The Tony Kornheiser Show: “Welcome to 2025 Tony” – July 30, 2025
Hosted by This Show Stinks Productions, LLC
1. Introduction and Upcoming Segments [00:00 - 01:07]
Tony Kornheiser kicks off the episode by outlining the day's topics:
- Baseball Trade Deadline: Insights from sportswriter Jeff Passan.
- Swimming Excellence: Discussion with Dave Shinen about Katie Ledecky’s stellar performance.
- Golf Banter: A light-hearted segment with Michael Wilbon and a silent guest, George.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Kornheiser: “On today's show, we'll talk with Jeff Passon about what moves we might see in baseball as the trade deadline approaches.” [00:00]
2. Golf Discussions with Michael Wilbon [03:00 - 12:00]
Tony engages Michael Wilbon in a conversation about their busy golf season at Rehoboth Club. They delve into the challenges of slow play and how the club manages high traffic:
- Golf Course Traffic: Post-COVID surge with 150-175 rounds on weekdays.
- Slow Play Solutions: Emphasizing member awareness and courteous reminders to maintain pace.
Notable Quotes:
- Tony Kornheiser: “The worst thing at a golf course is slow play.” [03:39]
- Michael Wilbon: “We're 150 to 175 on a weekday.” [03:27]
They also discuss teaching golf to young children, highlighting programs like “Eagle Tots” aimed at developing motor skills and fostering early interest in the sport.
Notable Quote:
- Michael Wilbon: “We have something what we call eagle tots and that's three to five-year-olds that come out for one hour on the back range.” [08:04]
3. Katie Ledecky and the World Swimming Championships with Dave Shinen [12:00 - 25:04]
Dave Shinen joins the show to provide an in-depth analysis of Katie Ledecky’s performance at the World Championships in Singapore:
- Ledecky's Dominance: Despite being 28, Ledecky continues to excel in the 1500m freestyle, breaking her own records and maintaining her status as the premier female distance swimmer.
- Rising Competition: Introduction of Summer McIntosh from Canada, who is challenging Ledecky’s records in the 400m and potentially the 800m freestyle.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Shinen: “Her times are right there with some of her best times of her youth.” [16:00]
- Tony Kornheiser: “She never loses [the 1500m].” [15:54]
They also discuss the financial aspects of professional swimming, particularly how athletes like Ledecky earn substantial incomes through sponsorships and endorsements, contrasting with the limited prize money typically associated with the sport.
Notable Quote:
- Dave Shinen: “She makes seven figures.” [22:23]
4. MLB and Gambling Concerns [25:04 - 40:00]
Jeff Passan returns to discuss significant issues facing Major League Baseball:
- Gambling Scandals: Examination of the cases involving pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, who were placed on non-disciplinary paid leave due to suspicious betting activities.
- Impact on Integrity: Concerns about the pervasive nature of legalized gambling and its potential to undermine the sport’s integrity, especially among younger audiences.
Notable Quotes:
- Jeff Passan: “It's terrifying the way that this has been as pervasive as it has become.” [32:47]
- Tony Kornheiser: “The Luis Ortiz thing is based on two pitches... there's the presumption... suspicious.” [35:04]
Passan emphasizes MLB’s partnership with betting integrity firms like iC360 to monitor and flag suspicious activities, highlighting the ongoing challenges the league faces in maintaining fair play.
Notable Quote:
- Jeff Passan: “MLB and the MLBPA agreed on non-disciplinary paid leave.” [32:47]
5. Legacy of Bud Selig [37:13 - 40:19]
The conversation shifts to Bud Selig’s legacy as MLB Commissioner on his 81st birthday:
- Era of Change: Selig’s tenure marked significant shifts, including the sabermetric revolution and the push for revenue-generation through stadiums and regional sports networks.
- Labor Relations: Improvement in labor relations and the establishment of a relatively peaceful period in MLB under his leadership.
Notable Quotes:
- Jeff Passan: “Bud Selig... shepherded baseball into the era that it's in now.” [37:23]
- Tony Kornheiser: “There was mostly labor peace under Bud Selig? Mostly.” [39:44]
Passan also acknowledges MLB’s evolving challenges under current Commissioner Rob Manfred, noting both advancements like the pitch clock and ongoing labor disputes.
Notable Quote:
- Jeff Passan: “Is Bud Selig's legacy for all the things he did... retirement of number 42, Jackie Robinson's jersey.” [40:00]
6. Listener Mailbag [41:30 - 42:10]
Tony and his co-host Sean engage in a humorous mailbag segment, addressing various listener emails ranging from debates on actors' hairstyles to congratulatory messages for local achievements. The segment adds a light-hearted conclusion to the episode, showcasing the show's interactive and personable nature.
Notable Quote:
- Tony Kornheiser: “If independent bands and independent artists want to send us their music to play on the podcast, how do they do it?” [26:27]
Conclusion
In this episode of "The Tony Kornheiser Show," listeners are treated to a blend of in-depth sports analysis, light-hearted banter, and engaging discussions on contemporary issues in baseball and swimming. Tony Kornheiser masterfully navigates diverse topics, providing insights from expert guests while maintaining an entertaining and relatable tone.
Notable Quotes Recap:
- “On today's show, we'll talk with Jeff Passon about what moves we might see in baseball as the trade deadline approaches.” – Tony Kornheiser [00:00]
- “The worst thing at a golf course is slow play.” – Tony Kornheiser [03:39]
- “We have something what we call eagle tots and that's three to five-year-olds that come out for one hour on the back range.” – Michael Wilbon [08:04]
- “She never loses [the 1500m].” – Tony Kornheiser [15:54]
- “She makes seven figures.” – Dave Shinen [22:23]
- “It's terrifying the way that this has been as pervasive as it has become.” – Jeff Passan [32:47]
- “Bud Selig... shepherded baseball into the era that it's in now.” – Jeff Passan [37:23]
For more detailed discussions and insights, listen to the full episode available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.