The Tony Kornheiser Show: “Get out the antenna”
Released April 21, 2025
Hosts and Guests:
- Tony Kornheiser – Host
- Michael Wilbon – Guest
- Neil Greenberg – Guest
1. Opening Remarks and Casual Banter (00:00 - 03:17)
Tony Kornheiser kicks off the episode with light-hearted conversation about a cracked table, referencing a previous segment where he contemplated what to do with an unused table. The discussion humorously touches on the idea of turning it into a hat, leading into playful exchanges with his guests, Michael Wilbon and Neil Greenberg.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Kornheiser (03:00): “Maybe that was the charm. Maybe I got it in the thrift shop 30 years ago. I don't remember.”
2. Rehoboth Beach Centennial and Local History (03:17 - 06:27)
The conversation shifts to Rehoboth Beach celebrating its centennial. Tony and Michael delve into the historical significance of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club's 100th anniversary, discussing the creation of a new logo inspired by a 1920s Conestoga wagon story—the same type of wagon famously associated with the Oregon Trail.
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser (04:30): “It looks like a video game. He is planting people.”
- Michael Wilbon (06:16): “Yep, that's exactly what comes to mind.”
3. Neil Greenberg’s Hiking Experience (06:27 - 08:12)
Neil Greenberg shares a personal anecdote about hiking at Great Falls, where he encounters someone resembling Tim Kirchen. This encounter leads to a pleasant conversation, highlighting Neil's appreciation for unexpected interactions and the beauty of nature.
Notable Quotes:
- Neil Greenberg (06:32): “Saturday was a beautiful day. Not a lot of sunshine, but very warm. It's a great day to be out there.”
- Tony Kornheiser (07:35): “Oh yeah, yeah. Golf course, unbelievable amount of naps.”
4. Analysis of the Washington Nationals’ Bullpen (08:12 - 16:42)
Tony delves into baseball, specifically criticizing the Nationals' bullpen performance. He discusses the inconsistent performances of players like Sims, Pooch, and Jose Ferrer, while praising Kyle Finnegan's role as the sole reliable closer. Tony expresses frustration over Finnegan's proximity to becoming the Nationals' all-time save leader and the team's overall defensive struggles.
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser (08:02): “The only major league bullpen guy on the Nats is Kyle Finnegan.”
- Tony Kornheiser (09:27): “He gets the save. He saved every game they've won.”
Michael and Neil concur, analyzing the Nationals' strategic decisions and Finnegan's critical role.
Notable Quotes:
- Neil Greenberg (10:16): “Nathaniel Lowe's the best pickup they have made in the last five years.”
5. Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas in Golf (16:42 - 19:57)
The discussion shifts to golf, celebrating Rory McIlroy's recent success at the Masters and Justin Thomas's victory at the Hilton Head Tournament. Tony and Michael express their admiration for both golfers, highlighting Rory's potential to break age-related records and Justin's perseverance through sponsorship losses and caddy changes.
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser (12:47): “Everybody who doesn't think Rory's gonna win more Masters and more majors.”
- Tony Kornheiser (13:13): “Justin Thomas, he's one. Two majors, two PGA.”
6. Listener Emails and Musical Submissions (36:50 - 51:31)
Listeners submit letters and musical pieces, with Tony reading submissions from fans like Brandon (Igono), who shares his upcoming performance at Miamisburg Springfest. The hosts engage with humorous and heartfelt listener messages, integrating fan interactions seamlessly into the show.
Notable Quotes:
- Brandon/Igono (36:50): “I'm a singer, songwriter, musician, located in Dayton, Ohio.”
- Neil Greenberg (52:29): “Bagel sandwiches today, even with a slightly ripped bag, we love the bagel sandwiches.”
7. Betting Analysis: NBA, NHL, and Kentucky Derby (37:15 - 51:28)
NBA Playoffs: Tony and Michael analyze the first round of the NBA playoffs, discussing surprising outcomes like the Lakers' loss to the Timberwolves and Golden State's unexpected performance against Houston. They debate the structure of playoff series, suggesting a two-out-of-three format to increase competitiveness.
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser (25:18): “This is why, if I ran the NBA, the first series would be two out of three.”
- Michael Wilbon (26:37): “He is now second all time. He passed through store and he's behind Chad Cordero at the moment.”
NHL Playoffs: Neil Greenberg provides insights into the NHL playoffs, focusing on the Washington Capitals' chances amidst concerns over goaltending and puck luck. He also highlights betting trends, advising bettors to consider underdogs like the Golden Knights and Maple Leafs for potentially better returns.
Notable Quotes:
- Neil Greenberg (39:22): “Puck luck... games where goal scoring is estimated to be as high as 70% luck, 30% skill.”
- Tony Kornheiser (40:53): “The latest mock draft has you guys taking Cooper Flag.”
Kentucky Derby: As the Kentucky Derby approaches, Neil identifies strong contenders like Rodriguez and Sandman, emphasizing the significance of breeding and track conditions (e.g., sloppy tracks) on betting outcomes.
Notable Quotes:
- Neil Greenberg (46:06): “Rodriguez is impeccably bred to win the Kentucky Derby.”
- Tony Kornheiser (46:06): “If there's rain or if it's a sloppy track, I think Sandman would be very, very lucrative on a sloppy track.”
Betting Partnerships with Sports Leagues: Tony raises concerns about the integrity of betting partnerships between major sports leagues and betting organizations. He speculates on potential tanking behaviors, particularly referencing the Wizards, and questions whether teams are intentionally losing to influence betting markets.
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser (47:40): “I believe they should have been investigated in the last month of the season.”
- Neil Greenberg (48:26): “The NBA needs to have the current system that they have for the number one pick... is obviously not a big enough deterrent.”
8. Final Thoughts and Closing (51:28 - End)
Tony wraps up the episode with reflections on listener submissions and humorous anecdotes, maintaining his signature blend of humor and sports commentary. He addresses various listener emails with wit, reinforcing the community aspect of the show.
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser (53:09): “Thank God every day for being the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”
- Tony Kornheiser (54:55): “You and I could sit and guess and say, oh, wasn't that an ABC show?”
Conclusion
In “Get out the antenna,” Tony Kornheiser masterfully balances sports analysis with engaging conversations and listener interactions. From deep dives into the Nationals’ bullpen woes and the nuances of playoff betting to celebrating golf luminaries and addressing listener stories, the episode exemplifies Tony’s ability to blend humor, insight, and a personal touch. Notable discussions on the integrity of betting in sports and strategic analysis of various leagues provide listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful commentary.
Notable Quotes Summary:
- Tony Kornheiser (03:00): “Maybe that was the charm. Maybe I got it in the thrift shop 30 years ago. I don't remember.”
- Tony Kornheiser (08:02): “The only major league bullpen guy on the Nats is Kyle Finnegan.”
- Neil Greenberg (10:16): “Nathaniel Lowe's the best pickup they have made in the last five years.”
- Tony Kornheiser (25:18): “This is why, if I ran the NBA, the first series would be two out of three.”
- Neil Greenberg (46:06): “Rodriguez is impeccably bred to win the Kentucky Derby.”
- Tony Kornheiser (47:40): “I believe they should have been investigated in the last month of the season.”
This thorough summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and the engaging dynamic between Tony and his guests. Whether you're a regular listener or new to the show, this overview provides a comprehensive glimpse into the topics covered in “Get out the antenna.”