A Mets double play saved Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez from an “awkward conversation” during the SNY broadcast on Tuesday night.
The two broadcasters were having a discussion in the bottom of the fourth when Hernandez referenced the old Milwaukee Braves, and Cohen began to mention the team’s mascot and logo — a depiction of a Native American.
“The screaming Indian… That was a great logo,” Hernandez said on air, finishing the description that Cohen started of the mascot.
The Mets SNY broadcast team of Ron Darling, Gary Cohen and Keith Hernandez on Wednesday, February 26, 2020.
“Well some people might not think so,” Cohen replied to Hernandez before Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
But the conversation didn’t seem to stop there as Cohen made a joke that the good defensive play by the Mets had helped change the topic.
“Which saves us from that awkward conversation,” Cohen said.
“Oh, it’s not awkward at all,” Hernandez retorted.
Cohen continued with his recap of the inning as he prepared to toss the broadcast to a commercial break.
“It’s good conversation,” Hernandez could be heard chiming in as the screen faded to black and the first commercial began to play.
The use of Native American imagery has been a controversial topic over the years and several professional sports teams have changed their names and logos to move away from the imagery.
New York Mets second baseman Marcus Semien (10) watches as shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) turns a double play beside Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) in the fourth inning at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. David Richard-Imagn Images
The Commanders moved away from the Redskins nickname in 2020 and the Guardians rebranded from the Indians in 2022.
The Milwaukee Braves moved to Atlanta and became the Atlanta Braves in 1966.
