Overview

• During the fifth inning of the Braves-Blue Jays game on April 14, reporter Wiley Ballard, prompted by his colleagues, asked a female fan for her phone number live on air.
• The interaction, which took place at Rogers Centre, was captured on camera and showed the fan providing her number, leading to widespread online attention.
• The viral clip, viewed over 1.6 million times, has divided opinion, with some defending it as lighthearted fun and others criticizing it as unprofessional.
• Industry professionals and commentators have highlighted concerns about a perceived gender double standard, noting harsher consequences for female reporters in similar scenarios.
• Ballard and the Braves broadcast team have faced backlash from journalists and viewers, with calls for greater accountability in on-air conduct.