“The Sidewalk War”

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Tony Kornheiser Show – “The Sidewalk War”

Release Date: May 28, 2025
Host: Tony Kornheiser
Guests: Brian Windhorst, Jeff Passan
Production: This Show Stinks Productions, LLC

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Introduction

In the episode titled “The Sidewalk War,” Tony Kornheiser delves into a myriad of discussions spanning the latest NBA playoffs, standout player performances, and community concerns. Joining him are sports analysts Brian Windhorst and Jeff Passan, who provide expert insights on current sports narratives.

Community Concerns: The Sidewalk War

Time Stamp: [07:09] – [10:19]

The show opens with Tony expressing frustration over a recurring issue in his neighborhood: a Tesla owner consistently parking in a manner that blocks the public sidewalk, compelling pedestrians to walk in the street.

Notable Quote:

• Tony Kornheiser [07:14]: “He forces me and the dog and everyone else on the street to walk in the street. Is there, do I have recourse here?”

Discussion Highlights:

• Impact on Pedestrians: Tony emphasizes the inconvenience caused to both himself and the community, questioning the driver's motives—whether it’s for convenience or mere obstinacy.
• Community Response: Michael Wilbon suggests a measured approach, recommending polite communication or escalating the issue to local representatives.

Notable Quote:

• Michael Wilbon [08:53]: “My worldview changed on this when I was pushing a stroller. If you were using a wheelchair, it changes how you perceive such actions.”

NBA Playoffs Insight

Time Stamp: [10:19] – [18:44]

The conversation transitions to the ongoing NBA playoffs, with a spotlight on the Pacers' recent victory over the Knicks and the intriguing scenario of multiple series being tied at 3-1.

Notable Quote:

• Tony Kornheiser [18:44]: “Chris said that he started Josh Bell and I thought and wrote to Chris, maybe he started them because he felt a different time zone would help.”

Discussion Highlights:

• Pacers vs. Knicks: Brian Windhorst lauds Tyrese Halliburton’s exceptional performance, highlighting his efficiency—30+ points, 15 assists, and zero turnovers without missing a shot.

  Notable Quote:

  • Brian Windhorst [19:00]: “It's a tour de force performance... he is the absolute fuel that drives that high-octane offense.”

• Player Ratings and Perceptions: The episode delves into a controversial Athletic survey labeling Halliburton as the “most overrated” NBA player, sparking debates on player evaluations and media influence.

  Notable Quote:

  • Brian Windhorst [22:08]: “He was regarded kind of as a star player and didn't have the stats and accolades like he, he wasn't... I don't think it was that many.”

• Anthony Edwards Analysis: The discussion shifts to Anthony Edwards, examining his dual-threat capabilities and leadership qualities versus criticisms about his impact in crucial moments.

  Notable Quote:

  • Brian Windhorst [24:10]: “Anthony Edwards is a two-way player. Places his butt off at both ends, which is not common in today's game.”

NBA Finals Matchup Preferences

Time Stamp: [25:14] – [30:04]

The conversation explores what the NBA desires in Finals matchups, weighing the allure of high-market teams against the potential for extended, seven-game series.

Notable Quote:

• Brian Windhorst [25:14]: “The NBA is a volume business. Each Finals game that takes place is worth maybe $100 million.”

Discussion Highlights:

• Market vs. Series Length: While marquee matchups like New York vs. LA draw significant attention, the NBA also values longer series for higher revenue.

• Small Market Dynamics: Brian provides an insider’s view of Oklahoma City’s passionate fanbase, despite being a smaller market, emphasizing the deep community connection.

  Notable Quote:

  • Brian Windhorst [27:51]: “The fan base here and the connection with the fan base here is something to.”

Spotlight on MLB: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge

Time Stamp: [33:35] – [43:49]

Transitioning to Major League Baseball, the episode highlights Shohei Ohtani's extraordinary talent as both a pitcher and hitter, juxtaposed with discussions about Aaron Judge and Ronald Acuña Jr.

Notable Quotes:

• Tony Kornheiser [35:15]: “If he comes back to pitch and pitches to the level he pitched with the Angels, that he's the greatest baseball player of all time.”
• Guest Speaker [34:40]: “He is the most talented of all time. He has performed at such a different level than anyone in the history of the game.”

Discussion Highlights:

• Shohei Ohtani’s Dual Role: Jeff Passan and Brian Windhorst praise Ohtani's unique capabilities, debating whether he can be hailed as the greatest Baseball player due to his two-way excellence.

  Notable Quote:

  • Brian Windhorst [39:31]: “Aaron Judge is in the midst of a run that I don't know people are going to fully appreciate for a number of reasons.”

• Aaron Judge vs. Ohtani: They compare Judge’s batting prowess to Ohtani’s all-around performance, with Judge being lauded for his hitting consistency and Ohtani for his unparalleled dual skills.

  Notable Quote:

  • Guest Speaker [40:31]: “Aaron Judge is really that good... he is every bit as good and better than everyone else, including Shohei Ohtani at the plate.”

• Ronald Acuña Jr.’s Potential: The discussion touches on Acuña Jr.’s explosive performances and injury setbacks, contemplating his role in revitalizing the Braves.

Cubs’ Performance and Pitching Concerns

Time Stamp: [43:49] – [46:11]

The episode shifts focus to the Chicago Cubs, acknowledging their offensive strengths while expressing concerns about their pitching depth as they progress towards the postseason.

Notable Quote:

• Guest Speaker [44:09]: “Unless the Cubs fix that element of their roster, this is one of those where hitting your way to a World Series against the sort of pitching that they're going to be facing is a really difficult proposition.”

Discussion Highlights:

• Offensive Power: The Cubs boast a lineup with Pete Crow, Armstrong, and Suzuki showing exceptional hitting capabilities.
• Pitching Depth: Despite the strong offense, the lack of reliable starting pitchers could hinder their postseason aspirations against teams with robust pitching staffs.

Listener Interaction and Mailbag

Time Stamp: [47:06] – [55:16]

Tony engages with listener emails, sharing humorous anecdotes about bagels, golfing recommendations, and community events. The segment adds a personal and light-hearted touch to the episode, showcasing the camaraderie among hosts and guests.

Notable Quote:

• Tony Kornheiser [48:26]: “My mother taught me not to use ketchup because she said it was. Would distort the efforts of people who are cooking out there.”

Closing Remarks

In the finale, Tony wraps up the discussions, reiterating key sports insights and expressing appreciation for the contributions of guests Brian Windhorst and Jeff Passan. The episode concludes with a playful exchange about upcoming events and ticket giveaways, maintaining the show’s signature blend of sports analysis and personable banter.

Notable Quote:

• Tony Kornheiser [55:16]: “Remember, you can listen to us on Apple podcasts, Spotify and Odyssey. Get the show through Apple.”

Conclusion

“The Sidewalk War” episode of The Tony Kornheiser Show offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports topics, from the NBA playoffs' intense matchups and player evaluations to MLB’s superstar performances. Balancing in-depth analysis with community issues and listener interactions, the episode provides valuable insights and engaging conversations for both avid listeners and those new to the show.

