The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Inside the Parker - Altuve's Yips; Boone's Bronx Survival; Billy Beane Bounces; Dodgers LCS Talk with Jerry Hairston, Sean Salisbury on Astros

Episode Date: October 15, 2020

This week on Inside the (Rob) Parker, Rob discusses Jose Altuve falling victim to the yips, Aaron Boone surviving for another year with the Yankees, and Billy Beane leaving his 'Moneyball' behind in Oakland to join Red Sox owner John Henry's Fenway Sports business venture.Guests: Former major leaguer and current Dodgers pregame host Jerry Hairston, Jr. looks at what the Dodgers need to do to escape an 0-2 LCS hole against Atlanta. Former NFL QB and current Houston talk radio host Sean Salisbury breaks down Altuve's yips, if the stress of the cheating scandal is partly to blame.Click here to subscribe and download all of the latest Inside the Parker podcasts and follow Rob on Twitter!! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Another podcast from some SNL, late-night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter.

Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year.

Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the Look Back at it podcast. For 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84 was big to me. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it.

With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year. It was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win.

I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media. Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifers Show. This is a place for raw, unfilled conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to the Clifford show on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. If you love to be remembered as the person who gives the best birthday gifts, I'm here to tell you that 1-800 Flowers.com is your ultimate birthday gifting destination. 1-800 Flowers has thoughtful and artfully created options that are guaranteed to deliver the best birthday surprise. Shop thousands of unique gifts at 1800flowers.com for exclusive offers and great values. To order today, visit 1,800flowers.com slash tune in. That's 1,800flowers.com slash tune in. From the Berkshires to the sound.

From wherever you live in MLB America, this is Inside the Parker. You give us 22 minutes and we'll give you the scoop on Major League Baseball. Now here's Baseball Hall of Fame voter number 86. Rob Parker. Welcome into the podcast. We have a great show for you today. We're going to talk with former Major League of Jerry Harrison, Jr. He's going to clue us in about the Dodgers and their playoff hunt.

Also from Houston, Sean Salisbury, one of the hottest sports talk show host in Houston. And he'll get us up to date on the Houston Astrosy. shows in their quest to get to the World Series. Let's go. To lead off, it's getting robbed. And keep him out. Rob's hot take on the three biggest stories in Major League Baseball. Number one.

The most shocking thing going on in the baseball playoffs is the play of Jose Al Tuvay, the former MVP. Man, is he struggling. I mean, he's hitting him. home runs because he hit another one in game three. But he also made another error and now has three errors in the ALCS. And that error was a big one. It sparked a five-run sixth inning and helped a raise to a victory and a commanding lead

in that series. But Al Tuvades really struggling. He has, I don't know what they call it the yips. The thing where you basically can't throw the ball. We've seen people do it. Steve Sacks or the Dodgers did it. Chuck Knoblock did it with the Yankees where you can't make that simple throw from second base no matter where you're going. This is unbelievable, to be honest, at how bad it is.

And to see a player of his caliber who struggled during the regular season, we know the whole cheating scandal, whether or not this has pressed him or put him in a different state of mind or whatever has happened. him, but he's struggling. And he had a chance in game three to kind of make up for it for some redemption in the ninth inning with two runners on. But he struck out on a check swing. And after the final out, he sat there alone at the end of the dugout on the bench with his chin resting on the railing, motionless, and as everyone else cleared the field.

so Jose Altouet is going through it, and it is not pretty to watch. Number two. The White Sox are looking for a new manager. In fact, there are a few teams looking for a new manager. Rick Rentaria and the White Sox parted ways after they got knocked out of the playoffs, so that job is open. The Red Sox have an opening, and so do the Detroit Tigers. But there will not be an opening in the Bronx.

because Yankee ownership has already said that Aaron Boom will return as Yankee Skipper. The Yankees made it to the second round of the playoffs. Of course, lost a game five to the Tampa Bay raise. People expected the Yankees to make it to the World Series with the team that they had. They got off to a great start. They swept the Indians. They won game won against the race, but then wind up losing the series. And so it's another year gone by.

the Yankees haven't won the World Series since 2009, but Aaron Boone will be back at the helm. Number three. Billy Bean, yes, the architect of Muddy Ball, is leaving the Oakland A's after 30 years. And at this time, did his vision or focus on baseball and analytics, did it work or did it fail?

Was it good or was it bad? I'm voting for bad. It wasn't good. The A's only won two playoff series during his 30 years with the team. That's it. So it worked during the regular season. They were able to win some games, but they never won Jack. Come on.

