ESPN’s Pat McAfee Sparks Backlash with Vulgar MLB Home Run Derby Intro

Pat McAfee, the ESPN personality and former NFL punter, faced widespread criticism for his crude and inappropriate introduction of Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh at the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. McAfee referred to Raleigh by his nickname “Big Dumper” and described him as having the “fattest ass in all of professional sports,” which many viewers found offensive and unsuitable for a family-friendly event. Additionally, McAfee confused Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz by mistakenly associating him with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, further fueling fan frustration. Despite McAfee's $85 million contract with ESPN, baseball fans expressed fatigue over his pervasive presence and questioned ESPN’s decision to feature him prominently in MLB coverage. Social media reactions called his performance “cringe,” “obnoxious,” and an example of ESPN forcing its personalities into inappropriate roles. The backlash highlights the tension between McAfee’s brash style and the expectations of baseball’s audience, suggesting ESPN may need to reconsider his role in future events.