“Subpar Agricultural Knowledge”

Summary

The Tony Kornheiser Show

Episode: Subpar Agricultural Knowledge
Date: October 13, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of "The Tony Kornheiser Show" is marked by a classic blend of witty banter, sports analysis, quirky digressions, and tributes. Tony is joined by regulars Michael Wilbon, Nigel, and Sean (briefly), with special call-ins from Tim Kirkjian for deep-dive baseball playoff talk and, as always, an affectionate community of listeners whose emails help close the show. Running through the episode are discussions about wild weather on the East Coast, shock college football coaching changes, MLB playoff surprises, personal anecdotes (including Tony's agricultural misadventures), and a heartfelt Diane Keaton tribute.

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Weather and Weekend Catch-up

[00:51–03:21]

• Nigel’s Delaware Weather Report:
  • Describes the aftermath of a tropical storm that threatened East Coast beaches.
  • Observes well-maintained sand dunes and sand blown across the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk:

    “You could just see it looked almost like a coating of snow as the wind coming off the water had just blanketed the boardwalk with the sand.” (Nigel, 02:02)

  • Minor rain and high winds, but not as severe as predicted.
• Michael’s New Jersey Update:
  • Was near Asbury Park; weather wasn’t too bad, with only a persistent mist.

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Sports Headlines & College Football Shocks

[03:21–07:55]

• Baseball Playoffs Begin:
  • Seattle’s surprising win over Toronto in ALCS Game 1, with rookie Bryce Miller rebounding after a tough first inning.

    “The look on his face was, ‘What am I doing out here?’” (Tony, 04:11)

• NFL Surprise:
  • Kansas City’s win over Detroit—a result contrary to Tony’s expectations.
• College Football Firings:
  • Discussion of recent, immediate college football coach firings, notably Penn State dismissing James Franklin after a shocking home loss to Northwestern:

    “It’s unbearable to lose to Northwestern and we have to fire the coach.” (Tony, 06:10)

  • Wilbon predicted Franklin’s firing to Tony and his brother Don, who both doubted it would be so quick.
  • Penn State owes Franklin $50 million, making for a “soft landing.”
  • Key stats: Franklin was 4–21 versus top-10 opponents; Penn State dropped from near the top in preseason rankings to out of relevance.

    “If you can’t get well against Northwestern, what are you doing? It was their homecoming game.” (Tony, 06:13)

  • Wilbon notes:

    “They think it’s their right to win the national championship... Let them wander through the wilderness for the next 20 years like Nebraska did.” (Wilbon, 19:15)

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Golf Antics and Family Time

[08:00–10:22]

• Tony & Nigel on Golf:
  • Weekend golf fun and mishaps, including Nigel’s son Bootsy’s improvement and humor about hitting geese on the course.

    “He has the short game of, honestly, like a college golfer coming out of the bunkers and then he just... tries to crank drive and hits it along the ground.” (Nigel, 10:03)

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Local Shoutouts

[10:35–10:52]

• Sea Green Bicycles (Delaware):
  • Nigel thanks the bike shop for rescuing the family weekend.

    “Thank you for helping us save the weekend with that.” (Nigel, 10:52)

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Diane Keaton Tribute

[10:52–13:08]

• Reflecting on Keaton’s Legacy:
  • Tony praises her comic brilliance, style, and unique presence, noting most remember her from Annie Hall despite dramatic roles like The Godfather.

    “She’s got that aura around her... Brilliant comedic actress and one thing. And in the greatest movie ever made, the Godfather.” (Tony, 12:52)

  • Wilbon fondly observes Keaton’s reputation for loving dogs and approachable persona.

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Main Sports Deep-Dives

The Weekend in College Football

[15:09–20:55]

• Wilbon’s Agony (Cubs) & Ecstasy (Northwestern):
  • Cubs ousted by Milwaukee, but Wilbon optimistic about young players.

    “A fight that’s worthy of people in Chicago being proud of the team...” (Wilbon, 16:36)

  • Wilbon recounts Northwestern’s upset win over Penn State, pointedly critiquing coaching egos and college football delusions.

    “There’s no arrogance. There’s no delusion like college football fans, schools, teams, boosters…” (Wilbon, 19:15)

Other College Football Talk

[21:14–22:58]

• Indiana’s Big Win Over Oregon:
  • Sets up Big Ten playoff intrigue.
• Alabama’s Return to Form:
  • Skepticism remains over "signature wins."

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MLB Playoff Analysis with Tim Kirkjian

[32:01–45:39]

ALCS Game 1: Seattle vs. Toronto

[32:01–36:55]

• On Bryce Miller Surviving a Brutal Start:

  “My initial reaction... this game is not going to go well for the Mariners. And instead they got one hit the rest of the way after a first pitch home run… Absolutely clobbered... and the exact opposite happened after George Springer hit that home run.” (Tim, 33:47)

• Cal Raleigh’s Leadership:
  • Anchored the team both at bat (home run) and in crucial mound visits.

    “There’s nothing not to like about Cal Raleigh. He is a folk hero in the great Northwest…” (Tim, 36:55)

Playoff Landscape and Big Moments

[39:17–43:45]

• National League Favorites:
  • Dodgers: Best roster, surging at the right time; Brewers: Most consistent.
  • Unpredictability reigns in the 2025 postseason.
• Memorable Playoff Moments:
  • Judge hitting a home run off the foul pole:

    “One of the biggest home runs in the history of the New York Yankees.” (Tim, 41:25)

  • Orion Kerkering’s heartbreaking error to end the Phillies’ season:

    “He panicked, which can happen when you’re that young and the game is moving as quickly as it is...” (Tim, 41:25)

    • Tony: “That’s like a top 50 moment in baseball, isn’t it?” (Tony, 42:40)
• Phillies’ Disappointment:
  • Despite a loaded lineup, they fall short again.

Kirkjian’s Podcast Plug

[44:42–45:35]

• “Is This A Great Game Or What?”
  • Fun, anecdotal baseball storytelling with his son.

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NFL Reactions

[25:19–29:58]

• Parity Rules:
  • Kansas City, Baltimore, and Detroit: None are “great”—media overreacts week to week.

    “Every time we declare... that somebody is the best, we find out there’s no great team.” (Wilbon, 25:57)

• Specific QB Comments:
  • Baltimore is “done” for 2025, with Lamar looking ordinary.
  • Justin Fields:

    “He’s a backup... This is who he is. He’s not going to be a great player.” (Wilbon, 27:46)

  • Baker Mayfield:

    “Right now, Baker Mayfield is a great player… He’s the MVP right now. He’d get my vote.” (Tony, 28:27)

  • Sam Darnold & Geno Smith: Redemption arcs.

