Loading summary
Lululemon Advertiser
This is the way it feels to move through summer in Lululemon iconic aligned softness without the front seam for our smoothest look and feel ever, summer won't know what hit it. Stretch your limits in the non stop flexibility of the new Lululemon align no line pant in select stores and@lululemon.com.
Mike Wilbon
Pardon the interruption, but I'm Mike Wilbon. Tony, I'm told it's national Sugar Cookie.
Tony Kornheiser
Day when Tony Korn has a sugar cookie. That's what Zsa Ja used to call me. I'm sure Zsa Zsa called me down there.
Mike Wilbon
Roll on.
Tony Kornheiser
Make sense. How many people watching this show know who Zsa Zsa Gabor is? Or her sisters or her mother?
Mike Wilbon
Besides us, I'm gonna say between 11 and 15 on yeah, that's all there is.
Tony Kornheiser
Shajangor, Jolie Gabor, Magda Gabor, Ava Gabor. Nobody knows them.
Mike Wilbon
I don't even remember.
Tony Kornheiser
Nobody knows them but us. Nobody knows but us. Welcome to pti, boys and girls. In today's episode, the Miz dominates the Dodgers. The NCAA tournament could be on the verge of expansion and we've got not one but two inside the park homers to evaluate. But we begin today again with Wimbledon. On the men's side, top seed Yonek six sinner erased American Ben Shelton in straight sets, winning all the opportune points. Novak Djokovic lost the first set to Flavio Caboli in a tie break, but stayed on the court for three hours and won the next three sets. On the women's side, Igor Witek, who wins a lot of French Opens but no Wimbledons, won in straight sets to reach the semifinals. And there she will play unseated Belinda Bencic, who won in straight set both tiebreakers. Wilbon, what stood out to you?
Mike Wilbon
The first thing that stood out to me is Belinda Benchich. She had a baby. She gave birth 15 months ago. About that. And she comes back and she's winning and she's this deep into the most prestigious tournament in the world in her sport. That's a my God. Cuz. The guys we're going to talk about, I can guarantee I don't know much about their personal lives, but none of them have given birth and I don't think anybody's unlikely to. So given that Tony, I watched pretty close to the men, you know, I've been waiting, hoping that Ben Shelter could break loose. But to break loose, to break free to bubble up any higher than he is, he's got to beat, you know, he's got to Win against a number one or a number two, and he was. He might get that chance right now, right? He had that chance against center and Tony. To me, it's just that on those bigger points, he's not there yet. He's still young. He might get there, but he's not there now. And center, even though he's got this thing going on with his elbow, he's got a wrap. He's got a wrist. He's got this, he's got that. He's got to stop. He's got to pull it. He's got to push it. He could still. He's better on the big points and he's more creative throughout the match, which Ben Shelton's going to have to add to his game. So that's. I spent most of my attention and energy on that match, even more so than Joker.
Tony Kornheiser
I did my. My biggest takeaway from watching, and I watched a lot today, is one moment in time. It's right around the end of the Djokovic match when he falls down by the baseline and does this very awkward split as the ball goes by him. And he loses the second of two match points in that moment. He's laying there in pain. It's obvious pain. Now we hear all the time about his great conditioning and his amazing elasticity. He gets up and starts walking around. Doesn't call for a trainer, doesn't have to leave the court, doesn't come back in third. No, no, no, no, no, no. Has a brief conversation with somebody I think might have been the chair umpire, and then calls for the tennis balls and goes back, serves the next two points and wins the match. I was really impressed with that, I have to say. So now he's going to get Sinner. You talked about Sinner beating Shelton. He's going to get Sinner in the semifinals. Right now they played the semifinals in the French and Sinner beat him. And I could be mistaken here, but I think Sinner's beaten him something like five matches in a row.
Mike Wilbon
Four, you know, four in a row.
Tony Kornheiser
Okay. Whatever it is, it's a bunch. Okay. Can. Can he beat Djokovic on grass? This is the different thing. Can he beat him on grass, Elbow or no elbow? You know that. I don't know. Djokovic is great at Wimbledon, and Djokovic has come into this thing talking about the fact that this is his best chance to get the 25th thing. 25th major. I will just add this parenthetically, I sort of find myself rooting for Witek for this reason. I Want to see a win on something other than clay? Win on grass. I don't know if you agree with this, Mike. I don't think you can be an all time great if you don't win Wimbledon. I think Wimbledon has to be in your resume.
