Hour 1 - Baseball is back

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 1: Baseball is Back Release Date: August 1, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the hosts delve into the revitalization of baseball, discussing its resurgence as a leading sport in America. The conversation highlights various factors contributing to baseball's renewed popularity, contrasts it with other sports like football, and examines recent developments in the MLB, including trade deadlines and team performances.

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Baseball's Resurgence: Key Factors

The primary focus of this episode is the notable comeback of baseball, which the hosts attribute to several strategic changes and cultural shifts within the sport.

1. Enhanced Marketing and Star Power The hosts emphasize the improved marketing strategies and the emergence of young, charismatic stars as pivotal to baseball's comeback. Rich Davis remarks at [07:14]:

"Baseball's doing, to quote Charlie Sheen in the 2000s, winning. Winning."

The presence of superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Fernando Tatis Jr. has reignited fan interest, making the game more appealing to a younger audience.

2. Engagement with Younger Fans Steve Covino highlights the role of initiatives like the Savannah Bananas, a team known for its entertaining and family-friendly atmosphere:

"They're selling out everywhere. Yeah. And that opened up the door to, hey, if you like that, we could go see the Phillies play."

These efforts have made baseball games more engaging for families and children, fostering a new generation of fans.

3. Game Pace and Structural Changes The introduction of the pitch clock, enhanced in-game entertainment, and faster-paced gameplay have addressed previous criticisms of baseball being slow and unengaging. At [18:48], Rich Davis notes:

"Baseball lost its way. It became old and boring. It's a game. It's supposed to be fun and exciting and they're leaning more toward that."

These changes have streamlined the game, making it more dynamic and retaining viewer interest.

4. Innovative Marketing Tactics Baseball has embraced innovative marketing tactics, including the resurgence of baseball cards and enhanced stadium experiences. Covino mentions at [17:28]:

"I give baseball cards a lot of credit because they came back with all these special cards and all these cool unboxings you see on social media."

Moreover, stadiums now offer diverse food options and interactive experiences, enhancing the overall game-day experience.

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Trade Deadline Excitement

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the MLB trade deadline, described as one of the most exciting periods in recent history. During [09:24], Steve Covino shares:

"We were all on the edge of our seats, even on this show yesterday."

The hosts discuss major trades, including the acquisition of key players by teams like the Mets, Padres, and Mariners, and examine how these moves impact the competitive landscape. Rich Davis adds at [37:34]:

"Ben Verlander, MLB contributor, analyst, says that your Mets, the Padres and the Mariners were the big winners at the trade deadline."

This segment underscores the heightened competitiveness and unpredictability that are drawing more fans to the sport.

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MLB Standings and Team Performances

The episode provides an analysis of current MLB standings, highlighting the tight races in both the American and National Leagues. Key points include:

• National League: The Mets and Phillies are within half a game of each other, with the Brewers holding a one-game lead over the Cubs and the Padres trailing the Dodgers by three games.

• American League: Teams like the Yankees are bolstering their rosters, keeping the competition fierce.

Rich Davis summarizes the excitement at [17:23]:

"The Padres, Dodgers, first round, the Mets making their ridiculous run, that Alonzo home run in the ninth inning."

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Impact of External Factors and Innovations

The hosts discuss how external innovations and cultural shifts have positively influenced baseball's popularity.

1. Social Media and Digital Engagement The resurgence of baseball cards and their presence on social media platforms have captivated younger audiences. Rich Davis points out:

"These kids are going wild about it."

2. Stadium Enhancements Enhanced in-stadium experiences, including music, light shows, and interactive events, have transformed baseball games into more immersive entertainment experiences. Covino notes at [14:12]:

"They've stepped up the entertainment factor so much that I'm sure baseball said, hey, why are we shying away from family fun?"

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Interactions with Callers and Listener Engagement

The episode features interactions with listeners who share their enthusiasm for baseball's revival. Caller Danny G. from Texas expresses his support, reinforcing the hosts' perspectives on the sport's comeback. Rich Davis responds:

"You’re on, man. Big baseball fan as well. And I think even the purists like that guy, I get it."

These exchanges highlight the strong connection between the hosts and their audience, fostering a community around baseball's renewed excitement.

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Comparison with Other Sports

While celebrating baseball's resurgence, the hosts briefly compare it with other sports, particularly football. They acknowledge football's ongoing popularity but emphasize that baseball has reclaimed its place as a central topic of discussion during its peak season.

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Conclusion: Baseball's Promising Future

The episode concludes with a confident outlook on baseball's future, attributing its success to a combination of strategic changes, innovative marketing, and the emergence of new stars. Rich Davis optimistically states:

"Baseball's popping the mother F and N. All right, I love baseball."

Steve Covino echoes this sentiment, reinforcing the idea that baseball has successfully adapted to modern trends and audience preferences, ensuring its continued prominence in the sports landscape.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rich Davis [07:14]: "Baseball's doing, to quote Charlie Sheen in the 2000s, winning. Winning."
• Steve Covino [17:28]: "I give baseball cards a lot of credit because they came back with all these special cards and all these cool unboxings you see on social media."
• Rich Davis [18:48]: "Baseball lost its way. It became old and boring. It's a game. It's supposed to be fun and exciting and they're leaning more toward that."
• Steve Covino [09:24]: "We were all on the edge of our seats, even on this show yesterday."
• Rich Davis [37:34]: "Ben Verlander, MLB contributor, analyst, says that your Mets, the Padres and the Mariners were the big winners at the trade deadline."

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Final Thoughts

The Herd with Colin Cowherd effectively captures the essence of baseball's revival, providing listeners with insightful analysis, enthusiastic discussions, and a clear narrative of the sport's current triumphs. By highlighting the multifaceted approach to revitalizing baseball—from marketing innovations to game structural changes—the hosts present a compelling case for why baseball is once again thriving in the American sports arena.

Transcript

[Angela Rye]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Rich Davis]

Truth when the lie is more entertaining?

[Andrew Gillum]

Welcome home.

[Angela Rye]

I'm Angela Rye, co host of the Native Lampod with Andrew Gillum and Tiffany Cross, and we want y' all to survive and thrive in this political moment.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're having the same debates that American households are having all over the country.

[Angela Rye]

I'm terrified that in our rest we're going to miss the moment.

[Andrew Gillum]

You want me to stop resting? What specifically are you asking me to do? Stay, Stay informed and take action.

[Tiffany Cross]

Listen to Native Land pod on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Freddy]

We're breaking down SummerSlam, the biggest party of the summer on Wrestling with Freddy. From our bold picks to storyline breakdowns, we will discuss who walks out with gold, who shocks the night and which matches steal the show we call the winners, the upsets and the chaos to expect. Plus whatever swerves nobody saw coming. Listen to Wrestling with Freddie as part of the Michael Tura Podcast Network, available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

[Steve Covino]

Now let's get this you're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Yo, you ready?