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Notable Quotes with Attributions and Timestamps:

1. Tony Kornheiser [07:14]: “He forces me and the dog and everyone else on the street to walk in the street. Is there, do I have recourse here?”
2. Michael Wilbon [08:53]: “My worldview changed on this when I was pushing a stroller. If you were using a wheelchair, it changes how you perceive such actions.”
3. Brian Windhorst [18:44]: “It's a tour de force performance... he is the absolute fuel that drives that high-octane offense.”
4. Brian Windhorst [22:08]: “He was regarded kind of as a star player and didn't have the stats and accolades like he, he wasn't... I don't think it was that many.”
5. Brian Windhorst [24:10]: “Anthony Edwards is a two-way player. Places his butt off at both ends, which is not common in today's game.”
6. Brian Windhorst [25:14]: “The NBA is a volume business. Each Finals game that takes place is worth maybe $100 million.”
7. Tony Kornheiser [35:15]: “If he comes back to pitch and pitches to the level he pitched with the Angels, that he's the greatest baseball player of all time.”
8. Guest Speaker [40:31]: “Aaron Judge is really that good... he is every bit as good and better than everyone else, including Shohei Ohtani at the plate.”
9. Guest Speaker [44:09]: “Unless the Cubs fix that element of their roster, this is one of those where hitting your way to a World Series against the sort of pitching that they're going to be facing is a really difficult proposition.”
10. Tony Kornheiser [48:26]: “My mother taught me not to use ketchup because she said it was. Would distort the efforts of people who are cooking out there.”

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Additional Resources:

• Podcast Availability: Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Odyssey.

• Sponsors Mentioned:

  • Cars for Kids: Donate your unused vehicle at cars4kids.org.
  • Indeed: Sponsored Jobs available with a $75 credit for listeners at indeed.com.

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This summary encapsulates the rich and engaging discussions from “The Sidewalk War,” highlighting key sports analyses, player evaluations, and community interactions, making it a valuable recap for both longtime fans and new listeners.

Transcript

[Tony Kornheiser]

Hey, it's Tony. On today's show, we'll talk with Brian Windhorst about the Pacers win over the Knicks. And what Finals matchup would the NBA like to see most? And Jeff Passon will join us to talk about when we might see Shohei Ohtani back on the mound. But first, commerce.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

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[Michael Wilbon]

From building pillow forts to building a.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Life for all the big and small moments that make up your whole world. DSW is there and we've got just the shoes. Find a shoe for every you from brands you love at brag worthy prices at your DSW store or dsw.com previously on the Tony Kornheiser Show. I put balls in the water all over the place. I put balls in deep rough that I couldn't get. I put the ball in my pocket on two. I never do that. I play it out. I don't care if I get a 12. I play it out 2, 3, 7 and then 18. Put the ball in my pocket, which is called Bipsick. Ball in pocket, sitting in cart. Bipsick. I was bipsick. This is General George Washington and you're listening to the Tony Kornheiser Show. So this is from Shad, a haiku for that tournament. You were bipsick plc Ball in pocket, sitting in cart, pouting like child. I wasn't pouting.

[Michael Wilbon]

No, no, you're Pouting is the correct term.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I Was pouting. Yes.

[Michael Wilbon]

From the start, before we teed off, I was pouting.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So.

[Commercial Speaker]

Okay.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Anyway, we as Michael and Frank. Yes. I'm good now.

[Michael Wilbon]

You're ready for the 4th of July.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm ready for the 4th of July. I'm looking for a new team.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah, I'm looking for a new team. I'll bring Courtney with me.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, you have to be on this team. You and you have to bring Frank.

[Michael Wilbon]

I'll make sure there's a PTI that day. I do a full.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Not on July 4th, we're not. We don't do it on July 4th. I don't. I'm pretty sure we don't. So, you know, people are waiting for the Nats update. I don't have the Nats update. The Nats were in Seattle.

[Jeff Passan]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's a 9:30 start, Eastern Time. I wasn't going to stay up for that. Especially since Dave Simms not doing the games anymore. He's doing the Yankee game.

[Jeff Passan]

That's right.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't care about Seattle, but I get some notes from Salizza about Josh Bell. I got them this morning. I look at him this morning, Michael, he said, Chris said that you watched the game too.

[Michael Wilbon]

I at least started it. There's something that for me was reminiscent of my childhood when I'd stay up to watch baseball tonight and you'd see these live look ins to the Mariners games. And for me, as a 12 year old at the time, you wanted to see Griffey and you wanted to see if he hit it out. Which relative to last night's game. You watch the first inning and you see Mitchell Parker who always starts slow and gets better through the game. You saw that again last night. But he leaves a splitter to Julio Rodriguez that he smashes out of the park only to be followed up by Cal Raleigh who hits a like an upper deck fastball to the upper deck.

[Tony Kornheiser]

First of two for Cal Raw, now the leading home run hitter in, in sports, the big dumper, Cal Rawling. Yeah. So they lose nine one, nine, lose nine one.

[Michael Wilbon]

But again, Parker sort of holds them close. They do nothing against Evans. He goes eight innings and they have this wonderful combination where they don't swing at pitches in the zone. So they're down, you know, oh one, it seems every at bat and they swing wildly at things out of the zone.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So Chris is upset because Josh Bell played in the game and is batting according to Chris, at a certain point in the game, I hadn't seen. I'd haven't seen a box going Blutarsky 151. No, not, not 0001.51. And you know, what are we doing with this guy? So who was the player that the Nats had, who came from the Mexican league, was a 30 year old rookie a couple of years ago, maybe three years ago, and he did very, very.

[Michael Wilbon]

Well for a short period of time.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He played DH and he played first and he had a very good first year and not so good in the second year, or maybe it was the second year or maybe it was the third year. But around this time in the second or third year, the Nats DFA'd him because they became convinced that he could.

[Jeff Passan]

No longer help Joey Menesis.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes, yes, absolutely. Joey Manassas. And this is the comparable right now for Josh Bell that we have reached the point where, I mean, Chris, Chris said that he started Josh Bell and I thought and wrote to Chris, maybe he started them because he felt a different time zone would help. So maybe the Japanese league would help because that's like 12 time zones away. We have reached the point with Josh Bell where it's untenable and you either trade him or you simply release him because he's proven over a couple of months now, you know, full April, full May.

[Jeff Passan]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's. It's gone.

[Jeff Passan]

It's a large enough.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Am I right, Michael? It's time to go.

[Michael Wilbon]

Correct.

[Tony Kornheiser]

They did this with Joey Manasseh. So around this period of time, it seemed to me.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah. And you know, you think about with the Cruz injury, you have young players that you'd like to see in some of those at bat.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. So I'm walking the dog this morning. For those of you who don't live in Washington or anywhere on the east coast, or anywhere on the east coast, it's raining here. It's rained all night. It's gonna rain pretty much all day. And you know, that's the way it goes. And I'm out with the dog at six in the morning and I've got an umbrella, which is helping a little bit. And the dog, Jesse is an outdoor dog, so she's not thick fur. Yeah. She's not burdened by. By rain. She doesn't turn around and say we have to stop. There are a lot of dogs that just go, no, I'm not going out. I don't like the rain. Jesse is not that dog. So. So we walked for a little while.

[Michael Wilbon]

This is the type of weather that separates true dog lovers from those who just walk.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, this is my job. I mean, she's my Dog, this is my job. Anyway, there is. I'm going to talk about a particular car on a particular street without divulging the name of the street. This is a Lexus and the politically correct Lexus, it's already got an anti elon sticker on the back, you know, along with a Holden arm sticker.