Mike Wilbon
Yeah, it probably does. Although the surface differences are not what they were when you and I were tennis fanatics. You know, it doesn't it? You don't have the variety there. But I got your point, though. I hear you. Let's move to the Miz. Brewers rookie Jacob Mizorowski, who Tony kind of dismissed as an ordinary cheesehead yesterday, surrendered a leadoff home run to Shohei last night and that was that. The Miz struck out 12 Dodgers over his first five and went six and all out pitching hall of Fame bound Clayton Kershaw as the Cheeseheads beat the Dodgers 3 1. The Miz called it a dream come true. Tony, I think you heard about it by now. What do you call it?
Tony Kornheiser
I would call it Wil Bonds revenge. You talked about this yesterday. You had it completely right. You touted the fact that Misarowski was going to go up against Clayton Kershaw. You praised Misarowski to the skies. You know, I don't know that everybody understands that. The reason you know about Mizarovsky is he plays in the one division you pay.
Mike Wilbon
My division.
Tony Kornheiser
Cubs are there. But that. That doesn't matter. You had it right. I was skeptical about this whole thing. I was a little bit dismissive about it. As you said, he gives up a leadoff home run to Shohei Otani. Gives up nothing else. That's why people are batting opponent batting average against him is 138. He strikes out 12 Dodgers. You know the last guy who struck out 12 Dodgers over the course of six innings because he stayed in the game for six innings. The last guy was Shohei Ohtani when he was with the Angels, if you want to talk about irony. And before that, it was Max Scherzer, the warrior God. So you had this thing right. My point all along, Mike was the same, was that let's not put him in the category of Kershaw now. Maybe not ever, because Kershaw is going to the hall of Fame and he's got 3,000 strikeouts. The Miz out pitched him last night. And if Kershaw didn't know who he was coming into the game, he knows. Now. My basic point is, let me know when he wins. 219. He's won four.
Mike Wilbon
Well, I'm going to pay attention before he gets to 219. And I remember a time when there's a fireballer comes along and you wrote a column cuz I happened to look it up. And you wrote about this in the Washington Post when Kerry woods struck out a million people. And you said, when there's a young, handsome fireballer, pay attention. So I'm taking the advice of a young Anthony Kornheiser who said, pay attention. And so the Miz, though he is a cheesehead and I am by birthright required to hate him. I watch this kid. I. I watch every start because he comes out and he throws 102, he throws gas and he says, sit down. And then he can pinpoint it. Tony, he's not just a thrower. There's enough of a pitcher in there to pay attention. So I'm not going to say he's the equal of Kershaw yet, but I'm going to pay attention.
Tony Kornheiser
No, no, no, no. Last year you paid attention to Skeens and you should be paying attention to him again. This is two in a row that we look at. Can they do it a second year? You know, we moved to college basketball. There is persistent talk that the NCAA tournament, both men's and women's, will be expanded beyond the 68 teams that we have now. If such expansion takes place, it will either be to 72 teams or 76 teams. Wolvon, you and I are old enough to remember the 1970s when there were 16 teams in this tournament. If this expansion happens, how does the logic sit with you?
Mike Wilbon
It doesn't. I don't want to hear it. I'm not going to listen to it. I'm not going to boycott the tournament. I'm going to watch the tournament no matter what it does. Probably. But you know, you're leaving this to a body up there. That logo that says ncaa. There's not a more worthless brand in sports. There's not a more mistrusted brand in all of sports than the one the logo that says NC Double A. Because the people who rule for that body, they look like clowns much of the time as a body. Even if I know and you know, we know people who represent the organization and have wonderful careers, but when they convene and they act in the name of ncaa, they get it wrong more often than not. So they're going to screw this up. It's an iconic event brand, the Final Four, March Madness, the Big Dance, all of that. And they're not smart enough to leave it alone.
