ESPN MLB analyst Ben McDonald faced criticism for his remarks while promoting an NHL game between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers. He had been anticipating the National League Wild Card Series featuring the Chicago Cubs against the San Diego Padres when the promo aired.
In a somewhat candid moment, McDonald commented, “If you say that, they’re lucky,” in response to a question about the Panthers’ chances of a three-peat this season. He then admitted, “Are you asking if I’m watching?…I have zero chance of seeing it. I’m going to be honest with you. I’m somewhere, but I don’t have a chance to see it.”
His comments drew jabs from fellow ESPN NHL coverage member John Buccigross, who tweeted, “Zero is also the number of postseason innings Ben McDonald pitched in his MLB career.”
Speaking on Fox Sports, McDonald described himself in an informal way, suggesting to “Get a bar stool up.” He noted, “As far as hockey stuff goes, when that thing appears on screen, I honestly didn’t know that ESPN had a hockey contract. I mean, I know they probably paid over a dollar or two for it, but I didn’t even realize that, to be honest.”
He also expressed a preference: “When I see the date, it’s the same time as playoff baseball. If I have to choose between starting the pre-season hockey or watching baseball in October, I’m probably leaning slightly toward playoff baseball.”
As a side note, Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series between the Padres and Cubs is scheduled for 5:08 PM ET.
