Keith Hernandez and a Close Call with a Foul Ball
During the second game of Thursday’s doubleheader featuring the Mets and the Orioles, Keith Hernandez had a surprising interaction with a foul ball. While sitting in the SNY booth at Camden Yards, Hernandez was nearly struck by a foul ball from Baltimore outfielder Cedric Mullins.
“Cedric Mullins hits a foul ball like this,” play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen recounted during the nightcap. “And it went right by Keith’s ears without him noticing.” It’s kind of wild to think about, right?
Following the incident, the broadcast team showed replays in slow motion, capturing the moment the ball zipped past Hernandez’s head as he remained blissfully unaware.
It took Hernandez a moment to react, which was somewhat amusing, and the SNY crew couldn’t help but share a laugh. Cohen remarked how lucky Hernandez was to have dodged what could have been a serious injury.
“We can joke about it now,” Cohen noted, chuckling. “But if that ball had veered just a few feet left, it could’ve been a different story for you this season.”
Hernandez chimed in, acknowledging the close call by saying, “It definitely could have been dangerous.” Cohen playfully added, “Or maybe even worse, back to the incinerator.” It’s a bit dark, but it gets the point across!
At 71 years old, Hernandez jokingly attributed his lack of senses—his reflexes and eyesight—to the effects of aging, saying, “My eyes, they’re just not what they used to be.” We can all relate to that feeling of things slipping a bit as the years go by.
Other commentators from the Orioles joined in the fun, with one quipping that a veteran MLB player from 2017 would’ve likely caught the ball without breaking a sweat.
Then, Massun’s Ben McDonald joined the fun, commenting on the visible surprise from the SNY booth, saying it looked like the crew might need a coffee break after that scare. Classic sports banter.
Baltimore announcer Kevin Brown also complimented the SNY team, calling them “elite” and highlighting the joy they bring to baseball fans. “Everyone knows how much fun they are to listen to,” he said.