Tony Kornheiser
Yeah, the logic in this is very, very Simple. There is only one reason for expansion. Just one. It is money. It is more money. So the teams that come in at number 69 or number 71 or number 76, you know, it doesn't matter what number they are, they can't win this tournament. They cannot win this tournament. They are in there to gin up television revenue and gin up gate revenue. That's all this is about. They are going to say that there is a fairness issue here, that more conferences will get more teams in which I don't believe they're going to say there are 354, I believe 354 D1 teams and only 20% are represented in the tournament. Look good. We see this in all sports. We see extra playoff rounds, extra playoff teams. There's more wild cards in baseball. There's a play in, in the NBA. It exists for money. That's why it's there. And if Mike there, if Mike There are 354 D1 teams in basketball, 325 cannot win this. They cannot win this. You're not going to get teams from one big conference. My school, Binghamton, is not getting in if we don't win the conference. Right. That's not what's going to happen. You're going to get sixth and seventh place teams from, from big conferences and they're never gonna win. Right? They're never gonna win it. Stop.
Mike Wilbon
Tony, let's take a break. Not only that, they're not gonna gin up the gate because nobody's gonna go watch.
Tony Kornheiser
No, those teams won't.
Mike Wilbon
No 50 alums are going to watch those teams. What are they doing?
Tony Kornheiser
No, I mean, you try progressively to ruin something and eventually you will. Eventually they'll say everybody gets in. They'll put everybody in eventually. Let's take a break. Coming up, Lawrence Butler started the game with an inside the park home run. And then Patrick Bailey finished one with his. And that sounds like toss up.
Mike Wilbon
And Cal Raleigh hit a big home run for the Mariners last night. But did a Yankee get a more notable one? The double.
Tony Kornheiser
I give you all credit for Misorowski. I give you all credit. I was wrong.
Mike Wilbon
This is not hard. I watch. I don't watch the Nets. I watch the whole league. I watched the whole league.
Tony Kornheiser
Nobody watches the Nets but me and Chuck Todd and Chris Cillizz.
Unknown Advertiser
As you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-GRAINGER, click grainger.com or just stop by Ever start snacking and think, wait, should I be eating something healthier? Yeah, skip the guilt. With wonderful pistachios, you don't have to choose between tasty and smart. These are the don't hold back snack packed with bold, craveable flavors like honey roasted, chili roasted and jalapeno lime. Whether you want the heat, the sweet or something in between, they've got you. Each serving brings 6 grams of protein and 0 grams of regret. Want the full crack and snack experience? Go classic with in shell. Prefer no mess, no hassle, no shells has your back perfect for game time, halftime or anytime. Whether you're watching the game, grinding through emails, or just need a break from the chaos, wonderful pistachios are always a win. So don't hold back. Grab a bag and snack like you mean it. Head to wonderful pistachios.com to learn more.
Tony Kornheiser
It's time for toss up. Two men enter, one man leaves, finishes the show, then heads out on his evening streak through the neighborhood. What's first? Toss up.
Unknown Advertiser
How do you prefer your inside the park home runs Lead off or walk off?
Tony Kornheiser
All right, let me just start by saying both of these home runs were tremendous. Fabulous to watch. Let's start. Lawrence Butler of the A's leads off the bottom half of the first inning last night. The first pitch he sees, he hits to the right center field wall and he just keeps running. Puts his head down. He just keeps going. He slides head first into home. There's no throw. The throw doesn't even get there. So boom, it's one nothing. And the other one. Mike is better. The other one. The Giants are down in the bottom of the ninth inning. They're down three one. There's two on. They're catcher Patrick Bailey steps up there, hits one off the top of the wall in right field. It caroms crazily. I thought it got all the way to left field on the track and everybody keeps running. Three run score. That throw to home gets closer, but there's no tag or anything like that. And what I would end with is saying he's a catcher. How many catchers hit inside the park home runs? I mean, really, what are we talking about here, Tony?
Mike Wilbon
It's the walk off. It's not Close. The other home run that happens in Sacramento, in the minor league ballpark, the A's are playing it right now. You're not even in your seat yet. You're walking around, you're getting the dog, you're getting some popcorn and curiosity.
