If we had a nickel for every time a New York-based broadcaster made a weight-related crack about a player, only for a home run to be launched moments later, we’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it’s happened twice.
On Sunday afternoon’s SNY broadcast, Keith Hernandez fat-shamed Pablo Sandoval. A few pitchers later, Rafael Devers launched a three-run homer en route to a Giants 12-4 victory over the Mets.
A little more than 24 hours later, during the Yankees-Rangers game, Ryan Ruocco and David Cone spent an extended inning dissecting Joc Pederson’s struggles and his frame. Moments later, Pederson took Devin Williams deep.
The baseball gods work fast.
“You can see the physique definitely has evolved for Joc,” Ruocco said, somewhat coyly.
“Stunning,” Cone added. “Those numbers are absolutely stunning from Joc Pederson, who signed a two-year, $20 million deal to come over here. [He’s] hitting .126.”
Yankees broadcasters Ryan Ruocco and David Cone extensively discussed the struggles (and physique) of Rangers first baseman Joc Pederson.
“You can see the physique definitely has evolved for Joc.”
Several pitches later, Pederson would tie the game with a solo home run. pic.twitter.com/aZmgIgmQun
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 5, 2025
By the time Pederson stepped to the plate in the home half of the ninth inning, he was sporting a .473 OPS, two home runs, and just six RBIs in 53 games. He hadn’t looked like the guy who posted a .908 OPS with Arizona last season. He looked like a platoon bat running out of chances.
Then Ruocco brought up his physique.
Call it karma. Call it a coincidence. Blame the ol’ reliable announcer jinx. But when broadcasters punch down — literally — and the response is a baseball flying into the night, it’s worth noting, especially when it happens twice in two days.
Baseball’s full of unwritten rules. But, after the last 48 hours, perhaps it’s best not to discuss a player’s physique when the opposing team is at bat.