Podcast Summary: Covino & Rich - The A's Denzel & Billy Bob, Who?

Episode Release Date: June 11, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Hosts: Covino and Rich (Fox Sports Radio)
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.

1. Yankees vs. Mets Standings

The episode kicks off with Covino and Rich discussing the current standings of two major MLB teams: the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. As of the broadcast, the Yankees hold 39 wins, while the Mets are slightly ahead with 42 wins out of 24 games. Covino humorously remarks, "My Yankees have 39 wins. Rich's Mets have 42 wins, 42 and 24. Man, Yankees are at 39 and 25. So as of now, I'd owe you a few." ([03:26])

2. Spotlight on Jazz Chisholm

Transitioning from team standings, the hosts delve into a discussion about Jazz Chisholm, a dynamic player making significant strides in the league. They touch upon his performance and the impact of his mic'd-up interviews, hinting at upcoming segments like "Last One Standing" that will feature giveaways and interactive elements for listeners. Covino encourages listeners to engage by stating, "We gotta talk about that catch. What catch? You'll find out." ([03:57])

3. Denzel Clark's Remarkable Catch

A significant portion of the episode centers around Denzel Clark, a standout center fielder for the Oakland Athletics, renowned for his extraordinary catch that has captivated fans across social media. Covino and Rich passionately debate whether Clark's recent feat qualifies as the top five or even the greatest home run robbery of all time.

Covino argues for its place in the top five, highlighting the precision and grace of the play:
"I really honestly believe, and I have a reason why it really was a top five. Because not only did he snag a ball, a home run that was like five or six feet, as they described it over defense, but he landed it with such gracefulness." ([06:03])

Rich pushes the envelope, asserting it as potentially the greatest of all time:
"I think this was by far, I'm going to say right now the number one home run robbery of all time. You show me a play that's better than that." ([09:40])

They reference other legendary catches for comparison, including Gary Matthews Jr. and Jim Edmonds, emphasizing the uniqueness of Clark's athleticism and timing. Covino underscores the global reach and replayability of the moment:
"You saw it a million times. You saw it in slow motion. You saw it from the bullpen camera. You saw every possible angle." ([08:19])

Erica adds to the praise by noting the seamless execution of Clark's maneuvers:
"He timed it, climbed the wall, jumped, leaned over, spun around, landed, flexed, and spit." ([15:44])

4. The Greatest Home Run Robberies of All Time

Expanding the conversation, Covino and Rich compare Clark's catch to historical home run robberies, debating its significance relative to others. They reference iconic moments and players, such as:

• Tori Hunter: Recognized for her highlight-reel catches, praised by fans like Tory Hunter who tweeted, "This has to be one of the best catches I've ever seen." ([07:53])

• Gary Matthews Jr.: Noted for his clutch performances and memorable catches that have saved games.

• Jim Edmonds: Celebrated for his ability to extend ball games with seemingly impossible catches.

Covino emphasizes the rarity and difficulty of such plays, suggesting that Clark's catch could stand alongside these legends due to its technical perfection and the sheer athleticism displayed.

5. Savannah Bananas and Modern Sports Entertainment

The conversation shifts briefly to the Savannah Bananas, a team known for their entertaining and unconventional approach to baseball. Erica remarks on their captivating performances, stating, "They're doing something. Their attention span is that of a...," highlighting the need for constant engagement in modern sports entertainment. Covino adds, "They're next level entertainment," acknowledging the evolving landscape of sports viewership and fan engagement. ([11:46])

6. Celebrity Encounters: Distractions and Stories

A lighter segment of the episode delves into the impact of encountering celebrities during everyday activities, such as dining out. Erica shares a personal anecdote about dining at Craig's in LA and inadvertently sitting next to Angelina Jolie:
"We are seated yesterday next to Angelina Jolie and it was mildly distracting the whole meal." ([16:34])

The hosts and guests exchange stories about similar experiences, including sitting next to Christina Milian and Darius Rucker. These narratives explore how such encounters can divert attention and affect personal interactions. Covino muses, "How do you not notice that?" ([17:32]), while Erica and Sam reflect on the challenges of maintaining focus when famous personalities are nearby.

