Episode Summary: The Big Suey: CVS or Walgreens

Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz
Episode: The Big Suey: CVS or Walgreens
Release Date: July 29, 2025

1. Tributes and Reflections on Ryan Sandberg’s Passing

Timestamp: [03:06] – [07:18]

The episode opens with heartfelt tributes to the late Ryan Sandberg, a beloved figure in the baseball community. Stugotz reflects on Sandberg's untimely passing, emphasizing the profound impact he had both on and off the field.

Stugotz: "It's just sad. 65 years old, such a great, great player, great person."
[06:11]

Dan and the hosts delve into Sandberg's contributions as the manager of the Phillies, highlighting personal anecdotes and the deep respect they held for him.

2. Apology to Marlins Fans Over Ichiro Suzuki’s 3,000th Hit Incident

Timestamp: [05:20] – [13:02]

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Ichiro Suzuki's near-miss of achieving his 3,000th hit while with the Marlins. Stugotz takes full responsibility for the circumstances that led to Ichiro not attaining this milestone at home, which is traditionally a cherished moment for players.

Stugotz: "I'm going to apologize for everything. Not just for the 3,000th hit, Billy. I'm apologizing for every trade that didn't work out, for every disappointment."
[13:02]

He extends a sincere apology to the Marlins' fanbase, acknowledging mistakes in team management and expressing a commitment to improving future decisions.

3. Discussion on MLS, Messi, and League Challenges

Timestamp: [21:38] – [27:41]

The hosts transition to discussing Major League Soccer (MLS) and Lionel Messi's influence on the league. They critique MLS Commissioner Don Garber's handling of streaming numbers and Messi's participation in the league events.

Stugotz: "The biggest mistake MLS made was by getting into bed with Messi, thinking that he would care enough to want to carry them into a different revenue sort of stadium."
[26:09]

Stugotz and Mike Ryan debate the ramifications of Messi's suspension from the MLS All-Star game and its impact on the league's reputation and future. They argue that inconsistent rule enforcement can lead to broader issues within the sport's administration.

4. Insights from the Billy Joel Documentary

Timestamp: [32:54] – [35:55]

The conversation shifts to a review of a Billy Joel documentary. Stugotz shares his newfound appreciation for the autobiographical elements of Joel's music and the personal struggles depicted in the film.

Stugotz: "Billy Joel has you beaten. He's writing songs about his wife, who then becomes his ex-wife, and about his manager."
[34:08]

Mike Ryan echoes his enthusiasm, comparing the documentary to other iconic rock documentaries and praising its depth and honesty.

5. "CVS or Walgreens" Game Segment

Timestamp: [36:06] – [43:05]

In a lighter and interactive segment, the hosts introduce a new game called "CVS or Walgreens." Chris Cote visits local CVS and Walgreens stores to take photos, challenging the other hosts to identify which store is which based solely on visual cues.

Example Round:

• Photo 1: A ceiling rack with lawn chairs and yellow tags.

  • Dan Le Batard: "That's a CVS."
  • Chris Cote: "You’re gonna find yellow tags in all the stuff that someone out there tried to do. The yellow tag thing. They all have yellow tags."
    [37:14]

• Photo 2: A ceiling with balloons in a cage.

  • Stugotz: "That's a Walgreens trademark."
    [38:05]

The segment highlights the subtle differences between the two pharmacy giants, engaging listeners with humorous banter and friendly competition.

6. Concluding Remarks and Final Advertisements

Timestamp: [43:05] – End

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments of sponsor segments and light-hearted interactions among the hosts, maintaining the show's signature blend of sports commentary, pop culture, and humor.

Notable Quotes

• Stugotz on Apologizing to Fans:

  "I'm going to apologize for everything. Not just for the 3,000th hit, Billy. I'm apologizing for every trade that didn't work out, for every disappointment."
  [13:02]

• Stugotz on MLS Mistakes:

  "The biggest mistake MLS made was by getting into bed with Messi, thinking that he would care enough to want to carry them into a different revenue sort of stadium."
  [26:09]

• Chris Cote on the Game Segment:

  "Don be too tricked by the carpets here, because thank you for that little hint on the front end."
  [38:28]

Conclusion

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, listeners are treated to a mix of heartfelt tributes, critical sports analysis, engaging pop culture discussions, and interactive fun with the "CVS or Walgreens" game. The hosts balance serious reflections with their trademark humor, providing an entertaining and insightful experience for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.