Podcast Summary: The Best Of Covino & Rich

Episode Title: The Best Of Covino & Rich
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.

1. Tributes to Sports Legends and Broadcasters

The episode opens with Covino and Rich Davis paying heartfelt tributes to notable figures in the sports world who recently passed away. They express their sadness over the loss of iconic personalities, highlighting their impact on sports broadcasting and fandom.

• Roberta Flack's Passing:
  Covino (02:44): "Roberta Flack passed away. Got that news today. 88 years old."

• Larry Dolan:
  Covino (03:09): "Larry Dolan, Indians' owner, 94 years old. A guy that we grew up knowing."

• Al Trotwig:
  Covino (03:29): "Al Troutwig, broadcaster, passed away at 68 from cancer."

Rich and Covino reminisce about Al Trotwig's contributions, sharing personal anecdotes that underscore his legacy as a beloved broadcaster.

2. Yankees' Shift in Facial Hair Policy

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the New York Yankees' recent decision to relax their strict facial hair policy. This change has sparked mixed reactions among fans and players alike.

• Devin Williams as the Catalyst:
  Dan Byer (06:10): "Devin Williams was the straw that broke the camel's back... he was a closer who talked openly about not shaving his face in years."

• Reactions and Endorsement Ideas:
  Covino (06:58): "Jazz Chisholm. Fun guy."
  Dan Byer (07:05): "What if Jazz Chisholm pops up on screen as a spokesman for manscaping products?"

• Balancing Tradition and Modernity:
  Covino (07:32): "Progressive Steve is what they're calling me. I'm willing to adjust to change."

The hosts commend the Yankees for embracing change while maintaining team aesthetics, suggesting potential endorsement opportunities for players like Jazz Chisholm.

3. Yankees' Winning and Losing Traditions

Covino and Rich delve into the traditional music played at Yankees games, contrasting the celebratory tunes played when the team wins against the more somber melodies during losses.

• Winning Tunes:
  Covino (12:48): "When the Yankees win, they play Frank Sinatra's 'New York, New York.' It gives you that cool New York vibe."

• Losing Tunes:
  Covino (13:49): "They're going to play 'That's Life' instead of continuing with Sinatra when they lose. It's a more fitting song for a loss."

• Comparative Analysis:
  Rich Davis (14:04): "Think of other franchises, like the Dodgers—if they played 'That's Life' when they lost, it wouldn't feel right."

The conversation highlights how music influences the fan experience, reinforcing team morale during victories and providing a reflective mood during setbacks.

4. Embracing Progressive Changes in Sports and Lifestyle

The hosts share personal anecdotes about adopting progressive changes, both in sports and everyday life, emphasizing the benefits of being open to new experiences.

• Stretchy Jeans vs. Traditional Denim:
  Covino (15:18): "I've been progressive about a lot of things... like stretchy denim. It's the best."

• City Connect Jerseys:
  Covino (23:47): "City Connect jerseys give fans another option without messing with the traditional pinstripes."

• Pitch Clocks in Baseball:
  Dan Byer (18:50): "I was the guy that embraced the pitch clock to speed up the game. It was fantastic."

• Ordering via Mobile Apps:
  Covino (20:02): "I was reluctant to use apps for ordering at places like Starbucks, but now I'm glad I made the change."

These discussions underscore the importance of adaptability and how embracing innovation can lead to improved experiences, whether it's through sports regulations or personal lifestyle choices.

5. Parent Coaching and Youth Sports Experiences

Covino and Dan Byer recount their experiences coaching their children's sports teams, sharing humorous and touching moments that resonate with many parents.

• First At-Bat Stories:
  Dan Byer (35:16): "My son's first at bat—he hit a ground ball but stopped midway and cried from the overwhelming cheers."

• Managing Young Athletes' Emotions:
  Covino (37:19): "You're trying to yell at these little kids to run, but they're just so little and emotional."

• Balancing Coaching and Parenting:
  Dan Byer (37:58): "It's essential to enjoy the mom and dad life of coaching, despite the challenges."

These narratives highlight the joys and challenges of nurturing young talent, emphasizing the role of patience and encouragement in youth sports.