Dan Byer adds humor by recalling a dinner where Meredith Baxter, known for "Family Ties," was in close proximity:
"Two tables down. Down. Welcome to Hollywood, Mom." ([21:09])

7. The Etiquette of Nicknames: Respect vs. Condescension

A significant discussion arises around the use of nicknames by strangers, particularly terms like "Big Dog," "Boss," "Chief," and their emotional impact. Covino shares a personal experience from a flight where a fellow passenger persistently called him "Big Dog," leading to feelings of confusion and slight offense:
"That he called me Big Dog. Because then it's all this, like, big Dog. What does that mean?" ([37:59])

The hosts debate whether such nicknames are intended as endearments or come across as condescending. Erica expresses discomfort, asking, "How do you feel?" ([44:51]), prompting listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

Quotes illustrating listener sentiments include:

• Erica: "Nothing bothers me more than we talk a lot about prisoner of the moment." ([09:11])
• Sam: "It's like when Luca got called Fat Danny." ([39:30])
• Dan Byer: "Mate is amazing, right? Australia comes up to you, says, good night, mate." ([53:38])

The hosts explore regional and generational differences in nickname usage, acknowledging that while some terms may be harmless in certain contexts, they can feel disrespectful or confusing in others.

8. Upcoming Live Events and Broadcasts

Covino and Rich announce their upcoming live broadcast from Circa in Las Vegas, scheduled for June 20th-22nd. They hype the event with playful banter about their attire, including Sam wearing a "Borat one piece" and jokes about banana hammocks:
"We're doing our show live there. Splishy Splashy on Friday the 20th. Can't wait." ([31:35])

Additionally, they tease future segments and interactions, encouraging listeners to RSVP and participate in the live festivities.

9. Multimedia Integration and Listener Engagement

Throughout the episode, Covino and Rich encourage listener participation through phone calls and social media interactions. They reference streamlining their show via the iHeartRadio app and YouTube, emphasizing accessibility and real-time engagement.

Covino highlights new features on the iHeartRadio app, such as selecting Fox Sports Radio as the number one preset and live streaming on YouTube, enhancing the listener experience and expanding their audience reach.

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts revisit the significance of Denzel Clark's catch, reiterating its place in sports history and expressing anticipation for Clark's future performances:
"His ass was on the top of the wall and then he swoops his glove around and spins around again so gracefully. It was done so perfectly." ([13:36])

Erica concludes with a nod to the ongoing discussion about nicknames and their impact, tying it back to the episode's themes of sports excellence and personal interactions:
"We could talk about anything." ([34:19])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Covino: "He timed it, climbed the wall, jumped, leaned over, spun around, landed, flexed, and spit." ([15:44])

• Rich: "I think this was by far, I'm going to say right now the number one home run robbery of all time. You show me a play that's better than that." ([09:40])

• Erica: "Nothing bothers me more than we talk a lot about prisoner of the moment." ([09:11])

• Sam: "It's like when Luca got called Fat Danny." ([39:30])

• Dan Byer: "Mate is amazing, right? Australia comes up to you, says, good night, mate." ([53:38])

• Covino: "How do you not notice that?" ([17:32])

• Erica: "How do you feel when a younger dude gives you a million bros?" ([44:51])

Key Takeaways

1. Denzel Clark's Athletic Prowess: The episode places significant emphasis on appreciating exceptional athletic feats, using Clark's catch as a benchmark for greatness in baseball.

2. Emotional Impact of Nicknames: The hosts explore the nuanced feelings elicited by being addressed with unfamiliar or potentially disrespectful nicknames, prompting listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

3. Balancing Celebrity Encounters: Personal stories about dining next to celebrities highlight the challenges of maintaining focus and enjoying personal moments amidst high-profile distractions.

4. Engagement and Accessibility: Covino and Rich leverage multimedia platforms to enhance listener interaction, ensuring their content is accessible and engaging across various mediums.

5. Upcoming Events: Announcements about live broadcasts in Las Vegas demonstrate the hosts' commitment to expanding their reach and providing dynamic content experiences for their audience.

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a blend of in-depth sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and relatable discussions on social interactions, all wrapped in the engaging banter of Covino and Rich. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or someone interested in the subtleties of interpersonal communication, this episode provides valuable insights and entertaining narratives that resonate with a wide audience.