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Bob Costas has served as the voice of a playoff baseball package for TBS in recent years. Michael Kay took up for the legendary broadcaster after harsh criticism has been lobbed against Costas.
Costas has been the subject of much social media backlash for his performance during the current New York Yankees/Kansas City Royals playoff series during the ALDS on TBS.
During The Michael Kay Show on Thursday, the ESPN New York host defended Costas and the job he’s doing.
“I’m reading social media, I’ve never seen such vitriolic hatred toward a guy,” said Kay. And I’m not being hyperbolic — you guys could both correct me if I’m wrong — Bob Costas is one of the greatest sports broadcasters that has ever lived. Now, if you listen to Bob Costas call a baseball game … if you listen to him call those games then, he called them the same way then as he calls them now.
“Understated, kind of teaching you as he goes along, all of that. I think that the industry has changed. But to see these young people on social media eviscerating a broadcasting God? You can’t say, ‘Hey, he stinks.’ You’re out of your mind!”
Co-host Don LaGreca countered Kay’s argument by stating that Bob Costas didn’t become a sports broadcasting legend for his play-by-play skills, though.
“Basketball fans know him with (Pat) Riley in the studio,” said La Greca. “They think of him as a host. He’s pretty provocative in the NFL, too. He called games in the NFL, but fans know him for the Olympics. You put he a camera in front of him, give him a microphone, he is going to entertain you with his stories, history, and behind-the-scenes. I don’t think he’s a legend for his play-by-play. I think he does fine. I’m cool with him. But Michael, you talk about he’s a broadcast legend, not for play-by-play. He’s done it, but that’s not why he’s a legend.”
Costas has previously said he is unbothered by the criticism levied over his play-by-play work. In 2022, he told 92.3 The Fan morning show hosts Ken Carman and Anthony Lima he doesn’t concern himself with outside critiques, instead comparing himself to the best version he can be.
