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VIDEO: ESPN Broadcast Makes Egregious Error Claiming Rays' Tommy Pham Leads AL in Stolen Bases

By Scott Rogust

ESPN claims Tommy Pham led the AL in stolen bases, but that's far from the truth.
ESPN claims Tommy Pham led the AL in stolen bases, but that's far from the truth. /

The American League Wild Card Game aired live on ESPN on Wednesday night, with the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics dueling for the chance to play the Houston Astros in the ALDS. During the top of the third inning, Rays designated hitter Tommy Pham reached first base on a single. Play-by-play commentator Matt Vasgersian, who noted how dangerous Pham is on the basepaths, said the Rays slugger led the entire American League with 25 stolen bases. The thing is...Pham didn't.

Pham actually finished fifth in stolen bases in the American League. The leader is Seattle Mariners outfielder Mallex Smith, who had 46 on the year. Pham trails Smith, Alberto Mondesi (43), Jonathan Villar (40), and Elvis Andrus (31) on the official list.

Vasgerisian was trying to make a point in how much of a threat Pham is once he gets to first base, which turned out to be true, as he stole second base one batter later.

But he's 19 off the lead, so it'd be best to check those pregame notes for the next nationally televised contest.