[Rich Davis]

Friday with Camino and Rich and For Colin on the Hurt.

[Steve Covino]

I mean, am I ready? I stay ready. I've been ready since first call, by the way. Friday, Friday, Friday. Is it too early for that?

[Rich Davis]

I've been ready since first call.

[Steve Covino]

Roll.

[Rich Davis]

What movie? I mean, I know.

[Steve Covino]

You know. Can I just say it?

[Rich Davis]

Say it.

[Steve Covino]

Pee Wee's Big Adventure. That was Wayne Arnold who said that.

[Rich Davis]

Didn't he play him Nun.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah. Jason Hervey's major line. So flashing it back already on a Friday pump for the weekend. Covino and Rich. We're on Monday through Friday, 5 to 7 on the east, 2 to 4 on the west. Just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcasts. And we have our bonus show on fox Sports Radio's YouTube page over. Promised new episode. Dropped yesterday. But always a pleasure to be here. Now, every Friday on our show, we do something called Weekend Hobnobbin. So we'll do that before the end of the day. That's everything you need to watch in the world of sports and entertainment, so you know what's going on come Monday when everyone's hobnobbing at work. All right, so we'll keep you posted on that. Plus, we do something called Chipotle worker or WNBA player and we give away prizes.

[Danny G]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

Is the woman a WNBA player or Chipotle worker? If everyone claims to know the WNBA so well, this should be easy.

[Steve Covino]

It's our way to familiarize our ourself with wnba. But at the same time, give props to Chipotle workers because they do a hell of a job.

[Rich Davis]

And who doesn't love a burrito bowl?

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, we gotta get you hyped for Naked Gun weekend and the first of the month.

[Rich Davis]

And by the way, there's a big story and a lot of chatter about. Actually, quite the opposite.

[Colin Cowherd]

Cam Ward.

[Rich Davis]

Maybe not a lot of chatter. And is that a good thing? So we're gonna get to a lot of NFL today, but before I get into what won the day yesterday, why do they hide the straws at Starbucks? Is that. Is that just out here in Los Angeles?

[Steve Covino]

The turtles. Yeah. They don't want people just taking them and dumping them into the ocean.

[Rich Davis]

I hate the whole. I feel like such an ass every time you guys got a straw, I just put them out.

[Steve Covino]

No. Yeah, they hide them behind the counter.

[Rich Davis]

Think if they put them out, then people are gonna, like, abuse the straws.

[Steve Covino]

It's true. A lot of people wondering why you would even want a straw with your coffee.

[Rich Davis]

It's a nice coffee. What am I gonna.

[Steve Covino]

Not everybody sips out of a Little swirly straw, A little silly straw like you do.

[Spotty]

It's not very manly. Rich also uses a straw for his alcohol at a bar.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, so they do. They do keep them behind the counter, I think, honestly, just to conserve them and just so people don't waste them. For people like you who go to Chipotle. Speaking of Chipotle, and. And steal all the forks and knives all the time.

[Rich Davis]

They have good silverware. And when two burrito bowls are $40, then I'm stealing forks.

[Steve Covino]

That doesn't mean you should take three handfuls. So people probably take a ridiculous amount of straws. So just hand them out if and when you need them. So anyway, I'm Steve Cavino. If you know the answer to that, let us know. The number is 8, 7, 7, 4, the herd. 8, 7, 7 for the herd. That's 8, 7, 7 for the 4, 8, 4, 3, 4, 3, 7. We love taking phone calls. So let's get involved. Let's stay interactive. And that's Rich Davis, who posed the question.

[Rich Davis]

And Rich, Yes.

[Steve Covino]

Before we talk about who won last night, I just want to say I hope you had. Well, not an Astro sword tonight. Screw them. Hope you had a Trey Lance or tonight doesn't even matter. No, it does because you were dumping on him yesterday. Hope you had a trade. If we're going to talk about how he's such a bust when he goes 13 for 20. 120 yards. Two tuddies. And they went 34. 7. Hope you had a Trey Lance store tonight. It might be the only. It might be the only time I.

[Rich Davis]

Say it all year. You know what? Fair point.

[Steve Covino]

So give him props.

[Rich Davis]

Props to Trey Lance and props to the people that hide straws. I honestly, I just. Is it feminine, not masculine to sip out of a straw? Who knows? But know what I want to talk about? To start the show today? In for the Herd, cnr, how baseball is popping. Baseball is doing everything it should be doing.

[Steve Covino]

They're marketing their stars better. They got young kids interested again. There are a lot of young stars. That also helps. There's a lot of big, familiar names.

[Rich Davis]

Baseball's doing, to quote Charlie sheen in the 2000s, winning. Winning. Baseball should be winning on August 1st. Today we flip the calendar and we should be talking about pennant races. We should be talking about how great baseball is right now, you know, over the last five to 10 years. I get it. Football's still king. I love football. But we were a little obsessed with football to the point where it was August and we were talking about Preseason antics and all this when we really should be talking about baseball. And that was baseball's fail. Now that baseball's back, it's very clear that this should be baseball time.

[Steve Covino]

There's so many reasons as to why, and we've been speculating that for a long time, but they made all the right adjustments. Yeah, we always talked football because baseball was moving slow as the world was changing and moving faster. And you're scrolling on TikTok and you're so easily disinterested. Baseball was boring, but they made the right changes. They made the game quicker. That really did help. The fact that we had more than one superstar in Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge and Tatis and Harper and like, goes on and on and on. Now, can I tell you the fact that the fact that we had the major market teams in the playoffs last year and it was exciting as hell. You heard it in our voices last year. The Mets, the Yankees, the Dodgers. Like, it made it that much more fun and it set up for a really exciting season this year.

[Rich Davis]

Well, major markets, part of it. But it also proves that if you're a small market and play your cards right, you could win. The brewers have the best record in baseball.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah. But when you got the Dodgers and the Yankees battling in the World Series, when you got some other cool teams in the mix in the playoffs, and it seems like there's a lot of teams still in it to win it, it makes things exciting. That's why we saw a lot of big moves. Even our guy, Tim Kirkjian, who's been reporting on baseball for 150 years, said yesterday's trade deadline may have been the craziest, most exciting he's ever been a part of in his career.

[Rich Davis]

And then did he say, I'm Tim Kirchian.

[Steve Covino]

I'm Tim Kirchian, espn. So, yeah, everybody knows it. We were all on the edge of our seat, even on this show yesterday.

[Rich Davis]

Oh, my God.

[Steve Covino]

Who's going to get who? What moves are going to be made? Are your teams going to win this deadline? And it was exciting, man. And there wasn't really that many Giant names but like, that were traded. But some important, impactful moves were made.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, the moves for the teams that needed to make moves, we're going to see if they make sense. We're going to go over some of them.

