MLB Network went old-school with its broadcast for the American League Division Series between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros, but it went terribly wrong in just the very first inning of Game 2.
The booth, consisting of Bob Costas as the announcer joined by Buck Showalter and Jim Kaat, discussed White Sox third baseman Yoán Moncada as he got ready to bat on Friday.
“I don’t know how much you’ve seen of Moncada, but everybody talks like this guy should be a star, an All-Star,” Kaat said.
“That’s what they look like,” Showalter replied. “I don’t know about the rest of it. The first time I saw him in the big leagues I looked around the dugout and said ‘Can we have one of those?’ That’s what they look like.”
“Get a 40-acre field full of ’em,” Kaat, replied.
His cringeworthy comment implied a reference to slavery. During the Civil War, freed slaves were promised 40 acres of land and a mule, but it was later rescinded by President Andrew Johnson.
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Kaat got word about his comments and immediately apologized for them.
“Earlier in the game, when Yoan Moncada was at the plate in an attempt to compliment the great players that he is, I used a poor choice of words that resulted in a hurtful and insensitive remark,” he said. “And I’m sorry for that.”
