Video of Mark Grace’s interview with Justin Timberlake during last night’s All-Star Game has been quarantined by Major League Baseball for the time being and clips have been removed from YouTube. But the forward-thinking folks at Amazin Avenue, a Mets blog, took the trouble to transcribe the interview, in which Timberlake openly mocks Joe Buck for calling a great game, and in general for being a great announcer whom everyone loves. It was quite sublime, and perhaps the highlight of the entire broadcast, not least because Timberlake says his favorite ballpark food is beer.
“It goes with the hot dog, it goes with nachos, it goes with peanuts. Beer’s perfect. Beer never got mad at me because I didn’t call beer back.”
Here’s the transcript:
Joe Buck: We go down for a visit with a special guest, here’s Mark Grace.
Mark Grace: I’m down here in the pool area, with the star of the upcoming comedy, Friends With Benefits. Welcome Justin Timberlake, how ya doin’ brother?
Justin Timberlake: Joe Buck, you’re calling a great game, Joe!
Joe Buck: Thanks, Justin.
Justin Timberlake: Just a classy guy-
Joe Buck: Thanks.
Justin Timberlake: -with a classy voice.
Joe Buck: Thanks.
Mark Grace: It’s your first All Star game?
Justin Timberlake: That’s right.
Mark Grace: Did you ever think you’d be at a swimming pool?
Justin Timberlake: When they said ‘we want you to go down there and be interviewed by the pool’ I said ‘excuse me’?
Mark Grace: Why don’t we come over here and get a shot of the pool.
[Grace and Timberlake move over to get a shot of the pool]
Justin Timberlake: I’m not upset that we’re here.
Mark Grace: It’s a pretty good spot. Now you wanted ballpark food. Peanuts, popcorn, hot dogs, which one’s your favorite?
Justin Timberlake: My favorite? Just beer.
Mark Grace: Really? Beer! It’s kind of the perfect food.
Justin Timberlake: It goes with the hot dog, it goes with nachos, it goes with peanuts. Beer’s perfect. Beer never got mad at me because I didn’t call beer back.
Mark Grace: That’s a very good point. That is a very good point.
Joe Buck: Gracey, ask him if his movie is any good.
Mark Grace: Joe wants to know, is your movie any good?
Justin Timberlake: It’s fantastic, Joe. You’re gonna laugh, you’re gonna cry, because I know you’re that type of guy. You’re gonna laugh.
Mark Grace: He’s a sensitive guy.
Justin Timberlake: He’s a classy guy, that Joe. And you’re calling a great game!
Mark Grace: Do you have anything to say to Tim McCarver.
Justin Timberlake: We’re big fans of you in Memphis, Tim.
Tim McCarver: Alright!
[Joe Buck calls game action]
Joe Buck: One more, from Mark Grace.
Mark Grace: You’re also a big baseball fan, a Los Angeles Dodger fan, is that correct?
Justin Timberlake: I am a Dodger fan, yeah, my dad got me into the Wrecking Crew. My favorite baseball player of all-time is Orel Hershiser.
Mark Grace: Orel Hershiser, really? Not Steve Garvey, not Eric Karros?
Justin Timberlake: The Bulldog, baby!
Mark Grace: Sorry Eric, I tried man. Hey Justin thanks a lot, best of luck to you. Let’s throw it up to the guys!
Justin Timberlake: Good game Joe, you’re calling a great game!
Joe Buck: Really appreciate it and it’s said with such sincerity.