In a lighthearted response to social media criticism, veteran baseball reporter Angie Mentink has addressed a viral video that captured her using artificial intelligence to formulate questions for the Seattle Mariners. The widely-respected journalist, who works for Root Sports, appeared unaware she was being filmed in the brief clip, which zoomed in to show her querying an AI tool with: 'Good questions after a tough loss in baseball.'
Social Media Backlash and Mentink's Response
The video, posted by a fan on X with a sarcastic caption questioning Mentink's methods, quickly gained traction online. However, Mentink turned the situation around on Thursday afternoon by posting a witty reply on the same platform. 'Currently asking AI how to handle going viral for using AI,' she wrote, demonstrating her ability to laugh at the incident.
Acknowledging Technological Evolution
In a more serious follow-up, Mentink elaborated on her use of AI, explaining that she was experimenting with the technology earlier this season to supplement her traditional questioning techniques. 'In all seriousness, I'm late to the AI party,' she admitted. 'Earlier this season I experimented with AI to see if it had any questions to add to my list for my postgame coverage. We've come a long way from pen and paper when I started in 1997. Always learning.'
A Career of Resilience and Adaptation
Mentink's career with the Mariners spans nearly three decades, beginning in 1997 as she referenced. Her return to reporting this season follows a significant health challenge—she suffered a stroke in February. This comes after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, battles she has spoken about openly in interviews.
Personal Struggles and Public Connection
In a recent conversation with Seattle Met, Mentink reflected on how her personal experiences have resonated with audiences. 'I think that people see themselves in me a lot,' she shared. 'Just being a mom…I gain weight, I lose weight, I have breast cancer, I have the same struggles as anybody else. And just to remind people that all of this is sort of normal in the scheme of things and on this journey of life.'
She concluded with a philosophical perspective that has guided her through both professional and personal challenges: 'There is no such thing as losing. You either win or you get better.' This attitude appears to inform her approach to the recent AI controversy, viewing it as another opportunity for growth rather than a setback.