[Steve Covino]

But are you saying baseball won yesterday?

[Rich Davis]

Baseball won the day. Baseball is popping. They outshine to me. Your first preseason game. Look at it this way. There's Terry McLaurin news there's you know, Micah Parsons is cowboy activity going on. This story's in the NFL. But to me, the baseball trade deadline and the excitement with about what, 50, 60 games to go.

[Steve Covino]

Hey, speaking of Tim Kirkshen and ESPN, that's a bad time for them to lose their deal with the mlb.

[Rich Davis]

I don't know if that's official.

[Steve Covino]

Is that not official anymore? Well, it is popping again. And you gotta invest now, buy now, because baseball's back. It's back in a big way. And Rich is absolutely right. If you go back a few years, we'd be talking football right now, without a doubt. Because people would be tired and bored of baseball. In fact, in radio pull you behind the velvet rope, when you lead with baseball and you talk baseball, you lose most of the audience because it's sort of a boring old guy conversation. Not anymore. And that's what we lead with today. Baseball is back. Baseball's winning. Baseball won yesterday. It's August 1st and we're talking baseball. We're not ready and eager to turn the page. Are we excited about football? Of course. But are we still hanging on to see where this season goes?

[Rich Davis]

Absolutely.

[Steve Covino]

More than ever. More than we have in the past 10 plus years.

[Rich Davis]

I said it yesterday. September and October are going to be overstimulating if you're a baseball fan. And now, you know, on the heels of football coming back, you may very well be completely overstimulated with football. Starting pennant races, playoff baseball, the early part of the NFL season, the next few months are going to be pretty sweet. Know what I want to say that contributes to baseball popping and coming back?

[Steve Covino]

I think baseball cards have something to do with it, believe it or not, because these kids are going wild about it.

[Rich Davis]

So let's talk about all the little things adding up. Because sometimes it could be a relationship, it could be a job, it could be something where you're like, what do you love about it? It's like there's not one big thing. Like yesterday, yesterday with the trade deadline, there wasn't one big star other than Suarez to the Mariners. There wasn't really like a top tier guy in my opinion. Back to the Astros, you might say a couple of the closers, Johan Duran to the Phillies. But I'm saying it wasn't like a year where like Piazza was on the move or Soto was on the move or, you know, like it wasn't one of those. No, I think we could add up all the little things and say all the little things together. Baseball cards, that's really going Cavino I really think embracing the celebrating instead of being all tight butt about it. Like when the Dodgers get a double and they do their silly little dance on second base.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

Or when my Mets get a hit, they do that little rolling of the arms, hand up. Or all these teams, when they score a home run, they wear a funny helmet in the dugout. They take like a selfie. They do their little celebrations.

[Steve Covino]

To me, I got another one that.

[Rich Davis]

Is also a contributing factor about the.

[Steve Covino]

Hey, I know it's baseball and only 80 year old guys really love us and talk about us but we're going to do something called City Connect Jerseys and you know, maybe that'll help bring some excitement. People want to represent a little bit. I think that's great.

[Rich Davis]

Without a doubt.

[Steve Covino]

It's moving so fast. The Yankees changed their beard policy, their facial hair policy.

[Rich Davis]

So jerseys, these little things mattered. Merch.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

Baseball cards celebrations stood out to the weenies. Can I tell you something I saw and Colin loves to point out? Baseball's popping. So we're on the same page with the guy we're filling in for, the legendary Colin Cowherd. I can't help but say when you go to a game now I'm not a, I'm not a bird brain. Well, maybe a little, but I don't need to be completely entertained. But when I tell you the entrances for the closers, the walk up music, all the in stadium stuff is even at a at another level. Like when Edwin Diaz comes in for the Mets and Timmy Trumpets is blaring. Citi Field now has a light show. When Duran who just got traded to.

[Steve Covino]

You know, maybe you got to thank the Savannah Bananas for that.

[Rich Davis]

I mean maybe you could seriously add that to the list.

[Steve Covino]

They've stepped up the entertainment factor so much that I'm sure baseball said, hey, why are we shying away from family fun?

[Rich Davis]

But you remember like a year ago, who you remember a year ago, the guy that's now a Philly, Johan Duran. We talked about how his entrance for the Minnesota Twins was unbelievable. Like the stadium shuts down and those, the lights go crazy. Those type of things are, are right on the right track. So I think we've nailed it here. Baseball's back and each team has stars.

[Spotty]

Again and big events like tomorrow, Bristol Motor Speedway. Dude, that's going to be sick.

[Rich Davis]

Did you see the overhead of what it looks like when you fit a baseball stadium on a racetrack? It looks insane.

[Steve Covino]

So the first ever game in the state. So that's extra excitement for all the kids out there.

[Rich Davis]

And the field. The field of dreams game.

[Steve Covino]

Field of Dreams game.

[Rich Davis]

Field of dreams game. They do the international play once in a while now, so international stars.

[Steve Covino]

But you know what, Rich, I mentioned in passing Savannah Bananas, I do believe that opened the door to hey, baseball's fun and exciting for little kids and families and that could be a stepping stone to watching the big leaguers do their thing. And in related news, I don't know if you saw this yesterday, but sources say the Yankees traded Anthony Volpe to the Savannah Bananas in exchange for 10 foot 9 pitcher and DH Dakota stilts. Albatron.

[Rich Davis]

Have you seen that? Yeah, it's a good one for you guys.

[Steve Covino]

They got rid of Volpe. We got the guy on the stilts.

[Rich Davis]

I know it's going to be. It's going to be big time for you.

[Steve Covino]

I can't wait to see this, man. I wasn't sure if it was official, but I saw the meme so it has to be real cove.

[Rich Davis]

I don't want to discount the Savannah Bananas. Some love it, some roll their eyes at it. But I'm not saying it change baseball. But you know what?

[Steve Covino]

You don't think it's a nice gateway.

[Rich Davis]

For a little kid if you don't think in stadium production crews and there was, there's been marketing and PR boardroom meetings where it's like, hey listen, walk with the Savannah Bananas are doing. We need to incorporate some of that stadiums. You know they have the sausage race.

[Steve Covino]

We need fun Johnson fun.

[Rich Davis]

You know they have the sausage race in Millywalke.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

Every stadium is now sort of doing their own version of stuff like that. I know they got the president's one in D.C. for the nationals, but every stadium now has some type of race. It's no longer just the fifth inning. Guess which hat the ball's under on the scoreboard.

[Steve Covino]

Great city subway race, by the way. I got one. I know you didn't think of. What Rich is doing is compiling a list to figure out why and how we've come so far with baseball in such a short period of time. Just two years ago, we would be talking about NFL, no doubt. No diggity.