    “Maybe it’s the Jets. Who’s not terrible with the Jets?” (Tony, 30:29)

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Listener Email Highlights

[46:55–53:53]

• Subpar Agricultural Knowledge:
  • Listener Adam Blaney, the show’s “official organic vegetable farmer,” corrects Tony about growing squash:

    “They're getting big because you're not doing the one thing you should be doing, which is picking them every other night or so… Squash notoriously grow in size from pencil to Louisville Slugger, seemingly overnight.” (Adam Blaney email)

  • Also gives Tony props for continuing to try gardening despite minimal expertise.
• Miscellaneous:
  • Stories of failed bullpen management, podcast listeners with quirky job titles, and references to past episodes.
  • Jokes about “Midwest World Series” (Cubs vs. Blue Jays).
  • Multiple humorous sign-offs and in-jokes, including reminders to “eat it.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On College Football Delusion:

  “There’s no arrogance. There’s no delusion like college football fans, schools, teams, boosters, industry people, conference people.” (Wilbon, 19:15)

• On Diane Keaton:

  “She’s got that aura around her…It defined her character. It’s one of the great movies ever made, Annie Hall.” (Tony, 12:52)

• On Baker Mayfield’s MVP Candidacy:

  “That was pouring a layer of concrete on it. He was so good.” (Tony, 05:33)

• On Phillies’ Pain:

  “It’s a bit surprising. I thought this was probably their best shot…” (Tim, 43:45)

• On Squash Growing:

  “Don’t stop growing. It’s good for everyone… but pick them every single day.” (Listener email, Adam Blaney)

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Memorable Segments & Timestamps

• Wild Weather and Sand on the Boardwalk: 01:07–02:27
• Penn State’s Coaching Fiasco: 06:10–07:55, 17:55–20:55
• Golfing Mishaps and Goose Incident: 08:46–10:22
• Tribute to Diane Keaton: 10:52–13:08
• MLB Analysis with Kirkjian: 32:01–45:39
• NFL Week in Review: 25:19–30:33
• Subpar Gardening Knowledge Read-Aloud: 46:55–51:51

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Tone & Style

• Conversational, playful, sometimes bordering on self-deprecating (especially about Tony’s athletic and gardening skills).
• Sharp sports analysis leavened by personal stories, nostalgia, and comedic asides.
• Regular references to emailers’ inside jokes and running gags.

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Closing

The podcast closes, as always, with music (John Gorka), acknowledgement of sponsors, and a sense of community among listeners and hosts—anchored by Tony’s signature mix of sports insight, world-weariness, and affection for the weird, wonderful corners of his world.

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For Those Who Missed the Episode: Expect plenty of sports talk, a deep dive into the mess at Penn State and baseball surprises, recurring dismay at Tony’s agricultural misadventures, and a warm, very “TK” eulogy for Diane Keaton. All wrapped in the show’s trademark blend of humor, camaraderie, and clear-eyed sports cynicism.

Transcript

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's Tony. On today's show, we will talk to Michael Wilbon about Northwestern's huge upset at Penn State and James Franklin getting fired because of that loss. And Tim Kirkjian calls in to talk about Seattle's win over Toronto in Game 1 of the ALCS and who he likes in the NLCS. But first, commerce. Previously on the Tony Kornheiser Show. Thank you for your response. I'm sure we'll take up your suggestions on a return trip. Please consider me the TK show or Western Pennsylvania Rehoboth beach correspondent if that spot has not been taken.

[Nigel]

That's a great little breakfast spot called Dunkin and it's known for its customer service.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Oh, yeah. Or known for the fact that sometimes they don't have coffee at 6:30 in the morning. Really?

[Michael Wilbon]

And choose not to answer your questions.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's when you want it.

[Show Announcer]

The Tony Kornheiser show is on now.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We are far flung today. Sean is with us today. Michael is with us. Far flung. Nigel and I are where we normally are with Jesse the dog, which is good. Was there an opportunity to go to the Crystal?

[Nigel]

There was a visit to the Crystal. The kids had their hotcakes. I'm here for weather updates from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. We had gusts up to 40 miles an hour yesterday. Really cool to see the tides come in, but not as bad as we feared.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Did you get much rain?

[Nigel]

No, not really. Actually, there was more rain. It felt like Saturday morning before this storm system moved in and then maybe late Sunday night during the baseball game. But you know, just sort of, it was a heaviness. There was a mist throughout the entire day. And a lot of that was just coming off the ocean.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So there is, for people who are not aware of this, there is some sort of a tropical storm moving very slowly northward off the Atlantic coast that was forecasted to batter the beaches in Delaware and New Jersey and cause enormous erosion of those beaches. Do you have any sense of that? Did that happen? Or, you know, you always hope that this doesn't happen. Did it happen?

[Nigel]

No. And really I've been very local here, so I don't even know what happened at the golf course where we go, where they tend to have. They're hit harder by those floods as the water really comes up and out of the ground. But even just walking down the boardwalk, you could see they've done a great job building up these dunes to try and protect the coastline. And you could just see it looked almost like a coating of snow as the wind coming off the water had just blanketed the boardwalk with the sand.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. Yeah. So. Okay, but has it abated? Is it a little better today?

[Nigel]

Yeah, there's. There are still these 30 mile an hour gusts, but it's not as consistent as it was yesterday morning. Then it sort of picked up during the day.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, so the, the Sean, where you are in New Jersey is northern New Jersey. Is there any sense of erosion or wind or rain?

[Michael Wilbon]

Not that we. I was actually in Asbury park yesterday.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, that's on the water.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah, well, we were about a mile in from the coast.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Right.

[Michael Wilbon]

So, you know, it's.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Greetings from Asbury Park. Yeah.

[Michael Wilbon]

So it didn't seem too bad there yet, but again, we were out of there by six o' clock last night, but.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay. All righty. Well, we are due for a lot of rain today in Washington. I don't know if it's associated with this storm or not, but we didn't get any rain yesterday.

[Nigel]

No.

[Michael Wilbon]

And it was supposed to rain all.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Day and we didn't get any. So I don't really understand it. Let's go to sports news. There's really a lot. The baseball started last night. Seattle won that game where if you just watched the bottom of the first inning, you would say Toronto would win this game 43 to nothing. They would chase this pitcher quickly. The first pit. Is his name Bryce Miller? I think, I think so. I'll check that the first. We'll talk to Timmy about this. But, but the first pitch he made, home run, George Springer. Then he got involved in a 900 pitch walk and then two guys hit the ball to the track. And you said this kid has no chance. And the kid's face. And it's.

[Nigel]

What happened two nights ago. Well, you just said the entire bullpen is going to be stressed. So you just sitting there, go, if you go down in the first inning, what are you going to, where are you going to go from there?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, the look on his face was, what am I doing out here?

[Nigel]

Get me out of here.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And then the next four innings he gives up nothing.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah, one more hit, he gives up nothing.