And even that movie, how in the world could you make a movie featuring Billy Bean and they didn't even win the World Series at the end of the movie. The movie was about them winning 20 games in a row. Come on, man. So Billy Bean is leaving baseball and going to European soccer. All I can say is don't let the door hit you on the way out, Billy Bean. I'm sorry. Number four.

How about this? Baseball injected into the Supreme Court confirmation hearings. That's right. Take a listen to Ben Sassy, the U.S. Senator from Nebraska, him roasting the Houston Astros. I'd like to talk about the Houston Astros who are miserable cheaters. Sorry, Cornyn and Cruz, but both of the Texas senators sit on this committee. But I think all baseball fans know that the Houston Astros cheat. They steal signs.

They bang on cans. They've done a whole bunch of miserable things historically, and they deserve to be punished probably more than they have been. Here comes the big interview. Listen and learn. Oh, it's so good. All right, now let's welcome to the podcast. Jerry Harrison, Jr., of course, played 16 years in the major leagues, won a World Series with the New York Yankees in 2009, and now as an analyst for Spectrum.

SportsNet, L.A. Jerry, welcome to the podcast. Anytime, Rob. How you doing? Man, doing good. You know, October baseball is upon us and baseball every night. Let's just jump into it with the Dodgers. How much did Clayton Kershaw being scratched hurt the Dodgers and, you know, not only in game two, but in this playoff run? Well, it certainly didn't help. You know, anytime you have your ace unable to go game two, especially where he's been throwing the ball. It certainly didn't help. But honestly, Rob, the biggest thing for us has been our offense.

Our offense is the first two games in the series. Yes, it woke up in the last inning, and we gave herself a chance to get back in the ball game, but we just couldn't push that final run to tie the game up in the ninth. Our offense has been nonexistent. So I've been really more concerned about our offense, and I'm hoping that ninth inning will carry over to game three. And hopefully on to the rest of this.

series. We know how great our offense has been throughout the season. And if we have those score runs, I care who we have on the mound. Whether it's Kirsch, Beuler, Eurius, who's going in game three, we should put ourselves in position to win every ballgame. Let me, you're right about that.

Obviously, on paper, the Dodgers have the best team in baseball. I thought the Dodgers and Yankees were going to meet in the World Series. The Yankees have already got knocked out. The Dodgers are in a hole. The Atlanta pitching has has like rewritten the playoff books, record books, as far as what they've been able to do.

Yes, the Dodgers woke up. But Atlanta, I think something like Jerry had 60 of the 64 innings in which it pitched, had scoreless innings. Like, oh, teams have only scored four times, four innings, in 64 innings. That's incredible in Major League Baseball, isn't it? It is incredible. But, you know, I think they're,

taking advantage of the high swing and miss rate that a lot of major league hitters are at now. It's a strikeout league. You either get a walk, strikeout, or a home run. And they've taken advantage of that. You know, from game one, Matt's afraid you tip your hat. He was dominant. Make no mistake about it. He made one mistake to keep Aaron and Annette and eat a home run with it. But other than that, you know, you can't really look at a situation when we should have got some runs here or there. In game two, you could. You know, the young man Ian Anderson, he surrendered five

walks, five. We had plenty opportunities to push two, three, maybe four ones across. He wasn't overpowering. He had a pretty good change-up. But I really thought he was more geared, or I should say,

a better matchup for Dodger hitters than it showed. You know, I really thought the Dodgers would take it to him last night, but it just didn't happen. But Max Frieden, game one. You tip your hat, you move on, But again, it didn't happen last time in game two. You got to move on and figure out a way to win game three.

Game three is a must win. Our guest is Jerry Harrison, Jr., of course, the former major leager and current Dodger analyst on Spectrum Sportsnet, L.A. The other part of this is, and, you know, when teams that have great offense is scuffle in the postseason, and there's a long history of that, because pitching is just stops good hitting. It's part of the game, Jerry. But are there enough grinders in the lineup? Is it too many just big swingers?

Sometimes you've got to grind out at bats in the postseason. What is the Dodgers issue? You know what the issue is? And you're right. I would say that 95% of the time you've got to grind out at bats, continue to work on the pitcher, get him tired. The Dodgers did that twice. It won in game two.