[Rich Davis]

But you gotta ask yourself, you and I, big baseball fans, we grew up playing and loving baseball. And then as we got older, football became king and baseball was more of a. I wouldn't say niche sport, but more of something where you're like, yeah, and I love baseball. But now baseball is popping star power. And I'm even more intrigued being that.

[Steve Covino]

I coach faster pace.

[Rich Davis]

I coach baseball now. And these kids are interested, interested.

[Steve Covino]

And again, I give baseball cards a lot of credit because they came back with the. All these special cards and all these cool unboxings you see on social media.

[Spotty]

You can thank Covid for that.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, maybe. But here's one I know Rich isn't going to bring up, but that is when collectors.

[Spotty]

That is when a lot of card collectors came back.

[Steve Covino]

Oh, you know what, man? There's so many great cards, and I'm a big fan. You remember how exciting that was just to get a great card when you were a kid? Imagine how they feel now with all the options, the food. Baseball parks have stepped up the food next level to, to the point where it's ridiculous. And every year they're releasing new menu items at the ballpark. When you're spending that much money to go, you want to have a good time. I think that also added to the fun. Don't we find ourselves talking about all the new stadium items? How stupid is that?

[Rich Davis]

The only generic, the only generic food I ever have at a ballpark is a Dodger Dog. Because you feel like you have to. But other than that, if I go.

[Steve Covino]

To a stadium, you got so many fun options.

[Rich Davis]

We just came back from Atlanta. They have barbecue restaurants within the stadium. They have Chick Fil A's in the stadium.

[Steve Covino]

All those stadiums are personalized to that city. Yeah, there's so many great fun and goofy options. It adds to the fun. You know, baseball lost its way. It became old and boring. It's a game. It's supposed to be fun and exciting and they're leaning more toward that.

[Rich Davis]

And you know, bossman hit us up and he said, did you guys, you, you named all that? And you didn't even mention pitch, clock, pace of play, length of game, you know, bad flips, 10th inning, guy starts on second base. And extra innings. They are moving the game along.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, I like, I like it and hate it all at the same time. Because when your team has someone at second base automatically in extra innings, you're like, yes. And for when it's the other team, like, no, I hate this.

[Rich Davis]

And while we do love the added. While we will, we do love the human element of sports. I'm telling you, the next big one is going to be those, as Danny said yesterday, the two ball strike challenges. And if you get them right, you get the third one. Because I think even some of these umpire fights and the stare downs and all that, that's good. And the feuds, Danny, your Dodgers and Padres, the rivalry, hate each other.

[Steve Covino]

That Helps.

[Rich Davis]

Mets, Phillies.

[Steve Covino]

You know what I think helps too, though? I think again, having the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, those teams in it, yet still having big market teams competing, like Rich said, that helps. But I think it helps that even though your Dodgers won Danny G. Last year, they're not a hateable team. Shohei, Mookie, Betts, Freeman, they, these guys make that ridiculous team that you have of All Stars. Not hateable. So it gets people tuned in. You want to beat the Dodgers, but you don't hate the superstars. There's so many superstars that you could root for that aren't even on your team, that are likable, and Shohei's one of them. Well, I think that helps.

[Rich Davis]

I want to, I want to point out that right now, let's, let's, let's do the math.

[Steve Covino]

I'm a mathematician here, guys. We just came back from Atlanta. Even that derby we were at, the All Star Game, everything about it, the way it ended, in dramatic fashion. The swing off. Yeah, you know, the swing off was ridiculous. The bombs, these monster circus shots, these guys are hitting the exit velocity. When you see guys like o', Neill, Cruz just teeing off, you're like, my God. You know, kids love that, man. So it's, it's back in a big way, guys. And the proof is today. That's why we bring it up. Yesterday was the trade deadline and a lot of moves were made. We'll speculate on that, but without a doubt, we'd normally be talking about the Chargers Lions game yesterday coming up. Because you're so quick to move on.

[Rich Davis]

You're so right that. Danny, we've been here at Fox sports radio, what, four or five years now? Almost right about that.

[Spotty]

Feels like 10 working with you every day.

[Rich Davis]

We've been doing our show together for like decades now. I promise you. What is it, 20, 25? Since 2010? I'd say every year until now if you told me the preseason kicked off in the NFL and there were some, you know, stories about stars like McLaurin and Micah Parsons and Aaron Rodgers, and we were leading with baseball. This is the first, this is the only year baseball's that back in a big way. And right now there's 50ish games left in baseball. 50ish? Most teams have about 53, 54 games left on the schedule. So with 54 games left right now, the Mets and the Phillies are within a half a game of each other. The brewers have a one game lead on the Cubs. The Padres only trail the Dodgers by three. And they just Added Mason Miller in the National League, you're looking that. That's insane. You go to the American League if you think the Yankees are going to roll over. I hate to say it because Kavino's a Yanks guy.

[Steve Covino]

Oh, they beefed up their bullpen.

[Rich Davis]

If you think they're going to roll over and just give this division to the Blue Jays, they're three and a half games only.

[Steve Covino]

And Giancarlo Stanton's back, bro.

[Rich Davis]

The only division, which is bunk. I apologize, Twins fans, because she sort of just sold everything yesterday. You just had a yard sale. That's the only division where the Tigers got it. And then the west, you don't think.

[Steve Covino]

The Mariners, four games, they made the biggest offensive moves. So yeah, there's people in, there's people.

[Rich Davis]

That say over the last 50 games they think the Mariners might be the best team.

[Steve Covino]

Well, that's the other reason too. You got other fans holding on longer than they've had in previous years. Way more teams have a chance deeper into the season now with the extra wild card and everything else. So yeah, these are all the reasons. I mean, we went from the fun excitement to baseball cards to the food at the stadium, speeding up the game. That's. That's obvious, man. That definitely helped. People were against it, but they made the move, we reaped the benefits. And now we're talking about it now, dude, the next 50 games, it's going to be electric. And by the way, if you're not a fan of our show Monday through Friday, what's wrong with you? You should be. But Rich and I have a bet of who has has the best record, the Yankees or the Mets. And it's a thousand dollar bet which isn't going to make or break anybody. But you think I want to lose $1,000 to this guy?

[Rich Davis]

Until the Mets get. Until the Mets got cold. I was loving the bet more because the Mets are two games better than the Yanks.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now.

[Rich Davis]

Last week when it was like five.

[Steve Covino]

Games, but we raised the stakes. $100 for every extra game that they won by. So, you know, every day on there, glued. And that's another thing too, Rich. I think people put an action on games that also helps, you know, so many factors as to why baseball is just way more exciting in the past few years. And we. The proof is today.