[Nigel]

The broadcast talked about this. Later in the game, Cal Raleigh did something important where he did a nice slow walk to the mound and that really reset the inning and reset that early part of the game.

[Tony Kornheiser]

All right. You know, Cal Rawley is the MVP in many, many ways. Also hit a home run. I'm very, I was very surprised at that result. A lot of results that surprised me yesterday. I didn't think Kansas City would beat Detroit. I thought this was the season where they were going down. I thought Detroit was playing better than any team in the NFL. Kansas City beat Detroit. Carville, by the way, had a terrible day. Oh, one in five. College just down the drain. One in five.

[Michael Wilbon]

And I think it was Utah State or Oregon State immediately fired the coach right after the game.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes, Oregon State fired their coach. Well, that. That gets me to what I think is the biggest news, you know, when you. The Indiana win was big news over Oregon. The Texas win was big news over Oklahoma. Baker Mayfield yesterday just cemented, for those of us who think he's got a chance to be the mvp, that was pouring a layer of concrete on it. He was so good. That's not the biggest deal. The biggest deal to me was Penn State fired James Franklin. You know, that's not what Penn State does. Three losses. We'll talk to Wilbon about this. It's unbearable to lose to Northwestern. It's just. There's no other conclusion. It's unbearable to lose to Northwestern and we have to fire the coach. They lost at home to Northwestern. They lost.

[Nigel]

What happened when Nigel went to that game?

[Michael Wilbon]

Apparently, this. In all the bad things. Yes, I believe I'm at fault for this.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So they lost to Oregon at home, which looks a little dicier now that Oregon got beat in Oregon by Indiana. Then they went out to California. They lost to UCLA badly. A team that had fired its coach two weeks earlier and had given up on the season. Then they come back East. Well, to the Midwest, anyway. They come back. No, they come back to Penn State. Right. It's not in Chicago. It's in Penn State at home. If you can't get well against Northwestern, what are you doing? It was their homecoming game.

[Michael Wilbon]

It was the homecoming.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And Northwestern beat them. And Wilbourn said, well, I'll talk to him about this on the air. I talked to him Saturday night. He said, they're going to fire the guy by tomorrow. Both his brother Don and I were all on the phone, say, no, that's not what they do. And Don said, what if they win out? They're not going to fire him at all. And I said, well, I think they're going to fire him at the end of the year, but they're not going to do it tomorrow. Was right. Yeah, 100% right. Mr. Big Ten. 100% right. They fired James Franklin. They owe him $50 million. So it's a soft landing for James Franklin. I don't know where he coaches. I'm sure he'll coach again. He's a guy who can win you nine games in a year. I asked Maryland if that would be.

[Nigel]

His winning percentage was just under.700.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, he wins nine games a year. He just doesn't win 11. And he doesn't beat the teams in the top five or top 10 that.

[Nigel]

Are ranked four and 21 against opponents ranked in the top 10.

[Michael Wilbon]

And I believe I read it, they think it's the first time a team has been a three touchdown favorite or more in consecutive weeks and lost both games.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, they went from number two in the country preseason to two or three regular season to see around. They're not, you know, they're not. Not only they're not in the top 25, they're not top 85. No. You know, they're. That was just the most surprising thing.

[Michael Wilbon]

And you lose the quarterback for the. I mean, it was like all. Yeah, yeah, he's out.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, yeah. So I played golf on Saturday. Had a good time playing. Played okay. Better than I did when I shot like 7,000 on Thursday and didn't even think about going out yesterday because the forecast was so dire. Now it was pretty hard for you. Yes. There were no restrictions yesterday. But I just. I didn't do it. I didn't, you know, I. It's okay. You know, I felt it's okay because I was so confident it was going to be terrible and all the forecasts said it's going to be terrible. And then. It wasn't terrible. It wasn't.

[Michael Wilbon]

I mean, it wasn't great. But the rain never came.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No. So you could like hit the ball in the air and then it could land behind you. Okay. I mean, that stuff could happen. How was. How was it in Delaware?

[Nigel]

I have a big golf update. So on Friday, you know, we'd been looking at the T sheet for the last week, trying to work around the rain and just try and see if there's going to be a big push of golfers coming out. The Hammer wanted to join. So the Hammer joined Bootsy for nine holes of golf, finishing at the 19th water hole during the photo shoot of a wedding. But then we had. Bootsy wanted to go back out. We played a bit more than nine on Saturday, had the course to ourselves. Got to say hi to George. And on number five, George, who says, little guy finally hit it over the water. So this is a par three. I don't hit a famously where Bootsy was with you. When you hit a hit, you hit a goose.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I hit a goose.

[Nigel]

You hit a goose. So This.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I didn't hit the goose on five. Yeah, you did. I thought I hit the goose on two.

[Nigel]

No, this was on the par three. So for me it's about 145, you know, yard shot. And for Bootsy, we make our own family teaser. Him and I always let him get, you know, two or three shots in that hole. And he, he told me I could see it in his eyes a hole or two before. He's just looking straight ahead. He goes, I've been thinking about the sh. For an entire year.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Oh, no, that's great. That and. Did you take them to the shack for.

[Nigel]

No, they already, they already closed it down. So I got him some snacks at the grill after, but, you know.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay.

[Nigel]

And then just watching the marvel of watching a little kid play golf where the hardest shots just are completely undaunting to him. He hits these little flip wedges, these 30 yard spinners. I'm like, where did you learn how to do this? He has the short game of honestly, like a college golfer coming out of the bunkers and then he just, you know, just tries to crank drive and hits it along the ground.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, well, but it'll get better. Yeah, everybody gets better except me. Everybody gets a little better. I got a little better at one time or another. Okay, so we don't. Do we have anything else that is important to talk about?

[Nigel]

I just want to say thank you to Sea Green Bicycles out here. We ended up renting bikes for the big guys and totally changes the way that you view going out to the beach when the kids can hop on a bike, bike into town, put locks on, go have lunch, go check out some stores. So thank you for helping us save the weekend with that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I should mention the death of Diane Keaton, who was just a brilliant comic actress. I know she's in the Godfather and she plays Al Pacino's wife in the Godfather. Then that's not a comedy role. But I mean, I think most people know her first and foremost from Annie Hall.

[Michael Wilbon]

Oh, yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And roles like that and Diane Keaton. I. I watched a couple of clips last night of Diane Keaton on the Tonight show with Johnny Carson, and she sings like. I understand Diane Keaton sings in Annie Hall.

