New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes is off to a phenomenal start this season. After finishing 2021 with a 2.90 ERA in 14 starts, Cortes has settled into his role as the ace for the Bronx Bombers. Nestor also earned an interesting nickname from one long-time Major League Baseball announcer.

During Thursday’s afternoon tilt between the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins, 83-year-0ld Jim Kaat found himself in a heap of controversy. He was comparing Minnesota pitcher Devin Smeltzer to Nestor Cortes. It was then that he gave him the most unfortunate nickname in baseball history.

“That favorite pitcher, being kind of like Devin Smeltzer, ‘Nestor the Molester!’ Nestor Cortes. Man, he is fun to watch.”

Fans immediately took to social media to criticize the octogenarian announcer. The Associated Press reported that a Twins official said the team spoke with him about the matter after the game. Twins VP of Communications and Content Dustin Morse said the team is taking the matter very seriously.

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When Cortes was asked about the situation, he brushed it off. Nestor said it did not offend him. The Yankees star said it was just a simple mistake.

In October, Jim Kaat found himself in hot water after another on-air gaffe. He made a slavery reference during a playoff game between the Astros and White Sox. Kaat was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame last year, but has now become infamous for his unpredictability behind a live mic.

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Michael Perry

Michael Perry is a news contributor for Ringside News and Thirsty for News. Michael has an M.A. in Communication Technology from Point Park University in his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA.

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