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14m ago

ESPN’s Ben McDonald Dismisses NHL Promo On-Air, Drawing Jab From John Buccigross

The viral exchange highlights tension between playoff baseball coverage and ESPN’s push to promote its NHL rights.

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 ABC/ESPN’s Oct. 1 Padres–Cubs Wild Card broadcast, McDonald responded to an NHL Opening Night promo by saying there was “zero chance” he would watch.
  • ESPN hockey voice John Buccigross replied on X that “zero is also how many postseason innings” McDonald pitched in his MLB career.
  • McDonald later said on Fox Sports’ Wake Up Barstool that he didn’t realize ESPN held NHL rights and that he prioritizes October baseball, and he told The Athletic the remark was a joking nod to going off-grid for hunting season.
  • ESPN continues to run spots for the Oct. 7 NHL tripleheader featuring the champion Florida Panthers, and the same promo aired without banter during the Yankees–Red Sox broadcast.
  • As of Oct. 2, there were no public reports of disciplinary action from ESPN over McDonald’s on-air comment.