New York Mets broadcasters live up to "Pond Scum" nickname during Cardinals game

Much has been said and written about the significant drop in attendance at Busch Stadium over the last three years. Since the end of the 2023 season, the St. Louis Cardinals have seen fans opt to not attend games in person for a variety of reasons.

Most often, a lack of watchable baseball is cited by fans as the #1 reason why they aren't going to games anymore. A concern about safety downtown along with a rise in prices have also been discussed. The Cardinals have made concerted efforts to make the in-game experience more attractive, and these changes have been received positively by fans.

However, the environment in and around Busch Stadium is different than it used to be, and rival teams are taking notice.

New York Mets broadcasters drag St. Louis and its citizens through the mud in the final game of their series against the St. Louis Cardinals

The New York Mets were in town for the second series of the year. In the final game of the series on Wednesday afternoon, broadcasters Ron Darling and Gary Cohen began commenting on the downtown feel in St. Louis.

During a cut to the Kiener Memorial Fountain in downtown St. Louis, Darling commented on the lack of people in the city. "The only thing missing from that picture, as is often missing from every picture we see of downtown St. Louis, no people," said Darling.

"There's never anybody walking around in downtown St. Louis. Remember the old neutron bomb that wouldn't knock down buildings but just would eliminate all the people? It's like one of those hit St. Louis," Cohen responded.

Mind you, this game started late due to bad weather in St. Louis. Also, this was a Wednesday afternoon; most residents are at work during that time.

This isn't the first time opposing broadcasters have commented on St. Louis and the attendance at Busch Stadium. In August of 2024, San Diego Padres broadcasters Dan Orsillo and Mark Grant deemed the lack of fans at Busch Stadium "shocking" and "not the Busch Stadium I am used to in late August and early September."

National sports pundit Colin Cowherd has also spoken negatively about Busch Stadium and the Cardinals.

Seven years ago, Kris Bryant, then a member of the Chicago Cubs, said that St. Louis was "boring". ""Who would want to play in St. Louis? It's so boring," said Bryant. "I always get asked, 'Where do you like to play, where do you not like to play?' And St. Louis is a place I don't like to play."

While attendance at Busch Stadium has dropped of late, Gary Cohen was out of line commenting on the busyness in downtown St. Louis. The Cardinals will visit the Mets from June 9th through the 11th. We can only hope Chip Caray and Brad Thompson return the favor and comment on the state of Queens and the surrounding area.

Perhaps all of this slander will energize both fans and players alike to prove everyone wrong. At least the Cardinals players are able to make fundamental plays well.