The in-game interview has become a common feature of national MLB broadcasts ever since Fox introduced them in the All-Star Game a few years ago. And as part of the recent CBA, players even have a financial incentive to participate in these interviews.
They’re not going away any time soon. And when you get moments like what we saw on Sunday, it’s easy to understand why MLB loves these interviews. It’s an easy way to put the game’s personality on display.
During the second inning of Sunday night’s game between the Dodgers and Giants, shortstop Miguel Rojas was mic’d up for an interview with the ESPN booth before a Thairo Estrada grounder came his way.
“Sorry, guys. I need to make this play real quick” 😂 pic.twitter.com/xFdXpfavZp
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 24, 2023
Rojas stopped his sentence, fielded the ball and said, “Sorry, guys. I need to make this play real quick.” And fired a perfect throw to first to retire Estrada.
The booth absolutely loved that, and Rojas was seen laughing after the play. It’s difficult enough to field a grounder in a big-league game, but you have to respect the multi-tasking from Rojas. He said he had to make the play, and he followed through with the promise.
Fans were also impressed with Rojas there. It takes elite focus to carry out an interview on national television while simultaneously making plays at shortstop.