Longtime announcer Rod Black gets to call son’s hit

Rod Black is a long-time sports commentator in Canada and former play-by-play man for the Toronto Blue Jays. On Tuesday, he got to do some play-by-play again, albeit in a more unofficial — and exciting — manner than what he’s used to.

Black’s son, Tyler Black, made his MLB debut for the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday and picked up his first MLB hit in his first at-bat. In most cases, a player’s first hit will be far more memorable than his second, especially when the first hit comes in a player’s first at-bat. But for Black and especially his family, the second hit may be more memorable.

During Black’s second at-bat, Bally Sports Wisconsin sideline reporter Sophia Minnaert was interviewing Black’s family. Rod was also mixing in some play-by-play of Tyler’s at bat. The younger Black took a 2-2 offering from Tampa’s Jacob Lopez back up the middle. His father quickly went into play-by-play man mode before shifting into proud dad mode.

“And there’s a base hit to right field — for my boy, Tyler Black,” Rod said.

Black’s debut came on the birthday of his mother, Nancy Black. That was not lost on Rod.

“There you go. Oh, there you go. Two-for-two. Happy birthday, Nancy.” After Minnaert congratulated the family, Rod had one more comment. “Yeah, it’s awesome. I think we’re going to start drinking heavily.”

“There’s a base hit to right field for my boy, Tyler Black… It’s awesome. I think we’re gonna start drinking heavily.”

Milwaukee Brewers rookie Tyler Black’s dad, Rod, calls his son’s hit during an interview.pic.twitter.com/eN3JTL9cCV

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 1, 2024

Interestingly enough, Black’s debut was not supposed to come on Tuesday, at least not until the later innings. But when Gary Sanchez, Milwaukee’s designated hitter, was hurt in the first inning and needed to be replaced, Black was called upon.

And it worked out pretty well.

[Photo Credit: Bally Sports Wisconsin]