Keith Hernandez isn’t in the business of giving out freebies

While Gary Cohen celebrated getting to call an extra game Thursday afternoon, Keith Hernandez was quick to remind SNY it won’t come for free.

The New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles were slated to play on ESPN Wednesday night, but rain forced a Thursday doubleheader, with both games airing on regional networks. That meant a few more hours of work than Keith Hernandez signed up for.

“We’re fortunate,” Cohen said on the broadcast. “Because last night’s game was not scheduled to be on our air. So, we gained a game.”

Cohen seemed legitimately excited about getting to call the full three-game series in Baltimore. It’s one thing to lose a broadcast to ESPN, but it’s inopportune for that game to come in the middle of a road series. It doesn’t save on travel or give anyone a night off with the family. Cohen and Hernandez were already going to be in Baltimore and watching the game, so why not call it?

Hernandez didn’t seem to mind showing up at the ballpark for a day game. But he made sure to remind everyone that he expects to be properly compensated for his services.

“They have to lop one off on me. I only do 110,” Hernandez said, referring to the number of games he’s contractually obligated to work. “So, this is one I wasn’t supposed to do.”

“Couldn’t you throw it en gratis?” Cohen asked Hernandez. “In recognition of how well they’ve treated you over the years?”

SNY is still controlled by former Mets’ owners, the Wilpon family. But to Cohen’s suggestion that maybe Hernandez could just gift them an extra game of his time for free, the Mets analyst couldn’t help but laugh.

Luckily for Hernandez and SNY, but not so luckily for Cohen, ESPN came back to their call, picking up the Mets’ July 27th game in San Francisco for Sunday Night Baseball.

Not only does Hernandez get a game back, but he’s getting it in his home city of San Francisco, where he still has family to visit. He gets one lopped off by trading a day game in Baltimore for a night off in San Francisco. This is turning out to be a great day for Keith.