An Athletics television broadcaster may have their credentials called into question after calling a foul ball on an obvious home run that wasn't anywhere close to the foul line during Saturday night's MLB game in Houston.
It happened in the top of the ninth inning with two outs and runners on first and second as the A's were looking to extend a 2-1 lead. On the 1-2 pitch, Butler hit a monster shot into right-center field. There was no doubt that it was a home run, as cameras showed the ball bouncing off the front of the mezzanine and landing in the front rows of the lower stands, which made Chris Caray's call on the NBC Sports California broadcast even more inexplicable:
"1-2 pitch...High in the air deep to right. That ball is...foul...or gone."
Ball was hit right down the line.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 27, 2025
Tough Fair or foul call for the A’s broadcast.
pic.twitter.com/hZLmLBKfD9
Caray's broadcast partner Dallas Braden offered his analysis on the obvious home run, which further called into question what Caray could have been looking at: "That ball was absolutely launched...(Butler) knew it off the bat. It was just a matter of how far."
We have seen some MLB broadcasters have embarrassing moments before, but this was a tough one to explain. After the game, Caray responded on X and apologized for messing up the call, saying he lost the ball in the lights.
Totally lost it in the lights. No excuses. Unfair to Butler and our fans that I messed it up as badly as I did. This is completely and totally on me!
— Chris Caray (@ChrisCaray) July 27, 2025
Wish I could have it back but that’s baseball. I apologize and will be better tomorrow. https://t.co/LKcCgSerBz
We all make mistakes, and Caray seems to have the right attitude to move forward from this one.
Butler's home run sealed the victory for the Athletics, who beat the Astros 5-1 for their third straight win. The Astros, who lead the American League West by four games, have now lost three straight.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
