The MLB playoffs are underway, and the NHL regular season starts next week.
So ESPN tried to get in a little cross-promotion for its Oct. 7 NHL tripleheader that will include the Florida Panthers raising a Stanley Cup banner for the second year in a row.
Only it didn’t go so well.
Asked by ESPN announcer Kevin Brown during ABC’s Oct. 1 broadcast of the San Diego Padres-Chicago Cubs game whether the Panthers could three-peat, analyst Ben McDonald answered, ‘If you say so, I mean good luck to them. Are you asking if I’m going to be watching?’
Brown responded that, of course, McDonald would be watching because he’s an EPSN employee.
McDonald responded, ‘There is zero chance I’ll be watching. I’m just going to be honest with you.’
He added: ‘I will be somewhere, but there’s zero chance I’ll be watching.’
‘OK, thanks man,’ Brown said. ‘We’ll be watching. Thanks for the ratings boost,’ as laughter erupted in the booth.
ESPN hockey announcer John Buccigross was quick to respond on social media to McDonald, a former No. 1 overall pick who pitched nine seasons in the majors.
‘Zero is also how many postseason innings Ben McDonald pitched in his MLB career,’ Buccigross posted on X.
The same promo was read later Wednesday during the Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees game.
There was silence afterward this time.
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