SportsNet New York (SNY) holds an annual contest for a child between the ages of 8 and 12 to join Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling to call half an inning of a New York Mets home game at Citi Field. Usually, the child and their family are informed at home beforehand, but for the first time ever, SNY decided to surprise its precocious winner live at the ballpark.
Field reporter Steve Gelbs opened the bottom of the fourth inning Thursday night in the Delta Sky360° Club seats, introducing himself to Christopher and his parents. Gelbs then proceeded to ask what Christopher was doing on Aug. 8, to which the boy replied that he had no plans.
“Well now you are,” Gelbs said. “How would you feel about sitting right up there in the booth with Gary, Keith and Ron and calling an inning?”
“Yeah,” Christopher replied. “Looks like we’re booked!”
Cohen and Darling occupied the Mets booth during the team’s rain-delayed 2-1 victory over the Washington Nationals and proceeded to burst into laughter after Christopher’s comment, clearly realizing his innate ability to play on commentary. As soon as the live hit with Gelbs concluded, both broadcasters spoke about the forthcoming day and their memories of the winners over the years. Cohen even joked that Hernandez will need to make sure he arrives at the ballpark on time.
Before the segment concluded, Gelbs acknowledged that Christopher had an energetic and enthusiastic entry into the contest that he watched. He then asked if the winner would want to divulge any of his signature calls, which he ultimately decided to hold off until the big day.
“Keep the people waiting,” Gelbs said. “That’s a nice tease.”
Christopher will join the broadcast booth on Aug. 8 when the New York Mets host the Chicago Cubs, sharing the same press box as some of the legends of the craft.