They ran the pitch count up. first couple things on all starters. But then you get too passive. You have to be aggressive in the strikes. You get a pitch to hit, you know, especially with runners on base in the postseason. If you don't swing at it, that may be the last pitch you're going to see in that at bat to do some damage with it. So you have to be very, you know, precise as far as when to pick your spots on when

I need to be aggressive, and then when I need to work the counter. I think the Dodgers hopefully found that out late in the game last night. and they will be more aggressive in the strike zone early in this ball game. Jerry, last thing, I mean, the series has a ways to go. It's not over by any stretch of the imagination. But can the Dodgers really afford not to make it to the World Series with this team? I mean, last year was a shocker, and Washington wound up winning the World Series

after they knocked off the Dodgers. But this would be, I think, with the addition of Muki Betts, what happened during the regular season where they totally dominated to not get to the World Series this would be a bummer and a big time fail Rob I'm going to speak for

on behalf of Justin Turner Clayton Kirshall, Kenley Jansen and really the rest of the guys I mean they say it all the time hey we know we have a smaller window with this group obviously Clayton Kerrashaw's not getting any younger Kenley Jansson is not getting any under

Justin Turner is a free agent after this year Imagine an Olympics where Doe is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year.

Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win. I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th.

You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw,

unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment. And the next, we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger.

So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to the Clifford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. top. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tapped Little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George

Bush got to do with Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast. I'm Sam Jek. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill, waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84 is big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack all day, but just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack. So I'm starting to see that there's a through line. We also have AIDS on the table right now.

Thank you for finishing that sentence. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Really? Yeah. For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist,

Keer Games. And in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. and we're still chasing it and we don't know when we've done enough

because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth? Are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely.

And that's two different levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast. Learn the hard way. Open your free iHeartRadio app.

Search Learn the hard way and listen now. So as Kiki Hernandez. So as Jack Peters. A lot of these guys may not be back next year. So they feel this is the year they have to get it done. So if they feel this year you have to get it done, it would be devastating if they didn't win the World Series. Forget about getting to the World Series.

You have to win the World Series right now with this group. That's how they feel, Rob. No doubt. All right. Jerry Harston, Jr. Jerry, man, thanks for the knowledge. I appreciate you. You know that.

Anytime, Ralph. Get right to the romance and find the way to wow this Valentine's with 1-800flowers.com. From classic roses and bouquets to decadent chocolate-covered berries, gourmet treats, and more. Surprise your Valentine with 1-800flowers.com. Right now, get the 18-stem enchanted rose medley for $39-99, or upgrade to 24 red roses for $10. more. Go to 1,800flowers.com slash tune in. That's 1,800flowers.com

slash tune in. Look through your children's eyes to see the true magic of a forest. It's a storybook world for them. You look and see a tree. They see the wrinkled face of a wizard with arms outstretched to the sky. They see treasure and pebbles. They see a windy path that could lead to adventure. And they see you. Their fearless guide is this fascinating world.

Find a forest near you and start exploring at Discovertheforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the ad council. Look through your children's eyes to see the true magic of a forest. It's a storybook world for them. You look and see a tree. They see the wrinkled face of a wizard with arms outstretched to the sky. They see treasure and pebbles. They see a windy path that could lead to adventure.

And they see you. Their fearless guide is this fascinating world. Find a forest near you and start exploring at Discovertheforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the ad council. It's time for the Pocket Protector Central. The analytic numbers you need to know, well, maybe. Anthony Masterson is his name. BS analytics is his game.

What do you got for me, Anthony? In last week's show, I wondered what it was going to take to be successful this postseason. Small ball or long ball. judging by the first two weeks' worth of playoff games, the answer is quite clear. Now, through the games of Monday the 13th, teams to out-homer their opponents this postseason were a whopping 24 and 1. And it's not just the number of homers, it's the all-or-nothing style taken by so many teams that's driving them forward. In the last 90 years, there have been only five total post-season where at least half of the run scored came via the home run, and 2020 is fixing the set records.

Through the first two weeks of playoff baseball, 52.3% of all runs scored have come via the long ball. Only one postseason in MLB history has seen a higher number, 1956, when 31 of the 58 runs scored by the Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers, or 53.4% came via the Dinger. The Yankees, by the way, won that series in seven games. Yogi Bear and Mickey Mantle each had three home runs on their own. Now, the Rays are the largest culprits so far with nearly 80% of their runs. being scored on the long ball, which during the regular season, that number sat around 40% for Tampa. Now, on the other end of the spectrum, the Dodgers are under 10% of their

runs scored via the home run in spacious globe-life field after their game one loss to Atlanta. When during the regular season, they were second only to Cincinnati sitting at a cool 51%. Now, small sample sizes are a wonderful thing, but one thing is very clear this postseason, clout is king. That ball is. It was a big week in the big leagues? Who's up? Who's up?

