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MLB Broadcasters' Playful Banter Sparks Unexpected Hockey Fandom Outrage
2 Oct
Summary
- MLB broadcasters Ben McDonald and Kevin Brown joke about McDonald's lack of NHL interest
- Comment goes viral, with some hockey fans taking offense
- Broadcasters clarify it was just friendly banter, no disrespect intended
On October 3rd, 2025, longtime MLB broadcasters Ben McDonald and Kevin Brown were tasked with promoting the upcoming NHL opening night coverage during a wild card game on ESPN. In their typical banter, Brown jokingly asked McDonald if he would be tuning in, to which McDonald replied, "There is zero chance I'll be watching."
This seemingly innocuous comment quickly went viral on social media, with some hockey fans taking offense and criticizing McDonald's statement. However, the pair later clarified that they had been discussing their offseason plans, with McDonald, an avid hunter, making it clear he would be disappearing to go hunting once the MLB season ends.
Brown and McDonald, who have worked together for seven years broadcasting Orioles games, emphasized that it was simply friendly teasing between the two friends. McDonald reiterated that he respects hockey players and was not trying to slight the sport in any way.
The broadcasters are expected to address the social media outrage during their coverage of the winner-take-all Game 3 of the Cubs-Padres series on October 3rd. Despite the unexpected reaction, the pair's lighthearted exchange is par for the course in their long-standing partnership.
