“Foul Territory” with Mark Teixeira
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In 2014, Mark Teixeira showed a softer side of himself when he, in partnership with the YESnetwork, released a series of video’s depicting Teixeria as a sideline reporter of sorts called “Foul Territory”.
In this series, which lasted 12 episodes – each episode never exceeding more than 4-minutes – Teixeira interviews members of the New York Yankees. Players like Derek Jeter (interview above), Brett Gardner and Masahiro Tanaka to name a few.
The genius comes in Teixeira’s performance, a clueless jock who thinks he has a future in broadcasting after retiring from the MLB. It also comes in the commitment Tex has to staying in character. While many players are in on the joke, some players it seems don’t know what to expect from the “Foul Territory” host.
Ironically, Teixeira has proven that he is actually good at reporting on baseball. After retiring from the Yankees in 2016, Tex has established himself as one of the best analysts on ESPN.
Joe Kelly is “Jim Buchanan”
Similar to “Foul Territory,” Jim Buchanan from JWK, Punta Gorda features a clueless reporter interviewing big league players. The genius of this original series is that Joe Kelly, who played Jim Buchanan while with the Red Sox, took on an entirely different character and actually fooled players and legends into uncomfortable interviews.
It will be interesting to see if Jim Buchanan makes an appearance in Los Angeles now that Joe Kelly signed a free agent deal with the Dodgers. One thing’s for sure, the Red Sox and their fans will miss Joe Kelly and his down to earth personality.
Kelly is another great examples of players loosening up a touch. He frequents the “Section 10” podcasts and speaks directly to the fans.
Finally, if MLB wants to see continued success in their ratings, they have to continue with this approach. Take it from us fans, we’re tired of the buttoned up nature and antiquated unwritten rules of the past. We like bat flips and home plate celebrations, but most importantly we want to see players be allowed to be more themselves.