[Michael Wilbon]

Oh, that's right, she does.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But it's very shy. Yeah, it's. It's like her character. It's. It's comedic and shy and vulnerable. And the clip I saw on the Johnny Carson show, she belts out a song. She's really good. I didn't know. And on the text chain, I'M on. I said, am I the only one that didn't know she was a singer? And they all wrote back in 10 seconds. Yes, you're the only one. And I didn't know. And I. And my sense of Diane Keaton more than anything else is Diane Keaton had this particular style. Yes. It was the way she dressed, the way she looked in Annie Hall. It's the vest, it's the tie, it's the hat. Yeah. And nobody else. It's an oddball sort of thing. It defined her character. It's one of the great movies ever made by any Hall. And. And you know, whatever else Diane Keaton did, she did that. And other people try that in their own styles and it doesn't work. No, it doesn't work. Then it worked just so naturally with Diane Keaton because I guess we'd never seen her before. And if you watch Annie hall and you'd never seen her before, you go, whoa. And it's not that she has any great lines. It's not that, you know, she doesn't say, you like apples? I got a number. How about them? Apple. She doesn't have that. But she's got that aura around her that, that she had in almost every movie she ever made. Brilliant comedic actress and one thing. And in the greatest movie ever made, the Godfather.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yes, Yes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I thought it too.

[Michael Wilbon]

And she loved dogs. She loved her dog. Oh, and apparently was famous for. I guess she lived in Brentwood and walked the dog all the time and had conversations with it as if it was a human being, which we all do.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes.

[Michael Wilbon]

And so people loved her for that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Ye seem a self conscious star. No, you know, seem. Seemed honestly approachable from what you see. Who knows? Yeah. Who really knows? But that's what it seemed like. All right, we will take a break. Wilbon will join us when we return. I am Tony Kornheiser. You're listening to the Tony Kornheiser Show.

[Michael Wilbon]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

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[Michael Wilbon]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

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[Show Announcer]

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[Tony Kornheiser]

This is a singer named John Gorka. This is a song called My Favorite Place and the reason you're gonna like this is because it's sent to us by Michael Granberry, who writes John Gorka has long been one of my favorite songwriters. I first heard him years ago at Uncle Calvin's Coffee House in Dallas, and from the start I found John to be a compelling mixture of a gifted lyricist and a singer with a warm baritone who's witty enough to be a headliner at a comedy club. Now in his late 60s, John released a new album and it's terrific Folk Alley wrote in its rave review that, quote, the songs on his new album, Unentitled are companions on our journey through these troubled times, offering comfort and hope. John has given his permission in the email below for you to play Favorite Place and later you will hear Hold On, a plea for hope in difficult times that is blessed with the gorgeous background vocals of Lucy Kaplanski, who, like Gorka, has had her song showcased on this show. Yeah, Michael Granberry writes beautiful letters and sends wonderful music and John Gorka plays in Michael Wilbon. And this is the weekend for Wilbourn's Agony and Ecstasy. And we will take it in that order. The Agony, the Cubs, the Ecstasy, Northwestern. Your thoughts on the Cubs against Milwaukee in a good A good game five. A good game five where it just Seemed to me Milwaukee's a little bit better.

[Michael Wilbon]

They are because they are better. They're the best team in the league this year. Not just better than us, better than everybody. And so it was a hell of a series. We put up a fight.

[Tim Kirkjian]

A fight.

[Michael Wilbon]

A real fight. A fight that's worthy of people in Chicago being proud of the team and hoping that there's another step be made next year somehow with off season acquisitions or the maturation of a young guy like Pete Crow Armstrong and a rookie like Kate Horton who couldn't even play, who will be Rookie of the year. So there's, you know, there's some room for the Cubs to get better and still took Milwaukee to the brink.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So, you know Tucker, do you keep Kyle Tucker?

[Michael Wilbon]

No, I don't. It depends on the price. I'm not paying 400 million for Cal Tucker.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's just. Okay, okay. I know that.

[Michael Wilbon]

I know the baseball people say he's worth every penny. I'm not paying him that penny. Not me.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay, let's go to the Ecstasy. Northwestern. Northwestern at Penn State. Homecoming for Penn State. Northwestern wins. Are you okay? I told, I said this in the open, that you and Don and I were in a conversation and you said, they will fire James Franklin by tomorrow, meaning Sunday. Don said, what if he wins out? They're not going to fire him. And I said, no, that's not what Penn State does. They'll fire him at the end of the year. You were right. What do you think of this?

[Michael Wilbon]

Well, I don't necessarily like it. I know James Franklin a little bit. It's funny. Friday night, Matthew says to me, dad, you're going to beat Penn State tomorrow. I said, what are you talking about? He said, you're going to beat Penn State tomorrow. We've been watching them every week. They're not that good like Matty. The game's, you know, in State College. Penn State is desperate to come back and save their coach. And I don't know about that. He goes, you're going to win. So we're watching. We rush in from Columbia and we're watching a game. And it was just sort of unbelievable the way it all unfolded. And as you know, I'm texting with you and David Israel, people who went to Northwestern, like David and I, we have had some success against Penn State. I think Franklin's record against us is like five and five. It's not. It's, you know, it's right there at 500. We've done okay with Penn State and. But when they lost the way they lost, it's the accumulation of it. The loss to Oregon was agonizing, but you're losing to a team that could be the national champion. You lose in a way that you always lose the top 10 teams. But then you lose to UCLA, who had fired its coach already.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Michael Wilbon]

And you lose to a UCLA team that was 0 and 4, that had already lost to Northwestern, and then you lose this game to us. And I think our records were the same going in three and two, but it was just too much for them to bear. And Penn State has. Look, you know, I always say to you, Tony, there's no arrogance. There's no delusion like college football fans, schools, teams, boosters, industry people, conference people. There's no delusion like the delusion of college football people. Penn State has won exactly two national championships in its history, Both in the 80s under Joe Paterno. They've won nothing in the Big Ten. Nothing. But they're stupid enough to think it's their right to win the national championship. And so they got rid of James Franklin. So good for them. Let them wander through the wilderness for the next 20 years like Nebraska did when they thought it was their birthright to win the national championship. And they haven't won nine games since.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They just beat Maryland at Maryland. Yeah. I'm just saying they're getting better. Like, they're getting better. Matt Rule is pretty good. I mean, he's shown that in other places.

[Michael Wilbon]

Is that. Is that. Is that. Is that Tom Osborne good?

[Tony Kornheiser]

No.

[Michael Wilbon]

Okay.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No. I mean, no, of course not yet.

[Michael Wilbon]

Penn State. And how long has it been since they've been Tom Osborne good?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Since Tom Osborne left would be the correct answer on that.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay.

[Michael Wilbon]

And so Penn State's in the same position.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Michael Wilbon]

Great. This paternal left.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And they're.

[Michael Wilbon]

You know what? They're not, Tony. Chances are they're not going to be. And they just fired a guy who. I get their frustration, but I just. I know that college football people, all of us, are fools.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Michael Wilbon]

And nothing is taken in proportion.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So talk about Indiana. Indiana beat Oregon. Oregon can still get in the tournament. You know, we understand that.

