Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – C&R - 98 Degree Weenies & Last One Standing!

Date: March 18, 2026
Hosts: Steve Covino & Rich Davis
Network: iHeartPodcasts / Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode Theme: Navigating Youth Sports in Extreme Weather, World Baseball Classic Hype, and Sports Trivia Showdown

Main Theme & Purpose

This high-energy episode of Covino & Rich (C&R), featured within the Dan Patrick Show universe, takes a humorous and passionate dive into the dilemmas of youth sports in extreme heat, the cultural excitement of the World Baseball Classic, and a spirited round of the “Last One Standing” sports trivia game. The hosts debate the merits (and “softness”) of canceling children’s baseball practices during record heat waves, take calls from listeners nationwide, and forecast the impact of electrifying international tournaments on professional leagues. Packed with playful jabs and authentic banter, the episode spotlights how contemporary sports fandom collides with parental responsibility—and how sports culture adapts to a changing world.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Great T-Ball Heat Debate

• Should Rich cancel 5- and 6-year-old T-ball practice due to a 100-degree heatwave in Woodland Hills, CA?
  • Rich’s Argument: Safety first for kids so young. Many don't really want to be there anyway. Heat advisories for little kids are serious, and it’s T-ball, not all-star summer league. He hesitates to put any parent in an uncomfortable position.
    • “It’s not an all star summer league… Half these kids don’t even want to play. They’re five and six.” (06:10)
  • Covino’s Counter: Kids are coddled these days; he and his friends played in all weather growing up, and practice should teach them to persevere.
    • “You’re setting a bad precedent…My first instinct is, what a bunch of weenies.” (07:16, 09:54)
  • Caller Opinions: Mixed bag! Some say tough it out (“You’re being a weenie!” – Max in Fargo, 10:11), others agree with safety and skipping for the weather or watching the World Baseball Classic.
  • Producer Elijah’s Take: Make it fun—water breaks, hose, or optional BP; refer to childhood days in "Sandlot": “Let me quote the great Ham Porter: ‘I’m baking like a toasted cheeser. It’s so hot here.’” (09:26)
  • Consensus Solution: Optional, shortened practice with water; some parents and kids are up for it, others skip.

2. World Baseball Classic Mania

• Cultural Impact: The tournament’s unpredictability and energy is drawing massive attention—perhaps more than the MLB itself.
  • “Imagine if the NBA in-season tournament was more exciting than the NBA Finals. I think you can make a case that this WBC has really made it difficult for the MLB to live up to this.” (48:36)
  • “Like I said yesterday—it’s World Cup atmosphere.” (49:15)
• Games to Watch: Team USA vs Venezuela—big expectations, passionate Latino fanbase in Miami.
  • “Will the USA fans step up to compete with these Venezuelan fans? Yeah, we’ve been hearing that it might be like 75% in favor of Venezuela.” (51:06)

3. Sports Fandom vs Parental Duty

• Parental Chore Relief: Many parents breathe a sigh of relief when activities are canceled: “Anytime parents get the text that something is canceled on the parental agenda, it’s like, ‘Oh, no!’” (13:13)
• The “Irish Goodbye” & Real-World Escapes: Listeners and hosts reminisce about slipping out of obligations, sometimes glorifying the “Irish exit” (leaving without notice) both at parties and in youth sports.

4. “Last One Standing” Sports Trivia Game (29:16 – 37:30)

• Format: Fast-paced elimination trivia, testing sports knowledge about NFL free agency, World Baseball Classic teams, and new NFL head coaches.
• Notable Moments:
  • Rich v. Covino rivalry: Playful stakes—“As long as Covino doesn’t win today, I’ll be happy.” (30:08)
  • Trivia Challenge Example: “Name one of the 20 teams playing in the World Baseball Classic.”
  • Victorious Contestant: Dan Byer clinches win #40, adding to his running total: “That’s his 40th victory!” (37:16)
  • Classic banter: “Maybe we should cancel last one standing… 98 degrees out, guys. Is it okay if I go home?” (29:22)

5. Practical March Madness Tips & Picks (45:45 – 48:17)

• Upset Picks: Rich’s irreverent picks for NCAA underdogs are based on sentimental factors (places he likes) rather than deep research—Hawaii (+15.5 vs. Arkansas), Idaho (+23.5 vs. Houston), Hofstra (+11.5 vs. Alabama).
  • “Since most people don’t know anything about some of these teams… I’m going to do what a child would do… just take them in a parlay with a lot of points.” (47:23)

6. The State of Pro Sports & Baseball’s “Fun” Renaissance

• MLB’s ‘Fun’ Push: The hosts observe that MLB is trying to ride the World Baseball Classic’s momentum as it pivots to younger, more energetic marketing: “Their promo says celebrations are back… like vibe is back.” (49:42)

Memorable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• On Canceling Practice:

  • “Guess what, these little kids…showed up in shorts today; can’t play baseball in 98-degree weather. They’re six! All of a sudden they’re five.” – Steve Covino (05:21)
  • “What if I said, hey, it’s 100 degrees. Watch the World Baseball Classic and tell me one thing you learned?” – Rich Davis (08:46)
  • “Let me quote the great Ham Porter: ‘I’m baking like a toasted cheeser. It’s so hot here…’” – Elijah, Producer (09:26)

• On Changing Times in Parenting:

  • “Anytime parents get the text that something is canceled…it’s like, ‘Oh, no! One less time to be a chauffeur.’” – Dan Byer (13:13)

• On Sports Culture:

  • “Imagine if the NBA in-season tournament was more exciting than the NBA Finals. I think you can make a case that this WBC has really made it difficult for the MLB to live up to this.” – Steve Covino (48:36)
  • “MLB knows it, which is why their promo says celebrations are back. They’re clear—there’s an initiative to, dare I say—make baseball fun again.” – Rich Davis (49:42)
  • “We don’t expect you to sit there and watch every pitch, but have it on tonight and enjoy.” – Steve Covino (51:17)

• On Trivia Stakes:

  • “As long as Covino doesn’t win today, I’ll be happy. If it’s me, Dan, or the contestant, I’m good.” – Rich Davis (30:08)
  • “Covino is on the board!” – Game Host (30:02)
  • “That’s his 40th victory!” – Game Host (37:16)
  • “Can we not get minus points for not naming one? You’re in such a baseball mindset, you forgot the NFL existed.” – Rich Davis (37:34)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Start of Episode/After Ads – Studio Banter & T-Ball Heat Debate: 03:33 – 16:50
• Listener Calls & Perspectives on Youth Sports in Heat: 10:02 – 17:20
• World Baseball Classic, National Sports News, and Fan Hype: 18:05, 19:15, 48:36 – 51:30
• “Last One Standing” Sports Trivia: 29:16 – 37:30
• March Madness Picks & Strategy: 45:45 – 48:17
• Show Wrap-up – MLB Marketing, Parental Humor, and Closing: 49:42 – 51:38

Conclusion

This episode of Covino & Rich blends the realities of youth sports in a changing climate with the timeless culture of sports fandom—serving up authentic laughs, friendly arguments, and accessible insights. The rivalry between playful nostalgia and present-day responsibility frames the major debates, while infectious energy and fan interaction make it one of the most relatable and entertaining sports podcasts of the week.

If you love sports banter, pop-culture references, and spirited trivia, this episode’s a must-listen for its honest look at today’s sports parenting and the cultural energy surging through events like the World Baseball Classic.