Pardon My Take - Episode Summary: "The Thunder Win The NBA Title, Mariners Catcher Cal Raleigh AKA Big Dumper In Studio, Hank Is Back From Vacation And Kevin Durant Is Traded Again"
Release Date: June 23, 2025
1. Oklahoma City Thunder Clinch the NBA Championship
The episode kicks off with exhilarating news as Big Cat announces, “[03:02] Big Cat: ...the Oklahoma City Thunder are NBA champs. Congrats to the Thunder.” The hosts delve deep into the Thunder's remarkable season, highlighting their resilience in Game 7 against the Pacers despite the unfortunate injury to Tyrese Halberton.
Hank emphasizes the team's exceptional performance: “[05:10] Hank: That's just about the perfect season.” The Thunder's strategy, led by General Manager Sam Presti, is lauded as a masterclass in building a championship-caliber team in a small market. Big Cat adds, “[06:42] Big Cat: ...the second youngest championship team in NBA history.”
Notable Quote:
“[06:22] Big Cat: ...they had to go to seven against the Nuggets. They had to go to seven against the Pacers. I don't expect that to happen ever again for them.” – Big Cat
2. Tyrese Halberton’s Achilles Injury: A Heartbreak for Pacers Fans
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the devastating Achilles injury sustained by Tyrese Halberton during Game 7. PFT reflects on the emotional toll: “[14:00] PFT: ...he's put in an impossible situation, and I feel really, really bad for him.”
The hosts debate the implications of such injuries on player health and the NBA season's grueling nature, questioning whether the current schedule is sustainable given the rising number of Achilles tears in crucial playoff moments.
Notable Quote:
“[14:41] Big Cat: ...what a great job David Stern did of building up the Dynasty franchises, Right?” – Hank
3. Kevin Durant’s Trade to the Houston Rockets
In a major league shake-up, Big Cat announces Kevin Durant’s trade to the Houston Rockets: “[20:14] Hank: ...Kevin Durant finding out that he was traded on stage at the Fanatics Fest.”
The trade is dissected with opinions leaning towards Durant finding a synergistic environment in Houston. Zach comments, “[22:35] Zach: ...Kevin Durant is still a go-to scorer,” highlighting Durant's enduring offensive prowess and potential impact on the Rockets' lineup.
Notable Quote:
“[23:00] Hank: I think this means that Kevin Durant is perpetually unhappy and is made more unhappy in his quest to find happiness.” – Hank
4. Exclusive Interview with Cal Raleigh, the Mariners' "Big Dumper"
The highlight of the episode is an in-depth interview with Cal Raleigh, affectionately nicknamed "Big Dumper." Raleigh discusses his phenomenal performance, having hit four home runs in a single weekend, putting him on pace for an astonishing 67 home runs this season.
Cal Raleigh shares insights into his training regimen and the mental fortitude required to excel both as a catcher and a power hitter. He reflects on his nickname with humor: “[62:50] Cal Raleigh: ...he's got a giant butt. My friend was like, his ass isn't that big.”
Notable Quote:
“[63:36] Cal Raleigh: ...catchers, you're constantly doing something. You're talking to the pitcher, pigeon coach, getting ready to hit.” – Cal Raleigh
5. Hank’s Return from Vacation: A Relaxing Getaway to Pebble Beach
After a much-deserved break, Hank rejoins the show, sharing anecdotes from his trip to Pebble Beach. The hosts recount gifting Hank a luxury getaway, leading to humorous exchanges about their adventures and the unforgettable experience Cal Raleigh had at the golf course.
Zach recounts, “[109:37] Zach: ...we stayed at the Inn at Spanish Bay. Beautiful, beautiful hotel resort, you know, spa.”
Notable Quote:
“[113:44] Zach: ...it truly was like the entire time, you're just looking around like this is not a real place.” – Zach
6. Additional Sports Discussions
Beyond the main topics, the episode features lively discussions on various other sports:
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Golf: The hosts share their latest golfing experiences, including memorable shots and the challenges of transitioning between different types of swings and equipment.
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Soccer: Hank updates on the U.S. Soccer team's advancements in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, expressing anticipation for future matches against rivals like Mexico.
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Baseball: Cal Raleigh discusses the nuances of catching, handling knuckleballs, and his approach to framing pitches, providing listeners with a rare glimpse into the technical aspects of his position.
Notable Quote:
“[88:54] Cal Raleigh: ...there's a lot of those. Especially nowadays. There’s like five coaches on the team and they’re all. All Their kids are hitting first five in the order.” – Cal Raleigh
7. Who’s Back of the Week
The segment "Who’s Back of the Week" honors returning sports figures:
- Cal Raleigh: Celebrated for his standout performance.
- Sammy Sosa: Made a surprise return to the Cubs and is set for Hall of Fame induction.
- Jonathan Tate: Signed with the Winnipeg Jets, marking a significant comeback.
- Morgan Wallen: Highlighted for his star-studded return to touring after overcoming controversies.
8. Closing Remarks and Future Episodes
The hosts wrap up by previewing upcoming segments, including Mount Rushmore-related topics and anticipation for the next episode's interviews. They also humorously discuss their ongoing traditions and inside jokes, fostering a sense of camaraderie and ongoing engagement with their audience.
Key Takeaways:
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Oklahoma City Thunder’s Championship Win: A historic achievement marked by resilience and exceptional team-building strategies.
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Injury Concerns in Playoffs: The impact of Tyrese Halberton’s injury raises questions about player health and season scheduling.
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Kevin Durant’s Trade: Durant’s move to the Rockets is analyzed for its potential to reshape team dynamics and his legacy.
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Cal Raleigh’s Stardom: Raleigh’s breakthrough performance and unique nickname offer an engaging narrative of individual excellence in baseball.
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Hank’s Vacation Stories: Personal anecdotes from Pebble Beach add a relatable and entertaining dimension to the episode.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- “[05:10] Hank: That's just about the perfect season.”
- “[14:00] PFT: ...he's put in an impossible situation, and I feel really, really bad for him.”
- “[22:35] Zach: ...Kevin Durant is still a go-to scorer.”
- “[63:36] Cal Raleigh: ...catchers, you're constantly doing something.”
This episode of "Pardon My Take" delivers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of major sports events, enriched with personal insights and memorable moments from both the hosts and guest Cal Raleigh. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or a casual listener, this episode offers valuable takeaways and entertaining discussions that highlight the dynamic world of sports.