[Tim Kirkjian]

They can.

[Michael Wilbon]

If they don't.

[Tony Kornheiser]

When it went out there and beat them, that's a huge win. That's a huge win.

[Michael Wilbon]

Indiana was still looking for the win that sort of validated them as a legit repeat playoff team, having lost to Notre Dame and South Bend last year. So I'm. I, you know, as a conference person, I can get behind Indiana and say, yeah, you know, if the Big Ten gets three right now, it sets up to be Ohio State, Oregon and Indiana. If we get three, I don't know that that's going to happen. But Indiana, you know, if it comes down to two of them and Indiana's got that tie breaking win over Oregon at Oregon where they had won, what, 19 straight home games or something like.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That, 100% big win. Big one.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, I can see who else had a big win. Alabama. Alabama. Alabama is now where we sort of thought they might be. I mean, before that terrible loss in the opening game. Alabama has Calen DeBoer in Alabama have said, you know, you want us to prove something? Give us a few weeks. And I think they're approving it, don't you? I do.

[Michael Wilbon]

I'm not so sure. I look at Alabama and don't know that. I don't know that Missouri is the test. That does it for me. I don't know who. Alabama's got this.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, they beat Georgia. I mean, that's.

[Michael Wilbon]

They beat Georgia. That was a good win. That's a, that's a great win. Not a good win. But you gotta have more than one of them in the sec.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's right.

[Michael Wilbon]

I mean, do they play Ole Miss and I don't know where.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't know if they play Ole Miss or if they play lsu. I don't know.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah, they got some games still.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's go to the baseball. We have Seattle, Toronto, and we have the Dodgers and Milwaukee. Your early thoughts as to who's gonna win?

[Michael Wilbon]

I, you know, I will now watch the baseball. I won't watch it with the same sort of obsession, but I think the Dodgers, you know, I, I know Milwaukee better than I know any team except the Cubs because I watched them all summer and all they do is beat you. You know, they had the best record in baseball this summer, this season, and I. They're really good. And the rest of the country really doesn't understand that because they don't watch the brewers like people in the Midwest do. I am rooting for the Dodgers, but I don't know, man, Milwaukee, there's something about this team that's really good and deep and sound and plays with perspective and a lot of heart. I'm not so sure that the brewers and Cubs weren't the best two teams in the National League. And so now I know the Dodgers have all the glitz and they got the lineup and the power and the glamour and all of that. I'm not so sure the brewers aren't.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Better okay, what about on the other side? Seattle?

[Michael Wilbon]

You know, I don't. I don't watch the American League enough. I watched last night. You know, those are two of like my five favorite cities in North America. Include those two cities. And so I don't have anybody to root against. And I don't know the personalities of those teams well enough. I look at Seattle and think they have the MVP and think that. That somehow if you have the best player on the field night in, night out, and he's controlling the game, that. That may matter in the end. But we're talking about. I'm looking for ways to split hairs here. I don't have a feel. I don't have a feel for the American League, Tony, that I do for Dodgers and, and brewers, who I've watched a hell of a lot this summer.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let's get to the NFL. There were two teams that needed to win yesterday. I mean, because they are teams that have been in our consciousness for three to eight years at the moment. Baltimore and Kansas City. Both were playing at home. Both were playing against highly rated opponents. You said Kansas City would win. I absolutely said I was leaning towards Detroit. I thought Detroit was the best team in the NFL, you know, week to week like that.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You know, you have to wait because it's a long season. You said Kansas City and you were right. You were right.

[Michael Wilbon]

Well, I mean, I just think that every time we declare, we, the entire, you know, national media folk, declare that somebody is the best, we find out there's no great team. So why would I declare anybody? I'm not declaring anybody because I don't think there's anybody that's great. I don't think Kansas City is great yet.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No.

[Michael Wilbon]

So they may go down next week. I don't think Detroit's great yet. I don't think that Philadelphia, obviously, we don't know if they're great at all anymore. Who else is there that lays claim? I mean, now, you know, Washington can lay claim. I know they have two losses already, one without Jayden Daniel. They. They lay claim. They can lay claim, but they gotta play tonight against a team that's won a couple and getting better incrementally in the Bears that come in with a certain vengeance on their minds. So, you know, I, I don't know. I don't. I don't need to declare anybody. It's too early to declare.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Can you declare that Baltimore is done this year?

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah, they're done.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Michael Wilbon]

And they, they, you know, they still got. I realize they're only Owing one in their division, which matters. They're only owing. Yes, yes, but I, how they going to get better? And I don't believe that. I don't believe. Look, maybe he'll reclaim it. Maybe it will find him. Maybe he'll pull out of it. It's just a slump. I don't believe in Lamar Jackson at that level anymore. I know he was just the MVP like, you know he was. He played the MVP season a few months ago. It, but it can go, it can leave you. And I don't see it in him right now.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Speaking of people who you're in love with, Justin Fields yesterday had one of the worst days in the history of quarterbacking. That team stinks. You know, go ahead there.

[Michael Wilbon]

Aaron Glenn is next. I mean, you know, he's going to have to either get rid of that offensive coordinator or he'll be in James Franklin land. And Justin Fields has sort of proven now in year five, this five for him, I think it is maybe six that this is what, this is what he, you know, he's a backup. He's a backup who can come in when you, when your starter gets hurt. And maybe he'll have a couple, he'll be around for the next 10 years. Maybe, maybe he can come in and win a couple of games for you and hold the fort until your starter gets back on a really good team. But this is who he is. He's not, he's not going to be a great player. He's not in this league. It's too bad.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Holds the ball way too long. One other guy who is a great player right now, Right now. Baker Mayfield is a great player. That run, he made those pass.

[Michael Wilbon]

Oh my God. Third and 14. He's the MVP and yeah, he's the MVP right now. He would get my vote. I, I, you know, can he, can that be sustained all season? It seems it can be.

[Tim Kirkjian]

And Tampa's a threat.

[Michael Wilbon]

They're a serious threat. And BAKER Mayfield, the 60, was it a 60 Minutes piece or some CBS piece which basically let you inside of Baker Mayfield and all this trash talking and his behavior on the field and all of that. He is a late bloomer, Tony. And we deal with all the sports leagues now that don't know what to do with late bloomers. And if you are, if you are the NBA, you have to allow for late bloomers because there are, you know, Jokic's and there are SGAs and there are Kawhi Leonard's and there are. The NBA is the show. I know there's a win by AMA and a LeBron every, you know, 15 years. Derrick Rose, the guy who won an MVP at 21. But mostly now the great players have been late bloomers and that's the I wonder how many quarterbacks that applies to in the.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, there's two others. Two others who won yesterday, Geno Smith and Sam Darnold, you know, particularly.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah, particularly. So I, I watch that with great interest to see like Sam Darnold just looks the part now he looks like he's in control of that team and.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He can control against terrible with the jets. He was terrible.

