The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: Hour 2: Start Spreadin' The News (feat. Ernie Johnson)
Release Date: April 24, 2025

Major Announcement: Jessica’s Move to New York

Timestamp: [02:45 - 05:45]

The episode kicks off with a poignant announcement regarding Jessica's decision to relocate from Miami back to New York. This significant shift marks the end of her four-year stint in Miami, a period filled with both professional growth and personal challenges.

• Dan LeBatard: “Congratulations, Jess. You have parlayed an assortment of journalistic accomplishments, bigger than both Cody's and Zaslo's into a New York move that will still have you around. This is goodbye to Miami, not goodbye to the show.” ([04:25])

Jessica reflects on her time in Miami with mixed emotions:

• Jessica: “Correct. This is goodbye Miami. Four years is a long time. I enjoyed my stay for the most part. It was a lot of fun for the most part. And I'll miss you guys. For the most part. No, in all. In all seriousness, I will miss seeing most of you. Just kidding. Every day.” ([04:40])

The hosts share heartfelt and humorous exchanges, highlighting the camaraderie and the bittersweet nature of her departure.

• Mike Ryan: “I'm not getting emotional. I'm good. I'm good.” ([05:04])

Jessica also touches on personal anecdotes from her early days on the show, emphasizing the challenges she overcame:

• Jessica: “There was a bomb threat on my first day. I had to move out of my original house because the neighbors were awful. I had a cockroach infestation in my first apartment.” ([31:52])

Farewell Celebration: A Touching Send-Off

Timestamp: [05:45 - 07:58]

The team reminisces about the efforts made to celebrate Jessica’s departure, showcasing the strong bonds within the team.

• Jessica: “But I am moving tomorrow and I will be back in New York in a couple months. We're staying with family for a couple months in the summer here.” ([05:23])

• Mike Ryan: “Jess took a bet on us several years ago, and this was before we really had a company. We were all just vision. We were at the Clevelander. It was drab and dreary.” ([06:16])

The farewell party, humorously planned around Jessica’s preferences, included heartfelt gestures from colleagues:

• Jessica: “So they sat in traffic for me. It was very touching. Lots of people drove from Broward, which is, as we know, a hike. And I'm very grateful for it.” ([31:09])

Pitch Clock: Baseball Trivia Segment

Timestamp: [09:05 - 23:12]

The "Pitch Clock" segment returns, engaging guests Adnan Verk and recurring participants Jake Mintz and Jordan Schusterman from Cesspedis Family Barbecue. The segment blends nostalgic baseball trivia with expert analysis, adding an interactive and competitive edge to the show.

Round Highlights:

1. First Clue Round:

   • Taylor: “I never won the Cy Young despite having six top five finishes.” ([10:01])
   • Outcome: Adnan correctly identifies the pitcher as Carrie Carpenter with a total score leading to Jordan's win.

2. Juan Soto Discussion:

   • Taylor: “How do you make sense that the Mets have the best ERA in baseball right now?” ([14:08])
   • Adnan Verk: “Their pitching is carrying them. Amazing.” ([15:08])

3. Chandler Simpson’s Impact:

   • Jeremy Tache: “Is Chandler Simpson an indicator that maybe, just maybe major league baseball is headed back toward wanting stolen bases?” ([17:12])
   • Adnan Verk: “Simpson is so fast, he beat Freed getting to the bag. There's no way Goldsmith could even make the play if it was a clean play.” ([17:53])

4. Mike Trout’s Season Analysis:

   • Adnan Verk: “It's a little sad. I never would have thought three times MVP Mike Trout would be reduced to being just a slugger.” ([19:29])

5. Max Meyer vs. Christian Campbell:

   • Adnan Verk: “The right answer is Meyer. 14 Ks, no walks. I mean, dude, that guy was nails.” ([20:46])

The segment combines light-hearted competition with in-depth baseball insights, providing both entertainment and informative content for listeners.

Humorous Interludes and Team Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful banter, adding humor and personality to the show:

• Mike Ryan: “Can't talk about double-digit national titles when every single call of you winning the national title sounds like this.” ([25:47])

• Jeremy Tache: “This is how we all feel at the end of these games, Taylor. And it's your fault.” ([23:23])

• Dan LeBatard: “It was going to be four points for Jordan. It is John Smoltz.” ([16:21])

These interactions highlight the dynamic chemistry among the hosts, making the show relatable and engaging.

Conclusion: Embracing Change and Moving Forward

As the episode wraps up, the team reflects on Jessica’s contributions and the future of the show without her daily presence. The sentiment is a mix of appreciation for her past efforts and optimism for her new chapter in New York.

• Mike Ryan: “I'm really sad to see her go, but I understand. I'm also happy to see her go because I know that's home for her, Leemon, and Willow.” ([06:44])

• Jessica: “Yeah, see you less. Which, I mean, there's pros and cons.” ([07:22])

The farewell is both heartfelt and humorous, ensuring that Jessica leaves on positive terms while the show continues to evolve.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan LeBatard: “Serenaded by Taylor is better punctuation than anything.” ([04:16])

• Jessica: “In all seriousness, I will miss seeing most of you. Just kidding. Every day.” ([04:40])

• Adnan Verk: “It's insane. It's a little sad. Mike Trout. It's a little disconcerting.” ([19:29])

• Mike Ryan: “We had a really difficult launch for her, personally and professionally. She was an absolute pro the entire time.” ([06:30])

This episode masterfully balances significant team changes with engaging sports discussions and lively interactions, offering listeners a comprehensive and entertaining experience even if they missed tuning in live.