ESPN announcer angers Tampa Bay Rays fans with on-air comment that leaves them gasping: ‘It feels like a cheap shot’
THE Tampa Bay Rays are being mocked for their poor participation in the MLB playoffs.
In the Wild Card round of the MLB playoffs, the Rays historically drew small crowds, prompting harsh comments from the game broadcaster.
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In the first game of the Wild Card, the Rays lost 4-0 to the Texas Rangers in front of 19,704 fans.
Those were the fewest fans to attend a non-COVID playoff game since 1919.
The empty seats at Tropicana Field were clearly visible on ESPN’s broadcast of the game, prompting broadcaster Sean McDonough to take shots at Rays fans.
“Some boos erupt from the group. I’m not sure we can call it a crowd. The group here at the Trop,” he said.
Fans on Twitter were upset about the shot McDonough fired at them and shared it with him on the platform.
“Feels like a cheap shot by a division rival announcer. On the other hand, the quantity is not the reason why they are accommodated,” one commentator said.
“Really disappointed in this guy. I always enjoyed his basketball announcing (his baseball is so boring). But creativity is missing here. However, he was hoping for it, so he capitalized on it…” Robbie C. said.
Other fans said the comment was deserved and that McDonough’s comment on the situation was funny.
“Funny, the guy won the Internet today,” he said commentator said.
“When I heard that, I laughed. Great sentence.” said Raphael Moreno.
The Rays were defeated by the Rangers in two games and are officially eliminated from the MLB playoffs.
The Rangers will face the Baltimore Orioles in the American League Divisional Series starting Saturday.