[Jeff Passan]

You mean a Tesla.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Tesla.

[Jeff Passan]

What did I say Lexus?

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, no, no, I'm sorry. Tesla.

[Michael Wilbon]

That's the, yeah, that's the new accessory for the Tesla.

[Jeff Passan]

Yeah. Like I bought this before I realized, Right.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Although some of the rest of us realized that a long time ago.

[Michael Wilbon]

But it used to be a custom license plate about gas or something.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So this guy parks his car so that it overhangs the end of his driveway towards the street. You cannot continue on the sidewalk, which I believe is a public thoroughfare. The sidewalk. You cannot continue on the sidewalk because this guy parks his Tesla so it covers the sidewalk, covers the end of the driveway and forces you to go into the street. While he may or may not be charging his car, I find this incredibly obnoxious. And I'm not attaching it just to a Tesla, right. Because I think if he had any sort of plug in car. Yes, I think he would, he would do this. It forces me and the dog and everyone else on the street to walk in the street. Is there, do I have recourse here?

[Michael Wilbon]

100%. My, my worldview changed on this when I was pushing a stroller. And you see the world differently when you have the stroller with you. The same way if you were using a wheelchair, if you, you know, had other limitations to your mobility on the road. But this is if I, if I want to give the benefit of the doubt to this driver. There's a lot of instances where people don't have driveways at all. So they're forced to charge their EV when they're on the street.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's got.

[Michael Wilbon]

And then you randomly have a cord that is like, you know, just a plug in cord that's either crossing the sidewalk or it's draped up through a tree that no one knows what to do with. So I assume they're trying to get as close to the house as possible. But there has to be a better solution because you cannot pull the side.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He's got sidewalk. I'm telling you, that driveway is big enough and the cord comes out from the house and can be for convenience or obnoxiousness. I don't know. It is awful to me. I have not, I don't know what to Say, I don't know what to do.

[Michael Wilbon]

So as a member of a community, do you first knock on the door and just bring this to attention in a polite way, or do you go straight to your, you know, ward rep your.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I mean, I don't. I've never seen this before. And this guy does it every day.

[Jeff Passan]

It's obnoxious.

[Michael Wilbon]

You're not on any neighborhood listservs.

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, I don't. I don't want to get involved in that stuff where they tell me, hot new restaurant within 3.5 miles and, you know, and application to tear down a house next door to you. No, I don't want to get involved.

[Michael Wilbon]

Normally, this would be a strongly worded letter that you send to the listserv and it's. And then you just sign off with Cheers, Tony. And then you put your. Your street name on. People actually put their street names on.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So I just. I think this is wrong. I can't imagine there's any legitimate reason for doing this other than this guy's ego. I don't know. Really. It's bothersome to me. I'm forced to walk in the street. Come on. I mean, the sidewalk is a side. We can't. Right.

[Michael Wilbon]

And it is tough because in certain areas of D.C. the sidewalks change dramatically. Where you go for a sidewalk for half the street and then no sidewalk, and then it picks it up again a block or two later.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. All right. What else do I have? Edmonton won last night. Edmonton won. Did they win 3 to 1 last night? Empty net, goal late in the third? Something like that. So we have this interesting circumstance.

[Jeff Passan]

4 to 1.

[Tony Kornheiser]

4 to 1. Okay. We have this interesting circumstance where the remaining four playoff series in basketball and hockey are all at 3. 1 right now.

[Jeff Passan]

Yes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Does this make me happy or sad? This makes me happy. Why? Because Wilbon always says, oh, it's too close to call this going seven. Oh, no, no, I can't. I can't even make a pick. I just want to sit back and enjoy it. No, I just. I. These are irresistible. They're all going. So they're not all going seven. They're not. Most of them are going five.

[Michael Wilbon]

I don't just watch the highlights. I watch the game.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Right. Most of them are going 5. So this sabotages everything that Wilburn believes in. Because I sit on the set and I say, well, who do you got? And go. I can't pick. It's too close.

[Michael Wilbon]

But if it flips, imagine the game. Seven.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. I can't pick. You know, so. Okay, if we have we all love game sevens, of course, but not. It's what I said to him the other day. Not all playoff series go seven and not all playoff series are too close to call. These don't look. At least three of them don't look too close to call. Maybe, maybe they'll go seven. In hockey this last year in the Stanley cup final, Florida was ahead of Edmonton 3 nothing. Edmonton fought back to a game 7. When they lost game 7, you still walk away with pride because you almost.

[Jeff Passan]

Yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

There are four teams ever in hockey who have come back from 03 and won the series. There's nobody in the NBA who's come back from 03 and won the series, I guess because Doc Rivers never coached and was up 3,0, or it would have happened to him because all the others happened to him. And the Boston Red Sox, famously over the New York Yankees, the only one, the only time in baseball. So it is exceedingly rare, though more common in hockey than any other sport.

[Jeff Passan]

Yes, absolutely.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But you know, they don't all go. If they go seven, God bless. But they don't all go seven. It doesn't. To me, it doesn't look like Oklahoma City and Minnesota is going seven. No, it doesn't.

[Jeff Passan]

Although that one win by, by Minnesota when they won by 100 points. Right. You're like, well, if you could, you know, get back to that, then you go make this series. But Oklahoma is just really good.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We'll see. As a matter of fact, we will. We'll talk about the NBA playoffs when we return because we have Brian Windhorst. I am Tony Kornheiser. You're listening to the Tony Kornheiser Show. Now let's talk about that car you own but don't use, the one you're paying to keep registered and insured. That's taking up space out front and it's just sitting there doing no one any good. Let me tell you what you should do about that car. You should give Cars for Kids a call and have them take care of it for you. That's right. Just give them the info. They will come to you as soon as the next day. Take that car off your hands at no cost to you. Even better, they will turn that car into funds to help kids. So visit cars4kids.org Tony, that's cars with a kid. And the number four to donate or call cars for kids directly at 1-877-cars- for kids.

[Jeff Passan]

You don't want to sing it?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm not singing it.

[Michael Wilbon]

Donate your car today.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Now. I will never get that out of my head for the rest of the day and they will get that car picked up in a jiffy.

[Michael Wilbon]

Join the band.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Plus you can get a tax deduction, vacation voucher and life will be just great. They've been around for 30 years and have done this over a million times. Call now or head over to carsforkids.org/tony right now and get this done. That's carsforkids.org Tony remember, that's cars with.

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The Tony Kornheiser Show.

[Tony Kornheiser]

This is Capital Zen. We played them the other week. Played a couple of songs, got one more song from them. I'm partial to them because they're from Glens Falls, New York, where my college roommate David Carpenter is from and lives. Now, if he remembers that he actually lives there. Because David is not motivated by quickness. No, this is a procrastination.

[Jeff Passan]

Maybe he's got some other albums of yours.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, maybe we wanted to pass along some new songs for our upcoming album, the Phoenix. This will be available for downloading on all streaming platforms May 23rd. So it's out. It's out. We've attached the second single. Is this Touch youh Body?

