “So much of what we know about relief pitchers is based on statistics and saves, and a series like The Pen gives a level of familiarity to each player.”

The program, a co-production between MLB Network and MLB Productions, marks the first program ever produced using a camera and microphones installed in a Major League bullpen to film in-game and practice footage. Two other cameras were installed in Citizens Bank Park - one behind home plate and one at low first base - and were controlled by MLB Network’s headquarters in Secaucus, New Jersey. Producer Danny Field suited up as a catcher with a camera attached to his mask to capture footage during Spring Training in Clearwater, Florida.

The details of the press release alone should be enough to make you want to watch, but after watching the preview, I'm officially in. The schedule is below if you want to mark your calendars....

June 14th – 8:00 p.m. Debut, Episode One
June 21th – 9:00 p.m. Episode Two
June 28th – 8:30 p.m. Episode Three
July 12th – 8:30 p.m. Episode Four
July 19th – 8:30 p.m. Episode Five
July 26th – 8:30 p.m. Finale, Episode Six