Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Covino & Rich Episode "The Way They Used To"

Episode Details

• Title: Covino & Rich - "The Way They Used To"
• Release Date: July 29, 2025
• Host/Authors: Covino and Rich, Fox Sports Radio

1. Celebrating the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame Class

Timestamp: 09:30 – 25:45

Covino and Rich kick off the episode by reflecting on the recent Baseball Hall of Fame inductions, highlighting the achievements and legacies of several esteemed players.

• CC Sabathia:
  Covino praises Sabathia’s dedication, noting his complete games and his selfless nature on the field.

  Covino (12:15): "CC Sabathia was a workhorse, pitching complete games when starters now are pulled by the fifth inning."

• Ichiro Suzuki:
  The duo underscores Ichiro’s impact both in MLB and internationally, commending his 3000+ hits and his role in paving the way for Japanese players in American baseball.

  Rich (18:05): "Ichiro is a baseball machine, putting up numbers that were unheard of and showing young international players what's possible."

• Dave Parker:
  Parker’s contributions are lauded, especially his career longevity and consistent performance.

  Covino (20:30): "Dave Parker’s 19-year career is a testament to his skill and resilience in the big leagues."

• Billy Wagner:
  Mentioned as one of the few relievers in the Hall of Fame, Wagner’s relief pitching prowess receives special attention.

  Rich (22:10): "Billy Wagner, possibly the only reliever alongside Pedro Martínez, set a standard that's hard to match."

The hosts compare the old-school durability and craftsmanship of these players to the modern game, where pitchers are often pulled early, emphasizing a sense of nostalgia for players who embodied endurance and strategy.

Rich (24:00): "They never made pitchers like they used to, throwing 88 to 91 mph and doing the art of pitching, not just being flamethrowers."

2. Current MLB and NFL News

Timestamp: 26:00 – 35:50

Transitioning from historic accolades, Covino and Rich delve into the latest happenings in Major League Baseball and the NFL.

• Deion Sanders’ Health Update:
  Exciting news about Deion Sanders overcoming bladder cancer, with Covino expressing relief and admiration for Sanders' resilience.

  Rich (27:45): "Deion is a full go, cancer-free, and back to leading the Colorado team with the same vigor."

• MLB Contracts and Trades:

  • Jed Hoyer: Cubs extend the contract of their President of Baseball Operations.
  • Tigers and Twins: Acquisition of pitchers Chris Paddock and others.
  • Bryce Harper and Rob Manfred: A contentious meeting leading to Harper's suspension amid discussions of a salary cap.

  Covino (30:20): "Harper’s confrontation with Manfred highlights the tensions around potential changes like a salary cap in MLB."

• NFL Moves:

  • Broncos: Cortland Sutton receives a four-year, $92 million extension.
  • Titans and Steelers: Release of Tren Burks and Cordero Patterson, respectively.

• Guardians' Emmanuel Clase:
  The closer is placed on non-disciplinary leave amid a gambling investigation.

  Rich (33:10): "Clase’s suspension is a significant development as MLB intensifies its stance on gambling."

3. "Happy Gilmore 2" Movie Review

Timestamp: 36:00 – 50:30

A major segment of the episode centers on the highly anticipated sequel, "Happy Gilmore 2," sparking a lively debate between Covino, Rich, and their listeners.

• Overall Reception:
  Mixed reviews as Rich and Covino share their humorous take on the film, balancing nostalgia with critiques of the sequel’s execution.

  Rich (38:15): "If you didn’t like it because it was dumb and stupid, what were you expecting? It’s Happy Gilmore, not Shawshank Redemption."

• Host Opinions:

  • Rich: Enjoys the cameos and the homage to the original, finding it entertaining despite its flaws.

    Rich (42:00): "The cameos were abundant, but they served as a tribute to the original, making it a fun watch."

  • Covino: Appreciates the humor and the ridiculousness of certain scenes but acknowledges the film’s mediocrity.

    Covino (45:25): "The hip flexing and maxi golf parts were outlandish, but that’s what makes it funny in the realm of Adam Sandler movies."

  • Sam: A listener who expressed disappointment, citing too many cameos and a lackluster plot.

    Sam (48:40): "I thought the cameos were covering up a mediocre plot. I turned it off with 35 minutes left."

