The New York Yankees took care of business last night and punched their ticket to the ALCS where they await the winner of the Tigers-Guardians series.
It was a disappointing end to the season for the Kansas City Royals who were at the very least hoping to force a Game 5 back at Yankee Stadium.
Behind a much-needed ace performance by pitcher Gerrit Cole, the Bombers proved to be too much for the KC.
Interestingly, one of the biggest storylines of the entire series had nothing to do with any of the players on the field or managers in the dugout … Of course, I’m referring to TBS announcer Bob Costas.
Sure enough, the ongoing debate over Major League Baseballās decision to use national broadcasters during the playoffs, instead of local announcers, has sparked heated discussions on social media.
Fans have been particularly vocal in their criticism of the national commentary teams provided by TBS, ESPN, and FOX, with many accusing these announcers of lacking passion and making noticeable errors during their calls.
Fair or not, there are also some cases where announcers seem to have a bias for or against certain teams.
One announcer at the center of the conversation is Yankees play-by-play man Michael Kay of the YES Network, who has suggested that fans should have the option to tune into their favorite local announcers if they prefer.
“If that’s what they choose, they should be able to listen to their local guys,” Kay remarked in response to the growing backlash.
Having said that, Kay also came to the defense of the heavily-criticized Bob Costas, who, let’s face it, had an extremely tough series on the mic.
Costas is a broadcast legend and by all accounts is a good man. He’s one of the best broadcasters of all-time and his legacy will always live on and be respected.
But again, let’s face the facts, he made more mistakes during the Yankees-Royals series than you or I can count.
Speaking on his ESPN Radio show, Kay attempted to defend Costas from the wolves.
āIāve never seen such vitriolic hatred toward a guy,ā Kay said of Costas. āIām not being hyperbolic, and you guys could both correct me if Iām wrong. Bob Costas is one of the greatest sports broadcasters that has ever lived. Alright? Now, if you listen to Bob Costas call a baseball game, because he used to be the backup to [Vin] Scully, and then he took over the number one job. If you listen to him call those games then, he called them the same way then as he calls them now.
“Understated. Kinda teaching you as he goes along. All of that. I think that the industry has changed. But to see these young people on social media eviscerating a broadcasting godā¦ You can say, āHey, I donāt like the cut of his jib, but he stinks.ā Youāre out of your minds!ā
Kay’s radio partner, Don La Greca, gave Kay a little push back on the issue.
āLetās be fair. Listen, I love Bob Costas, and I get along with Bob, and I love when heās on. But his legend is not for play-by-play,ā La Greca said. āThey think of him as a host. And heās provocativeā¦ He called games in the NFL, but NFL fans know him. Olympics. You put a camera in front of him, give him a microphone, he is going to entertain you with his stories, the behind-the-scenes, and the history.
“I donāt think heās a legend for his play-by-play. I think he does fine. Iām cool with him. But, Michael, you talk about heās a broadcast legend, not for play-by-play. Heās done it, but thatās not why heās a legend.”
The criticism aimed at Costas mirrors the discussions surrounding Al Michaels, another broadcasting legend currently working on Prime Videoās Thursday Night Football.
In Michael’s case, the criticism he faces is for not being excited enough during big plays. He’s been accused of “mailing it in” and lacking enthusiasm during his Thursday Night Football broadcasts.
Enthusiasm is not an issue with Costas. Many fans feel he talks too much and sometimes gets too wrapped up in irrelevant topics. There are also many instances where you want to run a pair of glasses up to Costas in the booth.
What are your thoughts on all of the criticism Costas faced during the Yankees-Royals series?
Is the venom fair? Should he step aside once and for all? … Or are people being way too harsh?
As for actual baseball, what are the chances that we end up having another Subway World Series on our hands???