ESPN is facing backlash over their broadcast of the Home Run Derby.
ESPN Facing Backlash Over Terrible HR Broadcast originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The MLB Home Run Derby is an annual home run hitting competition held the day before the All-Star Game.
This year’s event at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, marks the 39th edition since the first Derby in 1985. The format has also changed considerably over time, with the most notable revisions coming in 2024.
Under the revised 2024 format, the first round is an open three-minute (or 40-pitch) session complete with one 30-second timeout. After that period ends, contestants enter an untimed bonus phase with three outs—plus extra outs for any home run traveling over 425 feet. Ties are broken by the longest shot before one-minute playoffs and, if necessary, multiple three-swing tiebreakers.
On Monday’s ESPN broadcast, many fans took to X to complain about the coverage. Viewers criticized bringing Pat McAfee to Atlanta to host the event and complained about awkward camera angles. The Home Run Derby is currently being called on ESPN by Karl Ravech, Eduardo Perez, and Todd Frazier.
"Is anyone actually surprised that ESPN could ruin the home run derby tv viewing experience?" wrote a fan.
Another wrote, "The concept of Home Run Derby should be the easiest thing for ESPN to pull off. It’s easier than a regular game. Just show us the home runs. Somehow, they can’t do this."
"ESPN needs to enable a feature that allows people to unsubscribe from Pat McAfee in all formats," added another.
One fan said, "I can’t believe ESPN/MLB has still not fixed the split screens/camera angles/waiting for the ball to land before the next pitch. It’s such an easy fix. This is impossible to watch once again. What a disappointment."
"I always forget at how bad the ESPN presentation is of the Home Run Derby," said one more.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