• Caller Feedback:

  • Matt from West Virginia: Agrees with the notion that modern pitchers are overworked and extends the discussion to other sports.

    Matt (37:10): "Pitchers nowadays aren't crafted like the old guys. It’s medication on them to throw harder and more pitches."

  • Scott from Milwaukee: Commends Cece Sabathia’s impactful stint with the Brewers, comparing it to musical legends’ short but influential careers.

    Scott (41:50): "Cece’s three-month period with Milwaukee was like a summer of Nirvana – short but unforgettable."

  • Andrew from Bakersfield: Discusses the impact of the pitch clock on pitchers’ performance and game dynamics.

    Andrew (39:30): "The pitch clock makes pitching more of an aerobic sport, similar to soccer, which changes the entire dynamic."

4. Giveaway and Listener Interaction

Timestamp: 50:35 – 58:00

Covino and Rich engage with their audience through live calls and a giveaway segment, encouraging listeners to participate and share their opinions.

• Prizes:
  The hosts announce prizes to be awarded, fostering listener engagement and participation in the show’s interactive elements.

  Covino (52:20): "We have prizes to give away today, so make sure to call us up at 877-99 on Fox and play along!"

• Final Thoughts on "Happy Gilmore 2":
  The hosts wrap up their discussion by reiterating their varied perspectives and hinting at future topics.

  Rich (55:10): "Despite the mixed reviews, Happy Gilmore 2 brought back memories and sparked conversations, which is what we love about these movies."

5. Closing Remarks and Final Segments

Timestamp: 58:05 – End

As the episode concludes, Covino and Rich touch upon upcoming topics and tease future discussions, maintaining their signature blend of sports analysis and pop culture commentary.

• Upcoming Topics:
  They hint at discussing baby making and its pros and cons in a future segment titled "Last One Standing," indicating a shift towards more personal and lifestyle-oriented topics.

  Covino (56:50): "Next hour, we’re diving into the pros and cons of having a baby. It’s a topic that’s personal but impactful."

• Final Updates:
  Brief news updates, including a dramatic game-winning play by the Brewers, are shared to keep the sports fans informed.

  Covino (57:30): "Brewers beat the Marlins 3-2 with Blake Perkins' game-winning RBI single. That’s our play of the day!"

Key Takeaways

• Nostalgia for Old-School Players:
  Covino and Rich express a deep appreciation for the dedication and craftsmanship of Hall of Famers like CC Sabathia and Ichiro Suzuki, contrasting them with the modern game’s emphasis on velocity and early pitching changes.

• Mixed Reactions to "Happy Gilmore 2":
  The sequel sparks a debate on nostalgia versus modern filmmaking, with opinions ranging from enjoyment of the humor and cameos to criticism of plot and overuse of guest appearances.

• Current Sports News:
  Significant updates in MLB and NFL, including health news about Deion Sanders, contract extensions, trades, and disciplinary actions, keep listeners informed on the latest developments.

• Listener Engagement:
  Interactive segments and giveaways enhance listener participation, making the show engaging and community-driven.

• Future Content Teasers:
  Upcoming discussions on personal topics like baby making indicate the hosts' intention to diversify content while maintaining their sports-centric foundation.

Notable Quotes

• Covino (12:15): "CC Sabathia was a workhorse, pitching complete games when starters now are pulled by the fifth inning."
• Rich (18:05): "Ichiro is a baseball machine, putting up numbers that were unheard of and showing young international players what's possible."
• Rich (24:00): "They never made pitchers like they used to, throwing 88 to 91 mph and doing the art of pitching, not just being flamethrowers."
• Rich (38:15): "If you didn’t like it because it was dumb and stupid, what were you expecting? It’s Happy Gilmore, not Shawshank Redemption."
• Rich (42:00): "The cameos were abundant, but they served as a tribute to the original, making it a fun watch."
• Rich (55:10): "Despite the mixed reviews, Happy Gilmore 2 brought back memories and sparked conversations, which is what we love about these movies."

This episode of "The Dan Patrick Show" featuring Covino and Rich delves deep into the reverence for baseball legends, the dynamic shifts in modern sports, and the cultural impact of beloved films, all while maintaining an engaging and interactive format for listeners.