
Cast

Emanating from Studio 42 -- named in honor of Jackie Robinson -- in MLB Network's Secaucus, N.J., headquarters, this series features the Hall of Fame-worthy interview skills of Bob Costas talking baseball with the legends of the game, Hall of Famers in their own right. Guests including Willie Mays, Bob Feller, Hank Aaron, George Brett, Reggie Jackson and Cal Ripken Jr. have graced the replica baseball field-designed studio set, reminiscing with Costas about their days on the diamond while also discussing current events and issues surrounding the game. Costas has also spent time on the show with broadcasters Al Michaels and Ernie Harwell, entertainer and big-time baseball fan Billy Crystal, and fronted episodes discussing baseball in Cuba and the state of umpiring.

The LG Twins, a professional baseball team based in Seoul, has the largest fan base in Korea's sports history but is also considered an unfortunate team that has not raised a championship trophy for the last 28 years. The jewelry watch prize and the famous Japanese Awamori Soju (a premium alcohol beverage made from rice) that the GM from the 1994 winning team has vowed to present and open have become a legacy that no one has yet witnessed. There's even a painful nickname for LG Twins, "a team destined to fail." However, for the 2022 season, two people from the 1994 winning team have stepped up to change the situation. The pitcher turned GM and the shortstop turned coach are the only people who remember the taste of victory 28 years ago.
The Franchise chronicles America's national pastime with a season-long look at the players, coaches and team personnel of a major league baseball team. You'll be right with the team the whole time: during the off-season, at spring training, and along for the rollercoaster ride of the regular season. A remarkable behind-the scenes account of the complex and competitive drama of professional baseball, The Franchise is a grand slam.