Keith Hernandez cannot stand when the Mets play the Phillies. So much so, that he refuses to call any games the Mets play against them.
The Mets color commentator for SNY was discussing the team’s upcoming schedule during Tuesday’s broadcast against the Cincinnati Reds when Hernandez noted he will not be on air for this weekend’s games against the Phillies, or next weekend when they hit the road to Citizens Bank Park.
Hernandez cited a very good reason for missing this upcoming weekend: He is headed to St. Louis where the Cardinals are honoring the 1982 World Series team.
The next weekend? “I’ve expressed to … our front office at SNY that I hate doing Phillie games, so I guess they deemed me to get the series off,” Hernandez said.
Play-by-play voice Gary Cohen pressed him as to why.
“They never seem to disappoint,” Hernandez replied. “Over the years, and they’re hot right now so I would like to see them, but as far as fundamentally and defensively, the Phillies have always been, just, you know, not up to it.”
The Phillies actually hold a wild card spot and could potentially be a team the Mets face in the playoffs. Perhaps since they are playing better, maybe Hernandez will get to call them?
“Well, we’ll see,” an exasperated Hernandez said. “Don’t hold your breath.”