There’s no denying that Bob Costas is a legendary sports broadcaster. His career spans six decades, and he’s called countless major events all over the world. But when it comes to a high-tension postseason baseball game, Costas probably isn’t the person for the job.
Arizona Diamondbacks fans would certainly agree with that.
Costas has been on the call for the D-backs’ National League Division Series matchup with the Dodgers on TBS. And through the two stunning upsets the D-backs have pulled off, Costas has brought the kind of energy you’d expect from a mid-August game on the Dodgers’ home broadcast.
Take the final out of Monday’s Game 2 for example. Kolten Wong flied out to center to end the game, and you almost had to double-check the outs to make sure that was it because Costas essentially sleepwalked through the call.
Up 2-0 and heading home!! #EmbraceTheChaos pic.twitter.com/2Ct3elA4yx
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) October 10, 2023
Like, come on, Bob. At least pretend you want to be there calling postseason baseball. And it wasn’t just one call either. Costas has been like that all series.
Four pitches in and the @Dbacks already have a lead courtesy of Corbin Carroll. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/sePVDAtggR
— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2023
When you contrast Costas’ call with Brian Anderson’s final call of the electric double play in the Braves-Phillies game, the difference in energy is almost hilarious. It’s like they were watching two entirely different sports.
Michael Harris II and the Braves turn an INSANE game-ending double play to tie up the series! ⚾️🔥 pic.twitter.com/JxTVnhpwFL
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 10, 2023
Baseball fans had every right to criticize Costas there. The D-backs and playoff baseball deserve better.