[Michael Wilbon]

But maybe it's the jets who's not terrible with Jets.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Maybe it's the jets.

[Michael Wilbon]

Maybe.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Right.

[Michael Wilbon]

Not maybe. I mean, you know, I mean Aaron.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Rodgers was supposed to save them. No, no.

[Michael Wilbon]

And, and so he didn't say and, you know, you know, he didn't save them.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'll talk to you later.

[Michael Wilbon]

I look at them as flawed.

[Tim Kirkjian]

So.

[Michael Wilbon]

All right, talk to you later.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Michael Wilbon, boys and girls, we'll take a break. We will come back with Tim Kirchen. Talk about the baseball. I'm Tony Kornheiser.

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[Show Announcer]

This is the Tony Korniser Show.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Once again, this is John Gorka. His music was sent to us by our friend Michael Granberry. This is a song called hold on Michael. If people like John Gorka independent artists want to send in their music to be played, how do they do it?

[Nigel]

Send us your music by emailing it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

To [e-mail] and John Gorka plays in Tim Kirchen, who's in Toronto. So I will start with my impressions of the game last night, which, the first inning, I don't stay up for the whole game. I mean, I don't want to lie to people, but I pay attention when I'm paying attention. I have a couple of questions for you. One is why didn't they challenge Cal Rawley's slide at home, which would have given Seattle A1 nothing lead in the first inning?

[Tim Kirkjian]

That's a good question. I was sitting right next to Eduardo Perez, who's the best teammate ever and is a genius when it comes to technology. So he immediately had the replay on like four different units in the, in the press box. And he said that Cal Raleigh's foot came up. You see this a lot, Tony. When a guy slides that, the foot comes up and never actually touches home plate. That's what he said happened on that play. I still would have challenged it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's. I would have as well. Then they get out of that inning, Toronto gets out of that inning without a run being scored. And literally the first pitch, literally the first pitch, George Springer parks it, you know, in the stands and it's one nothing. What were your thoughts when you saw that?

[Tim Kirkjian]

Well, my thoughts going in were that the Blue Jays had a decided advantage in this game. They had their best pitcher, who's really good, Kevin Gossman going against Bryce Miller, who was a really good pitcher last year. Hasn't been anything close to that this year. And my initial reaction as I overreact, as I always do, is, boy, this game is not going to go well for the Mariners. And instead they got one hit the rest of the way after a first pitch home run to George Springer. I can't even begin to tell you how surprised I was because the Blue Jays have a great, have had a great offensive team, especially lazy, scored the fourth most runs in the major leagues. Absolutely clobbered the. He scored 34 runs in four games. And I thought, here we go again. And the exact opposite happened after George Springer hit that home run. They got one single in the second inning and that was it.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So I'm sitting watching that, I see the home run and then there's a 300 pitch walk. And I'm thinking, I'm looking at the close ups of this kid, Bryce Miller, and I look at this kid and I go, oh, he's out of his depth here. He doesn't even want to be out here. What's going to happen here? And then two balls go to the track and yes, they're caught. But I, I thought maybe you thought the Same way. This is going to be six nothing by the third. This is over. Did you think that?

[Tim Kirkjian]

Yes, I did. Because the series I just covered. The Blue Jays became the first team ever to score 23 runs in the first two games of a playoff series. They scored 20 unanswered runs against the Yankees. They were ahead for 27 innings out of four games and trailed for only five innings. I thought they were just going to pummel Bryce Miller like they pummeled the Yankee pitchers, take a lead, hang on and win the game. And none of that happened. That first inning was key, Tony, because I thought they had him on the ropes. And Alejandro Kirk, who's their cleanup hitter and a good player who's in a slump at the moment. If he gets a big hit there, there's no telling if Bryce Miller even gets out of the first inning. Yes, instead he goes on. Instead, he goes on to pitch six innings and allow one run. The last pitcher to do that in the postseason on short rest was David Price in 2018. That's how surprising that was. That a kid who shouldn't be starting this game, he's only starting it because of injuries and because they had to play 15 innings and they used all their starting pitchers. He comes through as one of the big heroes of the game, Bryce Miller.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I would say the other hero would have to be Cal Rawley. And it's not so much for his home run as what people are pointing out that he went out to settle down. Bryce Miller. And it appears that Cal Raleigh has good leadership genes, right?

[Tim Kirkjian]

Yes. He is the son of a coach.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes.

[Tim Kirkjian]

And his coach, his father is. Was also a collegiate catcher. This guy has a complete understanding of what the offensive game is and more important, how to catch a game and how to go out and talk to a pitcher. Tony, he had 60 homers as an elite defensive catcher and the absolute leader of the team in every way. And that trip to the mound is exactly what Bryce Miller needed. And it's exactly what Cal Raleigh does as well as anyone is go out there and talk to his guy. Here's what we're going to do next to get out of this. There's nothing not to like about Cal Raleigh. He is a poke hero in the great Northwest. And it grows every single day, including last night. Because Tony, Kevin Goffman had retired 16 batters in a row when he left a split on the inside part of the plate. And the guy with 60 homers during season at home run the tie the game. Yeah, it was absolutely tremendous.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So you have the benefit of one game in the books. And we all tend to overreact based on those things. But do you see, do you see in an overall sense, any significant difference in these teams where you would say, yes, this is the team that should win?

[Tim Kirkjian]

No, I think the Blue Jays are a better team. I think they had a better season. I think they have a better offense. I think they have a slightly better defense. But, Tony, this is the playoffs. Anything is possible, especially in this crazy 2025 season where nothing has made sense. So the reversal of momentum last night was not a surprise. Even though I said, how can this happen? No, I think this. I think this is going seven games wouldn't surprise me who wins. If somebody got swept or swept, that would really surprise me. Neither team is good enough to win four straight. Neither team is. Is not good enough to get swept. So I don't think anything changed last night other than, all right, home field advantage was taken away from the Blue Jays, who this season were 54 and 27 at home. And it just shows you again, when you take a raucous crowd out of the game, as was taken, was taken out by the Cal Raleigh homer. Things change.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Then my friend David Israel, who I think you know, points out that this could be the year in which the Seattle Pilots play the Seattle Mariners in the World Series, which I think is a good line. Who do you like in the National League? You don't obviously don't like anyone in the American League, though. You think Toronto may be a little bit better. Do you like someone decisively in the National League?