[Rich Davis]

And this is no ad, but for real, I've been doing. We would do the reads for the DraftKings. Pick six every so often I'll throw ten bucks on like, oh, a Mookie Home run with, you know, a Juan Soto, more than one and a half bases, and, oh, Mike Trout with a double. Like, I'll do those, you know, quick little bets. And I think there's so many layers as to why baseball's back. And I think we just named, like, ten of them.

[Spotty]

I should point out that our afternoon drive show is 80% NFL. So for you guys to lead with baseball, it does point out that. That baseball is thriving right now, but the real test is going to be when there are some real NFL games to compete with. Because, Rich, it's easy for you to brush over. That hall of Fame game last night, I'm guessing you didn't watch much of it.

[Rich Davis]

No, I watched.

[Spotty]

I watched a half. How much did you watch?

[Rich Davis]

I watched, like, 0.0.

[Steve Covino]

Like, background.

[Rich Davis]

I watched. I watched highlights, and I was like. I looked at Trey Lance's box score, and that's it. But you know what? You're right, Danny. If it was Thursday night kickoff, that is by far what we're all watching. It just. It might be more of a reflection that baseball was struggling so much that a preseason football game over the last decade got our interest more. But not. Not right now.

[Steve Covino]

I think everything really started to shift when the postseason started to pop last year. It's the wild Cards, man, so electric last year. So many big moments. That's when it all started to come to fruition and come together. Of course, all the little changes were in place, but that playoff series, that postseason last year really set us up for all this excitement this year.

[Rich Davis]

That Padres, Dodgers, first round, the Mets making their ridiculous run, that. That Alonzo home run in the ninth inning. All those moments Soto doing the little stare for the Yankees, then hitting a home run. Like everything about the postseason was fantastic. And just. Just to tie a little bow on it, if you look at the standings right now, teams like the Angels, who are slightly under.500, are only four games out of the wild card.

[Steve Covino]

Well, the National League, because they got Oswaldo Peraza, and he's ready to tear it up, dude.

[Rich Davis]

In the National League, teams like the Marlins and Giants, who, again, are slightly under.500, are only six games out of the wild card, so everyone's sort of in it. Baseball's popping the mother F and N. All right, I love baseball.

[Steve Covino]

What else stands out to you? Let us know, and of course, we'll talk. Some football. And our prizes to give away. Chipotle worker or WNBA player. 8, 7, 7 for the herd. We got more Covino and Rich next. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

[Rich Davis]

Hey, we're Covino and Rich, Fox Sports radio every day 5 to 7pm Eastern. But here's thing, we never have enough time to get to everything we want to get to.

[Steve Covino]

And that's why we have a brand new podcast called Over Promised. You see, we're having so much fun in our two hour show. We never get to everything honestly, because this guy is over promising things we never have time for.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, you blubber lips blaming me. Well, you know what it's called? Over Promise. You should be good at it because you've been over promising women for years.

[Steve Covino]

Well, it's a Covino and Rich after show and we want you to be a part of it. We're going to be talking sports, of course, but but we're also gonna talk life and relationships. And if Rich and I are arguing about something or we didn't have enough time, it will continue on our after show called Over Promised.

[Rich Davis]

Well, if you don't get enough Covino and Rich, make sure you check out Over Promised and also uncensored, by the way, so maybe we'll go at it even a little harder. It's gonna be the best after show podcast of all time.

[Steve Covino]

There you go. Over promising. And remember, you could see it on YouTube, but definitely. Join us Listen to Over Promised with Covino and rich on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

American Public University where service members like you can access high quality, affordable education built for your lifestyle. With online programs that fit around deployments, training and unpredictable schedules, APU makes it possible to earn your degree no matter where duty takes you. Their preferred military rate keeps tuition at just $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's tuition. And with 24. 7 mental health support, plus career coaching and other services, APU is committed to your success during and after your service. Learn more at Apu Apus eDumilitary. That's Apu Apus eDUmilitary. Imagine never buying gas again. EVs are as easy to charge as your phone and perfect for everyday life. Drive daily with confidence everywhere you go. Most Americans drive 40 miles a day. Most EVs are equipped with 200 to 400 miles of range. They've got fewer parts, fewer repairs and fewer headaches. With hundreds of new and used EV models available today, there's an EV to fit every lifestyle and every budget. I love my electric vehicle. It's easy. No more gas stations. The way forward is electric. Learn more atelectric for all.org hey folks, this message brought to you by the one and only official whiskey of the herd with Colin Coward. Green River Whiskey. Now here's a story that'll knock your socks off. Picture this. Founded way back in 1885, Green River Whiskey is OG Kentucky Cool, the 10th oldest distillery in the state. And get this. It was so valuable back in the day that 20 barrels of the good stuff were traded for shares in a gold mine. That's liquid gold. Literally. But like any great drama, tragedy struck in 1917 with a fire that almost wiped it off the map. Cue the hero music. It was rebuilt on the same hallowed grounds. Let me tell you, better than ever. So whether you're sipping their single barrel bourbon or a smooth straight rye, know you're raising a glass to history. Folks, here's to Green River Whiskey, where rich flavor meets richer stories. Hop on over to greenriverwhisky.com Discover a legend in a bottle today. Cheers to that. A product of Green River Distilling Company, Owensboro, Kentucky. Alcohol by volume varies by product. Green RiverWhisky.com Please drink responsibly.

[Rich Davis]

Who cares about truth when the lies more entertaining.

[Angela Rye]

Hey everybody. I'm Angela Rai, co host of Native Lampot with Tiffany Cross and Andrew Gillum. Through the lens of politics and culture, we talk with you every week to make sense of this madness.

[Andrew Gillum]

I've been telling Angela I don't even know how to fight back right now. So what I'm focused on is just like looking out for ourselves.

[Angela Rye]

That's the truth.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're having the same debates that American households are having all over the country.

[Angela Rye]

Rest is certainly a form of self care, but if you are watching your full neighbors starve, not be able to pay bills, your rest is selfish.

[Andrew Gillum]

But the thing is, Angela, this is not the mess we created. So I do understand black folks feeling like, you know what, y' all got it.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're like family, but we disagree all the time. And we love love when our listeners chime in.

[Andrew Gillum]

What would happen if we built our own little Wakandan communities in the rural South?

[Freddy]

Tiffany, do not run to no rural South.

[Steve Covino]

I don't know what you're on.

[Andrew Gillum]

What our audience is asking is. Okay, fine. You want me to stop resting? What specifically are you asking me to do? Stay informed and take action.

[Tiffany Cross]

Listen to Nativeland Pod on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or. Or wherever you get your podcast.

[Steve Covino]

Welcome home. Y' All CNR on fsr. Covino and Rich. It's the show in for calling on the herd. And the home you've worked so hard for is ready to work hard for you with a home equity loan from Rocket Mortgage.

