Summary of "Hour 2: Top 5 Things to Do At a Baseball Game (feat. Jessica Smetana)"
Released on June 25, 2025
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
- Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
- Description: Broadcasted from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve into sports, pop culture, and more, offering original content including the daily “Local Hour” focused on the South Florida scene, the Big Suey, and various surprises.
1. Introduction and Upcoming Baseball Event (00:01 - 03:02)
The episode kicks off with a brief mention of an upcoming baseball-focused event on YouTube titled “Tim Kirkjin and Friends” at 6 PM. Stugotz humorously teases the group's general disinterest in baseball topics, highlighting Tim Kirkjin’s dedication to the sport despite their lack of enthusiasm.
Notable Quote:
- Stugotz: “Unlike the people in this room, none of whom care about any baseball topic.” [01:08]
2. ESPN's Future with Baseball Coverage (03:02 - 05:55)
Dan brings up a significant concern: ESPN's decision to drop baseball coverage by the end of the year. This sparks a discussion about the potential decline in baseball's presence on the network and the fate of dedicated analysts like Tim Kirkjin.
Notable Quotes:
- Dan Le Batard: “Baseball's leaving ESPN at the end of the year. They're not gonna have baseball anymore.” [01:46]
- Stugotz: “Tim Kirchen is one of the few people still there fighting to care about baseball.” [02:31]
3. Fan Behavior and Penalties at Baseball Games (05:55 - 10:47)
The conversation shifts to an incident involving the Arizona Diamondbacks' second baseman Khalil, who was heckled by a fan during a game. The panel debates appropriate penalties for such behavior, exploring current measures like text codes (e.g., 60555 for unruly fans) and proposing more community-driven punishments.
Notable Quotes:
- Jessica: “The White Sox have banned that fan, but I wonder what the penalty for something like that should be.” [04:55]
- Mike Ryan: “One of the punishments... could be that the people in your section get to heckle you out of the stadium.” [05:55]
- Stugotz: “What should the penalty be for that fan? I'm asking the question. Seriously.” [06:43]
- Jessica: “You have to ask that person. List all your dead relatives... An eye for an eye.” [07:12]
4. Personal Anecdotes and Reflections (10:47 - 14:07)
The hosts and guests share personal stories related to the topic, including Mike Ryan’s experience with his father nearly losing an eye due to a classroom accident. This segues into discussions about empathy and sensitivity when addressing fans' inappropriate behavior.
Notable Quotes:
- Chris: “My dad is named Eli and he also almost lost his eye... someone threw a chalkboard eraser and hit him.” [10:18]
- Jessica: “Dogs with deformities, adorable? It’s a difficult way to go through life.” [09:54]
5. Political Commentary: New York Mayoral Race (14:07 - 15:55)
The panel briefly touches on the New York mayoral race, particularly focusing on Cuomo’s unexpected loss despite his initial advantages. They analyze factors contributing to his downfall, including scandals and the rise of younger, more dynamic candidates like Zoran Mamdani.
Notable Quotes:
- Mike Ryan: “Cuomo is just basically the Democratic version of Donald Trump... He saw a real opportunity to get back in the fold.” [12:24]
- Stugotz: “He had all the institutional endorsements, he had the polling lead and got swamped.” [12:22]
6. Affiliate Segments and Ads (15:55 - 28:22)
The episode includes several advertisements and sponsor segments, promoting brands like Gametime, Zyn, and Liquid IV. These segments are seamlessly integrated into the conversation, maintaining the show's casual tone.
Notable Mentions:
- Gametime Ad: Highlights the ease of purchasing tickets with last-minute deals.
- Zyn Advertisement: Promotes smoke-free nicotine satisfaction and rewards programs.
- Liquid IV Ad: Emphasizes the importance of hydration, especially during summer activities.
7. Interactive Segment: "Friend or Co-Worker" (28:22 - 24:31)
In a lighthearted segment, the hosts play a celebrity edition of "Friend or Co-Worker," featuring Jessica Smetana. The game involves determining whether colleagues are friends or merely coworkers, leading to humorous exchanges and playful banter.
Notable Quotes:
- Stugotz: “Welcome to another edition of Friend or Co-Worker. This is a special celebrity edition.” [16:14]
- Jessica: “A coworker is someone that I interact with only within the confines of work. A friend is someone that I would actually hang out with without needing work.” [18:06]
8. Top 5 Things to Do at a Baseball Game (24:31 - 24:50)
The highlight of the episode is Jessica Smetana presenting her Top 5 Things to Do at a Baseball Game. She provides practical and entertaining tips for enhancing the baseball game experience, drawing from personal experiences and audience interactions.
Top 5 Highlights:
- Watch Baseball: Enjoy the game itself.
- Concourse Food Tour: Explore various food options, aiming to find the shortest lines.
- Fill Out a Scorecard: Engage more deeply with the game by keeping score.
- Sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”: Participate in the classic anthem to boost team spirit.
- Get Buzzed and Visit the Team Store: Enjoy a drink and grab merchandise to commemorate the event.
Notable Quotes:
- Jessica: “It's about which line is the shortest.” [20:40]
- Stugotz: “Put it on the poll. Batard show. Do you like to get buzzed at the merch store?” [24:10]
- Mike Ryan: “Everything looks cute when you're a little buzzed at the Cubs game.” [24:01]
9. NBA Draft Discussion (24:31 - 40:29)
Transitioning from baseball, the hosts shift focus to the NBA Draft. They analyze various teams' strategies, player prospects like Cooper Flag, and the implications of recent trades involving stars like Kevin Durant. The discussion is enriched by insights into team dynamics and future championship potentials.
Notable Quotes:
- Jessica: “The producers have devised this grid... previewing which teams are going to be the big players tonight.” [29:22]
- Pablo Torre: “If they’re active, I’m intrigued because they’re going to be making a move that nobody expected.” [40:29]
10. Closing Remarks and Final Ads (40:29 - 28:04)
As the episode wraps up, final advertisements are aired, including promotions for Sleep Number Smart Beds and a humorous exchange about NBA draft prospects. The hosts maintain their signature blend of humor and insightful commentary until the end of the episode.
Notable Quotes:
- Chris: “Why choose a Sleep Number Smart Bed so you can choose your ideal comfort on either side.” [40:58]
- Dan Le Batard: “This is the Dan Levatar show with the Stugats.” [28:24]
Conclusion:
In this episode, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz engage in a multifaceted discussion covering the declining presence of baseball on ESPN, fan behavior at games, political commentary on the New York mayoral race, and interactive segments like "Friend or Co-Worker." The highlight is Jessica Smetana's Top 5 Things to Do at a Baseball Game, offering listeners valuable tips to enhance their game-day experience. Additionally, the panel provides insightful analysis on the NBA Draft, blending sports expertise with entertaining banter. Throughout the episode, notable quotes with timestamps ensure that key moments are highlighted, making the summary both comprehensive and engaging for those who haven't listened to the full podcast.