[Jeff Passan]

No, this is Crunchy Dirt.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Crunchy Dirt? Yes, because it is about being envious of creatures that are unburdened by memory. Specifically a worm and a caterpillar because they never look back to take stock at what might have been. Unfortunately, I was unable to get Mr. Tony into one of the verses, but maybe we can work it into a live performance. Capital Zen playing in Brian Windhorst the News of the day and Brian will be on. Brian will be going through what is called affectionately or not really affectionately at ESPN the car wash today. Brian, how many shows will you be on today?

[Brian Windhorst]

Get up first. Take SportsCenter, NBA Today PTI. Yeah, it's the best center again.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Brian Windhorst]

So is ESPN Australia.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes. Yeah. To talk about Josh Giddey and how he's actually not in the playoffs right now. This is the car wash. This is why Barkley said I'm never working for espn. This is as simple as that. Because this is all the things you have to do when, when they want you to be on get up, which is a live show at 8 in the morning Eastern, and you're not in the Eastern time zone. When do you get up to do that? And how much prep do you do and how much conversation with a coordinating producer do you have before you go on?

[Brian Windhorst]

Well, I do the show a lot, so I have a good rhythm with them. And you know, I have a podcast that I in the playoffs tape after the games. Not every night, but last night I did.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Brian Windhorst]

So normally on a normal day I would get up at 4:45 Central to be on the production call at 5:00, but because I did the podcast last night until after midnight Central, I skipped. I slept in an hour today. I sent a bunch of notes last night. And doing that podcast sort of is like a good prep for me. It's like sort of a pre show. And so my, my, my thoughts are a little bit more, more complete. And look, when it's the playoffs, you're talking about one game or two games, it's not as difficult to prep. You're not, you're not discussing, you're not filtering from seven topics down to three like you would do in the middle of the season.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So when I started doing radio, which I think was in 1992, people said, well, how can you do that and write a column for the Post at the same time? And I said, that's prep work. The radio allows me to focus on whatever is the news of the day. And I'm very much better at writing the column for doing the radio. That's what you're saying about the podcast, right? It's prep work.

[Brian Windhorst]

And in all honesty, Tony, this is prep work. Like, you know, I'm going to be get up in a little bit. Whatever we talk about, whether I use it or not, will help me my thoughts. It'll. By the time I get to PTI today, oh my God, I'm going to be streamlined. You're going to get my best.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's good. That's good to know. All right, Knicks, Pacers last night. Pacers win. Your immediate thoughts? And then I'm going to ask you very specifically about Halliburton.

[Brian Windhorst]

Yeah, well, Halliburton is immediate thought.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. Okay.

[Brian Windhorst]

It's, it's, it's as strong of a game. I mean, look like there's obviously you have some Jordan and LeBron, you know, Kobe games that exist, but it's as strong and clean of as a game is that you will almost ever see. In the playoffs, he, he had 30 something points, I don't even remember how many. He generated 36 points off of his passes because he had 15 assists and he had no turnovers. And in the, in the Pacers, they thrive on speed. And so every time they turn you over more than they turn themselves over, it's an advantage to them. And so when they have a turnover, when the Pacers have a turnover advantage, it's like it's death to the opponent. And when your lead ball handler generates 68, I think points or something like that and gives away no points, no turnover, zero times. Yeah, he also had I think 12 rebounds. So that's even more deadly because he's such a great pusher of the basketball. When he gets the rebound, you skip a step. And the Pacers can even be more effective in transition. So what you're talking about is just a tour de force performance and he is the absolute fuel that drives that high octane offense. And so when he plays great like that, they are a whale to beat. And that's how you put up 130 points in a 48 minute game.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So I'm watching the first quarter. They're Both in the 40s and Halliburton and Brunson haven't missed a shot. I mean, it's really, you go, wow, this is something. But it leads me to this. First of all, you know, it allows me to say to Wilbon, shut up about Anthony Edwards. Stop, stop with this guy who turns the ball over, gets no rebounds and says, you know, he's not bothered at all by what happened. That's a side point for Wilbon. But there's a story in the Athletic about a month ago, I don't know how many people participated in it. I don't, I don't know the truth of it, but it was widely reported that Tyrese Halliburton was considered the most overrated player in the NBA. If you've watched the playoffs, not just this round, the Previous rounds. The guy's great, you know, why did he earn that among so many players? Is he a disliked player?

[Brian Windhorst]

I think so. I don't know if it's disliked. I think there's jealousy because I think he is, he was regarded kind of as a star player and didn't have sort of the stats and the acol and the, the, the accolades like he, he wasn't, you know, I don't know. I don't want, I, I don't want to, I'm not gonna spend any time like putting him down at all because he, I think he's awesome. But I do think that there are people in the NBA seem to question why he was on the Olympic team. Yeah, I think that's, you know. Yeah, here's the other thing. And the Athletic did a lot of legwork on that survey. So I am not here to throw anything on it. You know, we did not do that survey. They did the survey. Yeah, it generated a lot of reaction. But I think when you hear he's voted most overrated player, it leaves the impression that, you know, three out of every four guys on the opposition think that he's overrated. You know, they, they talked to 165 players and it wasn't like he got 165 votes. You know, I don't remember who, but you know, some guys got 17 vot.

[Commercial Speaker]

Right.

[Tony Kornheiser]

He probably got 25 or 30. That's all.

[Brian Windhorst]

I don't think it was that. I don't think it was that many.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay.

[Brian Windhorst]

But beyond that, the prevailing thing is that maybe he was, you know, his status wasn't as earned, which is, was ridiculous then and is now laughable.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Oh, it's totally laughable now. I mean the guy's had one of the great playoff runs. He's beaten every team at the buzzer that they've played at least one. I mean, he's all right. He's really good.

[Brian Windhorst]

Beyond, beyond his nightly greatness, his clutch, the way he makes clutch shots, you know, put it together.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Which gives leaves me to Anthony Edwards. I think Wilbon, I think he's too self involved as a player and I think Wilbon overrates him and has compared him to Jordan. I mean, what am I missing on Anthony Edwards who doesn't seem to be anywhere near as good as Wilbon thinks?

[Brian Windhorst]

Well, Edwards is spectacular, but some of what's going on with Ann is people are projecting him out or he's not there yet. I, you know, the thing I love about Anthony Edwards is he is a two way player. Places his butt off at both ends, which is not common in today's game. And I think he's a good leader. That said, he is a flawed player, and he's still very much learning how to deliver in, you know, big moments. And, you know, but it's Jordan or anybody else go, you know, LeBron at age 23, was not a perfect player. He took a long time to get calibrated. Not that I'm saying he's LeBron, just to be clear, but, you know, the defense that the Thunder threw at him in game four the other night was hellacious. And he made the correct plays, but he didn't make the plays that helped his team win. And the standard, if you're held to the highest level, is that you make the plays to make your team win.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You have to be more impactful. You have to be more impactful. You have to have 10 to 15 assists, not six. Yeah, you know, okay, I pick apart his game.

[Brian Windhorst]

Yeah. I don't like. I'm not going to sit here and beat him up.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Right.

[Brian Windhorst]

I think he played. I don't think he was the reason they lost, but he did not rise his team above. And really, the definition of superstar, you could have 100 different ones, but the definition of superstar for me has always been when you can lift your team up to something greater than they could normally achieve without you. And I know that's sort of broad, but, you know, basically, if you are a team that's lesser than. And you.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You.

