John Smoltz fires back at Texas Rangers fans who were upset with his playoff commentary

Texas Rangers fans voiced their displeasure with FOX broadcaster John Smoltz throughout the 2023 playoffs, accusing him of rooting against the team during their World Series title run.

On Tuesday, Smoltz was on “Shan and RJ,” on 105.3 The Fan, and addressed the controversy.

“It’s the most ridiculous claim in the history of baseball,” said Smoltz, “People are so used to their local broadcast that they have no conceptual idea that we come in neutral.”

Smoltz said he received advice from current ESPN broadcaster Joe Buck who told him not to concern himself with fans who felt he was rooting against their teams from the broadcast booth.

The Atlanta Braves legend said he received similar criticism when calling the World Series between the Houston Astros and his former team.

“Atlanta in the World Series against Houston, I got more criticism from the Atlanta fans that I wasn’t a homer, and that I wasn’t rooting for the Atlanta Braves,” said Smoltz.

Smoltz said he did praise the Rangers throughout their World Series run though he joked Rangers fans must not have heard him, but said he paid no attention to the feedback from Rangers fans during the playoff run.

“I don’t pay attention and I could care less,” said Smotlz, “It has no relevancy whatsoever, and so I don’t have any social media, and my job is to call the game neutral.”