Several awkward in-game interviews during the World Series Game 7 highlighted the challenges of live broadcasting amidst critical moments in baseball.
Interrupted Interviews Mark Game 7
On Saturday night, viewers witnessed several instances of interviews being disrupted by significant plays. This occurred during the World Series Game 7 held in Toronto.
Dodgers’ Will Smith Shines
- Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith took center stage during the top of the fourth inning.
- He hit a fly ball that resulted in a double off the wall.
The moment coincided with Fox Sports’ Tom Verducci starting an interview with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. As Verducci began, Smith’s hit unfolded, drawing attention away from the interview.
Manager’s Distracted Responses
In the midst of the play, Verducci asked Roberts about strategy concerning pitcher Max Scherzer. However, Roberts was preoccupied with the unfolding action and addressing his team.
“Say that again, Tom?” he replied, indicating the confusion caused by the live interview format.
Blue Jays’ Manager Faces Similar Challenges
Later in the game, the awkwardness continued as Ken Rosenthal attempted to interview Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider. Schneider paused mid-response to give instructions to his players, saying, “Sorry, Ken. This is like the worst interview ever.”
Persistent Issues with Live Interviews
- Awful Announcing highlighted the trend of disruptive interviews during playoffs.
- Viewers often favor play-by-play commentary over managerial insights during significant game moments.
Critics argue that conducting interviews during high-stakes games, particularly Game 7 of the World Series, detracts from the viewing experience. Supporters of broadcasting access urge that interviews should be reserved for quiet moments in the game.
As the MLB playoffs continue, the debate over the necessity of in-game interviews remains unresolved. Many feel the focus should remain on gameplay, allowing managers to concentrate on strategy rather than answering questions.