[Brian Windhorst]

You win a series that, you know, maybe you weren't supposed to. I think the Pacers have done that. They've done it repeatedly over the last two years. And, you know, Ant has some of that on his resume. You know, they, you know, they beat the Nuggets last year. He was a big part of that, but he hasn't done it at the level yet that, you know, a guy, you know, like the people he's chasing half.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So we have two series that are 3 to 1. If you ask me, which team has the better chance of winning, who's a one right now? I would say New York, because they have more home games to look forward to than Minnesota does. But what is the final you think the NBA wants?

[Brian Windhorst]

Well, there's a technical answer and sort of a poetic. I don't know, there's a technical answer and there's a popular answer. I mean, like the NBA, as David Stern once said, would have Lakers versus Lakers. And, you know, and obviously, you know, as I work at a media company like you, you Know that ratings are more powerful in the bigger markets. There's just nothing. You know, I'm from Cleveland, I live in Omaha. I'm not, you know, sitting here trying to tell you that it's got to be, you know, New York versus the Warriors. So they obviously would prefer the bigger markets, but the technical answer is they want the series that goes the longest. Because at the end of the day, regardless of what anybody says, I promise you, after doing it for almost 25 years, the NBA is a volume business. So while you may hear in the coming days about how much of a disaster it is for, you know, Indiana market, you know, Indianapolis market versus Oklahoma City market, I want you to remember this. And you know this, Tony. Each Finals game that takes place is worth maybe $100 million. If it's not 100 million, it's something close to that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And the ratings build. You go to seven, you get numbers. Six and seven get numbers.

[Brian Windhorst]

If you asked the NBA, you know, under you, I don't even think you have to be on a truth. You asked the NBA and they were answering truthfully, and they said, would they rather have New York vs LA, or would they rather have a series that goes seven games? The answer is they'd rather have a series that goes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I agree. I completely agree with them.

[Brian Windhorst]

And so if. If the Pacers are the team that will provide the Thunder the better matchup, and the Thunder would be favored against either team. I'm not, you know, assuming anything, then that's what the NBA wants. That won't be the prevailing theory. I know, because everybody will look at the ratings, you know, night overnight and compare it to other. I promise you, the volume is what matters. As if that really matters to the average fan.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Anyway, I am curious about this. You're in Oklahoma City. I've never been to Oklahoma City, and as you said before we went on the air, it's unlikely I will get there. Is that the smallest. Yeah. Is that the smallest market in the league? I wrote down San Antonio, Sacramento, Charlotte, Salt Lake City. And I wondered, is Oklahoma City the smallest?

[Brian Windhorst]

I'm not sure if it's. I know New Orleans is pretty small. It's pretty small, but I don't exactly know where it is, but it's certainly in the bott.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. I mean, I gotta tell you, the.

[Brian Windhorst]

Fan base here and the connection with the fan base here is something to.

[Commercial Speaker]

See.

[Tony Kornheiser]

And has been for 15 years, right?

[Brian Windhorst]

Yes. I mean, you drive through the neighborhoods and the Thunder signage in these houses is amazing. You pass these apartment buildings where you Know, half of the balconies have a thunder flag draped over them. All of these businesses are flying the American flag and then the thunder flag right underneath it. My Uber driver, when I arrived at the airport yesterday, he opened his, his trunk up and there was a thunder flag attached to it. So that when you walked up to put your suitcase in the trunk, a thunder flag hung from the back window. So it like draped down like I'd never seen that before. So yeah, there's not as many of them as there are in Los Angeles. You know, you know, you're not going to be over in London or over, you know, in, in Tokyo and have people wearing thunder gear like you see Lakers gear or Celtics gear. But that doesn't mean that this is not an incredible thing that's happening for this market.

[Tony Kornheiser]

The concentration there is amazing. I did hear yesterday, and I won't say the source of this, there's no Uber black in Oklahoma City. It's just plain old Uber. Is that true?

[Brian Windhorst]

It sounds like something Wilbon would tell you. I will say, you know, like, I'm not a snob. The quality of cars that you get when you summon an Uber is a cut below which you see in other cities.

[Tony Kornheiser]

But, you know, is it like a Prius or something? You know, is it like a one door in la?

[Brian Windhorst]

You're getting a Prius in every Uber you call for, unless you call for specifically something larger. But yes, you know, there's truth to that, I think. But the people who are driving around are very friendly.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's nice to know. I hope you have a good time and I hope you like it because I do think as you think that they're going to be the host team, right? I mean, we think they're in the finals.

[Brian Windhorst]

It might be the host team for years to come.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Tony, they are that good, right? Yeah, they are that good. Very good. Enjoy the entire day. Don't get too wet in the car wash and we'll talk to you at pti. Thank you, Brian.

[Brian Windhorst]

Take care. Bye bye.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Brian Windhorst. Who we love. We love Brian. We'll take a break. We'll come back with Jeff Passon. I'm Tony Kornheiser. I found a kid who swings a.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

I'd like to try to qualify him for the U.

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Stick. You know Arnold Palmer iced tea.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

I'm missing a nap for this. Streaming June 4th on Apple TV.

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[Michael Wilbon]

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One of your assistant's assistants switch you.

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[Tony Kornheiser]

Month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first three months only then full price plan options available. Taxes mintmobile.com.

[Commercial Speaker]

This is the Tony Kornheiser Show.

This is the 150th year of the National League, 125th year of the American League. Four balls, three strikes, four bases, nine innings. And Mr. Tony was there from the beginning. Mr. Tony Tollcat Benson here in New York. It's raining. You oughta go to Florida, try something called spring training. It caught on and Mr. Tony told his dad that the spring training thing, I believe I had that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I had that.

[Commercial Speaker]

Mr. Tony played poker with the Orioles. He was the dealer. Traded batting tips with Wee Willy Keeler. Even then he was a writer. Kept a pencil in his fob for interviews with Honus Wagner and ty Cobb. When Mr. Tony saw young Ruth, he said, this picture is a gem. My advice to you, George Herman, leave the hitting to them. Rogers Hornsby was the best. All that lumber he would wielder. Tony loved young Derocher, the brash hanky infielder. The seasons fly by for Mr. Tony. They're a blur. DiMaggio Williams, Mickey Cochran, Bobby Doer, Mattalduke Snyder, son, kid named Willie Mays. Mr. Tony wasn't good with names called. Everyone say hey. And now there's a pitch clock and robot umpires. But as Tony said to Connie Mac, I'll never retire. 150 years, four bases, nine innings. And Mr. Tony was there from the beginning.

[Tony Kornheiser]

The brilliant Dan Byrne, who really likes this song, as do we. Yes, he's brilliant. That's the history of baseball, kids.

[Jeff Passan]

Really is.

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's pretty much it. It plays in Jeff Passon, who I watched the other night on the Sunday night Baseball Countdown. And I have. I mean, look I want to talk. I don't know if you've written about this. I don't know, but I watched and I said this the other day on, on the show. Watching Shohei Ohtani throw pitches to the Dodgers, just sort of practice, just seeing how excited he was, how excited they were, was the greatest thing I saw all weekend. And it was a weekend of nothing but sports. Jeff, will he pitch this year, do you think?

