During high-stakes MLB Postseason television broadcasts, studio analysts need to transition between deep sabermetric analysis and unscripted entertainment. “FACT or SPLAT” pits Hall of Fame power hitter David Ortiz against future first-ballot ace Justin Verlander in a comedic trivia gauntlet. Hosted by FOX anchor Kevin Burkhardt alongside World Series champions Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, the segment turns authentic baseball history into physical comedy.
Kevin Burkhardt reads a rapid-fire statistical claim or historical anecdote regarding postseason achievements, career milestones, or obscure baseball bylaws.
The contestant must evaluate whether the claim is a verifiable FACT or a fabricated myth requiring an immediate SPLAT.
Guessing incorrectly triggers the studio cannon directly onto the contestant's podium. A correct call directs the cannon blast straight at their rival across the desk.
Baseball trivia is notoriously pedantic. For example, while David Ortiz famously hit two legendary walk-offs in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees (Game 4 12th-inning home run and Game 5 14th-inning single), many fans mistakenly believe he hit three walk-offs that postseason. In fact, his third ALDS walk-off against the Angels came in Game 3—giving him three walk-offs in a single postseason, a feat matched only in rare MLB lore!
Meanwhile, Justin Verlander holds the American League Postseason strikeout record with over 230 strikeouts across 35 playoff appearances. Discerning true facts from clever fabrications requires split-second recall under the glare of studio lighting and pneumatic projectile cannons.