Winker tries play-by-play, immediately retires
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Jesse Winker, broadcaster. What could have been? The new Mariners slugger might have set a record for shortest play-by-play career of all time on Monday night.
Donning a headset in the dugout for an in-game interview with Root Sports Northwest during Seattle's 6-5 win over the Rangers at Peoria Stadium, Winker started off with all the confidence in the world.
"I don't want to do this," Winker quipped. "I just want to show you guys how it's done real quick."
It's a good thing Winker plans to keep his day job in Seattle's outfield, because his foray into play-by-play lasted all of two pitches before he swore off the career forever. Rangers pinch-hitter Joe McCarthy absolutely clobbered the second pitch of his at-bat against Mariners righty Paul Sewald for a solo homer way beyond the right-center-field wall.
"Yeah I won't do that anymore," Winker said as McCarthy rounded the bases. "So, what's up guys?"
So ended a promising career in broadcasting. Winker will have to settle for being a Major League All-Star.