Named after Johnny Pesky, the right field foul pole at Fenway Park has never lived up to its name quite like this.
During Saturday’s broadcast of the Fenway Bowl, presented by Wasabi Technologies, the Pesky Pole made its grand debut on ESPN in a way that could only be described as… well, pesky.
Fenway Park is notorious for its obstructed views, a quirky characteristic that’s part of the charm of an iconic institution. But for those who opted to skip attending the 11 a.m. In the Bowl Game between North Carolina and UConn, you probably weren’t expecting the worst seat in the house to come because of your living room.
Yet, there it was — a giant yellow pole blocking your view of the action.
Talk about a Pesky Pole… pic.twitter.com/BnwobPQZjB
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 28, 2024
As Roger Sherman pointed out on Bluesky, two previous Fenway Bowls had used a different angle — an odd one, sure, but at least it didn’t feature the unmistakable sight of a massive yellow pole stealing the show.
There’s already one unmistakable yellow line on the field, so do we really need another one on the screen? Apparently, yes, yes, we do. And if you were hoping to catch a glimpse of the middle linebacker in that clip above?
Well, tough luck — unless you’re a fan of watching a big yellow pole take center stage.
And needless to say, social media had a field day with it.
I personally enjoy the obstructed view due to the foul pole because it reminds me this game is being played at a baseball stadium!
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 28, 2024
Nothing like having the right field foul pole in the picture to enhance your viewing experience… pic.twitter.com/4O8H8Vlaxw
— Never Daunted (@IUB1G) December 28, 2024
Nothing says bowl game like a foul pole in the way of the camera inside the red zone. pic.twitter.com/yObqpSYpfI
— Taylor Vippolis (@tvippolis) December 28, 2024
Big 3rd down just staring at a foul pole. Just nothing like bowl season. pic.twitter.com/eUheKlvexL
— Joey (@JoeyMulinaro) December 28, 2024
Sweet view of the foul pole in the Fenway Bowl pic.twitter.com/PrhcLXydsE
— Justin Hokanson (@_JHokanson) December 28, 2024
And if you were hoping for a seamless broadcast experience, well, it looks like the Pesky Pole was more than happy to make its presence known — literally and figuratively.
This isn’t the first time ESPN has had to contend with a “pesky” obstruction, and it certainly won’t be the last.
[Awful Announcing on X]