The Atlanta Braves advanced to the NLDS on Thursday night with a 6–2 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of their Wild Card series.
One of several heroes on the night for the Braves was pitcher Ray Kerr, who started the game and pitched three shutout innings before getting pulled to a standing ovation from the Atlanta crowd.
After the game, Kerr was interviewed in the Braves locker room as beers were sprayed in celebration, and the 32-year-old pitcher couldn’t stop dropping F-bombs on live television.
Asked what it was like to have star pitcher Chris Sale come in to secure the save in a game he opened, Kerr was in disbelief.
“Man, starting a game and him closing it out? What the f*ck? That’s, man, the coolest feeling ever. And coming up to me after the game and congratulating me? It’s a f*cking blessing.”
Champagne poured down his back as he answered, prompting an easy follow-up—how does that shower feel?
“F*cking cold.”
Ray Kerr could not stop dropping F bombs on live tv😭😭 pic.twitter.com/vIvxUrByol
— Dillion Harper (@og_yungdilly) October 2, 2026
Kerr isn’t exactly a player people pegged as a postseason hero heading into the year. A journeyman reliever whose career was put in jeopardy after needing Tommy John surgery in 2024, Kerr made his first appearance back in the majors this year in August. He had appeared in just nine games this year, and Friday was his first playoff game ever.
A profile from Jesús Cano at The Athletic introduced Kerr to more fans, telling his story of growing up in foster care, working odd jobs to get by, and eventually making his way to the Alaska Baseball League to try and keep his baseball dream alive. He turned a good run there into a minor league deal with a $2,000 signing bonus and has bounced between the majors and the minors since.
When Atlanta was in need of an opener to get through the Phillies lineup to start a do-or-die Game 3, Kerr got the call and absolutely delivered. Given the circumstances, a few celebratory F-bombs were certainly warranted.
About Tyler Lauletta
Tyler is a editorial contributor at Awful Announcing, with previous stops at Sports Illustrated and Business Insider during his career covering sports in digital media. He is, begrudgingly, a Truster of the Process and general Philly sports sicko.