Initial impressions of the 2011 MLB At Bat app that was released today. ($15 from your applicable App Market) This is only the initial reaction, since more features will be released for Opening Day.
I had the iPod version last year, this year I’ve got the Android version. First thing I did was set my favorite team to the Mets.
First thought was that I like the rosters being included on each team. Sortable by name, or by position, which is great for depth charts and when you’re sitting in the stands trying to figure out which Cardinal pitcher in the bullpen wears 54 (Jaime Garcia). It’s also great for setting up a scorecard if you like to keep score at the game.
There’s a link to tickets and promotions on each game and team page, and I suspect this is for the ability to purchase tickets on the phone, and use it as a barcode to get into a stadium. Neat.
All the normal features from last year and the basics like scoreboard, standings, video highlights, and game preview screens are included. The #1 reason most people buy the app is obviously included as well: The on-the-go access to gameday audio of all the teams, and the ability to track, pitch by pitch, the progress of any game.
Something else to keep an eye on is ordering food in the ballpark via this app. The Phillies and Aramark debuted something late last year to allow you to do this. The app allows you to check into a ballpark, and it verifies your location, allowing access to features such as this one. Currently the check-in and ordering food parts of the app do not seem to be there, so I suspect this is one of those things maybe destined for the Opening Day update.
Also not featured yet that will be added, is Twitter integration. The app will likely contain a twitter feed for each of the 30 teams’ hashtags, allowing you to follow along with the buzz of the team beyond your normal timeline.
