Normally, we answer email's directly in our "Ask The Truck" feature. But, in this case, a number of fans have asked about camera positions at Miller Park. So, talented director Michael Oddino was kind enough to post this entry:

Hey everyone, Michael Oddino here. Thank you for your questions this year. It has been fun for us behind the scenes to connect with our viewers.

The fan's view of the pitcher/batter has been debated for as long as television has covered America's past time. It became a hot topic again in recent years when ESPN decided to use the dead center look in their coverage. 

The offset center field camera became the standard in the 1950's. With few exceptions its always been offset into left field and slightly elevated. It can be anywhere from 10 to 30 feet above the field. At this height it's necessary to position the camera off center  to prevent the pitcher from blocking the view of the batter and catcher. Critics charge the offset look gives a skewed view of balls and strikes. The common argument is that the umpire stands directly behind the plate why would the center field camera not be directly in line with home plate. 

I'm sure you're asking why the camera wasn't placed higher back in the early days. The commonly held belief is it came down to the cost of building a platform tall enough to make a dead center camera possible. A dead center platform is generally about 45 feet in the air.

Today there are only three MLB teams that utilize the dead center look. The dead center look is not without its detractors. While you may be able to better see if the ball went over the plate its generally believed it's harder to judge the height of the ball.

Ron Gralnik, FSN Vice President, is a supporter of the dead center camera. He feels it takes the guesswork out of judging balls and strikes. He does acknowledge though that most modern ballparks don't have the infrastructure to support the dead center look. The extra cost and extra effort to build the necessary platform just isn't worth it.

Even ESPN discontinued using the dead center look when they realized how much labor and how many complications were involved in making it happen. They also found they couldn't get the dead center camera at the same uniform height in every park.

Personally I'm 50-50 on the topic. I see the pros and cons of both looks. We don't use the dead center look at Miller Park because the existing platform is built in the offset position. We are very fortunate to have a overhead camera positioned directly over home plate that aids us in giving the fan at home a great perspective of where the pitch was located.

At the end of the day I don't think it matters which camera angle is used it's not going to stop any baseball fan from saying "Come on ump where was that pitch?"  

...from the beach

...to the ballpark

Tuesday, I had the chance to make a S.C.O.R.E day appearance with Trevor Hoffman at Lincoln Elementary in Wauwatosa. My message to the students is to make sure they know they are special. Each of them has a unique set of gifts and talents that can make them successful. I always leave them with one phrase: "What makes you special...does not make you special!" I'm no great sage but I try to make sure they realize that despite special talents, none of us should expect special treatment. It's important to think about others, to be respectful and appreciate the opportunities we are given.

Living in the fantasy world of Major League Baseball, this message is sometimes easier to hear than believe. Not with Trevor Hoffman as the headliner, however. What an impressive individual. As I told the Lincoln students, here is a man who has a gift that has allowed him to achieve more saves than any player in the history of baseball. He's a lock for the Hall of Fame. He's spent nearly two decades performing at a very high level and making an impact on his community both on and off the field. Despite his accomplishments, he doesn't require special treatment. On this day, Trevor was the first one there, he always shows up on time. He signed autographs, took pictures and did it with a smile. He's one of those individuals that is as respectful to the batboy as he is the owner. 

His message to the students was thoughtful and deep. He spoke for nearly an hour and you could tell he prepared his message at length. I couldn't help think how rare his character is in this "look at me" society.

Hoffman is an "above and beyond" guy. That applies to his baseball career and it certainly applied to his message to the students Tuesday at Lincoln Elementary. Kudos to Trevor. Kudos to Katina Shaw, Larry Hisle and the Brewers players. Every player made an appearance at a local school Tuesday on behalf of the S.C.O.R.E. program. It's the one day we bring attention to a great program that operates every week of every year and creates a unique connection between the town's team and the town's schools.

-BA 

...One of the best in Baseball!