Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Covino & Rich - Bananas OR Rockies? Release Date: June 3, 2025

Introduction In this engaging episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts Steve Covino and Rich dive into a spirited debate centered around a thought-provoking hypothetical: Would you rather be a member of the Savannah Bananas or the Colorado Rockies, assuming money is taken out of the equation? This discussion not only highlights the contrasting dynamics between traditional Major League Baseball (MLB) teams and innovative, entertainment-focused squads but also explores broader themes of passion versus popularity in sports.

Savannah Bananas: The Modern-Day Entertainers

Popularity and Entertainment Value

Steve Covino initiates the conversation by highlighting the immense popularity of the Savannah Bananas, a team renowned for their entertaining style of play and sold-out games. He remarks, “Everywhere they go, they sell out. As Drago's wife said, oh, I'm sorry, his trainer, everything he hits, he destroys. Everywhere they go, they sell out” ([22:45]).

Rich counters by emphasizing the Bananas' ability to draw large crowds, comparing them to the legendary Harlem Globetrotters. He notes, “They’re the current day Globetrotters guys and what we say is true, man, this is a real thing they got going on. I'm amazed by what they've accomplished in such a short period of time” ([24:10]).

Social Media Influence

The hosts delve into the Bananas' strong social media presence, with millions of followers enhancing their popularity. Rich shares, “Jackson Olson, I'm looking at it right now, has four times more X followers than Hunter Goodman” ([27:35]), underscoring the importance of digital visibility in today's sports landscape.

Entertainment Over Competition

Covino and Rich discuss the Bananas' focus on fun and showmanship, which attracts families and a broader audience. Covino states, “You could say it's like a fun event because they're hearing that it's the thing to go do, and they are seeing these reels. The hot ticket” ([30:20]).

Colorado Rockies: The Traditional Major League Experience

Prestige of the Big Leagues

Rich presents the allure of being part of an established MLB team, despite their current struggles. He argues, “You could be a big leaguer and maybe name a few guys on that team. It really is a... I'm just giving the Bananas some ammo because it seems obvious that playing in the big leagues would be the number one answer” ([33:50]).

Fulfilling a Childhood Dream

Covino emphasizes the emotional significance of playing in the MLB, stating, “I think they would have to still pick the Rockies, even though Savannah Bananas, they really are rock stars” ([35:15]). He highlights the pride and fulfillment that comes with achieving a lifelong ambition to play major league baseball.

Team Spirit and Potential for Turnaround

Rich counters by acknowledging that despite the Rockies' poor performance (currently 9-50 and struggling), being part of the team offers a sense of belonging and the potential to contribute to a turnaround. He muses, “You're still a big leaguer. You're in the Rockies, or is there something so cool about being a Savannah Banana right now?” ([38:05]).

Key Quotes and Insights

• Steve Covino: “Would you rather be a Banana or a Rocky? It's a great question because we're coming off the weekend where there was so much buzz out here on the west side” ([20:30]).

• Rich: “You have the chance to probably eke out a couple more wins for the Rockies. And what does that mean? You're still a big leaguer” ([35:45]).

• Steve Covino: “But the knack of being a Rocky is that you could always be the one to help them turn it around” ([37:10]).

• Rich: “In my mind, I'm thinking you just get to hear your name announced and you walk up to bat in a major league game in a beautiful stadium” ([39:00]).

Listeners' Perspectives

Throughout the episode, Covino and Rich engage with listeners, incorporating their feedback and perspectives. For instance, listener Sean from Sacramento shares, “Hearts are torn between fun and prestige, but being a Rocky is about playing the game we love” ([42:15]).

Another listener, Trip from Las Vegas, adds, “If you're a Rocky, you could always be a Savannah Banana. But it's about fulfilling your dream” ([45:00]).

Conclusion: Hosts’ Preferences

After a robust discussion, the hosts reveal their personal choices:

• Steve Covino leans towards choosing the Colorado Rockies, valuing the prestige and personal fulfillment of being a major leaguer despite the team's struggles. “I would still pick the Rockies, even though Savannah Bananas, they really are rock stars” ([48:30]).

• Rich advocates for the Savannah Bananas, emphasizing the fun, engagement, and current popularity that come with being part of an entertaining team. “I'd rather be a banana all day. This is a show just tap dancing. They're putting on a show” ([50:45]).

Additional Highlights

• Tribute to John Brankus: The hosts pay their respects to John Brankus of ESPN Sports Science, acknowledging his contributions and his battle with depression. “Rest in peace. John Brankus lost…always enjoyed what he did on ESPN” ([19:00]).

• Upcoming Events and Promotions: Covino and Rich promote their live shows in Las Vegas (June 20-22) and discuss giveaways, blending entertainment with their sports analysis.

• MLB Standings and Highlights: The conversation touches on the current MLB standings, Yankees vs. Dodgers rematch, and other teams' performances, providing listeners with up-to-date sports insights.

Final Thoughts

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a fascinating exploration of what it means to pursue passion versus popularity within the realm of sports. Through the Bananas vs. Rockies debate, Covino and Rich encourage listeners to reflect on their values—whether they prioritize the joy of the game and audience engagement or the honor and fulfillment of being part of the MLB. The lively exchange, complemented by thoughtful quotes and listener interactions, makes this episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts grappling with similar questions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Steve Covino (22:45): “Everywhere they go, they sell out. As Drago's wife said, oh, I'm sorry, his trainer, everything he hits, he destroys. Everywhere they go, they sell out.”

• Rich (24:10): “They’re the current day Globetrotters guys and what we say is true, man, this is a real thing they got going on. I'm amazed by what they've accomplished in such a short period of time.”

• Steve Covino (30:20): “You could say it's like a fun event because they're hearing that it's the thing to go do, and they are seeing these reels. The hot ticket.”

• Rich (27:35): “Jackson Olson, I'm looking at it right now, has four times more X followers than Hunter Goodman.”

• Steve Covino (35:15): “But the knack of being a Rocky is that you could always be the one to help them turn it around.”

• Steve Covino (48:30): “I would still pick the Rockies, even though Savannah Bananas, they really are rock stars.”

• Rich (50:45): “I'd rather be a banana all day. This is a show just tap dancing. They're putting on a show.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the "Bananas OR Rockies?" episode, providing readers with a clear understanding of the discussion, key insights, and the dynamic between the hosts.