Podcast Summary: The Best of The Dan Patrick Show Release Date: July 16, 2025

Introduction Time Stamp: [02:55] – [03:00]

The episode kicks off with hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis welcoming listeners to the live broadcast from the iHeart Studios in Atlanta. They announce their excitement about the ongoing MLB season, particularly highlighting the historic MLB Speedway Classic featuring the Braves versus the Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.

MLB Speedway Classic Announcement Time Stamp: [03:00] – [04:18]

Steve Covino enthusiastically promotes the MLB Speedway Classic, emphasizing its uniqueness as the first regular-season MLB game hosted in Tennessee. He highlights the full day of activities including music, food, games, and fan experiences, with Jake Owen headlining the concert stage. Covino remarks, “Baseball's popping and we're going to talk about it.”

Quote:

• “It's the first game in Tennessee. I want to be there. I'm Covino.” [03:52]

Discussion on Baseball's Popularity and Star Power Time Stamp: [04:08] – [06:23]

Covino and Davis delve into the resurgence of baseball's popularity, attributing it to the influx of dynamic young stars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso. They compare the cyclical nature of sports popularity to the magic of holidays, suggesting that the current crop of players has revitalized interest in the sport.

Quotes:

• “Baseball is back in a big way. But don't call it a comeback. It's been here for years.” [06:23]
• “It's the superstars of the game. It's them doing everything right from the Home Run Derby to the swing off last night.” [04:14]

Hosts' Experience at the MLB All-Star Game Time Stamp: [06:23] – [15:23]

Covino and Davis recount their exclusive experience at the MLB All-Star Game, where they were granted on-field access with media passes. They share anecdotes about sitting in the Braves dugout, interacting with players like Zach Brown, Aaron Judge, and Jazz Chisholm, and capturing memorable moments on social media.

Notable Moments:

• Sitting in the Dugout: “We were sitting in the dugout and sitting there taking pictures… It was the coolest feeling.” [10:00]
• Interacting with Aaron Judge: “Aaron Judge in person, monster is even bigger than I thought he'd be.” [11:21]
• Meeting Zach Brown: “Zach Brown's the coolest dude. And Rich is absolutely right.” [08:31]

Quotes:

• “Like being a kid, you wanted to probably be a baseball player.” [12:25]
• “I saw Judge scratch his butt. Yeah, Judges, I'll say this, sitting there chilling.” [15:23]

Behind-the-Scenes Access and Challenges Time Stamp: [15:23] – [27:25]

The hosts describe navigating unauthorized areas such as the locker room and clubhouse, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes glimpse of MLB operations. They discuss the overwhelming presence of the press, the humbling experience of being on the field with sports icons, and the challenges of balancing professionalism with fan enthusiasm.

Quotes:

• “You don’t really have to have any sort of differentiating factor if you have the tool to break it to someone that is supposed to have to.” [Not a direct quote but summarizing context]
• “We walked into the locker room.” [15:08]

Listener Calls: Swing Off and Game Management Time Stamp: [34:18] – [57:54]

The discussion shifts to the recent MLB All-Star Game's innovative "swing off" feature. Hosts and callers debate managerial decisions, particularly criticizing Aaron Boone’s pitching strategies that led to the swing off. They analyze player performances, highlight standout moments from Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso, and question the fairness of the swing off's outcome.

Key Topics:

• Swing Off Mechanics: Explanation and reactions to the new swing off feature introduced during the All-Star Game.
• Managerial Decisions: Critique of Aaron Boone’s management style and his handling of pitchers.
• Player Performances: Praise for Kyle Schwarber’s three home runs and Pete Alonso’s impactful performance.

Quotes:

• “I thought last night just proved again, you said a baseball is popping.” [04:14]
• “Suck it, big dumper. Clayton Kershaw.” [03:52]
• “If you don’t have butterflies, you don’t care enough.” [19:15]

Listener Insights:

• Steven from Virginia Beach asks, “Why is Boone saving arm when there’s no possibility of extra innings?” [44:36]
• Kevin from Culver City praises Kyle Schwarber’s performance: “Kyle Schwarber winning it on a swing off. He did a little speech.” [46:39]

All-Star Game Highlights and Reactions Time Stamp: [57:54] – [64:37]

Hosts and callers reflect on the dramatic moments of the All-Star Game, including the emotional tribute to Hank Aaron and the electrifying ambiance during the swing off. They emphasize the game's success in enhancing baseball's entertainment value and discuss potential future implications for regular-season games.

Quotes:

• “It was an experience I'll never forget.” [16:02]
• “Pete Alonso hit a three-run blast in the game. Legitimate pitcher off a legitimate pitcher.” [47:30]
• “The stadium went bananas when Schwarber hit that third one.” [57:42]

Innovation and Evolution in Baseball Time Stamp: [53:33] – [54:18]

The conversation turns to the need for continuous innovation in baseball to keep the sport engaging. Hosts advocate for embracing changes like the swing off and home run challenges to maintain fan interest and compete with other major sports.

Quotes:

• “Innovate or die, right? You gotta, you gotta evolve.” [54:12]
• “Why is baseball the sport where it's bad to evolve?” [54:18]

Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Time Stamp: [64:37] – [83:08]

In the closing segment, Covino and Davis summarize their excitement about baseball’s recent developments and encourage listeners to embrace the sport’s evolution. They reiterate their support for initiatives that enhance the game’s entertainment value and thank their audience for tuning in.

Quotes:

• “Baseball had a great week. And how many people are quick to dump on baseball?” [55:45]
• “For all the people that love to be like, yo, baseball was boring or did this, when someone does something right, you got to give him props.” [55:17]
• “Baseball had a big week.” [55:27]

Conclusion

"The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" episode from July 16, 2025, offers an engaging exploration of the current state of baseball, enriched by the hosts' firsthand experiences at the All-Star Game. Steve Covino and Rich Davis provide insightful commentary on the sport’s resurgence, the impact of rising stars, and the significance of innovative game features like the swing off. Through listener interactions and detailed analysis, the show underscores the evolving landscape of baseball and its efforts to captivate a modern audience. This episode is a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth discussions and vibrant perspectives on America's favorite pastime.

Notable Highlights:

• Exclusive On-Field Access: Covino and Davis share their unique experience of sitting in the dugout and interacting with MLB stars.
• Swing Off Analysis: Detailed critique and appreciation of the All-Star Game's new swing off feature.
• Player Spotlights: Focus on outstanding performances by players like Kyle Schwarber and Pete Alonso.
• Listener Engagement: Active participation from listeners offering diverse viewpoints on game management and baseball’s evolution.

Key Takeaways:

• Baseball is experiencing a revitalization thanks to dynamic young talent.
• Innovations like the swing off are enhancing the sport’s entertainment value.
• Managerial decisions in exhibition games can significantly impact fan perceptions.
• Continuous evolution is essential for maintaining baseball’s relevance in the competitive sports landscape.

Stay Connected: For more insights and updates, listen to The Dan Patrick Show on Fox Sports Radio, available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.