Detailed Summary of "The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: Brian Jordan, HR Derby Robbery"

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Dan Patrick Show," hosts Covino and Rich take over from Dan Patrick to delve into a lively discussion centered around sports, player dedication, and the recent Home Run Derby. The episode also features a special guest appearance by former two-sport athlete Brian Jordan, who shares insights from his illustrious career.

Discussion on Player Sacrifices for Team Success

The conversation kicks off with a debate on the extent to which athletes are willing to sacrifice personal gains for their team's success.

Dan Patrick poses a thought-provoking question: "What would you give up if it meant your team could win it all?" This leads to a comparison of recent statements by players Brock Purdy and Jaron Durant.

• Brock Purdy is cited for his extreme pledge to spend a year in prison to secure a Super Bowl win for his team ([04:37]).

  Rich: "Brock Purdy said he'd go to jail."

• Jaron Durant offered a more measured sacrifice, willing to donate 50% of his World Series bonus to charity if his team clinched the title ([04:11]).

  Rich: "Durant said he'd give up, like, bonus. Half of his bonus. Money that he wouldn't get anyway."

The hosts examine the differing motivations and implications of these sacrifices, questioning the pressures and personal costs athletes endure to achieve glory for their teams.

Reflection on Past Fan Loyalty (2013)

Covino and Rich reminisce about a 2013 segment where they surveyed fans in New Orleans about their dedication to their favorite teams.

Rich Crawford recalls asking fans, "How long would you give up to win an NBA title, World Series, Super Bowl?" Responses varied, highlighting both extreme and moderate levels of fan devotion ([06:03]).

This reflection serves to juxtapose current discussions on player sacrifices with historical fan loyalty, emphasizing the evolving nature of sports fandom.

Guest Segment: Brian Jordan

The highlight of the episode is the guest appearance by Brian Jordan, a celebrated two-sport athlete known for his careers in both Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League (NFL).

Career Insights and Challenges

Brian Jordan shares anecdotes from his transition between sports, including a pivotal injury that altered his career trajectory.

Brian Jordan: "I was first round in Major League Baseball by the Cardinals and I was supposed to be first round in the NFL until that injury broke my leg, dislocated my ankle in the Senior Bowl..." ([08:18])

He reflects on the challenges of gaining exposure in smaller colleges and how unforeseen events can drastically change an athlete's path.

Evolution of Baseball and Analytics

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on how baseball has transformed over the years, particularly with the rise of analytics.

Brian Jordan critiques the modern emphasis on launch angles and strikeouts, lamenting the loss of "small ball" strategies that prioritize batting average and in-game sacrifices.

Bob Crawford: "The game has changed tremendously... Now, it's about launching launch angles and everything else. You know, I played for one of the greatest managers in Tony LaRussa..." ([10:04])

He reminisces about playing under Tony LaRussa, who utilized analytics before it became mainstream, highlighting the shift towards data-driven decision-making in the sport.

Comparisons with Modern Players

Jordan praises contemporary players like Andrew Jones, advocating for greater recognition and Hall of Fame consideration.

Bob Crawford: "Andrew Jones... should be in the Hall of Fame. He's one of the best center fielders of our time." ([12:52])

He also discusses the increased financial stakes in today's MLB, noting the transition from personal sacrifices to lucrative contracts.

Diversity and Opportunities for Black Players in MLB

Addressing the topic of diversity, Brian Jordan emphasizes the importance of supporting Black athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to ensure a more inclusive future in baseball.

Bob Crawford: "We need to manage the HBCU game for me, to meet those Black players who don't get the exposure they deserve." ([15:11])

He urges MLB scouts to embrace and provide opportunities to talented players from diverse backgrounds.

Recap of the Home Run Derby

The episode transitions to a comprehensive analysis of the recent Home Run Derby, particularly focusing on the surprising victory of Cal Raleigh and the incident involving young fan Sam Musterer.

Cal Raleigh's Victory

Hosts discuss Raleigh's narrow win over Rooker, highlighting the extremely tight margin of victory—less than an inch ([41:20]).

Rich Crawford: "Cal Raleigh gets in by less than an inch. Cal Raleigh was 470.61ft. Rooker's was 470.53ft. That's 0.08ft difference." ([41:20])

They debate the impact of this win on Raleigh's MVP prospects, questioning whether an exhibition event like the Home Run Derby should influence MVP voting.

Dan Patrick: "It's a separate contest... I don't think that should play any factor as far as MVPs concerned." ([44:37])

Sam Musterer's Moment

The show recounts the heartwarming moment when Sam Musterer, a young fan, inadvertently "robbed" a home run during the derby, adding a memorable twist to the event.

Rich Crawford: "It made for a cool story... the kid robbed the home run at the derby." ([53:44])

The hosts commend the friendly atmosphere of the derby and celebrate such spontaneous interactions between fans and players.

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Topics

As the episode winds down, Covino and Rich tease upcoming segments, including prize giveaways, MLB All-Star trivia, NFL news, and discussions on new casino games. They also reflect on their experiences broadcasting live from the Atlanta All-Star Village, expressing enthusiasm for future shows and interactions with sports enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brian Jordan on Career Shift: "[08:18] I was first round in Major League Baseball by the Cardinals and I was supposed to be first round in the NFL until that injury broke my leg..."

• Bob Crawford on Analytics in Baseball: "[10:04] The game has changed tremendously... Now, it's about launching launch angles and everything else."

• Brian Jordan on Player Sacrifices: "[12:16] Strikeouts meant something... I didn't want to strike out, and I wanted to win the ball game, so I did whatever I sacrificed for the team."

• Bob Crawford on Andrew Jones: "[12:52] Andrew Jones... should be in the Hall of Fame. He's one of the best center fielders of our time."

• Rich Crawford on Cal Raleigh's Victory: "[41:20] Cal Raleigh gets in by less than an inch. Cal Raleigh was 470.61ft. Rooker's was 470.53ft. That's 0.08ft difference."

• Dan Patrick on MVP Considerations: "[44:37] It's a separate contest... I don't think that should play any factor as far as MVPs concerned."

Conclusion

This episode of "The Dan Patrick Show" provides an engaging blend of nostalgic reflections on sports fandom, critical insights into the evolving landscape of baseball analytics, and an inspiring guest segment with Brian Jordan. The lively discussions, enriched with personal anecdotes and expert opinions, offer listeners both seasoned sports enthusiasts and casual fans a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of contemporary sports dynamics.