6. The Origin of Nachos: A Culinary Tale

A lighter segment of the episode features an engaging discussion about the history of nachos, attributing their invention to Ignacio Anaya.

• Ignacio Anaya's Creation:
  Dan Byer (41:31): "Ignacio Anaya was a chef who, in 1943, created the nacho especiale when military wives wanted a snack."

• Covino's Enthusiasm:
  Covino (42:54): "That was an old bedroom move of mine in the early 2000s. The Nacho Special."

• Pop Culture References:
  Dan Byer (43:37): "Nacho Libre's real name was Ignacio Libre."

The hosts blend historical facts with humorous takes, celebrating nachos as a beloved sports bar staple while sharing personal connections to the dish.

7. Interactive Sports Trivia Game

Towards the end of the episode, Covino, Rich, and Dan engage in a spirited sports trivia game with a live caller, Aaron from Goodyear, Arizona. This segment adds an interactive and competitive element to the show.

• Category Highlights:

  • NFL Teams Ranked Low by ESPN:
    Covino (66:23): "The Jaguars."

  • Top 20 NBA Three-Pointers Made:
    Dan Byer (69:20): "LeBron James."

  • MLB Batting Averages Above .313 Since 2010:
    Dan Byer (72:30): "Miguel Cabrera."

• Competitive Banter:
  Rich Davis (73:14): "Dan, you got a few in the bank."

  Covino (73:20): "I love it. It was a good one, Dave."

This segment showcases the hosts' sports knowledge and chemistry, engaging listeners through friendly competition and real-time interaction.

8. Embracing Technological Advancements

The hosts reflect on their initial resistance to technological changes, such as using apps for various services, and how they've come to appreciate these advancements.

• Face ID Concerns:
  Dan Byer (28:00): "I was afraid to use Face ID on my phone, thinking it would track me everywhere."

  Rich Davis (28:10): "But he's already doing that."

• Booking Appointments:
  Covino (28:52): "I now make my haircut appointments via the app, though I prefer scheduling for the next day."

These reflections emphasize the balance between privacy concerns and the convenience offered by modern technology, illustrating personal growth and adaptability.

9. Closing Thoughts and Final Tributes

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the stories shared, reiterating the significance of embracing change and cherishing memorable moments in sports and life.

• Greatest Gifts and Moments:
  Dan Byer (55:11): "It's a really nice coincidence for Brett Beatty to receive a $92,000 car from Juan Soto."

  Covino (55:32): "It makes me think about what my greatest gift ever was."

• Final Tributes to Ignacio Anaya:
  Dan Byer (43:32): "On a random Monday in 1943, a guy named Ignacio invented nachos."

  Covino (45:00): "Celebrate and enjoy your nachos today."

The hosts leave listeners with a sense of appreciation for both the big and small moments that shape their experiences, encouraging openness to change and the celebration of traditions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Covino on GEICO Claims:
  [00:10] "GEICO assumes no liability for any indigestion that may occur from a clover cricket dinner."

• Dan Byer on Pitch Clocks:
  [18:50] "I'll be honest. You have a manageable two and a half hour game. That was fantastic."

• Covino on Stretchy Jeans:
  [15:18] "I've been progressive about a lot of things... like stretchy denim. It's the best."

• Dan Byer on Nachos:
  [41:31] "Ignacio Anaya was a chef who, in 1943, created the nacho especiale when military wives wanted a snack."

• Rich Davis on Technological Adaptation:
  [28:10] "But he's already doing that."

• Covino on Embracing Change:
  [17:24] "It's not about being stubborn. Embracing change is part of being progressive."

Conclusion

"The Best Of Covino & Rich" offers a rich tapestry of discussions ranging from heartfelt tributes to sports legends, in-depth analysis of team policies, personal anecdotes about embracing change, and engaging interactive segments like trivia games. Covino and Rich, alongside their co-hosts, deliver insightful and entertaining content that resonates with both avid sports fans and casual listeners. The episode underscores the importance of adaptability, the joy of shared experiences, and the enduring impact of sports on personal and communal levels.