DirecTV has cast MLB legend Randy Johnson in an inventive new ad promoting its new satellite-free service.
Dubbed the "Bird Ballparks," the 90-second spot kicks off with Johnson telling viewers they can now access DirecTV without a satellite dish but displays concern for the birds.
"When baseball's feathered fans try to catch a game, bad things happen. I should know," the retired pitcher says.
Johnson is referencing a moment in 2001 when his fastball killed a flying dove while pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In March 2001 Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson was pitching for the Diamondbacks in a spring training game against the SF Giants when he threw a fastball around 100MPH that hit a dove instantly killing it
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Some say he learned from watching my William play at twitch/LockneLIVE pic.twitter.com/kbevczhT09
To give them a safe space, "The Big Unit" repurposes satellite dishes and turns them into miniature baseball stadiums for his feathered friends to perch in.
"Birds deserve better, so let’s give them a win and give those dishes a new purpose, in your backyard," Johnson says.
Johnson hits his shed and begins the construction of the bird ballpark, sawing wood and gluing baseball player figurines, including a "Tiny Unit" statue, onto the scaled-down stadium.
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"I've even made a 'Millet Mullet' for the birds to snack on," Johnson adds.
To close the spot, the former professional baseball player shakes hands with a bird, having made DirecTV the perfect platform for them to comfortably enjoy baseball on TV.
Win a Free Bird Ballpark
To add to the hype of the campaign, the video programming company is giving fans a chance to win their very own Bird Ballpark and Johnson's Millet Mullet by entering a sweepstakes on its microsite.
Made together with creative agency TBWA\Chiat\Day LA, the latest from DirecTV serves as a continuation of its "For the Birds" campaign launched last February, which also promoted its satellite-free option.
It came with a series of spots starring two birds, Bobby and Frankie, often arguing over the disappearance of the satellite dish.
Editing by Katherine 'Makkie' Maclang