Tony Kornheiser
First pitch.
Mike Wilbon
There's some first pitch in the bottom half. And he. The guys running the bases. What is this? Is this some kind of marketing thing where the. Where the kids are running the bases before the game? You don't even know what the hell's going on. Anything that happens in Oracle is better. Oracle is one of the three great ballparks in Major League Baseball. Wrigley, Fenway, Oracle. Oh, I'll throw Yankee Stadium in it. That's the list. And if it happens in Oracle, which used to be at and T, you got dimensions, you got McCovey Cove. You got all kinds of stuff that make it give you a throwback sense to the 1940s or 50s, when ballparks were asymmetrical and the ball could go forever and you got inside the park. Home runs. It's Oracle. It's the game winner. The guys running out of the dugout make it more dramatic. The whole thing makes it a no contest. Sorry. Open.
Tony Kornheiser
I would include Camden Yards. I think that's a great ballpark. What's next?
Unknown Advertiser
Toss up. Who had the most notable home run in the Yankees rout of the Mariners last night? Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge or Cal Raleigh?
Tony Kornheiser
Okay, it's not Stanton. It's his second home run of the year. They were already up in the game. It made it 4 nothing. Okay, so what? Judge hit his 34th home run of the year. It's a lot of home runs. His fourth in the last six games. And he's having a great year. Okay. No, no. Cal Rawley hit his 36th home run of the year. That's the most in the major leagues. It is now Cal Rawley's record most home runs by somebody from Seattle before the All Star break. He just broke Ken Griffey's record. And it allows me to say, big dumper. Big dumper. Big dumper. Big dumper.
Mike Wilbon
Yeah, but the notion that it's a record is big dumper because people don't know there's not the same number of games before every All Star break. That's why it's bogus. It just allows people to get on TV, most of them under 40, and scream. It's the first time it's ever happened. We don't know that. Do you know how many games that were played by those Mariners before they got to the break. No, you don't know know the people. Somewhere in the 80s, television don't know. It varies. Somewhere in the 80s, it's not the same number of games.
Tony Kornheiser
That's right. That's right.
Mike Wilbon
So it's a varies by the notion that it's a record is completely and utterly bogus. So people can get on radio and.
Tony Kornheiser
Say, record, record, record, record. Here's what's not. Here's what's not bogus. He's got the most home runs in all of baseball right now. He's got the most. That's a big deal. Big deal.
Mike Wilbon
It's roughly we're past the halfway point. I'll care if he's got that on October 1st. The answer to the question is Stanton. Because it was 1 nothing and made it 4 nothing. And by the way, if the Yankees are going to be any good this year, it can't be just judge, right?
Tony Kornheiser
That's right.
Mike Wilbon
Tim Kirchen told us that a couple of days ago.
Tony Kornheiser
That's right.
Mike Wilbon
And that somebody is Giancarlo Stanton.
Tony Kornheiser
Let me just say it again for the West Coast. Big dumper. That's it. Let's take one last break. Still to come, the Buccaneers may be without one of their best players to.
Mike Wilbon
Start the season, and the Thunder sew up another young star to big money. I'll take big money over big dumper. That's just me.
Tony Kornheiser
Is that what we wanted to call you? Big money? Yeah, right. I'd like to call Mike big money Wilbon.
Mike Wilbon
I want it to be true, though.
Tony Kornheiser
Big money.
Mike Wilbon
Not true.
Unknown Advertiser
Right now, baseball season is in full swing. But be honest, are you wearing a hat to support your favorite team or to hide your thinning hair? HIMS offers access to a range of prescription treatments that are a home run for hair regrowth so you can see big league results by the time your team is in the playoffs. HIMS offers convenient access to a range of prescription hair loss treatments with ingredients that work, including chews, oral medications, serums and sprays that offer doctor trusted clinically proven ingredients like finasteride and minoxidil, which can stop hair loss and regrow hair in as little as three to six months. Get started from the comfort of home. The process is 100% online, which means getting it has never been more convenient. No insurance is needed and treatment options start at just $35 per month. Start your free online visit today at HIMSS.com PTI that's H I M S.com PTI for personalized hair loss treatment options HIMSS.com PTI individual results may vary based on studies of topical and oral minoxidil and finasteride. Prescription required. See website for full details, restrictions and important safety information. Avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're not sure where to start. Thumbtack knows homes, so you don't have to don't know the difference between matte, paint, finish and satin or what that clunking sound from your dryer is. With thumbtack, you don't have to be a home pro, you just have to hire one. You can hire top rated pros, see price estimates and read reviews all on the Thumbtack app. Download today.
