Overview

• Producers blended staged dialogue shot on off days with in-game filming at Citizens Bank Park to make the episode sound clear while preserving the live crowd atmosphere.
• Kyle Schwarber had rehearsed a cameo, then hit four home runs during the Aug. 28 game against the Braves, becoming the 21st MLB player to achieve the feat in a 19-4 win.
• Writers adjusted the script on the fly after Schwarber’s barrage, incorporating his performance into the narrative as cameras rolled before a crowd of more than 41,000.
• MLB’s media and licensing team coordinated with ABC, Warner Bros. and the Phillies to schedule access, with authenticity details including PA announcer Dan Baker and in-game footage.
• The Season 5 episode, titled Ball Game, premiered Oct. 15 on ABC with streaming available the following day on Hulu.