[Tim Kirkjian]

I don't. The Blue. The brewers have been the best team in baseball for the last three months. The Dodgers have the best roster in baseball. They have the best collection of players, and they're starting down to play like the best team in baseball. To underestimate the brewers would be a major mistake with the way that that team plays the game. They play it a lot like the Blue Jays do. They put the ball in play, they catch it on the other side. They throw strikes. They're really good. But the Dodgers, the Dodgers starting pitching is just so good right now. Their lineup is the best in baseball when it's right. And now it is. And they have a closer now in Roki Sasaki. I give the edge to the Dodgers. But again, in this crazy season, having an edge, just when you think you understand, hey, this is what's going on, you're wrong. That's how great this season has been.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Sasaki going nine up, nine down in the last game. Was really remarkable. But if there is, and I have loved the playoffs to this point, love them. Tried to watch as much of it as I could, stay up as long as I could, which isn't that long at my age. But if I were to say that there were two moments in these playoffs, two that exceeded everything else. The second one, not the first one. The second one would be Aaron Judge's home run off the foul pole. But the first one would be the most poignant scene in years. Orion Kirkering, as the Dodgers celebrate around him with his head down and his hands on his knees. Right. I mean, wasn't that something? Yes.

[Tim Kirkjian]

First off, I was at the Judge game. I called that game on the radio. And it was a tremendous moment. One of the biggest home runs in the history of the New York Yankees, which is really saying something because he rescued these for one night. He rescued that team from being eliminated. But the Kirkering thing, Tony, is just another reminder how beautiful baseball is, is that kid made a mistake and the game sped up on him. He. The catcher, J.T. earl Mutual was screaming at him. First, first one, one. And he panicked, which can happen when you're that young and the game is moving as quickly as it is and that many people are there. He just made a bad decision and I felt sorry for him. I'm not supposed to feel sorry for people who play this game at this level, but I couldn't help but feel sorry for him because he tried and the game just got a little too fast for him.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Me too. I mean, I'm watching that going, oh, man, this is so bad. This. That's a. Am I exaggerating? Is that like. That's like a top 50 moment in baseball, isn't it?

[Tim Kirkjian]

Well, it's been a long time, Tony, since a player made an error to end a winner take all game like that. I mean that. Those are the things, not Bill Buckner. But it's. It's similar. And the point is, the Phillies were good enough to go to and win the World Series, and now they're not. Because a ground ball back to the pitcher was not handled cleanly. And again, Tony, we joke, it's a cliche, but pitchers fielding practice, PfP, which they do relentlessly in spring training, and everyone's bored to tears by it, came back to get him because that's a spot where you just can't make a mistake there. And that poor kid did.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Let me get to the Phillies. I've said all year, I've said for two to three years, I think one through nine, they have the best lineup in baseball. And if I'm wrong. I'm not wrong by much. Are you surprised? Because I am surprised that they don't get to the World Series. Shouldn't. Shouldn't they be better? Shouldn't they have more postseason success than they've had?

[Tim Kirkjian]

Yeah. The team they have right now, Tony, with Schwarber, with Harper, with the great starting pitching, they have. Should have done better in the World Series. Should have been better. Getting to the World Series and doing things. I. Yeah. That doesn't mean there's some underachieving team that can't. Just can't get it done. I don't think it's that, but it's a bit surprising. And I thought this year was probably their best shot to. Because the window might be closing. I mean, Kyle Schwaber is a free agent after the season. What happens when he leaves? I mean, if. If he leaves because he's the heart and soul of that team. He and Bryce Harper run that club. But mostly it's Schwarber. And now you. If you're a Phillies fan, you got to look and say, you know what happens now? Because if they lose the big boy at the top of the line at middle of the order, things are going to change.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay. Plug your podcast with your son for us so people can hear it.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah.

[Tim Kirkjian]

It's called is this Great Game or what? We've been doing it for two years. We have had the time of my life for old pop up here that I've gotten to work with my sons. We've had some amazing guests who just. And we make everybody laugh and we make everyone smile because that's gold. No hard, heavy lifting on this. No hot take. Nothing controversial. We laugh and we learn. And we've had some tremendous people on. And this week, we're going to have Eduardo Perez and Carl Ravage as our guests because Eduardo, who does the radio with us, he took a helicopter from JFK into Manhattan the other day. A helicopter. Because he didn't want to wait an hour and a half to drive in from jfk. So he took a helicopter into the city. I couldn't believe it. These are the things we'll discuss on this week's travel portion of Is this a great game or what?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Wonderful. And we will talk to you soon. Thank you, Tim.

[Michael Wilbon]

Thank you, Tony. See you, Tim.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Kirkjin, boys and girls. We will come back with email and jingle. I am Tony Kornheiser.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

You're listening to the Tony Kornheiser show that is World Champion Whistler. Chris Ullman from Binghamton, New York. World Champ, World champion. Any you people world champions at anything? Because not regional, not district. World, world, world. You want to do the Bethesda bagel ad for us? Please? Yes.

[Michael Wilbon]

Oh, bagel sandwiches today. Sorry, Michael.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Sorry, Michael. Right.

[Michael Wilbon]