[Commercial Speaker]

Yeah, I hope so. Just. Just because when Ohtani doesn't pitch, he is still brilliant, he is still incredible. He still does things that not even Iron Judge can do. It's. It's just amazing the talent that the guy has, but it's still a little bit different. It's still just not the full Ohtani experience. And I think getting to really enjoy him doing both is the epitome of the full Ohtani experience, because he's doing things that guys haven't done in 100 years. And as much as I love just Ohtani, straight up, the hitter, you know, the guy who went 50, 50 last year, the guy who seemingly hits a home run every day now.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Commercial Speaker]

Getting everything that Ohtani can do is such an inimitable experience that I hope everybody can have it, not just this year, but beyond.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So this is my constant battle with Wilbon. Wilbon Poo poos. Everything Ohtani does, he says, you know, he doesn't play the field. His judge is out there and he's playing a field and he's right. And he says he's just throwing batting practice to the Dodgers. It doesn't mean anything. I mean, he diminishes it. Where I felt that it was the most exciting thing that I saw all weekend. And I felt that if he comes back to pitch and pitches to the level he pitched with the Angels, that he's the greatest baseball player of all time. Do you agree with that or no?

[Commercial Speaker]

Yeah, I. I don't even think he needs to do that. I think, let's put it this way, I'm not going to say Ohtani is the great greatest of all time. I will say, and I believe this, that he is the most talented of all time. I feel like greatness encompasses so many different things, including performance over a long period of time. I think that is an element of greatness and one that Ohtani doesn't have yet, just as a function of how old he is, how long he's been around. I do believe he can end up as the greatest, but the most talented. He's there already. Like that, to me, is a Done deal. He has performed at such a different level than anyone in the history of the game. And that's including back when two way players were. They were just part of the fabric of the sport. The fact that he is doing things that nobody else does, can do, has done it illustrates talent level. There is just different. And like, this is a sincere question, Tony, I'm not trying to be flip when I ask it. Does Wilbourne just say that because one of you has to say one thing and another has to say something different?

[Tony Kornheiser]

No, I think that. No, I honestly.

[Commercial Speaker]

You really think he is not that impressed? I don't get how anybody cannot be blown away by what Ohtani does.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, I. I think he's. Look, I think he understands the talent Ohtani has, and I think he understands the greatness that Ohtani has. But I think he is sincere when he says, look, he's a not. He's a dh. He's not playing the field. So he's not as valuable as Aaron Judge or Mookie Betts or somebody like that. I believe he's sincere when he says that. I don't think he roots against him in any way. I think he wants to see him pitch, but until he's pitching, he doesn't want to hear about pitching, batting practice. I find, and I don't know how this works. I understand that Ohtani has an interpreter with him wherever he goes, but the communication that he seems to have so easily with his Dodger teammates, the way he lights up his eyes, you know, everything about him indicates to me he understands and speaks a lot more English than we are given to believe. He appears to be the most charismatic player in the game. And I'm wondering, you're around him every once in a while. Do you sense that as well?

[Commercial Speaker]

I think that's probably a little bit of stretch. Certainly more so than he's given credit for. And let's remember what the baseline we're measuring against is here. Baseball players aren't known to be the most charismatic guys in the room. And so Tani, just by default, you know, the faces that he makes, the joie de vivre that he has. Yes, it's the sort of thing that we tend not to see from baseball players. I mean, especially like really successful baseball players tend to be pretty straight and narrow like that. That. That is generally how baseball players are taught. Like American baseball players especially. They're, you know, examples to the contrary. And they're guys like, don't think anybody would look at Ronald Acuna Jr. Or Fernando Tatis Jr. And say, well, that guy's a wallflower.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Right.

[Commercial Speaker]

But. But with Aaron Judge and with Mookie Betts, there are a lot of examples of guys who are just by the book, like how you expect to be treated by a baseball player is how you are going to be treated by them. And so that element of Ohtani where, you know, there's just a little like a dash more of excitement, feels almost multiplicative just because we're not used to seeing it from guys.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I, Yeah, I just think these small gestures. I think that thing he's in, the commercial, the New Balance commercial, where he's got the ball in his hand and the bat in his hand, just, just his visage alone, he's. He's different than the others to me. To me, he's different than the others. Judge. I take nothing away from Judge. Batten.398. Judge's Ops is 1.248. That's like Barry Bonds numbers. Judge is great. Buster Olney has metrics that say he's the greatest right handed hitter ever. Are you in that camp?

[Commercial Speaker]

I'm not there quite yet. But I will say this. Aaron Judd is in the midst of a run that I don't know people are going to fully appreciate for a number of reasons. Number one, there is inherent skepticism that what a Yankee does is going to be overrated by dint of him being a Yankee.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, it's like the Cowboys. It's like Dak Prescott. Yep.

[Commercial Speaker]

Yeah. Yeah. Except Aaron Judge is really that good with the Cowboys. It's like they are regarded in the way that they are because of the history and because of the star. And there's a different expectation for those players. With Judge, he is regarded how he is because of the pinstripes and because of the historic payrolls, but he's actually that guy. He is every bit as good and better than everyone else, including, by the way, Shohei Ohtani at the plate. Like Ohtani's Ohtani ness necessitates him pitching like that level where he is just so much better than everybody else. Judge. Judge is that guy with the bat in every way. And to have somebody who, you know, didn't debut until he was in his mid-20s and just utterly take over the sport in the fashion that Aaron Judge has, it's a remarkable story and everything he does on the field, seemingly a remarkable performance.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, he's. He's very easy to watch. Ohtani is very easy to watch. Acuna, who just debuted the other day, banged one out, first pitch that he saw. Is he? I don't know that this happens in baseball because baseball is not hockey or basketball where one guy can have undue influence. Can Acuna make the Braves good again?

[Commercial Speaker]

I think he can. And let's not forget, after starting 07, the Braves have essentially been playing baseball seven, eight games over five years. And they added Spencer Strider back as well. And they've gotten relatively healthy. So adding a player of Acuna's ilk, you know, they have the opportunity to make up for this disaster of a start that they had and become the first team in baseball history to start the Euro and 7 and make the postseason. That's how good Acuna can be. Let's not forget two years ago, Tony, 40 plus home runs, 70 plus stolen bases. Never seen a season like that before. It was like Eric Davis at his best from the 80s. Got reincarnated in Ronald Acuna Jr. And we're not going to see the same guy. He's now torn both of his ACLs.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Two ACL tears. It's just. Yeah, it's just.

[Commercial Speaker]

Well, you know, is it. Is it like Mickey Mantle after stepping in the drain, you know, never the same, but still unlike anything else we're seeing right now. It's the best case scenario. But Ronald Acuna being dynamic, we still see the dynamism there. We still see the separator that he has talent wise over just about everyone else he's playing.

[Tony Kornheiser]

All right, I'll get you out of here on this. Tell me the Cubs aren't this good. I mean, Wilbon is now going crazy on a daily basis about how good the Cubs are. How many hitters. Who's this guy, Crow? Armstrong. Yeah.

[Jeff Passan]

Said he was Ty Cobb.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, he's Ty Cobb. Are they real good or is there some flaws there?

