The Dan Patrick Show

Hour 3 – Mark Prior, Ross Tucker
August 20, 2025 | iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Brief Overview

In this packed hour, Dan Patrick dives deep into the world of sports, featuring insightful conversations with Los Angeles Dodgers pitching coach Mark Prior and football analyst Ross Tucker. Conversations range from the pressures and behind-the-scenes aspects of coaching in the MLB, reflections on infamous baseball moments, and the unique dominance of Shohei Ohtani, to the complex landscape of NFL quarterback battles and coaching pressures for the coming season. Interlaced with signature humor and camaraderie, the hour also features audience calls and playful banter among the "Danettes" about fashion choices on the show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Show Banter & Poll Question (00:00–06:15)

• The show kicks off with the crew discussing the ongoing Instagram poll: "Which is more on brand, Dylan's shoes or Paul's shirt?" with Paul's shirt leading at 64%.
• Dan and company riff on personal fashion, authenticity, and the merits of dressing for oneself.
• Dan teases upcoming guests: Mark Prior and Ross Tucker.

“I think it’s good to wear kind of what you like at all times as long as, you know it’s not rude to other people.” — Paulie (02:10)

2. Interview: Mark Prior, Dodgers Pitching Coach (06:15–37:05)

Role of a Pitching Coach

• Prior details his in-game responsibilities: monitoring pitchers, strategizing with catchers, adjusting game plans in real time, and prepping the bullpen for late-inning situations.
• The job requires quick decision-making and constant communication with manager Dave Roberts and other staff.

"A lot of it's just an ongoing conversation as the game evolves and honestly, what the game is telling us, what do we need in that moment?" — Mark Prior (07:28)

Therapist on the Bench

• A significant part of coaching, according to Prior, is helping pitchers manage their emotions amid the unpredictable chaos of live games.

“We’re perfectionists. We want things to go the way we envision...sometimes that doesn’t happen and we have to be okay with that.” — Mark Prior (10:17)

His Playing Days & The Bartman Game

• Mark reflects on the infamous 2003 Cubs-Marlins NLCS "Bartman game", where he was the pitcher. He discusses how current players occasionally discover his past by googling him and react with surprise.
• On what he felt watching the infamous foul ball:

“You really think you said darn it? No, I didn’t say darn it. I used a lot of other words...” — Mark Prior (13:35)

• He explores the enduring legacy of such moments and the unpredictable nature that keeps baseball compelling and human.

Shohei Ohtani’s Greatness

• When asked which pitcher Ohtani reminds him of, Prior compares Shohei’s velocity and mentality to Nolan Ryan, but notes Ohtani is unique as a two-way star.

“If he wants to just rear back and blow it by you, like he’s going to do it...reminds me of watching Nolan when I was a kid.” — Mark Prior (19:47)

• On pitching to Ohtani: describes the strategic challenge and marvels at Ohtani’s ability to hit any pitch, noting even MLB players are in awe of the power he generates from the bat.

“Big league guys are extremely in awe, watching how hard he hits the ball, even if it’s an out. It’s insane.” — Mark Prior (22:59)

Potential Postseason Role for Ohtani as Reliever

• Prior discusses the technicalities of using Ohtani as a postseason reliever—only plausible at the very end of games due to MLB’s Designated Hitter rules.

“Can I see it? Absolutely. But it would probably be closer to the back end when the game's, you know, kind of on the line and it would be over after he's done.” — Mark Prior (29:13)

3. Post-Prior Reflections (37:05–40:55)

• Dan and the crew reminisce about the promise of young Cubs pitchers (Prior and Kerry Wood) and the cruel fate of injuries.
• Further reflections on the “Bartman game” and how Mark Prior is remembered as a what-if star due to early injuries.

4. Interview: Ross Tucker, Football Analyst (40:55–01:09:40)

Most Interesting NFL Team This Season

• Ross singles out the Cleveland Browns for their unique quarterback situation, speculating they could set a record by starting four different QBs this season due to offseason acquisitions and draft moves.
  • Joe Flacco will likely start, but Kenny Pickett, Dylan Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders are all candidates for meaningful playing time.