We're very excited here. Just go to Bethesda Bagels.com for the location in the DC area nearest you. Then pop on in and you'll be thrilled.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And before we get to the mailbag, let me just say long distance information. Give me Memphis, Tennessee. Help me find a party. Tried to get in touch with me. She did not leave a number, but I know who made the call because my uncle took the message and he wrote it on the wall. That's originally done by Charles F. Barry, covered brilliantly by Johnny Rivers. Yes, it's just a great Memphis and it's just a great song. Thanks to our guests today, Michael Wilbon and Tim Kirkjen. Thanks as well to today's sponsors. Remember, you can listen to us on Apple podcasts. Please leave us a review if you do, from John in Lake Cowichan. Lake Cowichan, I pronounce that correctly because he writes down how to do it, says hey, Captain Ron, John Waters. Not that John Waters. After an epic outing by scubal, why is it that I immediately tell the woman I'm related to by marriage, who couldn't care less that putting this Kyle Finnegan guy in won't work out well for the Tigers? I continue to elaborate that he's likely to blow it in a spectacular way. Likely to walk a few guys after going three and two and give up a clutch hit. She continues to be less than engaged. I laugh quietly and I say, I know Tony, Michael and Nigel know what I'm talking about. Love you guys forever. From way up north on the border of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Hope for sanity to return to all of you soon. Thank you from John Sealkey in Silver Spring, Maryland. Not sure if you went into the details of the box score the Detroit Seattle series, but it seems Kyle Finnegan cost the Tigers a potential trip to the ALCS, losing both Games 1 and 5 by scores of 3 to 2. Finnegan took the loss in Game 1 after entering the game in the eighth inning for Tarek Skubal and had a strikeout and then gave up two doubles to lose the game. In Game five, Finnegan again came in for school and got two outs, but also gave up a walk, duh, and a single. Finnegan was taken out after that, but the next pitcher gave up a single where the Mariners tied the game, eventually winning it in 15. Just imagine if the Nats had traded Finnegan at the mid season mark in 2024, they might have gotten a decent return from Tom Dodd in Raleigh, North Carolina Morning Captain. Whenever you speak of your television escapades, I picture the 24 inch Zenith Walnut console model sitting in your den topped with various channel boxes and he shows a picture of it. It's just fabulous. Makes me very happy. Tom Dodd from Raleigh, North Carolina brings back some memory. Michael Benedetti in Santan Valley, Arizona I just wanted to let you know I was officially certified as a Tony Kornizer Podcast Listener Technician today. That's funny. Greg Doria in Hartford enclosing pictures of him and me at chatter. Mad respect to Florida Supreme Court Justice John Curiel for sitting through a Miami, Florida State game in the Chuck Todd seats without dropping a Do you know who I am on him? Chuck wanted to watch the game undisturbed and probably everyone in that section could have asked the same question. I've learned that as a State Supreme Court justice, not only does nobody know who I am, nobody cares who I am besides my mother. But if this kicks off a humble brag fest of State Supreme Court Justices who are also Littles and who keep their positions to themselves when among bigs. Allow me to submit for your consideration and for the viewers On News Channel 8, a picture of me and the woman to whom I'm related by marriage flanking Mr. Tony at Chatter After show around 2 2019, along with a picture of me and Chris Cillizza, who was on the podcast that day and is also a native of our state. Suffice to say, I'm confident both Tony and Chris would have been unimpressed by my job if I mentioned it giving the big time celebs and pals they know and play golf with. But since it comes with no benefits whatsoever, I would love it if you bestowed upon me the title of Official State Supreme Court justice of the Tony Kornheiser Show. Only then would I feel justified when called your Honor. Sure, you got it Greg. You got it. Thank you from Adam Blaney in Athens, Ohio, as the official organic vegetable farmer of the Tony Kornheiser Show. It's time for my annual email to give you some garden help or answers to questions or to simply mock you in your ignorance. You've said a few times how amazed you are at your squash and how you must be doing something right because the squash you are growing from seed are gigantic. I don't want to burst your bubble, but the squash are not getting so big because you're doing something so right. They're getting big because that's simply what they do do. In fact, they're getting big because you're not doing the one thing you should be doing, which is picking them every other night or so or day or so. Squash notoriously grow in size from pencil to Louisville Slugger, seemingly overnight. That's why on most farms, we pick the squash every single day. So we have fruits small enough to be edible, tender, and still have some good flavor. All of which go away when you let them grow too large. Sorry for the bad news. I also concur with a previous emailer. Groping bags are a good potato growing option for somebody with, shall we say, subpar agricultural knowledge. Don't stop growing. It's good for everyone. P.S. please tell Tony Riley to eat it. I didn't know that. Michael, did you know that? Pick them. Pick them, pick them. Yeah, I didn't know that. That's what they do. They get huge. Okay. Greg Collins in Iuka, Illinois. Yuka. Yuka, Illinois. So by Wilbond's map, Cubs versus Blue Jays would be a Midwest World Series. Barry Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky. Tony, just want to give you a heads up that the third season of the Diplomat drops on Netflix this Thursday the 16th. Also, Netflix has announced that there will be a fourth season coming next year. Enjoy.

[Michael Wilbon]

Very good news.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's.

[Michael Wilbon]

That's the Kerry Russell Show.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Nigel]

Does it coincide with the price hike?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, I don't know. Which ended last year with a new United States president who was visiting Kerry Russell in England.

[Michael Wilbon]

Big plot twist at the end and.

[Tony Kornheiser]

A wild, physically wild ending. Yeah, just wild. Jeff Barger in Hillsborough, North Carolina. I was inspired by the name of Jeff Mosbet. The process guest, Golden Pants. I've decided to change my name to Khaki Pants. I feel this captures my essence as an elementary school teacher. My student. That was the best.

[Nigel]

Really?

[Tony Kornheiser]

That guy was better than this guy. Yeah, yeah. What do you from State Farm. Much better. My students will now address me as Mr. Pants, but my colleagues can call me Khaki. I have to say Mrs. Pants is not on board with this decision, but I'm hopeful she'll come around. Brian Sunocks St. Petersburg, Florida While recapping Matt Damon's career, you overlooked the legend of Bagra Vance. It stars Damon as Randolph Juna, an accomplished amateur golfer traumatized by his experiences in World War I. Charlize Theron is his love interest and Will Smith as the titled character, a mysterious traveler who serves as Damon's caddy. This movie relates to Tony in three ways. First, Damon is a horrendous bunker player. Second, it's narrated by Jack Lemmon as a crotchety old man like yourself. Lastly, in Smith's first scene, Damon is shanking and slicing golf balls in the dark. When Smith suddenly appears. Damon remarks, I could have killed you. Smith replies, oh, no, sir. You see, I placed myself directly in front of you. I figured that was the safest place to be. Sounds an awful like. Like your game. Awful lot like your game. P.S. please tell my best friend Tony Jute Ju DT Happy Birthday and to eat it. And from Patrick Sitter in Sioux Falls, On a trip with a woman to whom I'm related by marriage, visited Devil's Tower, thought of Scott Boris. That's funny. And the picture is enclosed devils of Devil's Tower. Yeah, he may or may not be the devil. If you're out of new bike time, everyone is all always do wear white. Oh.

[Tim Kirkjian]

Oh God, Annie.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well. Oh well la la it's great. It's.

[John Gorka]

My favorite place to be Is in the middle of a song when it isn't completely right but it's not hopelessly wrong My favorite place to be Is in the middle of a song My favorite place to be Is the space between the lines the unforgettable face the grace we live behind My favorite place to be Is in the middle of a song Like a baby newly born that you hope they'll grow up strong My favorite place to be Is in the middle of a song.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Middle.

[John Gorka]

Of a song My favorite place to be is before the story ends when we find out that love can set you free Set you free Set you free Set you free.

[Michael Wilbon]

Oh.

[Tony Kornheiser]

My favorite.

[John Gorka]

Place to be Is in the middle of a song when it is completely right it's not hopelessly wrong Our favorite place to be it's in the middle of a song the middle of the.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Song.

[John Gorka]

Hold on, hold on a little longer Some trouble makes you stronger Some trouble knocks you dead Hidden tomorrow it is hidden so much comes unbidden Makes it hard to plan ahead oh to be normal Formal again no heat of the breath of the skin Coral one the winter was a cold one and if you are an old one could serve to make you mean with bird songs Tend to get the words wrong I begin and end strong I'm a number in between to be known.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And.

[John Gorka]

Formal again no heed of the breath or the skin so hold on hold on a little longer Some trouble makes you stronger Some trouble knocks you down so stay strong Strong most of the day long Stay until the night's gone Stay till you can dream again.