Will Ferrell did little to please fans with his Home Run Derby commentary, as the majority of them took to social media to blast the actor. The Will Ferrell Under Fire Over Home Run Derby Commentary As Fans Demand Comedian Stay ‘100 Miles’ Away From Baseball first appeared on The Blast

Will Ferrell did little to please fans with his MLB Home Run Derby commentary, as the majority of them took to social media to point out their displeasure with his presentation.

The backlash led to many baseball fans demanding that the Hollywood star not be allowed at such a sports event next time, prompting many to defend Ferrell for his comedic talent.

Netflix also came under fire for its camera work on the livestream, with fans claiming any national broadcast would have done a better job.

Will Ferrell’s MLB Home Run Derby Commentary Left Much To Be Desired For Some Baseball Fans

Ferrell was joined by Luke Wilson and Jimmy Tatro for commentary duties on the player introductions at the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby at Citizens Bank Ballpark on Monday night.

However, the comedian left many fans shielding their ears in annoyance, especially after he kicked off proceedings, asking, “Are you ready to watch some balls go very far into the air?” per the New York Post.

While it appeared like the three of them were there to promote their upcoming Netflix show “The Hawk,” baseball purists couldn’t figure out the exact reason they were in the main booth, especially after Philadelphia native and professional announcer Michael Buffer introduced the players on the field.

The trio’s commentary fell short, struggling with poor microphones and weak jokes, which left fans feeling like their inclusion on the broadcast was forced. Thankfully, Matt Vasgersian and other established sports voices took over for the main broadcast and rescued the day.

Netflix also left many fans dissatisfied with its camera work, as some pointed out that it wasn’t covering some angles and missed several swings.

Fans Drag The Hollywood Star Over The Home Derby Commentary

Baseball fans flooded social media expressing their disappointment with Ferrell for his remarks during the event.

“Maybe I’m way off, but I don’t think the Will Ferrell-Luke Wilson thing is working at all. (Honestly, I get the sense that ‘they’ also know it isn’t working),” a fan wrote on X.

Another user said, “What a f-cking douche! Like any comedy movie he does. I wish anyone but him was doing it. Come to think of it, I’ve not seen a single movie this f-ck was in.”

“He’s a degenerate pos. Did he really say ‘ejaculate balls’ on a family sports show? F-ck him,” a third user commented, referring to Ferrell.

Netflix Was Also Called Out For The Production Along With Will Ferrell

Social media users slammed Netflix’s production, with a person writing that “this has been one of the worst home run derby broadcasts I have ever watched.”

“They’re straight up not showing many of the swings,” the individual continued. “No exit velocity. Taking the wrong camera constantly. Putrid stuff from ye olde Netflix.”

Another added, “I genuinely have no clue how they thought some of these angles were good. That was so bad.”

One viral post by a top baseball account on X shared a list of demands, writing, “Never let Netflix do the Derby again – Don’t use 47 different camera angles – Get announcers who don’t have excitement levels equal to someone sleeping – No Will Ferrell within 100 miles – Outs instead of swings – Jordan Walker at every Derby Perfect Home Run Derby every year.”

Amid the backlash, Ferrell still received some supportive comments, with former pro baseball player Ben Verlander writing on X, “Will Ferrell on the call at the Home Run Derby is just absolutely electric.”

Jordan Walker Emerged As The Winner Of The 2026 Home Run Derby

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker emerged as the hardest hitter in Monday night’s game and took home the crown.

He had to battle his way back to victory on his last swing, scoring four homers to overtake hometown favorite Kyle Schwarber, per The Big Lead.

The evening also saw him make history as the first Cardinals player to win the derby, as well as the second-youngest player of all time.

He walked home with a mouth-watering $1 million, while Schwarber earned $500,000 as the runner-up. Other participants earned at least $150,000 each for their effort.

Why Home Run Derby Is Now Showing On Netflix

The Home Run Derby had been a staple on ESPN since 1994, but that changed on Monday as the MLB became increasingly open to stream-only broadcasts.

The streaming giant signed a 3-year deal with the MLB and was even instrumental in some changes being made to the format of the game, including the axing of the clock in favor of a pitch counter.

“We’ve always loved the Home Run Derby, and when we had the conversations with MLB, and this opportunity came up, we pounced,” Netflix VP of sports Gabe Spitzer told Front Office Sports. “The derby really fits in our overall programming strategy. It’s a big event with big personalities and something that resonates across a wide audience.”

Meanwhile, ESPN still holds digital rights for MLB.tv and broadcasts 30 midweek games. The decision to host the Home Run Derby away from ESPN was just part of the network’s effort to roll back its MLB broadcasting rights.

The Will Ferrell Under Fire Over Home Run Derby Commentary As Fans Demand Comedian Stay ‘100 Miles’ Away From Baseball first appeared on The Blast