EBONY HBCU Yard Fest - Source: Getty
Ben Verlander, brother of MLB pitcher Justin Verlander, fired back at former NFL quarterback Cam Newton's claim that baseball is fading into obscurity. He defended America's pastime after Newton predicted the WNBA would surpass baseball's popularity within two decades.
Verlander, a baseball analyst for Fox Sports, has established himself as a vocal advocate for MLB. Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, hosts the "4th & 1" podcast where he frequently shares his perspective on various sports.
During a December 19 episode of his podcast, Newton sparked controversy by declaring baseball a "dying sport" and suggesting the WNBA would overtake its popularity. His comments quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting Verlander's response on Thursday.
"Respectfully. You have no clue what you're talking about with this sport you never watch. Baseball has been booming. Stay in your lane," Verlander posted on X
