Keith Hernandez Raises Eyebrows Over ‘Drug Bunt’ Commentary

Two-time World Series champion Keith Hernandez stirred some conversation recently when he suggested that the term “drug bunt” is politically incorrect.

The New York Mets broadcaster and former player made these remarks while discussing the Mets’ game against the St. Louis Cardinals during their recent doubleheader, which ended in a 5-4 win for the Cardinals.

After a play involving Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II, Hernandez caught fans off guard by noting that “drug bunt” was hardly used anymore.

“This is the perfect bunt—sort of like what Bud Harrelson would do. I know we’re not supposed to say that, but back in the day, that’s what we called it—a ‘drug bunt.’ There was no other way to describe it,” he explained.

The term “drug bunt” derives from how batters seem to “drag” the ball while racing toward first base, differing from a sacrifice bunt. It’s typically associated with left-handed hitters.

His comments puzzled many fans, who found it hard to believe that anyone would take offense at his words.

One viewer remarked, “Who watches a baseball game these days and thinks ‘drug bunt’ is offensive? I just don’t get it. This doesn’t even seem like a story unless he’s alluding to some sort of cancel culture.” Another chimed in, “No one talks about this. We all know that after the game, I’m just a keyboard warrior.”

It’s unclear if Major League Baseball has issued guidelines discouraging announcers from using the term, but Hernandez hasn’t mentioned it since.

There doesn’t seem to be any indication on MLB’s official website about changes to terminology, nor has there been any widespread backlash linking baseball terminology to drug use.

Hernandez has been a Mets broadcaster since 1999 and has been with both the MSG Network and SNY since 2006.