Podcast Summary: "Some things never bleepin’ change" - The Tony Kornheiser Show

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host: Tony Kornheiser
Guests: Andy Beyer, Steve Sands, Tim Kirchen
Production: This Show Stinks Productions, LLC

1. Introduction to Today's Topics

Tony Kornheiser kicks off the episode by outlining the main discussions for the day:

• Horse Racing: Insights on the Preakness Stakes with Andy Beyer.
• Golf: Preparations for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow with Steve Sands.
• Baseball: The controversial reinstatement of Pete Rose and the Black Sox into the Hall of Fame with Tim Kirchen.

Notable Quote:
Tony Kornheiser (00:00): "On today's show, we'll check in with Andy Beyer... and we will chat with Tim Kirchen about baseball..."

2. Horse Racing and the Preakness Stakes with Andy Beyer

a. Overview of the Derby and Preakness

Andy Beyer provides a detailed analysis of the recent Kentucky Derby, emphasizing the performance of the top horses, Sovereignty and Journalism.

Notable Quotes:
Andy Beyer (02:45): "There were no really huge extenuating circumstances... Sovereignty won fair and square."
Tony Kornheiser (09:01): "So there is no Triple Crown this year."

b. Concerns Over Scheduling and Triple Crown

Tony and Andy delve into the implications of not running the Derby winner in the Preakness, criticizing the outdated scheduling that hinders the possibility of a Triple Crown.

Notable Quotes:
Tony Kornheiser (04:23): "This has become common. I think it's bad."
Andy Beyer (05:36): "Changing it proved very difficult... It just seems ridiculous to me."

c. Future of the Preakness and Track Pressures

Andy discusses the resistance from tracks like Pimlico and the Pennsylvania venue to adapt the schedule, highlighting the need for modernization to preserve the sport's prestige.

Notable Quotes:
Andy Beyer (10:09): "They have been. I think that some pressure is going to come on them..."
Tony Kornheiser (11:15): "You liked Journalism in the Derby. Do you like Journalism again here?"

3. Golf and the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow with Steve Sands

a. Weather Conditions and Course Challenges

Steve Sands provides a weather update, noting the wet conditions at Quail Hollow due to recent rains, which could lead to challenging play with "mud balls."

Notable Quotes:
Steve Sands (24:41): "The weather's gonna be all right... the golf course is really soaked."
Tony Kornheiser (25:14): "Do you know who's a member of Quail Hollow? Mitch Kupchak."

b. Course Prestige and Major Championship Hosting

Discussion centers on Quail Hollow's status as a major championship venue, comparing it to traditional courses like Augusta and Pebble Beach, and debating its suitability and prestige.

Notable Quotes:
Andy Beyer (26:14): "Quail Hollow is a newer... but it is a worthy venue."
Tony Kornheiser (26:52): "Is this not the least predictable of the majors?"

c. Player Insights and Expectations

Andy shares his thoughts on top golfers like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Scottie Scheffler, analyzing their prospects in the upcoming championship.

Notable Quotes:
Andy Beyer (31:49): "I'm huge on Rory this week because... there's no way that he doesn't come in here with great vibes."
Tony Kornheiser (33:31): "...if I give you Rory and Justin Thomas... Do you take them or the field?"

4. Baseball and Hall of Fame Controversies with Tim Kirchen

a. Reinstatement of Pete Rose and the Black Sox

Tim Kirchen discusses the recent announcements by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred regarding lifting lifetime bans on Pete Rose and the Black Sox, exploring the implications for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Notable Quotes:
Tim Kirchen (38:59): "There is no way at all that the baseball writers would put Pete Rose in."
Tony Kornheiser (47:29): "Should Pete Rose be in the hall of Fame? Sure."

b. Committee Dynamics and Voting Processes

The conversation delves into the voting mechanisms of the Hall of Fame, debating whether special committees could override traditional writer votes and the potential resistance from former players.

Notable Quotes:
Tim Kirchen (40:45): "It's the makeup of the committee that matters most."
Tony Kornheiser (43:12): "Someone is going to stand up... and say, we should let him in."

c. Ethical Considerations and Legacy

Tony and Tim debate the ethical ramifications of reinstating banned players, contrasting Pete Rose's actions with historical scandals like the Black Sox, and discussing how legacies should be managed.

Notable Quotes:
Tony Kornheiser (48:23): "You don't have to love him, but you have to admire how much he loved to play."
Tim Kirchen (44:58): "Maybe that's just Frank Robinson being so passionate."

5. Mailbag and Listener Messages

a. Listener Emails and Comments

Tony reads various listener emails, ranging from personal anecdotes and humorous stories to questions about sports and life experiences.

Notable Highlights:

• Key Lime Thyme Cheesecake Offer: A listener offers to send homemade cheesecake to Tony (54:08).
• Golf Grip Advice: A listener seeks Michael's opinion on unconventional golf grips, with Tim providing expert advice (57:40).

b. Humorous Exchanges and Personal Stories

The segment includes light-hearted banter about family sizes, stand-up comedy attempts by intern Chris, and amusing mishaps like lost golf balls.

Notable Quotes:
Tony Kornheiser (53:00): "I got nothing catchy, witty or clever to say."
Michael Wilbon (57:57): "Yeah, I think you're describing left hand low crosshanded grip."

6. Advertisements and Sponsorships

Skipped as per guidelines.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tony wraps up the episode by reflecting on the day's discussions, expressing appreciation for the guests and listeners, and teasing upcoming segments.

Notable Quote:
Tony Kornheiser (53:36): "It's like you just get me. I feel like my true self with you."

Key Takeaways:

• Horse Racing: Current scheduling issues impede the possibility of a Triple Crown, with track organizations resistant to necessary changes.
• Golf: The PGA Championship at Quail Hollow faces challenging conditions due to recent rains, potentially affecting player performances and tournament outcomes.
• Baseball: The potential reinstatement of Pete Rose and the Black Sox into the Hall of Fame sparks intense debate over ethics, legacy, and the integrity of the sport.
• Listener Engagement: The show maintains strong interaction with its audience through diverse and engaging emails, fostering a sense of community.

Notable Quotes by Speakers:

• Tony Kornheiser (09:01): "So there is no Triple Crown this year."
• Andy Beyer (05:36): "Changing it proved very difficult... It just seems ridiculous to me."
• Steve Sands (24:41): "The weather's gonna be all right... the golf course is really soaked."
• Tim Kirchen (38:59): "There is no way at all that the baseball writers would put Pete Rose in."

This episode of "The Tony Kornheiser Show" offers a comprehensive exploration of current issues in horse racing, golf, and baseball, enriched by expert insights from seasoned guests and vibrant interactions with the audience. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a casual listener, the lively discussions and relatable anecdotes provide valuable perspectives and entertaining content.