Pittsburgh Pirates broadcaster John Wehner is not a fan of Cincinnati Reds infielder Derek Dietrick over what the broadcaster believes is over-excessive admiring of his home runs.
While criticism over home run celebrations is nothing new, and certainly not new territory for broadcasters, Wehner took things to another level during an appearance on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan Morning Show prior to Tuesday’s game.
“I can’t stand him,” Wehner said of Dietrich (h/t Awful Announcing). “I just don’t see why – I don’t understand why you have to do that. It’s different if you’re a Hall of Fame player, you’re a 60-homer guy, you’re an established guy. Nobody ever heard of him before this year.”
Whener than took it to a personal level.
“I heard of him because of his grandfather (Steve Demeter) who used to be a minor league coach for the Pirates. He was the nicest, sweetest guy in the world. He’s rolling in his grave every time this guy hits a home run. He’s embarrassed of his grandson.”
Whener continued taking his shots at Dietrich during his first at-bat on Tuesday night, following his radio appearance.
“I can’t imagine, if (Demeter) were alive today, he would approve of it,” Brown said after Dietrich’s first at-bat.
“I’d like to think Steve Demeter would slap him upside his head,” Wehner said. “I guarantee he would tell him it was uncalled for.”
Dietrich got the last laugh as he clubbed three home runs against the Pirates.
Stay in your lane, Wehner.