Bob Costas, a legendary sports broadcaster, has been under intense scrutiny for his play-by-play calls during the American League Division Series (ALDS) between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals. The criticism has been mounting since the series began, with many fans expressing their dissatisfaction with his performance on social media.
1. Lack of Enthusiasm and Bias Allegations
One of the primary complaints against Costas is his lack of enthusiasm during key moments of the game. In Game 1, he failed to immediately confirm whether Yuli Gurriel was safe at home plate after Tommy Pham's sacrifice fly, which led to widespread criticism on social media. This lack of energy has been a recurring issue throughout the series, with many fans feeling that he is not adequately capturing the excitement of the game.
Additionally, there have been allegations of bias towards the New York Yankees. In Game 3, Costas made a call that seemed to show sympathy for Giancarlo Stanton, saying 'it's not his fault' after Stanton grounded into a double play. This comment was seen as a clear indication of bias and further fueled the criticism against him.
2. Technical Mistakes and Poor Execution
Costas has also been criticized for his technical mistakes during the broadcasts. In Game 3, he incorrectly called a line drive by Vinnie Pasquantino as a base hit before it was caught by Anthony Volpe. This error added to the frustration of fans who were already dissatisfied with his performance.
Moreover, the sound mixing by TBS has been criticized for silencing the crowd noise, which further detracts from the atmosphere of the game. Fans have pointed out that this lack of crowd noise makes it difficult to enjoy the energy of the playoffs, especially when compared to other broadcasts like those by Fox.
3. Defense from Michael Kay and Other Supporters
Despite the criticism, not everyone is against Bob Costas. Michael Kay, a prominent sports broadcaster and co-host of The Michael Kay Show on ESPN NY and YES Network, has come to Costas' defense. Kay argued that Costas' style of calling games has not changed over the years and that he is still a broadcasting legend. Kay believes that the industry has changed and that younger fans are not giving Costas the credit he deserves for his decades of service to baseball broadcasting.
Kay also pointed out that Costas' legacy extends beyond his play-by-play calls. He has been involved in various other sports broadcasts, including NFL and Olympics coverage, where he has been praised for his storytelling and historical insights.
Don La Greca, co-host of The Michael Kay Show, added that while Costas is not a legend for his play-by-play, he is an institution in the world of sports broadcasting. La Greca acknowledged that younger fans might not appreciate Costas' style as much as older fans do, but he believes that Costas should be respected for his contributions to the sport.
The defense of Bob Costas highlights the complex nature of his situation. While some fans appreciate his historical insights and storytelling abilities, others find his play-by-play calls lacking in energy and enthusiasm.
4. Impact on Younger Viewers
One of the most significant concerns about Bob Costas' performance is his inability to connect with younger viewers. The fast-paced nature of modern baseball, with its emphasis on speed and instant information, has led many fans to feel that Costas' slow and monotonous delivery is out of step with the game's current tempo.
Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, with some even opting to listen to radio broadcasts instead of watching the TBS coverage. This indicates a serious problem for MLB and Turner Sports Network, as they need to ensure that their broadcasts appeal to a wide range of audiences.
In conclusion, Bob Costas' performance during the Yankees-Royals ALDS has been a subject of intense debate. While some defend his legacy and style, others find him lacking in enthusiasm and technical accuracy. As the sport continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how broadcasters like Costas will adapt to meet the changing expectations of fans.
