NBC’s Ohlmeyer Says Network Rooting for World Series Sweep

What does NBC think about the World Series possibly preempting its powerful Thursday night lineup?

The answer would seem to be pretty obvious, but not something one would expect any network executive to admit.

Wrong.

Don Ohlmeyer, NBC’s West Coast president, didn’t mince words during a conference call with reporters Friday.

“We’re looking for four and out,” Ohlmeyer said. “Either way, that’s what we want. The faster it’s over with, the better it is.”

A four-game sweep is the only way NBC will avoid having its Thursday night lineup, headed by “Seinfeld,” not preempted.

Game 5 of the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and Florida Marlins, two small-market teams, is scheduled for Thursday.

NBC shared the 1995 World Series with ABC and the networks averaged a 19.5 rating.

Last year, Fox had the World Series but NBC had some postseason games. Ohlmeyer, a former executive producer of sports at both ABC and NBC, said those broadcasts hurt the network’s momentum in trying to establish its fall schedule.

“We never recovered from it and I’m hoping it doesn’t happen again,” he said.

Major league baseball spokesman Rich Levin had no comment.