UMP SHOW ‘Whose brainchild is that?’ – Keith Herna...

IT’S hard to show Keith Hernandez an MLB play he’s never seen before, but yet witnessed something new on Opening Day.

During the New York Mets’ matchup against the Houston Astros, the Mets legend and SNY broadcaster was left baffled by an umpire’s positioning.

First base umpires tend to stand along the foul line so they can properly tell when a ball is fair or foul.

However, umpire Rob Drake stood alongside the base in foul territory, something that greatly confused Hernandez.

“Rob Drake over at first base, look where he’s positioned,” He said.

“How’s he going to call a bullet down the right-field line fair or foul, if it’s close?

“I’ve never seen that, that positioning by a first-base umpire, in my playing days, not even in Little League.”

Fellow broadcaster Gary Cohen tried to make sense of the adjustment in his analysis.

“I would have to think that that’s an adjustment that Major League Baseball has made,” he said.

“He wouldn’t be doing that on his own.”

“Of course, of course,” Hernandez replied.

“I don’t know whose brainchild that is.”

The two broadcasters continued trying to make sense of the positioning as the game rolled on.

“Maybe it’s to improve the calls on pick-off plays,” Cohen said.

“What about the bullet down the line? That’s a tough angle for the first-base umpire,” Hernandez replied.

“It’s also in the first-base coach’s way,” Cohen continued.

Cohen also noted that the first base umpire might want to wear a helmet if he is going to be positioned there.

Baseball fans loved the insight from Hernandez and shared their thoughts on social media.

“Keith knows the game, I always like it when he gives his opinion,” one fan said.

“The Mets booth appropriately raising this issue. That is why they are the best in the game,” another fan said.

“Over half the booths would miss this. Nice job!” a third fan said.

“That’s why they’re the best tv booth in baseball!!” a fourth fan said.