The MLB Draft went off script when ESPN suffered an embarrassing failure while trying to interview Travis Bazzana on live TV.
The Oregon State second baseman celebrated with his friends and family after being selected first overall by the Cleveland Guardians.
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But attempts by ESPN and MLB Network to conduct a live remote interview with Bazzana failed miserably.
At the MLB Draft in Fort Worth, Texas, ESPN host Karl Ravech said: “We now welcome #1 draft pick Travis Bazzana, he joins us here as we continue our coverage.
“Travis, can you hear me, and if so, congratulations on being the #1 pick. What does this mean to you?”
But it soon became clear that Bazzana couldn’t hear Ravech as he looked away from the camera and at the TV screen.
After an awkward pause, Ravech said, “Travis, I’m not sure if he can hear me, but we’ll get in touch with him and get this fixed.”
MLB Network had slightly better success with its interview — but it was still beset by problems.
“Congratulations, tell me what that moment was like when you found out you were No. 1 overall,” Bazzana was asked.
The baseball star responded, “Sorry I missed the beginning of this, there were people talking behind me. I’m sorry.”
MLB Network persisted with its interview.
“Don’t worry about it. I’ll ask you one more time. How did it feel when you found out you were the No. 1 overall pick?” the host asked.
After a three-second pause, Bazzana responded: “Unbelievable…it’s one of those moments you can’t put into words.”
Many baseball fans were unimpressed by the technical difficulties.
“ESPN L common,” said one fan.
“ESPN is not good at the MLB draft,” said another fan.
Bazzana made history as the first Australian player to be selected first in the MLB Draft.
The 21-year-old recorded 28 home runs in 60 games this season at Oregon State.
A former cricket, rugby and football player, Bazzana made his professional debut at just 15 years old in the Australian Baseball League.
Five Major MLB Rule Changes in 2024
1. The pitch clock is reduced from 20 to 18 seconds with runners on base. It will remain at 15 seconds with the bases empty.
2. When a pitching change is made, the inning clock will reset to 2:00 instead of 2:15 as happened last year.
3. Teams will only be able to visit four mounds per game in 2024, compared to five last season.
4. Defenders and defenders blocking bases will be called for obstruction.
5. The runners’ lane from home plate to first base has been widened to include the dirt between the grass and the white line.
Bazzana was offered a minor league contract by the Detroit Tigers at age 16.
But he bet on himself to improve his college draft stock in the United States.
“We consider him a dynamic player,” Guardians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said.
“We think he has a chance to impact the game in a variety of ways.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
