The World Series had barely gotten underway when a graphic on FOX's broadcast diverted fans' attention from the action on the field to their television screens.

The segment, dubbed 'Mirror Images,' featured cartoon-style illustrations of Brewers manager Pat Murphy and Rays manager Kevin Cash positioned face-to-face, with a home-plate-shaped scoreboard between them, drawing comparisons between the two franchises.

It depicted both teams ranked at the top of their respective leagues in record, batting average, bunt hits, infield hits, and singles, befitting a showdown between two low-payroll clubs that thrive on contact, speed, and defense. But viewers were unhappy with how the image looked, believing it was AI-generated. Elsewhere in baseball, a controversial MLB legend recently received the ultimate "honor" from Donald Trump.

The backlash against FOX's graphic was swift. "It's the WORLD SERIES and Fox is still insisting on using some of the absolute worst AI slop and garbage you've ever seen. Truly awful to see on such a big stage," one fan wrote on social media.

Another posted: "Disgusting to see that AI slop on the World Series broadcast. Just hire artists, Fox, we know you have the money."

Others contended that the graphic showed a disregard for the broadcast's actual creators. "FOX playing their AI SLOP during the World Series is disgusting and insulting and hideous. It casts a shadow on actual camera operators and the people putting in real work," one viewer wrote.

The Brewers, having clinched 103 wins and ousted the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, are making their first World Series appearance since 1982.

The Rays, who topped the American League standings, are embarking on their third World Series trip, following appearances in 2008 and 2020. Neither team has yet claimed a World Series championship.

The Game 1 pitching matchup featured Jacob Misiorowski, who recorded a 1.80 ERA this season and is widely expected to take home the Cy Young Award, squaring off against seasoned Rays pitcher Nick Martinez, a first-year All-Star with Tampa Bay.

Heading into the World Series, Milwaukee's bullpen had posted a remarkable 1.33 ERA throughout the postseason, while Tampa Bay's four starting pitchers had combined for a 1.98 ERA, the best figure among all playoff contenders.

Prior to the opening pitch, Brewers icon Robin Yount and former commissioner Bud Selig participated in ceremonial first pitches, while Mickey Guyton delivered a rendition of the national anthem.

The Brewers narrowly took Game 1, winning 3-2.