[Commercial Speaker]

I think both. I do think they're very good. And I do think that at this point, Memorial Day tends to be like the line of demarcation for me, Tony, where I look at what's happened and say, this is a small sample, this isn't early. There might be something real to this. And when you have Pete Crow, Armstrong doing what he's doing, say a Suzuki doing what he's doing, you know, all the way around the lineup, whether it's Dansby, Swanson, Nico Horner, Michael Busch, you know, on and on, you can go like all these guys can hit and all these guys can produce. And yet for all of the offensive Thunderpower Tony that they have, who the hell is going to pitch for them in big games come October? Like, do they. Do they really think that they are going to be able to rely on this pitching? It's why the trade deadline is going to be maybe more important for the Cubs than anybody out there. And why I hope for Chicago's sake that Jed Hoyer, their president of baseball operations, is given some budget leeway to go out and get the best starting pitcher he possibly can. Because come playoff time in the same league as Dodgers and as the Phillies and whoever else is going to make the playoffs, maybe it's the Braves, maybe it's the Padres, maybe it's Diamondbacks, maybe it's the Cardinals. Whoever it is, though, they look like they're going to go in with more pitching than the Cubs. And unless the Cubs fix that element of their roster, this is one of those where hitting your way to a World Series against the sort of pitching that they're going to be facing is a really difficult proposition.

[Tony Kornheiser]

It's good. I'm armed with this. I'm going to use this all today. Thank you, Jeff. Thank you. Thank you, Tony.

[Commercial Speaker]

It is a distinct pleasure giving you material to make Michael feel bad about himself.

[Tony Kornheiser]

So I live for it. Jeff Passon. Boys and girls, we'll take a break. We'll come back with email and jingle. I am Tony Kornheiser, pro baller. Lonzo ball for buzzballs ready to go. Cocktails take 12.

[Michael Wilbon]

Buzzballs just dropped their biggest blue balls.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Script says biggies. Blue balls. Lonzo. Take 13. Blue balls just dropped their biggest buzz balls. Ugh. Let's try a vocal exercise. Buzz balls. Biggies. Blue balls. Buzz balls. Biggies. Blue balls.

[Commercial Speaker]

Big balls just dropped.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Get blue balls this season with buzz balls, please. You're responsibly bu.

[Michael Wilbon]

Spirit wine and malt.

[Tony Kornheiser]

15% alcohol by volume.

[Michael Wilbon]

Bus Balls, LLC, Carrollton, Texas.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You're listening to the Tony Kornheiser show.

[Commercial Speaker]

Here comes Tony's mailbag. Got your emails, faxes and your notes. Here comes Tony's mail bagel bag. We're going to read some for all you fools. The cheese are real.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Thank you to David Della Britto, who does that. You want to do the Bethesda bagel there?

[Jeff Passan]

Yes, Bethesda bagels. We love them. You will as well. 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]

We're sending Harrison back to his home with two bagels today.

[Jeff Passan]

It's two bagel day, right? Well done.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes. Because we want Chuck to have one.

[Jeff Passan]

We do. Yes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

How was The. The bagel sandwich from yesterday. Oh, it was really good. You don't share that with anyone in the house? No, no, don't ever. And you say to them, no, no, no, no, no. Don't even ask me. No, you get your own.

[Michael Wilbon]

You a hot sauce kind of guy or a ketchup?

[Tony Kornheiser]

I didn't put anything on it.

[Michael Wilbon]

Nothing.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay. That's the way it's supposed to be eaten. The way. The way it's made.

[Michael Wilbon]

It's the traditional way.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, that's what I would do. I don't. You like hot sauce?

[Michael Wilbon]

I add a little hot sauce.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah.

[Michael Wilbon]

I can sometimes do a ketchup sriracha mix, a little cholula. Come on.

[Tony Kornheiser]

A little ginger to like ketchup. I don't like ketchup.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah, it's great.

[Jeff Passan]

Do you like ketchup on french fries? Yes.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, I do. I don't.

[Michael Wilbon]

You never like ketchup? Not even as a kid?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Never.

[Michael Wilbon]

So this is not just the traditional. No ketchup on a hot dog. Mustard?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Well, my mother taught me not to use ketchup because she said it was. Would distort the efforts of people who are cooking out there. But my mother used ketchup on french fries. Everybody use. I don't. I prefer gravy on french fries if I have the opportunity.

[Jeff Passan]

Really?

[Tony Kornheiser]

Ground gravy? Yes. I like that. Those are called wet fries. I believe in certain places, but I don't know. I don't know. All right, so you did the Bethesda bagel. I did. So we can move on. Before we get to the mailbag, let me just say I read the news today. Oh, boy. 4,000 holes in. In Blackburn, Lancashire. And though the holes were rather small, they had to count them all. And now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall. I'd love to turn you on. That's from the greatest song the Beatles ever did. That's from A Day in the Life. Yes. Just lovely. Thanks to our guest today, Brian Windhorst. Jeff Passon, thanks as well to today's sponsors. Remember, you can listen to us on Apple podcasts, Spotify and Odyssey. Get the show through Apple. Please leave us a review from Rob Lierly in Hickory, North Carolina. Tony just finished listening to Michael Wilbond's praise of his Northwestern women's field hockey and lacrosse teams. He claimed that the Wildcats are the two time defending field hockey champs. They did win the 2024 championship. However, UNC won in 2023. Actually, since 2018, Carolina has won the championship five times. To Northwestern's too. By the way, those are the only two championships Northwestern has in women's field hockey while the Lady Tar heels are sporting 11. Which is why I knew that. I knew that they were really, really good.

[Jeff Passan]

Really good.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yes. And my friend Curry Kirkpatrick is totally bent out of shape when Wilbon attempts.

[Jeff Passan]

To create a new dynasty.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Say that. Yeah, that Northwestern is better than North Carolina. Our lawyer friend in Littleton, Colorado, Rod O' Neill Ayervase, Dr. Tony, in as much as I've never asked for a birthday acknowledgement, invited you to a wedding or bar a bat mitzvah and don't have enough friends to tell anyone to eat it. And since you have actually discussed lacrosse on PTI and yesterday's show, would you allow me a shout out to the men's and women's lacrosse teams of my alma mater, Tufts University? Sunday, the Jumbos. I love the Jumbos. They're the elephant. I love that. The Jumbos men's team capped an undefeated 23.0season with a second straight D3 championship in a 25.8victory over. Hello, Denison.

[Jeff Passan]

Yeah, we're challenging that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

You're going to challenge the 17 goal margin. Both the total goals and margin victory were championship game records. The Jumbos women's team also ranked first nationally, lost by one goal in the championship game to three time defending champion Middlebury College. And he went to Middlebury up in Vermont.

[Michael Wilbon]

Josh in Big Kids, right?

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's nescac.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yep.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Right. What is nescac? New England Small College Athletic Association.

[Michael Wilbon]

I believe you got that.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah. As much as we both celebrate the academic statue of our college's athletic achievements are just more fun. Tufts is lovely.

[Jeff Passan]

Yeah, Right there in Boston.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, Tufts is lovely. Okay. Brendan Steenbergen, Columbia, Missouri. Haven't heard from Brendan in a while.

