Always overly concerned with being politically correct, Keith Hernandez refused to say Paul Goldschmidt is “aging.”
This past weekend marked Juan Soto’s return to Yankee Stadium after leaving the Bronx for a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. But it also marked the first Subway Series for several newcomers, including Paul Goldschmidt, who is enjoying a bit of a renaissance in his first two months with the Yankees after a disappointing final season with the St. Louis Cardinals. And Hernandez chalked the revival of a 37-year-old former MVP up to the change of scenery.
“A change of venue, new challenge, it’s always good for an elderly player.” – Keith Hernandez on Paul Goldschmidt joining the Yankees pic.twitter.com/cncG5axLju
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 19, 2025
“A change of venue, new challenge, it’s always good for an elderly player,” Hernandez said.
“Elderly?!” Gary Cohen and Ron Darling both asked with surprise.
“Aging?” Hernandez asked to see if that was a better term. “I hate to say aging. To me, elderly sounds more respectful. Aging sounds derogatory.”
It was the first Subway Series for Goldschmidt. It also had to have been the first time he’d ever been referred to as “elderly.” And it’s all because Hernandez didn’t want to offend the former MVP by claiming he’s aging.
Hernandez has made plenty of controversial comments throughout his years as a broadcaster. But in the last year, he’s drawn a line at saying ball girl, drag bunt and now aging, in what seem like misdirected attempts at being politically correct.
“Here’s the thing, Keith,” Cohen said. “We’re all aging every day, it’s a natural process. But once you’re elderly, you’re probably not playing big league baseball.”
On cue, SNY found an older gentleman sitting in the stands who might better fit the “elderly” label than Goldschmidt.
“Is that an elderly Yankee fan?” Hernandez asked with a chuckle.
