The Tony Kornheiser Show – Episode: “What are your expectations?”
Release Date: May 14, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of The Tony Kornheiser Show, host Tony Kornheiser delves into a variety of sports topics, offering his characteristic blend of humor and insightful commentary. The episode primarily focuses on the NBA playoffs, Washington D.C. sports woes, the Baseball Hall of Fame controversy surrounding Pete Rose, a preview of the PGA Championship with guest Doug Ferguson, and an analysis of the upcoming Preakness Stakes with Ron Flatter. Additionally, the show features musical interludes from listener Ava Anderson and engages with audience mailbag submissions.

NBA Playoffs and Predictions
Timestamp: 00:00 – 06:42

Tony kicks off the show by discussing the NBA playoffs, particularly focusing on his betting experiences with FanDuel. He humorously critiques his intern, Chris, highlighting the intern's lack of practical skills despite growing up in the digital age. The conversation quickly shifts to NHL performance, specifically criticizing the Washington Capitals' recent games.

Tony Kornheiser (00:54): "It wasn't crowded at all. There was a weird guy who had ordered before me, and he's one of these guys, he thinks he's the maitre d of the joint..."

Key Points:

• Tony expresses skepticism about the Washington Capitals' performance, citing a significant disparity in shots on goal compared to their opponents.
• He laments the Capitals' inability to capitalize on power-play opportunities, emphasizing the team’s inefficiency.
• The show touches on the Washington Wizards' drop to sixth place, attributing it to strategic tanking by the team's management.

Baseball Hall of Fame and Pete Rose
Timestamp: 09:23 – 13:42

A significant portion of the episode addresses the controversial reinstatement of Pete Rose into baseball's Hall of Fame. Tony shares his perspectives on the matter, expressing doubt over Rose’s eligibility due to his gambling on games, despite Rose's undeniable playing prowess.

Tony Kornheiser (12:03): "If you go in the normal way and the baseball writers vote on you, you know, Bonds and McGuire and Sosa and Clemens and A Rod, they're eligible now. They're not getting in."

Key Points:

• Rob Manfred's Decision: MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reinstates members of the Black Sox scandal and Pete Rose, citing Rose's deceased status as a factor.
• Tony's Stance: While acknowledging Rose’s contributions, Tony maintains that Rose’s gambling undermines his Hall of Fame credentials.
• Critique of the Process: Tony criticizes the Baseball Writers' Association of America for potentially overlooking Rose's misconduct despite his achievements.

PGA Championship Preview with Doug Ferguson
Timestamp: 16:42 – 32:20

Guest Doug Ferguson joins Tony to preview the PGA Championship held at Quail Hollow in North Carolina. The discussion centers on course conditions, player preparations, and predictions for potential winners.

Doug Ferguson (21:16): "Most of the guys in the field, outside of a lot of European Tour, South African tour guys know this course. I mean, it's been a staple on the tour since 2003."

Key Points:

• Course Conditions: Heavy rainfall has waterlogged the Quail Hollow course, potentially making it play longer and softer. This affects player strategies and course management.

• Player Insights: Doug highlights players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory Burns, noting their familiarity with the course and current form.

  Doug Ferguson (23:05): "Right on point would be Scotty with Rory not too far behind because he's still buzzing and floating over the Masters."

• Expectations: Predictions include Indiana Pacers advancing in the NBA playoffs and detailed analysis of key golfers' performances and strategies.

Preakness Stakes Analysis with Ron Flatter
Timestamp: 32:20 – 45:08

Ron Flatter joins the show to discuss the upcoming Preakness Stakes, focusing on the decline in Triple Crown contenders and the implications for the race's prestige.

Ron Flatter (35:40): "They're going to have the Alibi breakfast tomorrow, which is the annual kickoff to the Freakness Week. And it used to be that, you know, you always showed up if you were a trainer, if you were an owner, if you were anybody, you showed up for that."

Key Points:

• Triple Crown Trends: The number of Kentucky Derby winners participating in the Preakness has dwindled since 2018, weakening the Triple Crown's allure.

• Race Conditions: Anticipated heavy rainfall poses challenges, with slippery tracks and potential impacts on horse performance.

  Ron Flatter (42:51): "But as far as everybody else else is concerned, I really think they're racing for second and third and, and you just try to figure out based on how they look on the track and workouts..."

• Participant Analysis: Discussion includes specific horses like Journalism and Ghosger, evaluating their chances based on past performance and current form.

Musical Interlude: Ava Anderson
Timestamp: 16:52 – 18:46

Listener Ava Anderson shares her song "Wonder Woman," a heartfelt tribute she wrote for her mother. The segment highlights Tony’s appreciation for original music from his audience.

Ava Anderson: "None of my siblings were able to top this gift. I'm happy to share this with your listeners. It's lovely."

Audience Mailbag and Humor
Timestamp: 46:02 – End

Tony engages with listener submissions, featuring humorous and whimsical letters that blend personal anecdotes with playful storytelling. Highlights include exaggerated tales of Tony fainting from a fan's affection and mock advice on potato farming.

Letter from Glenn and Alan: "When Mercy approached, you snuggled up close, placed a hand gently on your chest and purred in your ear. You were brilliant, Tony. That's when you collapsed to the floor."

Key Points:

• Humorous Interactions: The mailbag segment serves as a light-hearted conclusion to the episode, reinforcing the show's personable and entertaining nature.
• Community Engagement: Tony encourages listeners to submit their original music and stories, fostering a sense of community among his audience.

Conclusion

Tony Kornheiser successfully navigates a wide array of topics in this episode, from the intricacies of sports management and player performances to the enduring controversies in baseball and the evolving traditions of horse racing. With insightful guest contributions and engaging interactions with his audience, the show remains a staple for sports enthusiasts seeking both information and entertainment.

Notable Quotes

• Tony Kornheiser (12:03): "If you go in the normal way and the baseball writers vote on you, you know, Bonds and McGuire and Sosa and Clemens and A Rod, they're eligible now. They're not getting in."

• Doug Ferguson (21:16): "Most of the guys in the field, outside of a lot of European Tour, South African tour guys know this course. I mean, it's been a staple on the tour since 2003."

• Ron Flatter (42:51): "But as far as everybody else else is concerned, I really think they're racing for second and third and, and you just try to figure out based on how they look on the track and workouts..."

Listen to the Show

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