[Jeff Passan]

Been a bit, yeah.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Hey there, T Dub. Wilbaugh may not refer to you that way, but I do. I don't know if your lavish Mr. Tony Country Club lifestyle keeps you from having expertise in this area, but if a lowly little from the Midwest, not Toronto, were to come to D.C. see in the next few weeks, would you have any muni golf courses you'd recommend? Maybe something where you get a tee time on short notice and might be able to rent clubs that date to sometime after the Napoleonic wars. Michael seems like he's a man of the people. Do you think he has any suggestions? Good luck getting your swing back. Don't listen to anyone. Your emotional outbursts about forgetting how to swing a club are Totally warranted and appreciated us by us fellow duffers. Do you have.

[Michael Wilbon]

Yeah, definitely. Go check out Falls Road. Always has really good greens. And it's a short, fun course, not too far. And make sure you check out Northwest Golf Course and say hi in the pro shop for me.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Okay. That's long course. Northwest.

[Jeff Passan]

Really?

[Tony Kornheiser]

That's a big one. Yeah.

[Michael Wilbon]

They have an inner nine for you.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, you know, used to play Northwest all the time. The coach. Oh, really? John Buchanan. Chuck and Roxy. Number 276, Annapolis, Maryland. Perhaps you're wondering why one of your regular emailers and Spud cast listeners from Annapolis was not in the Indy 500 on Sunday. Sadly, my recently diagnosed lactose intolerance prevents me from participating unless and until the Indiana Dairy Farmers association allows almond milk for the winners. Unsweetened, regular, of course. Dan Byrne. And the subject matter is Fordham University. And he simply writes Vin Scully.

[Jeff Passan]

Yeah, we got a couple emails about Scully.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, yeah, he's the original.

[Jeff Passan]

He's the original gold standard.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Carlo Carrados in Columbus, Ohio. Tuesday's show gave me pause and made me rethink some of my assumptions. One, when discussing an emailer's report about the cost of burgers at five guys in the uk, Nigel noted, I don't know the euro conversion rates. His homeland currency is the pound sterling. Maybe I have trust issues, but shouldn't a Brit know that fact? And two, instead of going to the show's official dairy farmer, Buster only, for information about the milk tradition at the Indy 500, you asked. Ryan McGee is becoming the official fill in the black for the Tony Kornheiser show even mean anything anymore? I guess I could have called Buster, but Ryan covers the race.

[Jeff Passan]

Yes, she does.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I really enjoyed Michael and I have talked about this. I really enjoyed having Ryan.

[Jeff Passan]

Yeah, it was fun. It was fun. He's good.

[Tony Kornheiser]

From Jenny K. Messner in Lititz, Pennsylvania. L I T I T Z As a regular listener for many years, I feel I know you well enough to legitimately worry about how you're going to handle the cicada's emergence later this summer. Once the ground temperature reaches 62 degrees, you can expect brood 14 after this 17 year slumber. I had no idea every year There's.

[Michael Wilbon]

A new 17 years.

[Jeff Passan]

I thought we were in a low period.

[Tony Kornheiser]

We're out of the lull already.

[Michael Wilbon]

I mean, I've already seen some of the shells.

[Jeff Passan]

They're so loud.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, and. And they. Yeah, the shells are all over your lawn. They crunch. It's like when you peel shrimp, right? They crunch. They are relentlessly noisy, lumbersome critters with wings and eerie red eyes. Dogs love to crunch on them. Yes. I don't. And they eat too many of them.

[Jeff Passan]

Did Jesse partake during the last.

[Tony Kornheiser]

I don't remember the. I don't remember that ever happening. Which leads me to believe that we are in a 17th year here. The 17th year locust there again.

[Michael Wilbon]

There's a cycle every year.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, okay. Oh, from Tim Creeds. This isn't for the air, but I'm reading it. But you could still plant zucchini seeds this summer. The rule for them in many plants is germinate in two weeks, mature in two months. So we should maybe do that.

[Jeff Passan]

We still got some time.

[Michael Wilbon]

It's a W for Harrison use.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Yeah, Harrison gets a big W on that. Yeah. Yeah. Okay.

[Jeff Passan]

It's not raining that hard. Harrison want to get out there.

[Tony Kornheiser]

David Bradley Sterling, Virginia Tony, please said tell Reginald I say hi. Dan Waltzman Damascus, Maryland Tony, my two year old child just stuck a half cube of butter down the toaster. What's the name of the toaster that changes diapers, Helps pick over and unders and lets you know if it's a shacket kind of a day Drive on your bike. T. Everyone as always do wear white.

[Commercial Speaker]

Today for the podcast we only recording about baseball.

He's wide in hell with strong uncertainty. He fears what lurks behind tomorrow's door. His crime tempted, boils in his own fate. His mind empty will one day set him free. Free, free, free is a word chopping on some crunchy dirt. Cause when you live like that you'll never look back, you'll never look back for sure. Free, free, free is a caterpillar crawling up a nippy call zone. Cuz when you live like that you never look back, you never look back.

[Tony Kornheiser]

To know.

[Commercial Speaker]

Dark storms and you'll find him in contempt, bright stars divine. He'll sign his new repent his crime tempted boils in his own fate. His mind empty will one day set him free. Free, free, free is a word chopping.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Off some crunchy dirt.

[Commercial Speaker]

Cuz when you live like that you never look back, you never look back for sure. Free, free, free is a caterpillar crawling up a Nicky call zone. Cuz when you live like that you never look back, you never look back.

[Tony Kornheiser]

To know it.

[Commercial Speaker]

He'S blind in hell with strong uncertainty. Your mind empty will one day set you free. Free, free, free is a the world chopping off some crunchy dirt. When you live like that, you never look back, you never look back. For sure Free, free free is a caterpillar crawling up a leafy crawl home Cuz when you live like that you never look back you never look back.

[Tony Kornheiser]

To know.

[Commercial Speaker]

Sa your own wrist so hard Got your stuffing like a power infiltrate yourself Manipulate your elbows make you shake so hard that your back has a spasm whooping at them D getting seized I'm a just with the sleaze Freaky dicky freaks Feel the pressure release who's fresher than the le Vibe? Just a check, please. This caterpillar can deliver make you shake so hard that your legs start to quiver Roll blacks coming out of Think about what might have been what might.

[Tony Kornheiser]

Have been.

[Commercial Speaker]

What might have been.

[Tony Kornheiser]

This.

[Commercial Speaker]

Is the 150th year of the National League. 125th year of the American League. Four balls, three strikes, four bases, nine innings. And Mr. Tony was there from the beginning. Mr. Tony Tolcat Banson here in New York. It's raining. You oughta go to Florida. Try something called spring training. It caught on and Mr. Tony told his dad that the spring training thing, I believe I had that. Mr. Tony played poker with the Orioles. He was the dealer. Traded batting tips with Wee Willie Keeler. Even then he was a writer. Kept a pencil in his fob for interviews with Honus Wagner and ty Cobb. When Mr. Tony saw young Ruth, he said, this picture is a gem. My advice to you, George Herman, leave the hitting to them. Rogers Hornsby was the best. Oh, that lumber he would wielder to Tony loved young Derocher, the brash hankian fielder. The seasons fly by for Mr. Tony they're a blur. DiMaggio Williams, Mickey Cochran, Bobby Doer, Mattalduke Snyder, Some kid named Willie Mays. Mr. Tony wasn't good with names called. Everyone say hey and now there's a pitch clock and robot umpires. But as Tony said to Connie Mack, I'll never retire. 150. 50 years. 4 bases, 9 innings. And Mr. Tony was there from the beginning.