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Phillies–Mets Game Delayed by Unusual Complaint: Microphone glare
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New York, NY – A bizarre delay halted Monday night’s game between the philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets at citi Field. The Phillies claimed a glare from a parabolic microphone in the outfield was distracting thier hitters, leading to a minutes-long pause in the top of the fifth inning.
The Glare Complaint
The issue was brought to light by Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm after he grounded into a double play. The at-bat followed a pitching change, with Mets right-hander Kodai Senga replaced by left-hander Jose Castillo, altering the batter’s sightline.Bohm argued the glare contributed to the difficulty.
The delay sparked immediate debate and confusion among commentators and fans alike. This is one of the sillier delays I’ve ever seen,
remarked SNY’s Gary Cohen, echoing the sentiments of many watching the game.
The unusual nature of the complaint quickly spread on social media. WFAN’s Boomer Esiason voiced his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), stating, Jesus, both teams are playing with the same set of circumstances. Let’s move on and get the game going. This Mets/Phillies delay is asinine.
See his post here.
The Role of Microphones in Modern Baseball Broadcasts
The use of parabolic microphones – often referred to as “shotgun mics” – has become increasingly common in baseball broadcasts. These microphones are designed to capture sound from a distance, allowing broadcasters to pick up conversations on the field, such as between pitchers and catchers. While enhancing the viewing experience, they can also present unforeseen challenges, as demonstrated in this instance.
Delays in baseball are nothing new. Historically, they’ve ranged from weather-related interruptions to protests over umpire calls.Though, a delay prompted by a microphone’s glare is a particularly unusual occurrence, highlighting the evolving complexities of the game in the age of advanced broadcasting technology.
The incident raises questions about the placement of broadcasting equipment and the potential for similar disruptions in future games. Teams and broadcasters may need to collaborate to find solutions that minimize distractions for players while maintaining the quality of the broadcast.
