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5d ago

ESPN Analyst Ben McDonald Calls NHL On-Air Snub a Joke, Remains on Game 3 Call

The network took no public disciplinary action, keeping him on the Padres–Cubs Game 3 telecast.

Daily Comet
Retired Orioles pitcher Ben McDonald does a stint as the guest splasher in the Bird Bath during Friday’s game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
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Overview

  • During the Padres–Cubs Wild Card broadcast, Ben McDonald replied to an NHL Opening Night promo by saying there was “zero chance” he would be watching.
  • The exchange circulated widely online, and ESPN NHL voice John Buccigross jabbed McDonald on X by noting he pitched zero postseason innings in his MLB career.
  • McDonald later told The Athletic and FS1 the remark was a joke, said he didn’t realize ESPN held NHL rights, and cited a preference for October baseball over the start of hockey season.
  • Reporting indicated ESPN kept McDonald on Thursday’s winner-take-all Game 3 call, and no public disciplinary decision has been announced in coverage to date.
  • During Game 3 he playfully referenced a hockey “butterfly save,” as coverage also noted he is primarily a MASN/Orioles broadcaster and ESPN’s NHL deal runs seven years at about $2.8 billion.