You may not know the name of Bill Webb, but in TV production circles, he’s considered to be one of the best baseball directors in the business. He has directed all 17 of the World Series Fox has broadcast dating back to 1996. However, he won’t be in the production truck when the 2015 Fall Classic begins Tuesday in Kansas City.
Webb who also directs the New York Mets games on SNY has Stage 3 cancer and his treatments will force him to miss the World Series this year. Joe Buck who has worked with Webb throughout their time on Fox’s baseball package is sad that his friend won’t be at the helm calling the shots:
“After so many years the Mets are now at the final stage and he’s not here,” Buck said. “It’s ironic and in some ways must break his heart, which makes me want to cry.”
MLB on Fox producer Pete Macheska tells the New York Daily News that it’s strange not to have Webb sitting next to him:
“He’s more than a teammate. He’s the best player. And he’s missing. He’s your manager. And he’s missing. It’s intimidating, but you just do what he taught you — do what he always said. We are going to try and make him proud.”
In an interesting twist, Fox has tabbed John Moore who directs Yankees games on SNY’s rival channel YES to take Webb’s place this year. But no one is thinking crosstown rivalry, they all want Webb to get well so he can be back next season directing the 2016 World Series on Fox.
Here’s hoping that Webb will get well soon and be back in Fox’s production truck in 2016.
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