[Rich Davis]

Rocket, I'm on a rocket.

[Steve Covino]

I'm packing my suitcase. To learn how you could turn your home's equity into cash, visit RocketMortgage.com today.

[Rich Davis]

Rocket Mortgage astronaut Jones a big Fan Mortgage LLC license in 50 states. NMLSconsumerAccess.org number 30 30.

[Steve Covino]

Now, normally we've established it, we'd be talking some football. It's still exciting to see football on TV. Trey Lance had a game, 120 yards, two touchdowns. Chargers beat the Lions 34, 7. But baseball's having a moment and it needs to be acknowledged. As we keep saying, baseball's popping. We're going to go over the moves. We're going to give away prizes, we're going to play games. We have lots to get to on the show. Covino and Rich. Naked Gun Weekend eight, seven, seven for the herd.

[Rich Davis]

You said Naked Gun Weekend. Before we get to a little more baseball.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

Is everyone else fascinated by the fact that Liam Neeson in real life is now dating Pam Anderson?

[Steve Covino]

Good for him because she used to be married to Tommy Lee. So that says a lot.

[Rich Davis]

Oh, you're saying that he must be.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, says a lot about Liam Neeson.

[Rich Davis]

I know that Liam Neeson lost his w. He had not really dated or publicly had a relationship, but apparently him and Pam Anderson hit it off. And I wonder, I bet you if you would have asked 1990s Liam Neeson when he was a younger man, like, hey, you think you over banged Pam Anderson?

[Steve Covino]

I will find you.

[Rich Davis]

That would have been like I will kiss you. The most preposterous thought ever. But we'll talk about it a little more later when we go over what to watch this weekend not only in sports but in entertainment. They're giving this movie absurdly good ratings. Yeah, they're saying they nail this movie.

[Steve Covino]

Which by the way never happens with critics and comedies.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, they're saying it is like an hour and a half hour, 40 minutes of no waste. Like there is Leslie Nielsen esque naked Gun jokes like one after the other after the other. Almost like just non stop an hour and 40 minutes of stupidity in a good way.

[Steve Covino]

And they pay homage to Leslie Nielsen in the new one. So we go from Leslie Nielsen to Liam Neeson. And by the way, this ties into everything we're talking about because when we first Heard that news that Seth MacFarlane was gonna be rebooting Naked Gun? We're like, ah, come on. Nah, leave well enough alone.

[Rich Davis]

Leave it alone with Liam Neeson.

[Steve Covino]

Liam Neeson is even funny. I like him, but gaw. No, don't touch the classics. That's how we were about baseball. How a lot of people. Not we, not we.

[Rich Davis]

Oh, pitch clock. What are you doing?

[Steve Covino]

Stats and all. And I'm so glad it also proves that, you know, change is good. Innovate or die. As our boy Gary Vaynerchuk says, innovate or die. I'm Gary V. But it's great for me personally because it proves that if you hold on long enough, everything comes back. So those carpenter jeans that you got rid of, you know, the Bob Vilas that you used to wear? They're back. You should have held on to them.

[Rich Davis]

I used to joke that my dad wore like Puma warm up pants in the 80s, and he held onto them long enough that when that puma vibe came back in the 2000s, like dad, you still got him.

[Steve Covino]

Well, you know what Rich used to say about me and my sports habits? Rich said he would introduce me to other friends and people. Yeah. Covino's a baseball, boxing, baseball fighting guy. He has the interests of an 80 year old white guy. And I'd be like, yeah, yeah, funny.

[Rich Davis]

Funny 80 year old white guy trapped in a 40 year old Latino guy's body.

[Steve Covino]

Right? So. But I held on long enough to see all of this come back to be cool again, you know, so, hey, baseball's back. I feel like fighting is on its comeback.

[Rich Davis]

Thank God you kept your champion sweatshirt too, Turkey.

[Steve Covino]

Alashik said no more pay per views. We got these big fights. Canelo Crawford in September, but everything comes back. And baseball, the greatest game in my opinion, is back in a big way. Thanks to all the star power and how we've marketed these young players and how they've stepped up in big ways and in big moments. And we saw some big moves go down yesterday. The biggest thing was Suarez, and I believe it was the first time that someone with those type of numbers got traded this late into the season. 36 home runs to Seattle, so makes their lineup more potent, but we'll go over that. What moves you liked and your thoughts on why.

[Rich Davis]

I do want to just ask you of the moves made yesterday. Yeah, and I'm not playing like, let's break out our crystal ball. I know you're not Madame Ruby from Pee Wee's Big Adventure. I see a bicycle of the moves.

[Steve Covino]

No, I just asked Chat GPT.

[Rich Davis]

Now, I know you rely on that too much. You're the reason robots are taken over.

[Steve Covino]

It guides my life.

[Rich Davis]

Of the moves. Do you feel like some of the closers, some of the, you know, missing pieces, like, to me, I hate to say it, as a Mets fan, the Johan Duran thing to the Phillies, that's. That's big. But then again, the Mets did get Tyler Rogers and Helsley from the Cardinals. I'm not much of an AL guy compared to an NL guy. I'm very aware of him. But Cedric Mullins, you probably saw him more as a Yankees fan playing the Orioles.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

You think he's got some juice or what?

[Steve Covino]

Yes. Yes. In fact, Rich, my boy, Ben Verlander. Who I like his stuff, his content.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, he's good.

[Steve Covino]

Ben Verlander, MLB contributor, analyst, says that your Mets, the Padres and the Mariners were the big winners at the trade deadline. And I agree with them. I wouldn't be just giving a props or noise if I didn't agree. And the trade deadline losers were the Cubs, the Sox, and the Blue Jays. Yep.

[Rich Davis]

All right, well, now it's time for the Herd line news.

[Steve Covino]

Let's do this. No, turn on the news. This is the Herd line news.

[Rich Davis]

Danny G. Let's go, man.

[Spotty]

Fellas, I feel like you've already maxed out your MLB talk time, so I'll start with NFL.

[Rich Davis]

Okay.

[Spotty]

Contract negotiations between Terry McLaurin and the Commanders have not gone the way the star receiver was hoping. So he officially requested a trade Yesterday. If Commander's GM Adam Peters does decide to move on from McLaren, which would be crazy, but the NFL website, NFL.com has listed six teams they think are the best fit for the two time Pro Bowler. Chargers, Raiders, Jets, Patriots, Rich, your Niners and the Browns.

[Rich Davis]

You know, you got to understand, if there was a trade, I'm assuming the new team would restructure a deal for him. Right? That would be part of the thing. Which means you got to also then look into like, all right, which of these teams has money to spare? He's a catch for any of those.

[Spotty]

Teams, commanders would be crazy, right? To. To let him go somewhere else.