“I think there’s a real possibility...they become the first team in NFL history to have four different quarterbacks start at least four games.” — Ross Tucker (42:32)

Coaching Staffs and QB Decisions

• Ross lays out the tension between coaching desire for trust and execution (favoring veterans like Flacco or Daniel Jones) vs. front office and fan focus on upside.
• Uses the Colts’ QB situation as an example of this dichotomy, explaining how coaches prioritize immediate stability.

“Coaches have to win. ...This is year three for Shane Steichen, he needs to win this year. ...I was someone they could trust... The coaches knew I wasn’t going to be the reason why we lost.” — Ross Tucker (48:50)

Championships vs. Individual Success

• Dan poses: Would you rather have Joe Flacco’s or Philip Rivers’ career? Ross chooses Flacco for the singular experience of winning a Super Bowl, sharing the deep personal meaning of that team accomplishment.

“There is nothing, an individual accomplishment can never even come close to the shared joy of a team accomplishment.” — Ross Tucker (55:57)

• The debate extends to Flacco vs. Dan Marino: Ross says he’d take Flacco’s career, but would rather live Marino’s famed Miami lifestyle.

“Dan Marino had a top five life of any athlete I can even fathom.” — Ross Tucker (58:30)

5. Audience Calls & Further Show Banter (01:09:40–end)

• Callers touch on favorite Dan Patrick movie appearances and ask questions about sports wardrobe on the show. The Danettes joke about who has the best outfit, the philosophy of dressing on TV/radio, and fashion repeat offenders among themselves.

• More sports calls cover NFL predictions (e.g., Steelers making the AFC Championship Game) and past T-shirt ideas for the show.

• Dan also shares his philosophy and technique for conducting great interviews:

“To be a really good interviewer, you have to really be interested in what that person has to say. It can’t be about you and your question, it’s about what their answers are.” — Dan Patrick (01:19:10)

• Lively closeout with “What We Learned” amongst the Danettes:
  • Seaton: “That damn Cubs game comes up every day for Mark Prior.”
  • Marvin: “Mark Pryor did not say ‘darn it’ when the Bartman play happened.”
  • Paul: “Ross Tucker: Champion junior year in high school.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being a pitching coach:

  “Once your starter’s out, it happens fast.” — Mark Prior (09:24)

• On the Bartman game:

  “I used a lot of other words… It comes up every day.” — Mark Prior (13:40)

• On Ohtani as a player:

  “He’s averaging 110 off the bat every single time... It’s insane.” — Mark Prior (23:02)

• On Flacco vs. Rivers careers:

  “Give me the team accomplishment and winning the Super Bowl and the bond with those guys forever over anything individual.” — Ross Tucker (56:07)

• On Dan Marino’s life:

  “Dan Marino in the ’80s in Miami…had to be really, really fun... Dan Marino had a top five life of any athlete I can fathom.” — Ross Tucker (58:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Show Fashion Banter & Poll: 00:00–06:15
• Mark Prior Interview: 06:15–37:05
• Bartman Game & Cubs Reflection: 13:00–16:30
• Ohtani Discussion: 19:29–30:00
• Ross Tucker Interview: 40:55–01:09:40
  • Browns QB situation: 42:32
  • Coach/front office dynamic: 48:50
  • Flacco vs. Rivers career: 55:57
  • Flacco vs. Marino life: 58:30
• Audience Calls & Wardrobe Banter: 01:09:40–01:18:00
• Dan’s Interviewing Philosophy: 01:19:10–01:20:30

Tone & Language

Dan’s trademark wit, light sarcasm, sports nerdery, and approachable questioning style pervade the episode. The guests, particularly Mark Prior and Ross Tucker, provide insightful, nuanced perspectives, often delivered with humor and personal anecdotes. The Danettes keep the atmosphere spontaneous and relatable.

In Summary

This episode delivers a blend of insider baseball wisdom, NFL analysis, life lessons from sports careers, and the daily camaraderie and authenticity that have made The Dan Patrick Show an institution. Whether you’re a baseball stathead, a football obsessive, or just love sharp sports talk, Hour 3 serves up plenty to enjoy—and some laughs to boot.