The MLB playoffs are underway, and the NHL regular season starts next week.
So ESPN tried to get in a little cross-promotion for its Oct. 7 NHL tripleheader that will include the Florida Panthers raising a Stanley Cup banner for the second year in a row.
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Only it didn’t go so well.
Asked by ESPN announcer Kevin Brown during ABC’s Oct. 1 broadcast of the San Diego Padres-Chicago Cubs game whether the Panthers could three-peat, analyst Ben McDonald answered, “If you say so, I mean good luck to them. Are you asking if I’m going to be watching?”
Brown responded that, of course, McDonald would be watching because he’s an EPSN employee.
McDonald responded, “There is zero chance I’ll be watching. I’m just going to be honest with you.”
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He added: “I will be somewhere, but there’s zero chance I’ll be watching.”
“OK, thanks man,” Brown said. “We’ll be watching. Thanks for the ratings boost,” as laughter erupted in the booth.
ESPN hockey announcer John Buccigross was quick to respond on social media to McDonald, a former No. 1 overall pick who pitched nine seasons in the majors.
“Zero is also how many postseason innings Ben McDonald pitched in his MLB career,” Buccigross posted on X.
The same promo was read later Wednesday during the Boston Red Sox-New York Yankees game.
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There was silence afterward this time.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Tommy Edman is showered with sunflower seeds after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Reds in Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Tommy Edman is showered with sunflower seeds after hitting a home run during the third inning against the Reds in Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Teoscar Hernandez (37) celebrates with teammates Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy after hitting a 3-run home run during the third inning against the Reds in Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Shohei Ohtani celebrates after hitting a home run during the first inning against the Reds during Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Red Sox catcher Carlos Narvaez and relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman celebrate after defeating the Yankees 3-1 in Game 1 at Yankee Stadium.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Austin Wells reacts after being struck out during the eighth inning of Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Yankees manager Aaron Boone takes out pitcher Luke Weaver during the seventh inning of Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Masataka Yoshida celebrates with first base coach José David Flores after hitting a two-run single during the seventh inning of Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Masataka Yoshida hits a two-run single during the seventh inning against the Yankees during Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Jarren Duran is out at first with Yankees pitcher Max Fried covering during the fifth inning of Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Anthony Volpe reacts after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of Game 1 against the Red Sox.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Cubs players celebrate the Game 1 win over the Padres.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Carson Kelly celebrates his home run in the fifth inning of Game 1 against the Cubs.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Cubs catcher Carson Kelly rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Seiya Suzuki rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of Game 1 against the Padres.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill slides into second base for a double in the second inning of Game 1 against the Cubs.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Tigers players celebrate their Game 1 win against the Guardians.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Tigers pitcher Will Vest reacts after recording the final out in Game 1.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Umpires stand for “God Bless America” during Game 1 between the Guardians and Tigers at Progressive Field.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Tigers pitcher Tarik Skubal is congratulated by Javier Báez before being relieved in the eighth inning of Game 1 against the Guardians.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Tigers outfielder Kerry Carpenter celebrates after hitting a double in Game 1 against the Guardians.
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Must-see action and passion from MLB playoffs’ 2025 Wild Card Series
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt hugs Tigers skipper A.J. Hinch before Game 1 at Progressive Field.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ESPN’s Ben McDonald puts down network hockey promo during Padres-Cubs