[Rich Davis]

Why would you do that? You're hot right now. You're coming off a surprising NFC championship appearance. If I'm the Commanders, I said, come on, let's make this happen.

[Steve Covino]

What's the best fit for him? Not the Browns. They don't know what's going on in their quarterback situation.

[Rich Davis]

I mean, with IUK not ready to go, I'm a Niners fan. So of course I'm going to say yeah, yeah, San Francisco, get him in.

[Steve Covino]

I was thinking get him in there. But I was thinking, thinking maybe, I.

[Spotty]

Don'T know, the Chargers be another weapon for Herbert.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, Herbert. And Herbert would have no excuses if you added him as well.

[Spotty]

The two Charger fans we know would be so hyped.

[Rich Davis]

You know what, the stadiums filled with the opposing fans would be really bummed out.

[Spotty]

Let's move on to the mlb. Back to baseball. And you, Rich, you referenced this fire sale. The Twins wound up trading a total of 10 players, more than 1/3 of their active 26 man roster. I am sorry. Minnesota fans Correa, Duran and Bader are the biggest names sitting six games under.500. The front office decided a shakeup was necessary and they also want to shed salary as there is a chance the team is going to be up for sale.

[Steve Covino]

Wow. Yeah. That's heartbreaking, man.

[Rich Davis]

Well, you know, I always think about when a team goes through a moment, what are the other teams in that city doing? So you're a Minnesota guy, like our buddy Scott. If you're a Minnesota guy t Wolves, you have other things that are going to make you at least a little happier.

[Steve Covino]

If you're a Minnesota guy, you're not agreeing with anything we said this entire first hour. You're like, yeah, all right, I'm ready for football. Yeah.

[Spotty]

All right. And let's finish off with some NBA news. Millions of dollars worth of Miami Heat collectibles, including game worn finals jerseys, were stolen from the NBA franchise in what some are calling the largest heist of sports collectibles ever. According to a report, NBA analyst Amin El Hassan says expensive items were slowly removed from a team vault that they were saving for their their franchise's history. This of course leads some to suspect it as an inside job. The Feds began investigating 18 months ago with stolen items including finals gear from Shaq, LeBron and Dwyane Wade.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, you know, much like when they steal art from museums, I know it's a lot of like underground drug stuff and all this, but are you always fascinated, like who's gonna buy, I don't know, the a Shaq game worn NBA finals jersey. If it's on the list of like, yo, this stuff's been stolen.

[Spotty]

Well, they, people didn't know it was because it was being sold on the regular market, but they were also being sold on the black market.

[Steve Covino]

Absolutely.

[Spotty]

And those buyers, Rich, I don't think they care.

[Steve Covino]

God, there's so many underground collectors that just want this stuff. Absolutely. Man, that's wild.

[Spotty]

All right, that's it, guys. That's your Herd Line news.

[Steve Covino]

Thank you, Danny G. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd Line news. All right, so baseball's winning, baseball's having a moment. Baseball, baseball, baseball.

[Rich Davis]

Now coming up, football, football, football. Because I want to talk about Cam Ward and I'll tell you why. Because no one else is. And that's my point. I'll explain all next, Kavino and Rich in for Colin Cowherd on the Herd. It's Friday. Let's go. Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Steve Covino]

The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am.

[Colin Cowherd]

Pacific American public University, where service members like you can access high quality, affordable education built for your lifestyle. With online programs that fit around deployments, training and unpredictable schedules, APU makes it possible to earn your degree no matter where duty takes you. Their preferred military rate keeps tuition at just $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's tuition. And with 24. 7 mental health support, plus career coaching and other services, APU is committed to your success during and after your service. Learn more at Apu Apus. Edu Military. That's Apu Apus eDumilitary. Imagine never buying gas again. EVs are as easy to charge as your phone and perfect for everyday life. Drive daily with confidence everywhere you go. Most Americans drive 40 miles a day. Most EVs are equipped with 200 to 400 miles of range. They've got fewer parts, fewer repairs and fewer headaches. With hundreds of new and used EV models available today, there's an EV to fit every lifestyle and every budget. I love my electric vehicle. It's easy. No more gas stations. The way forward is electric. Learn more@electric for all.org hey folks, this message brought to you by the one and only official Whiskey of the Herd with Colin Coward, Green River Whiskey. Now here's a story that'll knock your socks off. Picture this. Founded way back in 1885, Green River Whiskey is OG Kentucky Cool, the 10th oldest distillery in the state. And get this. It was so valuable back in the day that 20 barrels of the good stuff were traded for shares in a gold mine. That's liquid gold. Literally. But like any great drama, tragedy struck in 1917 with a fire that almost wiped it off the map. Cue the hero music. It was rebuilt on the same hallowed grounds. Let me tell you better than ever. So whether you're sipping their single barrel bourbon or a smooth straight rye, know you're raising A glass to history, folks. Here's to Green River Whiskey, where rich flavor meets richer stories. Hop on over to greenriverwhisky.com, discover a legend in a bottle today. Cheers to that. A product of Green River Distilling Company, Owensboro, Kentucky. Alcohol by volume varies by product. Green RiverWhiskey.com Please drink responsibly.

[Rich Davis]

Who cares about truth when the lies more entertaining.

[Angela Rye]

Hey everybody. I'm Angela Rai, co host of Native Lamp Pot with Tiffany Cross and Andrew Gillum. Through the lens of politics and culture, we talk with you every week to make sense of this madness.

[Andrew Gillum]

I've been telling Angela I don't even know how to fight back right now. So what I'm focused on is just looking out for ourselves.

[Angela Rye]

That's the truth.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're having the same debates that American households are having all over the country.

[Angela Rye]

Rest is certainly a form of self care, but if you are watching your full neighbors starve, not be able to pay bills, your rest is selfish.

[Andrew Gillum]

But the thing is, Angela, this is not the mess we created. So I do understand black folks feeling like, you know what, y' all got it.

[Tiffany Cross]

We're like family, but we disagree all the time. And we love when our listeners chime in.

[Andrew Gillum]

What would happen if we built our own little Wakandan communities in the rural South?

[Freddy]

Tiffany, do not run to no rural South.

[Steve Covino]

I don't know what you're on.

[Andrew Gillum]

What our audience is asking is, okay, fine. You want me to stop resting? What specifically are you asking me to do? Stay informed and take action.

[Tiffany Cross]

Listen to Native Land pod on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Steve Covino]

Want to thank you Heard Nation, Fox Sports Radio Nation for hanging out with us, Covino and Rich again. We're on Monday through Friday just at a different time. So if you dig our show, even if you don't, I still invite you.

[Rich Davis]

Hey, check us out. Download the podcast or again 5 to 7pm Eastern on the East Coast.

