FOX has had the same scorebug for MLB games for the past several years, but the network has created a new design for the 2021 playoffs.
A new scorebug will be used beginning with ALDS Game 1 between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros on FOX Sports 1. The graphic features 3D bases, bigger font and a lot more color. Check it out:
The new @MLBONFOX scorebug debuts this afternoon at CWS-HOU in the ALDS (4 p.m. ET, FS1).
It remains in the bottom right of the screen and replaces the previous design that first debuted in the 2017 #Postseason. pic.twitter.com/riNb1VOM79
— Brandon Costa (@SVG_Brandon) October 7, 2021
As you can see, the new scorebug is a lot less simple than the old one. That tends to not go over well with fans. The reaction to the change was quite predictable.
reject modernity
embrace tradition https://t.co/D8aPlnSwGM— Foolish Baseball (@FoolishBB) October 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/darby_robinson/status/1446188076141711395
I think Fox by FAR has needed a scorebug refresh across all it's sports but this aint it. 3D bases? What is the 2-3 next to the inning?
I feel like they've gotten progressively worse in this department the last ten years. https://t.co/aFnR06rTpD
— Ben Koo (@bkoo) October 7, 2021
https://twitter.com/mikesisak/status/1446179663739592716
If we start now we can cyberbully Fox into changing the scorebug back
— 4 Nations Insider (@EVR551) October 7, 2021
There’s a lot going on with the new scorebug, which is why fans are going to complain. It’s hard to sell viewers on change as it is, let alone making a familiar graphic more complex.
Believe it or not, fans don’t always bash networks for changing their graphics. CBS seemed to get it right when they unveiled a new scorebug during the Super Bowl earlier this year.
