The 2014 World Series represented a little bit of history. It was the first Fall Classic in 62 years (give or take a couple) that did not have Tim McCarver in the broadcast booth. The longtime broadcaster retired from national duty and was replaced by two men, Harold Reynolds and Tom Verducci.
The trio of Reynolds, Verducci, and Joe Buck called their first World Series game on Tuesday night. And while Buck was solid and Verducci had his moments, Reynolds stepped into the role long held by McCarver – social media pinata.
Reynolds had a few notable gaffes. He kept trying to insist the Royals played the Tigers this postseason (nope) and said Venezuela was an island (also nope). While the 3-man booth was very chatty throughout the evening, it’s clear Reynolds is going to take the brunt of the blame from the viewing public. And perhaps it’s a dose of karma after painting himself for a number of years as an adversarial “old school” persona.
Speaking of that old school, Reynolds has become so toxic that it led many fans to take to Twitter and ask to have Tim McCarver back. That’s right, baseball fans yearning for the return of Tim McCarver. You know what they say about being careful for what you wish for.
As always, these are Real Tweets from Real People…
Harold Reynolds has done the unthinkable. He makes me miss Tim McCarver.
— Craig Brown (@CraigBrown_KC) October 22, 2014
I never thought I would say this, but thanks to Harold Reynolds, I miss Tim McCarver
— Sebastian Noel (@SebastianNoel47) October 22, 2014
Every yr I asked for them to get rid of Tim McCarver in the booth. When they did, they replaced him with Harold Reynolds. This is my fault
— Onson Sweemey (@AdonisQEinstein) October 22, 2014
I can't believe I'm going to say this, but Harold Reynolds is making Tim McCarver look like Vin Scully.
— Derek Blume (@doc_blume) October 22, 2014
Harold Reynolds makes me miss Tim McCarver. This is no small accomplishment.
— Casey Knapp (@cubs2win47) October 22, 2014
Harold Reynolds has made America miss Tim McCarver. Congrats
— FakeSTLMatheny (@FakeSTLMatheny) October 22, 2014
Harold Reynolds almost makes me miss Tim McCarver *ducks*
— Phil Mattingly (@Phil_Mattingly) October 22, 2014
I constantly made fun of Tim McCarver for years. I miss Tim McCarver. You win, universe.
— Nate (@stalenate) October 22, 2014
Harold Reynolds makes me miss Tim McCarver which a statement you can file under "Things Ryan never thought he would say"
— Ryan Cowper (@cowperryan) October 22, 2014
My god. I'll take Tim McCarver back over Harold Reynolds
— Dlow (@dlow1414) October 22, 2014
Harold Reynolds almost makes me miss Tim McCarver. At least McCarver was laughably bad. #WorldSeries2014
— Nick Parker (@pnickparker) October 22, 2014
Harold Reynolds has the hardest job in America: Making us miss Tim McCarver.
And he's doing it like a boss. #GiveThatManARaise
— Ten Second Cynic (@TenSecondCynic) October 22, 2014