[Steve Covino]

Also want to thank Big Sexy Ryan on the ones and twos. Super producer Danny g with the herd lion news hanging out with us on the phones at 877-for-thed and the videos up on Fox Sports Radio's YouTube page. Spotty's on standby waiting just to say hi. We're Covino Enrich and for calling on the herd. And the home you've worked so hard for is ready to work hard for you with a home equity loan from Rocket Mortgage to learn how you can turn your home's equity into cash. Cash money visit RocketMortgage.com today. Or as my dad would say, cash is king. Cash.

[Rich Davis]

How about in Cash? Rocket Mortgage, LLC, licensed in 50 states. NMLSConsumerAccess.org Number 30 30. Now, speaking of cash and home equity loans and all that, I have a home improvement question for you guys, and we're going to get it to NFL and Cam Ward, but let's take a few phone calls. Now, Danny G. Who do we got lined up on the herd? I don't know why you want to.

[Steve Covino]

Talk about Tim Allen when there's so much action.

[Spotty]

Guy Steve in Texas wants to talk about baseball with you.

[Rich Davis]

Yo, what's up, Steve?

[Danny G]

Hello.

[Rich Davis]

What's up, buddy?

[Danny G]

Hey, what's going on?

[Rich Davis]

How are you?

[Danny G]

Good. Good. Am I. Is this still, like, the pre question or on there?

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, you're on, dude.

[Rich Davis]

You're on, man.

[Steve Covino]

You're on Nation.

[Rich Davis]

The pre inter. The job experience. But no, go ahead. What do we got, man?

[Danny G]

Hey, I agree wholeheartedly. I love the resurgence of baseball. I'm both a dinosaur purist, and I love the fact that the game that I love is come back. I think one of the big things you all brought up was Savannah Bananas. Okay. I'm a lifelong Mets fan, so you know my pain.

[Rich Davis]

Same, dude. I love that. That's my team, man. I feel you.

[Danny G]

I, I, I was in the army. I always knew the Columbia match with a single, a facility or a affiliate. I got stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and that's when they became the Capital City Bombers. And I thought, oh, my God, marketing crap and everything else. I love baseball. Everything you guys said, nailed it.

[Rich Davis]

Thanks, man.

[Steve Covino]

Thank you so much, man. And it sounds goofy, but we really meant that. How many families went out there and had a blast their kids at a Savannah Bananas game? They're selling out everywhere. Yeah. And that opened up the door to, hey, if you like that, we could go see the Phillies play. And I think you go see the Red Sox, and it brings excitement back. It pushes baseball to lean more into fun. And we reaped all the benefits. And, like, we made the point. It wasn't one big thing. It wasn't one. We love the changes, but it's all the little changes that made it what it is right now. Much like yesterday's trade deadline, it wasn't one big name or a bunch of big names. It was a bunch of little pieces that made it exciting.

[Rich Davis]

Nice. You're 100% right. And thank you for the call, man. Big baseball fan as well. And I think even the purists like that guy, I get it. Because there's, you know, our parents generation that, you know, are reluctant for change. And I think when it comes to baseball, I don't think anyone now is like, man, you know what? The pitch clock and the bat flips. I think we've all accepted it as like, you know, these are good things. In fact, I saw that study the other day that 72% of fans are okay if they added the ball strike challenge a couple times a game. Not. Not every inning, a couple times a game. And I think 15 said they were apathetic. And it was only about 10% of fans that were like, no, I don't want it. People want to get the call right? And I'm telling you, these little changes will continue because as you said before, we evolve, we innovate or die. Now, before we get to Cam Ward, I feel like there's a great thought about this dude, your number one draft pick, and I think it's a good thing for him. I'll explain, but my home improvement question. I'm meeting with someone. I'm meeting. It has nothing to do with Tim.

[Steve Covino]

Allen or your favorite Karn.

[Rich Davis]

No. The poster you had on your wall, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, it's a Pam Anderson. She was on the show.

[Steve Covino]

Yes, she was. And she's back this weekend.

[Rich Davis]

When you negotiate, I'm no priceline negotiator. Do you have any tactics of how to kindly be like, yeah, give me a better deal? I'm meeting with someone to go over.

[Steve Covino]

My dad's an Italian Guido from New Jersey. He always offered cash.

[Rich Davis]

Besides cash, does that even work anymore? Yes, it does, but besides, I'll pay you in cash.

[Steve Covino]

Cash still is king.

[Rich Davis]

If you're getting, I'll tell you what I'm doing.

[Steve Covino]

If you're getting, don't carry it anymore.

[Rich Davis]

If you're getting an estimate for pavers yard work, resurfacing a pool, I don't know, you got the landscaper redoing some bushes and you're like, ooh, that number's a little high. I just want to know from you before we get into more football, because this is life. This is what guys deal with. When you're negotiating, do you have like a catchphrase? Like, can you do better than that? Like, what. What is your. What is your go to phrase? We'll take your feedback. Next. Kavino and Rich in for Colin on the Herd.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. Have you heard about this last year degree? Changed the formula for their cool rush deodorant and their fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back. And degree listens. That didn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and they're bringing back the original Cool Rush scent. They're bringing it back and it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason it's the number one men's any perspirant and it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under four bucks. So try and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG Degree Cool Rush for yourself. Hi, it's Colin. I've been around long enough to know quality when I see it. Or in this case, when I taste it. Tito's Handmade Vodka. Good stuff. No flash, no gimmicks. Smooth, clean tasting. Made the right way. Tito's made in Austin, Texas. Real attention to detail. I like to keep it simple. Tito's Soda one lime, lot of ice. Refreshing, easy summer, winter, spring. Totally versatile. Always works. Listen, baseball season's here. The perfect time to kick back with some Tito's. It's what I pour. You should too. Distilled and bottled by 5th Generation Inc. Austin, Texas 40% alcohol by volume Savor responsibly Balancing work, family and education isn't easy, but American Public University makes it possible with online courses, monthly start dates, and flexible schedules. APU is designed for busy professionals who need education that fits their lives. And Affordability matters, too. APU offers the Opportunity Grant, giving students 10% off undergraduate and master's level tuition, helping you reach your goals without breaking the bank. Plus, they provide career services and 24. 7 mental health support at no extra cost. Visit Apu Apus. Edu to learn more. That's Apu Apus. Edu Imagine never buying gas again. EVs are as easy to charge as your phone and perfect for everyday life. Drive daily with confidence everywhere you go. Most Americans drive 40 miles a day. Most EVs are equipped with 200 to 400 miles of range. They've got fewer parts, fewer repairs, and fewer headaches. With hundreds of new and used EV models available today, there's an EV to fit every lifestyle and every budget. I love my electric vehicle. It's easy. No more gas stations. The way forward is electric. Learn more@electric for all.org this is an iHeart podcast.