''This Week in Baseball'' Presented by Pepsi Celebrates 700th Episode; Long-Running Sports Anthology Series Features Greatest Plays, Bloopers and Special Tribute to Mel Allen.

NEW YORK -- On Saturday, October 2, "This Week In Baseball," the longest-running sports anthology series currently in production (27 years), will celebrate its 700th episode. Produced by Major League Baseball Productions and presented by Pepsi, "This Week In Baseball" airs on FOX prior to the Major League Baseball FOX Saturday "Game of the Week" (check local listings for broadcast times).

To put this milestone into a broader perspective, "This Week In Baseball" has aired more episodes than some of the longest-running programs in American television history, including "Gunsmoke" (635), "The Simpsons" (335), "Law & Order" (325) and "M.A.S.H." (250).

The 700th episode will feature a tribute to the late Mel Allen, the long-time host of "This Week In Baseball," commentary on the series from a number of current and former players, as well as the best all-time bloopers, plays and Jennie Finch "Pepsi Pitch, Hit and Run" training segments.

The episode opens with a look at the ways in which "This Week in Baseball," which debuted in 1977, has evolved through the years. Initially created to serve as the primary source of Major League Baseball highlights for fans throughout the country and overseas, the series has evolved to include in-depth features on Major League Baseball players and special instructional segments hosted by Finch. After Allen's passing in 1996, Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith hosted the program for two seasons. Since then, "This Week in Baseball" has become the only show produced by a major sports league to be hosted by the league's current players.

The episode continues with five-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson discussing the significance of "This Week In Baseball." Other past and present MLB stars -- including Mike Piazza, Derek Jeter, Will Clark and Fred Lynn -- also provide commentary on their fondest "This Week In Baseball" memories.

From the Vaults pays homage to Mel Allen, the Hall of Fame broadcaster and the original voice of "This Week In Baseball." The segment will feature classic commercials starring Allen and an interview with writer Stephen Borelli, author of the soon-to-be-released biography "How About That! The Life of Mel Allen." Beyond the Fence will highlight the best bloopers of all time, including Jose Canseco's infamous "header," played to the Matt Angus Thing song "Right Beside You." Pepsi Pitch, Hit, and Run, with Jennie Finch will feature Finch's top moments with a number of superstar players. How 'Bout That features the best plays of all time, which are set to the sounds of the single "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers.

"The distinction held by 'This Week in Baseball' -- the longest running sports anthology series currently in production -- is a testament to how the show has remained relevant to Major League Baseball fans throughout its 27 year history," said Elizabeth Scott, Vice President, Programming & Business Affairs, Major League Baseball Productions. "Over the course of 700 episodes, numerous fans have used 'This Week in Baseball' as their primary source of baseball highlights and unique insights about their favorite teams and players. We look forward to continuing to present fans with this compelling look at the game."

Presented by Pepsi, "This Week In Baseball" is a 30-minute show that takes viewers as close as they can get to the game through the eyes of its best players. "This Week in Baseball" airs each Saturday on FOX prior to the Major League Baseball FOX Saturday "Game of the Week", and is repeated throughout the week on the YES Network. Pepsi has been the presenting sponsor of "This Week In Baseball" since 2001.

Major League Baseball Productions is the Emmy(R) award-winning television and video production division of Major League Baseball. With unparalleled access to the game and its players, Major League Baseball Productions produces original programming for growing audiences worldwide through its network specials, exclusive home videos, commercials and other specialty programming.