Tony Kornheiser
Happy time, people. Happy 69th birthday, Tom Hanks. Yeah, Tom Hanks, the great American actor. He is in one of the most wonderful sports movies, a League of Their Own, where he plays Jimmy Dugan, the manager of the women's baseball team, the Rockford Peaches. Hanks has the unforgettable line, there's no crying in baseball. He has been Forrest Gump. He has been Ben Bradley, who was our editor at the Washington post. He's been Mr. Rogers and Apollo 13, astronaut Jim Lovell and Walt Disney and airline hero Captain Sully Sullenberger. He made one of the great rock and roll movies of all time, that Thing youg Do. And Tom Hanks is a die hard Oakland A's fan who was crestfallen at them leaving his hometown Bay Area.
Mike Wilbon
But that makes me wonder if he was out there, there in the hundreds of people on average who would go to those games. I told you I'd wand over from the Warriors. They were playing for championships and there were like, I don't know, 85 people in that mausoleum of a baseball stadium next door. I mean, if Tom was in there yelling and screaming and waving something and buying hot dogs, even better for him, I, you know, it was something sort of charming about it, even in its emptiness.
Tony Kornheiser
Happy Anniversary, Joe Sackic. On this day 16 years ago, the first ballot hall of Famer retired after 21 seasons with the same franchise. The Quebec Nordique became the Colorado Avalanche, and Sackic scored 625 goals and 1,641 points for them. Sakic led the Avalanche to the Stanley cup in 1996 and 2001, then won another in 2022 as the general manager. Sackic was playoff MVP in 1996, league MVP in 2001. He's the third person, along with Milt Schmidt and Serge Savard, to win a Stanley cup with the same franchise as a player in gm. And he's in the Triple Gold Club for winning an Olympic gold medal, a world championship gold medal and a Stanley Cup.
Mike Wilbon
How can a league be better served a hockey league by having teams in Carolina, Florida and Florida and not in Quebec City City. What? Huh? Come on now. The NHL should have found some way to address that. Like the NBA is going to try to find one soon. I hope to address not having one in Seattle. Don't. Don't do that. It's bad for him.
Tony Kornheiser
Happy, happy trails to the start of the NFL season for Tristan Wurfs. The Bucs first team all pro left tackle aggravated a right knee injury earlier this off season. He had arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday. The Tampa Bay Times reports that Wirfs is likely to be placed on the physically unable to perform list to start the season, making him ineligible for the first four games. 26 year old is a four time Pro Bowler and the team's highest paid player. He protects Baker Mayfield's blindside in the passing game, in the running game. The Bucs improved from last in the league two seasons ago to fourth overall last year.
Mike Wilbon
Tony, he's a great player of unquestioned toughness. I'm not a better, but if I was, I would say really, he's gonna be on the PUP list after arthroscopic surgery. You know what? I'd be all that shocked to see him on the field much sooner than that. Earlier sometime in September. I'm just. I'm just saying. I'm just wondering.
Tony Kornheiser
Thank you. Dr. Wil Bond update on the Ken Griffey Cal Raleigh debate. Griffey's Mariners played 88 games before the All Star break in 1998. Raleigh's Mariners have played 91, but both Griffey and Raleigh started 88. Hot shot. Let's go to the big finish. ASUS star Asia Wilson left last night's loss to Liberty with a wrist injury. Is that cause for concern?
Mike Wilbon
Yeah, because we don't know the result of the MRI yet. I hope we don't have any concern. The Thunder signed Chet Holmgren to a five year rookie max extension that could be worth up to a quarter billion dollars. Your thoughts?
Tony Kornheiser
So they got him locked up. They got Gilgis Alexander locked up. Those are their core players. Some of them anyway. Nikola Jokic reportedly won't seek an extension this summer. Is that a big deal? Yeah.
