Calls Mount for MLB to End In-Game Distractions After Awkward Error From Yankees Star During Red Sox Game

ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” is well known for bringing fans closer to the action. It has been the show’s long-time ritual where they get players “mic’d up” to capture their unfiltered on-field reactions. On the surface, it does seem like a compelling idea. But during Sunday’s Red Sox-Yankees matchup, when the Yankees’ third baseman was mic’d up, things took an awkward turn.

Not just awkward. The instance sparked the debate, whether or not these in-game interviews are worth the risk.

Well, Chisholm was about to answer a question in context to Red Sox rookie Hunter Dobbins. The same guy who “would rather retire than play for the Yankees.”  When Chisholm began to respond, he got distracted and made an errant throw towards first base, allowing Ceddanne Rafaela to reach second base safely.

To say the least, it was a costly mistake.

But somehow, Chisholm kept his calm and still answered the question after his error. The Yankees managed to escape that same inning without giving up any runs. But Chisholm’s throwing error did enough damage. While he wanted to retire Rafaela with his spin throw, the throw overshot the mark.

Naturally, it was frustrating for Chisholm. But he tried to stay calm. Owing to the misplay, he called it a “hit and an error,” because Rafaela did receive a hit. And Chisholm was credited with the error, as it allowed him to advance to second base.

Now, after everything, the MLB nation wants mid-game interviews to stop. Something that players try to avoid as well. Remember when Juan Soto opted out last minute from an in-game interview? His primary reason was not to answer any controversial questions about his former team. Undoubtedly, it also gets distracting for players.

Even momentary interference with gameplay doesn’t sit well with MLB fans.

Yankees’ nation erupts over on-field interviews

Chisholm’s on-field throwing error against the Red Sox immediately took over the internet and had the entire Yankees nation united in frustration. Jazz Chisholm Jr. had just been back in the Yankees’ lineup. He was expected to come back stronger. But one error was enough to put the Yankees behind. Naturally, fans started slamming ESPN while questioning the Yankees’ managerial decisions of saying yes to getting mic’d up.

Not one but many had one collective point of view on Sunday Night Baseball and their segments. “Absolute joke. Sick of Sunday Night Baseball asking players ridiculous questions during the middle of the game.” Well, worry no more. The 2025 season is Sunday Night Baseball’s final season. ESPN and MLB mutually agreed to terminate the contract. That too, after more than 3 decades. Maybe, we can expect some new rituals…

Many are outraged with the entire ESPN organization. “All my homies hate ESPN.” It’s not the first time ESPN has been called out like this. Apparently, in recent times, fans have witnessed ESPN scaling back its baseball coverage. Even MLB released a statement where they revealed that their coverage and investment are not consistent with the sport’s appeal. So, MLB is now in talks with Apple TV+ and NBCU for baseball coverage.

The ones who were not criticized gave logical, solution-oriented advice: “If you must talk to someone,. Talk to the starting pitcher on the bench or a regular that happens to not be playing. But trying to talk to someone in the game is stupid.” Makes sense. If not killing the segment entirely, ESPN could’ve shifted the dynamics of it. Baseball is a sport that relies on split-second decisions. A minor lapse in focus, like Chisholm’s, can be costly for a team. Just like it was for the Yankees this time.

For some fans, it was manager Aaron Boone who was the real culprit. “This is on Aaron Boone. Should not allow ESPN to interview his players while they’re on the field. Can easily do it from the dugout instead.” Well, it IS Boone’s team; he has a say in it. When the players are on the field, they shouldn’t be engaged in interviews if it distracts them.

If you look at the bigger picture, it might be a disrespect to the sport, as well. One summed it up perfectly: “It was only a matter of time before it came to this. First they interviewed players in the dugout, then the managers while the game was in play, and now the players while they are on the field. Total disrespect of the game.” It’s now come down to protecting the sanctity of baseball. The increased involvement of broadcast feels unnecessary to many. It affects the competitive seriousness. Don’t you think?

Sure, the aim of the league and broadcasters is to enhance the viewer experience. But at what cost – watching their favorite team lose! Clearly, fans don’t want that. Do you?