In contrast to the Daily News’ Bob Raissman hateful words about SNY’s Keith Hernandez — tempting a player reaction today with his measured criticism of the Mets’ offense, as quoted by John Harper — Newsday’s Neil Best prefer to celebrate Mex’s unusual worldview.
On Wednesday when the Mets hosted the lowly Pirates. Hernandez (above, right) seemed to veer off course at times.
There were discussions in the booth — on the air and off — about old movies, Hernandez’s colorful scoring system, lollipops, the favorite colors of various staff members and Hernandez’s dental work.
During a pitching change, he blurted out a seemingly out-of-leftfield remark, saying his scorecard soon would be singing “Tales of Brave Ulysses.”
It was a reference to something he said before the game, comparing his cards to the psychedelic cover of Cream’s 1967 “Disraeli Gears” album, on which “Tales of Brave Ulysses” appears.
Mostly, Hernandez sticks to poking fun at himself and his quirks. Recently, he said it would be nice for players to wear their own uniforms in the All-Star Game. Cohen informed him they do.
“I screwed up, yes,” he said. “I have not watched an All-Star Game in an ice age.”
Game days usually begin for Hernandez with a half-hour nap at his home in Sag Harbor, followed at 3 p.m. by the (minimum) 90-minute drive to Flushing.
Said Ron Darling: “He has to have his nap. I don’t want to work with him when he hasn’t.”