Mike Wilbon
And it could be a bigger deal if you sack to walk. But by not signing can go for like 77 more million in a season. By waiting a year. We'll see. The White Sox snapped the Blue Jays 10 game winning streak this afternoon. You surprised?
Tony Kornheiser
A little. But the White Sox are better this year than last year. Last one. Paris St Germain beat Real Madrid first four nothing in the club World cup semifinals this afternoon. Your thoughts?
Mike Wilbon
PSG's trying to win everything. They play Chelsea on Sunday. We are out of time.
Tony Kornheiser
We will try to do better the next time. And I am Tony Kornhouse.
Mike Wilbon
I'm Mike Wilbon. Same time tomorrow. Knucklehead King Griffey Jr. Hitting a cavernous ballpark. The big dumper hits in a phone booth. Don't equate those two.
Tony Kornheiser
Don't do it. Stop whining.
Unknown Advertiser
In 1979, the first words spoken on.
Mike Wilbon
ESPN weren't just an announcement. If you're a fan, they were a sports prophecy. What you'll see in the next minutes, hours and days to follow. Glad you're with us tonight. May convince you you've gone to sports heaven. And right now you're standing on the edge of tomorrow.
Unknown Advertiser
This fall, the next era of ESPN begins. Sports forever.
PTI Episode Summary: "Is Mizorowski the NEXT Clayton Kershaw?"
Release Date: July 9, 2025 | Hosts: Tony Kornheiser & Michael Wilbon
The episode kicks off with a comprehensive overview of the recent Wimbledon championships. Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon delve into the performances of both men's and women's contenders.
Men's Singles: Top seed Jannik Sinner demonstrated prowess by defeating American Ben Shelton in straight sets, showcasing his dominance on the grass courts. Novak Djokovic, enduring a grueling three-hour match, managed to overcome Flavio Cobolli after dropping the first set in a tiebreak. Tony highlights a pivotal moment in Djokovic's match:
“There’s a moment around [03:13] when Djokovic falls by the baseline and does this very awkward split as the ball goes by him. He loses the second of two match points in that moment. He's laying there in pain... and then he calls for the tennis balls and goes back to win the match.” – Tony Kornheiser
Women's Singles: Igor Witek continued his strong performance by winning in straight sets, advancing to the semifinals to face Belinda Bencic. Mike emphasizes Bencic's remarkable comeback:
“Belinda Bencic had a baby 15 months ago and comes back winning deep into the most prestigious tournament in the world. That's incredible.” – Mike Wilbon ([01:52])
The hosts analyze whether Jannik Sinner has the potential to rival Novak Djokovic on grass courts.
Tony questions Sinner's readiness to challenge Djokovic:
“Can he beat Djokovic on grass? Djokovic is great at Wimbledon... I sort of find myself rooting for Witek for this reason.” – Tony Kornheiser ([04:19])
Mike counters by acknowledging Djokovic's experience and Sinner's potential growth, suggesting that while Sinner shows promise, he isn't yet at Djokovic’s level on bigger points.
Central to this episode is the discussion on Jacob Mizorowski’s stellar performance against the Dodgers, leading to the question: Is Mizorowski the next Clayton Kershaw?
Performance Breakdown: Mizorowski struck out 12 Dodgers over six innings, effectively outpacing the legendary Clayton Kershaw. Tony expresses initial skepticism but acknowledges Mizorowski's impressive outing:
“I was skeptical about this whole thing... But Mizorowski outpitched Kershaw last night. If Kershaw didn’t know who he was coming into the game, he knows.” – Tony Kornheiser ([06:03])
Hosts’ Perspectives:
Tony suggests that while Mizorowski's performance is noteworthy, equating him to Kershaw might be premature. He emphasizes Kershaw's Hall of Fame credentials and extensive strikeout record.
Mike agrees that while Mizorowski isn't on par with Kershaw yet, his current trajectory merits attention:
“I'm taking the advice of a young Anthony Kornheiser who said, pay attention. So the Miz, though he is a cheesehead and I am by birthright required to hate him, I watch this kid... There's enough of a pitcher in there to pay attention.” – Mike Wilbon ([07:01])
Shifting from individual performances to institutional changes, Tony and Mike discuss the potential expansion of the NCAA tournament.
