Al Michaels has come under fire for his lack of enthusiasm during “Thursday Night Football,” but this week he proved that he can still bring the excitement.
In the midst of the Cleveland Browns vs. New York Jets game’s second quarter, the esteemed announcer grew visibly annoyed by Browns supporters banging on garbage cans.
He acknowledged the disturbance and then playfully made a connection to the Houston Astros, quipping, “Someone is pounding on that refuse bin. It seems like the Astros may be in the vicinity.”
The Houston Astros infamously employed garbage can banging to pilfer signs and alert hitters of forthcoming pitches in real-time during the 2017 season. Many believe this tactic aided in their inaugural World Series triumph in franchise history.
If it weren’t for former Astros pitcher Mike Fiers blowing the whistle in 2019, the scandal might have remained hidden. Subsequently, MLB suspended manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow, and Astros owner Jim Crane dismissed both.
No players received suspensions, as MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred provided them immunity in return for disclosing the truth.
Moreover, following these events, the Houston Astros clinched the 2022 World Series, and this season marked their seventh consecutive journey to the American League Championship Series.
