Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Big Moments Ruined

Release Date: April 2, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosts A.J. Jacobs, Bob Pittman, and Mary Kay McBrayer delve into the theme of "Big Moments Ruined." The conversation navigates through various pivotal sports events that had the potential to become legendary but were marred by unforeseen circumstances, errors, or controversial decisions. This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of how certain moments in sports history were undermined, blending expert analysis with engaging anecdotes.

1. Alfonso Soriano's Crucial Home Run – Baseball's What-If Moment

One of the focal points of the discussion revolves around Alfonso Soriano's pivotal home run during the 2001 World Series. Mary Kay McBrayer recounts the event:

"[11:00] Mary Kay McBrayer: In 2001, the Yankees had a chance to win the World Series during Game 7 against the Diamondbacks. Alfonso Soriano hit a game-changing home run off Kurt Schilling in the eighth inning, which could have cemented his legacy as a Yankee legend."

However, despite this monumental hit, the Yankees ultimately lost the game, causing Soriano's potential heroics to be overshadowed by the team's defeat. The hosts lament how this moment, which could have been celebrated as one of the greatest in World Series history, became a forgotten what-if due to the final outcome.

"[12:10] A.J. Jacobs: That was the best weak ass hit. And for... I get it."

The conversation highlights the bittersweet nature of such moments in sports, where individual brilliance doesn't always translate to team success.

2. Charles Woodson's Tuck Rule Fumble – Football's Controversial Call

Transitioning to football, the hosts discuss Charles Woodson's infamous play involving the controversial tuck rule:

"[13:08] Bob Pittman: Yeah, well, they had a Super Bowl caliber team."

A.J. Jacobs elaborates on how a pivotal fumble by Woodson, potentially influenced by the tuck rule, altered the trajectory of the Raiders' season:

"[14:01] Mary Kay McBrayer: That's called cheating and everything. That they did with the bat is legal on every level."

The tuck rule has long been debated among NFL fans, and this particular instance underscores the fragility of game outcomes based on refereeing decisions.

3. Dodgers' MVP Bobblehead Night – Chaos Over Good Intentions

Another significant topic is the Dodgers' attempt to distribute 40,000 MVP bobbleheads to fans, which led to unexpected chaos:

"[13:31] A.J. Jacobs: How much Westbrook messed that up, man? He took the shot on the possession before missed the layup."

Mary Kay McBrayer shares her frustration over the logistical nightmare:

"[16:09] Mary Kay McBrayer: So Matty, Matt and everybody else. 8, 7, 7 9, 9 on Fox. We're getting to your phone calls, Other ones that come to mind, sports or personally. In 2001, you remember the Yankees nightmare."

The distribution was intended to enhance fan experience during Shohei Ohtani's MVP bobblehead night but instead resulted in overwhelmed systems and disappointed attendees.

4. Jim Joyce's Umpire Decision – Perfect Game Denied

The hosts also reflect on Jim Joyce's infamous call that denied Matt Garza's perfect game:

"[14:46] Mary Kay McBrayer: We'll keep you posted on that. But speaking of baseball and ruined moments, all because Westbrook, he ruined the great game with a weak ass foul."

A.J. Jacobs argues that Joyce's immediate admission of error only added layers to the incident, making it a memorable yet unfortunate moment in MLB history:

"[15:25] Mary Kay McBrayer: Jim Joyce ruined the perfect game. Man, that was tough."

This discussion emphasizes how umpire decisions can significantly impact the legacy of potentially historic performances.

5. Personal Anecdotes and Broader Implications

Beyond specific sports moments, the hosts share personal stories that resonate with the theme of ruined moments. A.J. Jacobs humorously mentions:

"[16:04] A.J. Jacobs: I'm in a good mood, so I don't want to talk about how Spot gave the worst best man speech at my wedding."

Mary Kay McBrayer adds a heartfelt story from her high school football days, illustrating how a single call can alter the course of a game and its personal significance.

"[17:59] Mary Kay McBrayer: I want to tell my story."

These anecdotes serve to humanize the discussion, showcasing that ruined moments aren't confined to professional sports but permeate everyday life.

6. Shohei Ohtani's MVP Bobblehead Night – A Missed Opportunity

The episode also touches upon Shohei Ohtani's MVP bobblehead event, which was intended to celebrate the star player's achievements but instead led to logistical issues and fan dissatisfaction:

"[13:31] A.J. Jacobs: What's up, Matt? I want to tell my story."

This segment highlights how even well-intentioned fan engagement strategies can backfire, leading to negative experiences and tarnishing the intended celebration.

7. Reflections on the Nature of Sports and Memory

Throughout the episode, the hosts reflect on how moments in sports are remembered or forgotten based on outcomes, personal biases, and the narratives constructed around them. They discuss the fleeting nature of glory in sports and how easily true greatness can be overshadowed by losses or controversies.

"[12:44] A.J. Jacobs: So forgotten fans even forget. And for real, that's like the truth."

This philosophical undertone adds depth to the conversation, prompting listeners to consider how they perceive and remember sports moments.

Conclusion

"The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: Big Moments Ruined" offers an insightful examination of how critical sports moments can be undermined by various factors, from officiating errors to logistical failures. Through a blend of factual recounting and personal storytelling, the hosts provide a nuanced perspective on the fragility of fame and the bittersweet nature of athletic achievement. Notable quotes and timestamped references enrich the discussion, making it both informative and relatable for listeners seeking to understand the complexities behind memorable sports events.

Notable Quotes:

• "[11:00] Mary Kay McBrayer: In 2001, the Yankees had a chance to win the World Series during Game 7 against the Diamondbacks. Alfonso Soriano hit a game-changing home run off Kurt Schilling in the eighth inning, which could have cemented his legacy as a Yankee legend."

• "[12:10] A.J. Jacobs: That was the best weak ass hit. And for... I get it."

• "[14:46] Mary Kay McBrayer: We'll keep you posted on that. But speaking of baseball and ruined moments, all because Westbrook, he ruined the great game with a weak ass foul."

These highlights capture the essence of the episode, emphasizing the impact of ruined moments in shaping sports narratives.