Tony’s Stance: He firmly opposes the expansion, arguing it’s solely motivated by financial gains:
“There is only one reason for expansion. Just one. It is money... They cannot win this tournament. They are in there to gin up television revenue and gin up gate revenue.” – Tony Kornheiser ([08:26])
Mike’s Counterpoint: While agreeing with Tony’s skepticism towards the NCAA, Mike expresses a commitment to continue watching the tournament regardless of the changes:
“I don't want to hear it. I'm not going to listen to it. I'm not going to boycott the tournament. I'm going to watch the tournament no matter what it does.” – Mike Wilbon ([08:26])
The hosts discuss the implications of expanding from 68 to potentially 76 teams, highlighting issues of fairness and the dilution of competition quality.
The segment titled "Toss Up" covers remarkable inside-the-park home runs from recent MLB games.
Lawrence Butler (A's): Hit an inside-the-park homer off the first pitch, resulting in a crucial one-run lead.
Patrick Bailey (Giants): Secured a walk-off inside-the-park home run in the bottom of the ninth, turning a 3-1 deficit into a win.
Tony remarks on the rarity and significance of catchers achieving inside-the-park homers:
“How many catchers hit inside-the-park home runs? I mean, really, what are we talking about here, Tony?” – Mike Wilbon ([14:33])
The debate intensifies around Cal Raleigh breaking Ken Griffey Jr.'s record for most home runs by a Seattle Mariners player before the All-Star break.
Tony’s View: Acknowledges Raleigh's achievement but questions the validity due to differing game counts across seasons:
“The notion that it's a record is completely and utterly bogus... But he's got the most home runs in all of baseball right now. That's a big deal.” – Tony Kornheiser ([17:32])
Mike’s Perspective: Criticizes the record's legitimacy, pointing out the variability in the number of games played:
“It varies. Somewhere in the ‘80s, it’s not the same number of games. The notion that it's a record is completely and utterly bogus.” – Mike Wilbon ([17:12])
The hosts agree that while Raleigh is having a standout season, declaring it a record disregards the context of game schedules.
Tom Hanks' 69th Birthday: Tony celebrates the actor’s contributions to sports culture, notably his role in "A League of Their Own."
Joe Sakic Anniversary: Commemorates Sakic’s retirement and his achievements with the Colorado Avalanche, including his induction into the Triple Gold Club.
NFL Update: Discussion on Tristan Wirfs' injury and its impact on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Mike expressing optimism about Wirfs' potential return.
Basketball Transfers: Brief mention of the Thunder signing Chet Holmgren, while noting Nikola Jokić’s potential non-extension and its implications.
Soccer: Coverage of Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semifinals and upcoming matches against Chelsea.
Tony and Mike wrap up the episode with light-hearted banter, reiterating their playful rivalry and teasing future discussions.
“I'm Tony Kornheiser.” – Tony Kornheiser ([24:35])
“I'm Mike Wilbon.” – Mike Wilbon ([24:38])
The episode concludes with a humorous reference to Ken Griffey Jr. and Cal Raleigh, emphasizing their distinct achievements in MLB.
Notable Quotes:
Mike Wilbon on Belinda Bencic: “[01:52] 'Belinda Bencic had a baby 15 months ago and comes back winning deep into the most prestigious tournament in the world. That's incredible.'”
Tony Kornheiser on Djokovic's Resilience: “[03:13] 'He was laying there in pain... and then he calls for the tennis balls and goes back to win the match.'”
Tony Kornheiser on Mizorowski vs. Kershaw: “[06:03] 'If Kershaw didn’t know who he was coming into the game, he knows.'”
Mike Wilbon on NCAA Tournament: “[08:26] 'I’m going to watch the tournament no matter what it does.'”
This episode of PTI offers an engaging mix of in-depth sports analysis, lively banter, and critical insights into current events across tennis, baseball, basketball, hockey, and more. Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon provide their distinctive perspectives, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive roundup of recent developments.