MLB commentator Bob Costas appeared to experience an unfortunate hot-mic sequence during the playoff game between the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals.
The 72-year-old iconic broadcaster appeared not happy about reading an advertisement for a media network during TBS’s broadcast of Game 2 of the ALDS series between the two MLB teams.
Bob Costas caught out in awkward hot-mic moment in Yankees-Royals as he says CNN promo ‘puts me in a difficult spot[/caption]
Oct 7, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a single against the Kansas City Royals in eighth inning during game two of the ALDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images[/caption]
During the bottom of the fifth inning, with the Royals up 4-1, Kansas City reliever Angel Zerpa was on the mound and ready to throw a pitch.
Costas seemed to be told to read a promo for CNN.
“A CNN promo?” he asked, seemingly not aware that TV viewers could hear his microphone.
“That puts me in a difficult spot,” Costas added after breaking a momentary silence.
It’s not clear how the sequence happened.
Costas has been a contributor for CNN since 2020.
It wasn’t unusual for TBS to air a promo for CNN due to the fact Warner Bros. Discovery owns both TBS and CNN.
Costas has been on the call of the American League Division Series between the Yankees and Royals alongside analyst Ron Darling.
However, the broadcasting icon has gotten plenty of criticism over his play-play-play performance.
Among the complaints from fans is the veteran Costas’s seemingly low energy in certain moments, including when Kansas City outfielder Tommy Pham scored the first run of Game 1.
“I’ve seen more energy in aisles of a Costco than I have from Bob Costas during game 2 of the Divisional Series,” one fan wrote on X.
“Costas never brings excitement,” a second said.
“Bob Costas is absolutely boring,” a third commented.
As for Game 2, the Royals went on to win 4-2 on the road at Yankee Stadium.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: The Kansas City Royals celebrate after defeating the New York Yankees during Game Two of the Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)[/caption]
All-Star catcher Salvador Parez led off the fourth inning to spark a four-run rally against starting pitcher Carlos Rodon.
They tied the series 1-1 and will head back to Kansas City.
Game 3 will take place on Wednesday night.
The Royals will play in their first postseason home game since the 2015 World Series.
Costas will look to rebound in Game 3 after his disappointing broadcasting performances.
