Bob Costas Discusses 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon' During ALDS 9th Inning

During the 2024 MLB postseason, broadcaster Bob Costas faced significant backlash for his commentary during the American League Division Series (ALDS) between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees. In a pivotal moment during the 9th inning, while the Yankees were attempting to secure a victory, Costas unexpectedly referenced the game 'Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon' to draw connections between Yankees manager Aaron Boone and his baseball lineage. This unusual tangent occurred while Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo was at-bat, leading to widespread criticism on social media. Fans expressed disbelief at Costas's lack of focus during such a crucial moment in the game. Earlier in the evening, some had noted a slight improvement in Costas's enthusiasm, suggesting he had taken previous criticisms to heart. However, his decision to discuss Kevin Bacon during a critical playoff moment was seen as a major misstep. Following the Yankees' advancement to the next round of the playoffs, it was announced that Costas would not be calling the upcoming games, marking the end of his season with Turner Sports. This incident has left Costas trending on social media for the wrong reasons, highlighting the challenges he faced during this postseason and the impact of public perception on sports broadcasting.