Dodger Exhibition Telecasts Still On Despite Replacements

Replacement players or not, Channel 5 plans to televise four Dodger exhibition games as scheduled, station manager John Reardon said.

The telecasts are scheduled for March 12, 19, 25 and 26.

“We’re still in discussions with the Angels,” Reardon said.

However, Angel President Richard Brown said two games, on March 11 and 18, will be televised by Channel 5.

Reardon said plans with both teams for the regular season are undecided, although the first Dodger telecast is scheduled for April 3, opening day, and the first Angel telecast for April 11 or 12.

To appease sponsors who were expecting major league rosters, Reardon said, his station will give them additional commercial spots at other times, some in prime time.

Said Brown: “Channel 5’s sponsors are expecting a 25-man roster that’s improved from last year, not a replacement team.”

KABC radio, because of contractual obligations, will broadcast all Dodger exhibition games, beginning Thursday, with Ross Porter and Rick Monday announcing.

Vin Scully will join them for the first telecast on March 12.

KMPC will broadcast only weekend Angel games.

The San Diego Padres will broadcast weekend games on radio, but no exhibition games are scheduled for television.