'I've Never Seen That!' - Keith Hernandez Doesn't Hold Back On MLB Umpire
03/27/2025 06:23 PM
Another MLB season means another six months of Keith Hernandez musings.
The former New York Mets first baseman forms one of baseball's most popular broadcasting crews, calling Mets games alongside play-by-play announcer Gary Cohen and fellow 1986 World Series champion Ron Darling on SNY. Hernandez often goes viral for his blunt candor or exasperation at players who don't exhibit good fundies.
On Thursday, the Mets opened the 2025 season on the road against the Houston Astros. This time, an umpire drew Hernandez's ire.
During the top of the sixth inning, Hernandez noticed first-base umpire Rob Drake standing directly behind the bag. The 11-time Gold Glove winner was baffled by the placement.
"Look where he's positioned," Hernandez said, via Awful Announcing. "How is he going to call a bullet down the right-field line fair or foul if it's close? I've never seen that ... Not even in Little League!"
A former first baseman himself, Keith Hernandez, is absolutely miffed about where Rob Drake is standing.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 27, 2025
"I don't know who's brainchild that is." pic.twitter.com/0rjFenNQIC
Cohen reasoned that Drake must be standing there to call a potential pickoff throw to first base. The explanation didn't satisfy Hernandez.
"I don't know whose brain child that is," Hernandez said.
Darling noted that it's also a "dangerous place" for the umpire to stand. He and Cohen wondered if the umpire should have to wear a helmet in case he gets hit by a line drive.
Cohen also reasoned that Drake was interfering with Houston's first base coach. Hernandez noticed Drake moving once the pitcher went to home plate, seemingly verifying Cohen's theory that he was on alert for a pickoff attempt.
However, Hernandez still didn't think Drake re-positioned himself in time for a potential live ball.
"When he shifts, he's only five feet behind the bag," Hernandez said. "It's still going to be a tough call on a bullet."
Perhaps that old saying about seeing something new every day at the MLB ballpark is true. Even for a 17-year pro beginning his 20th season in the SNY booth.
Hernandez had seen the Mets win eight of their last 10 Opening Day games, but they're trailing 3-0 to the Astros after seven innings.
Related: MLB Fans Loved Joe Buck's Home Run Call On Thursday
