Michael Wilbon Refused To Acknowledge 'Pardon The Interruption' Segment

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 8:12 PM ET

ESPN personality Michael Wilbon isn't a fan of the Savannah Bananas, that's for sure.

Former Chicago Cubs ace Kerry Wood had the chance to suit up for the Savannah Bananas' game at Wrigley Field this past Saturday night. The former NL Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Star stepped up to the mound and threw one of the most improbable pitches baseball fans have ever seen.

With the bases loaded in the bottom of the sixth inning, Wood threw a behind-the-back pitch that landed perfectly in the strike zone. It was such an awesome trick that he received some love on ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption."

Jun 7, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Team owner Jesse Cole leads the pep band out onto the field during the exhibition game between the Savannah Bananas and the Party Animals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn ImagesJim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Wilbon, however, had zero interest in discussing this trick throw from Wood.

"He's thrown out ceremonial first pitches as recent as a few months ago, and I'm sure he can thrown out a strike," Wilbon said. "Tony, I'm not acknowledging that Banana stuff, I'm not. They can sell out Wrigley Field from now until the cows come home. I'm not down for that."

Tony Kornheiser then replied, "You'd be the only one not acknowledging them, because it's entertainment and it sells out."

Michael Wilbon is NOT down with the Savannah Bananas

"Tony, I'm not acknowledging that Banana stuff, I'm not!" pic.twitter.com/3n9qEKkE8Z
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 28, 2026

The Savannah Bananas are used to facing criticism.

Earlier this month, the Savannah Bananas opened the 2026 ESPY Awards with a live performance at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center. Several people, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, were furious over this decision.

“What the [expletive]? What the [expletive] is this? Get the Bananas off my [expletive] screen. What the [expletive] are the Bananas doing?” Portnoy said. “What is this, the ESPYs? I don’t even know what channel this is on. I was watching ‘Chronicle’ on ABC, I look up and the Bananas are on my TV. This guy’s doing a pirouette. Get the Bananas off my TV.”

Despite dealing with constant backlash, the Savannah Bananas remain incredibly popular in the world of baseball.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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