The Dan Patrick Show (C&R) – “98 Degree Weenies & Last One Standing!”
Date: March 18, 2026
Hosts: Steve Covino & Rich Davis
Key Contributors & Guests: Dan Byer, Iowa Sam, Danny G, Shea
Main Themes: Youth sports & heat safety debate, March Madness insight, World Baseball Classic excitement, and lighthearted sports/game show segment.

Episode Overview

This episode of the Dan Patrick Show’s Covino & Rich (C&R) segment digs into a hot-button parenting sports debate: Should youth baseball practices be canceled due to extreme heat? The crew also covers sports headlines, preps listeners for March Madness betting, and delivers signature humor and friendly jabs. The episode closes with the game show "Last One Standing," and looks ahead to the highly anticipated World Baseball Classic final.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Should Little League Practice Be Canceled for Heat?

• Situation: Rich, coaching a 5-6 year old t-ball team, is debating canceling practice due to a high-90s L.A. heatwave.
• Rich’s Position: Safety first. Kids this young can’t handle 98-100°F. Cites a heat advisory and unproductive, miserable practices.
• Covino’s Counterpoint: “When we were kids, we played through everything.” Argues it sets a bad precedent to cancel too often for heat.
• Parental & Listener Feedback: Most parents secretly appreciate cancellations.
  • Quote, Rich: "Anytime parents get the text that something is canceled on the parental agenda, it's like, oh no, you gotta pretend like, oh really — one less time to be a chauffeur." (13:08)
• Callers’ Takes:
  • Max (Fargo): Suggests Rich is being "a weenie."
  • Maureen (Maine): Points out summer and spring “acclimation” difference — kids who aren't yet acclimated to the heat are more at risk.
• Compromise Reached: Rich offers “optional” practice, with short batting practice, water breaks, and the hose to cool off.
  • Quote: "I'll hose down the kids with the hose and we'll dip out and watch the World Baseball Classic. That seems like a good compromise..." (11:28)
  • Quote, Covino: "Everybody is walking on eggshells because you know, you don't want to be liable for anything." (12:03)

2. March Madness and Picks

• The hosts tease March Madness coverage on their bonus podcast "Overpromised" with guest Kelly in Vegas.
• Rich humorously admits to picking tourney upsets and bets based on personal bias: “I’m going to do my pick based on like a child... Hawaii is a nice place, I’ll take them and the points.” (48:29)

3. World Baseball Classic (WBC) Hype

• Anticipation for the USA vs. Venezuela championship game.
• Noted that WBC’s high energy and international intensity have created “World Cup atmosphere,” making the MLB regular season potentially less dramatic by comparison.
  • Quote, Covino: “Imagine if the NBA in-season tournament was more exciting than the NBA Finals. I think you can make a case this WBC has really made it difficult for the MLB to live up to this...” (50:04)
• Discussion about the MLB proactive attempt to make the game more fun again (“celebrations are back”).
• Look ahead to whether the US will meet expectations, or if Venezuela—backed by rabid Miami crowd support (possibly 75% Venezuelan fans, per Iowa Sam)—can snag the upset.

4. Game Segment: Last One Standing (29:02)

• A lively sports trivia contest between the hosts, Dan Byer, and a listener (JD, a lawyer from Florida).
• Categories included NFL teams with best offseason grades, teams in the World Baseball Classic, and NFL teams with new head coaches.
• Signature tongue-in-cheek ribbing about toughness, weather, and “weenies” persists:
  • Quote, Steve Covino: “Is it OK if I leave? It’s too hot, I don’t want to play. Maybe we should cancel Last One Standing — it’s 98 degrees out, guys.” (29:27)

5. Sports Updates and Headlines

Dan Byer provides the latest:

• NCAA Tournament First Four games have begun.
• Notable NBA injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo (bone bruise), Anthony Edwards (knee inflammation).
• NFL: Broncos trade for Dolphins’ Jalen Waddle; Eagles sign Marquise Brown; schedule updates revealed for next season.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "When I was a kid… riding my bike around, going to the park, not caring if it was 100 degrees...that's all preteen, teenager stuff." – Rich Davis (06:29)
• "Maybe a bunch of coddled L.A. kids and it's too hot for question Ham Porter? You're gonna question the great Hambino?" – Steve Covino invoking The Sandlot (09:30)
• "Tell me you just want to cancel because it's Saint Patty's Day, the game's on and, you know what, it's a little hot, whatever Grayson, it's fine. Don't tell me it's because Grayson can't handle it..." – Steve Covino (13:19)
• Caller JD (Lawyer): "Just not gonna let Rich shoot me with his hose." (30:36)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:21 - Show kicks off, Saint Patrick’s Day greetings, team introductions.
• 04:33 - Rich claims #1 coach in the Valley, dives into the little league heat debate.
• 11:28 - Discussion of compromise: optional practice + watching the WBC.
• 13:08 - Acknowledgement that most parents are relieved when practices/events are canceled.
• 16:40 - Female caller addresses acclimation to the heat.
• 20:05 - More callers, final feedback before switch to game segment.
• 28:55 - “Last One Standing” game segment starts.
• 40:29 - Dan Byer’s comprehensive sports update.
• 48:29 - Rich’s March Madness “childlike” betting picks.
• 50:04 - Macro view: Is the WBC eclipsing MLB excitement?
• 52:59 - Final thoughts as the crew goes on break, plugs “Overpromised” bonus pod.

Takeaways & Tone

• The episode is marked by friendly, brotherly banter: classic sports radio with an edge of nostalgia and modern, safety-first realities.
• The “98 Degree Weenies” running joke is a lighthearted riff on generational attitudes about toughness and parenting.
• Sports talk and pop culture are tightly woven, from The Sandlot references to March Madness betting strategies even non-hardcore fans or parents can relate to.

Useful If You Haven't Listened:

This episode provides a humorous but relatable look at the changing landscape of youth sports, pushing listeners to think about when safety trumps supposed toughness. The crew’s dynamic, timely sports analysis, and fan interactions make it both entertaining and a good primer for current sports debate and upcoming events. Don’t miss the full airing of parent gripes, the “weenie” debate, and the spirited “Last One Standing!” trivia, all while counting down to the WBC finale and March Madness tipoff.