For every single person who enjoys in-game interviews, there seem to be about a thousand who dislike them. Just browse social media right after a sideline reporter conducts an in-game interview during a nationally televised game, and you’ll find that very few are praising figures like Ken Rosenthal. Nevertheless, Rosenthal is aware of the challenge and wants audiences to recognize how “valuable” these interviews can truly be.
“It’s not challenging to get their attention; those interviews are usually pre-arranged,” Rosenthal shared with Awful Announcing Podcast host Brandon Contes. “The ones during the playoffs, where you’re interviewing a player right after a big moment—something we started a couple of years ago—are obviously not pre-arranged, but we do have a list of players who are willing to participate. When I approach a player in those situations, they typically understand that it could happen.” He continued, “Now, they might say, ‘Not now. It’s not a good time,’ but the challenge lies in asking the right questions in such a limited timeframe.”
“Those interviews, the ones in the dugout, last a minute or less,” Rosenthal noted. “That’s why I find it amusing when people say, ‘Get out of the dugout; those things are disruptive.’ They’re not disruptive; they take seconds. The real challenge is asking the right questions. I aim to keep questions short so the player, manager, or coach has the floor instead of me.” During last week’s AA Podcast episode, Contes brought up how many fans express their dislike for in-game interviews, especially on social media. While social media often amplifies negativity, Rosenthal is no stranger to the backlash, noting that his in-game interviews typically attract a fair amount of criticism. However, that doesn’t deter him.
“They can be really valuable,” he affirmed. “Initially, I was uncomfortable with the whole concept. The dugout isn’t a place where people like me should be during a game—it’s something I’ve been conditioned to think. However, I recall specifically the Phillies’ run to the World Series in 2022. Fox had the National League that year, and those interviews captured the players’ excitement. For instance, when Bryce Harper hit that pivotal home run against San Diego, interviewing him in the dugout right afterward and having him walk through the at-bat was invaluable.” Though he acknowledged, “Not every interview is fantastic or revealing. But if you don’t take the chance, you might miss the great ones. I believe that in other sports, this practice is more widely accepted. Baseball tends to be more traditional, which I understand, and I respect fans’ opinions. But when you consider the value of some interviews, it’s clear that there is merit in them. I’ve gained significant insights over the years from those interviews, including those conducted with managers.”
