PAT McAfee left MLB fans rather uneasy with his controversial MLB Home Run Derby introductions.
The energetic star ESPN personality was given the task of introducing the MLB player participants in the competition at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday night.
ESPN star Pat McAfee working during his self-titled show live from the 2025 NBA Finals last month[/caption]
McAfee received criticism for his introductions before the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby in Atlanta[/caption]
The former NFL punter McAfee, who’s the host of his hit self-titled program, was joined by Ty Schmidt.
The pair gave introductions to the eight participants of the Home Run Derby, but McAfee turned heads with his usual over-the-top commentary.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who currently leads the MLB in home runs and was the favorite to win the event, is known by his nickname as the ‘Big Dumper.’
Raleigh has the comedic nickname due to his seemingly large rear end.
So McAfee decided to introduce Raleigh and mention his big tush in the most jaw-dropping way possible.
“Hailing from Cullowhee, North Carolina, a man who’s doing something that no catcher has ever done in the history of the sport,” McAfee began Raleigh’s intro.
“With the fattest a** in all of professional sports … Ladies and gentlemen: Big Dumper! Cal Raleigh!”
Raleigh didn’t seem to mind McAfee’s intro, as he did appear on the 38-year-old’s program earlier in the day and discussed his nickname.
However, there were plenty of baseball fans who weren’t on board with McAfee’s introductions that included an expletive word.
“Not funny. My son Jamison was watching this with me and now he won’t stop saying this cuss word,” one wrote.
“Why do they keep forcing this clown on us,” another asked.
“Couldn’t be more cringe,” a third said.
“The whole intro was ridiculous,” a fourth added.
Other fans seemed to enjoy McAfee’s introductions on live television.
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh won the Home Run Derby at Truist Park on Monday night[/caption]
“Great intros last night. Enjoyed it,” one wrote.
“Pat did an awesome job!! Loved it,” another commented.
Raleigh ended up winning the Home Run Derby, beating Tampa Bay Rays star Junior Caminero in the final.
The switch-hitting catcher became the first Mariners player to win the Derby since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1999.
Raleigh’s also the first switch-hitter to win the competition outright.
Raleigh seen during the final round of the Home Run Derby[/caption]