Or is it fair? And now, here's shadowleague.com MLB insider, J.R. Gamble. The Dodgers were looking like a team that was destined to finally get to the World Series and Clayton Kershaw was pitching as good as he's ever had in the postseason. But a back injury has changed everything. Is it foul or fair to say that the Dodgers' hope? of getting back to the World Series

are now in trouble without their ace, JR. Fair. It's a fair ball. I thought that this was the year that the Dodgers finally got over the World Series home. Third time is the charm. Isn't that what they say? Hey, they have the lineup with Mookie Beth,

Bellinger, and those other big boppers, and Kershaw is pitching as well as he ever has in the postseason. But this kind of changes everything. Instead of being down one, zero, but knowing your ace is at his best and ready to even up a seven-game series at 1-1, the Dodgers have to send the rookie to the mouth in a crucial spot who should be pitching later in the series.

Don't count on Kershaw's return because he's been struggling with back problems since 2016 when he had the herniated death and also missed time the following two seasons. What a disaster or disappointment it would be for the Dodgers to lose the heart and soul of their team. especially at a time when the bullpen is failing. You have to ask yourself, is Dave Roberts jinks? Is that stolen base against the Yankees and World Series with the Red Sox going to be its only taste of championship champagne? I do know that before the fifth inning home before the Dodgers

in the game 151 loss, Atlanta pitches that were of 23 scorless innings. Over the last six playoff games, they have been 0.93 ERA. I believe that's the best sense of Orioles in 83. Those big money backs have to get going for L.A. And Atlanta can match too, so I don't see any weaknesses in this brave scene right now. It's tough for the Dodgers to pull this out. And even if they do advance to the World Series, if Kershow is not available, that can spell trouble.

Take out the papers in the trash. It's time for Trash Talk Twitter. Your chance to trash anyone or anything in Major League Baseball. All right, this week's trash is from Dollar Bill on Instagram. Quote, I'm trashing Zach Grinky. What does he mean? He likes pitching without the fans. The fans are the game.

How in the world could you diss the fans like that? It's bad enough we can't come to the games, but now you're telling us you don't want us? Man, I got to agree with Dollar Bill on that. The fans make baseball. If you want to be on trash talking, make sure you hit me up on my Twitter or my Instagram at Rob Parker FS1,

and if you're the best trasher, you'll be on next week's podcast. When Rob was a newspaper columnist, he lived by this motto. If I'm writing, I'm ripping. Let's bring in a rougher. writer or broadcaster, old or new. All right, let's welcome to the podcast.

Sean Salisbury, of course, former NFL quarterback and one of the hottest sports talk radio guys in Houston at Sports Talk 790. Sean, welcome to the podcast. Rob, great to be on with you, buddy. Thank you. No doubt. And the Houston Astros, America's most hated team, Sean, had got to the ALCS. they're in a big hole, but the biggest story probably out there is what's happened to Jose Al Tuve,

and that's what we want to start. Sean, have you seen anything like this? They, you know, they call it the yips, the thing, where he cannot throw the ball. What's happened to Jose Altuve? When I'm listening to Dusty and being in Houston, that was a topic all day, all morning for hours on the show. I think what happens is when it comes from a guy who's been so highly revered in that city, in this city that I'm in in Houston, and has really put up Hall of Fame numbers.

It's one of those, Rob looks like, well, the fans, and do we criticize him? And I've always said, listen, as much as we compliment players, they're not above criticism either because this is not personal. The fact of the matter is, is it Jose Al-Tube is having a hard time throwing the ball to first and second base, yet the series before he was going fine. Now, there is the speculation and or the talk that he's a guy who is so good to his teammate, and this has been to talk in this city for a couple months. He struggled at the plate during the regular season, Robb.

We've always been, you know him, he's always a great hitter, that he's been carrying this burden around that, you know, through the cheating part and the stealing signs that everybody said, well, he didn't do it. Yet that he cares so much that he did it has worn on him all you. Now, whether people believe that or not, that's up to them, but that feeling that, well, it's wearing on him, He's mentally beat down and emotionally beat down, and it's affected him, not only at the plate,

but now that he's done this and that he wears that emotion, and it's hard for him to overcome. Now, I talked to the GM today, James Click, and he said, I don't know if he goes, I'm not sure that's the reason. He's pressing. He goes to series before he played good play, he played good second base for it. And when I asked if he, you know, like the consideration of would you put him at DH and move somebody else, D.D.? He's emphatically said no. And I get that part.

You want to let veterans fight through it, but you also, there's a question. the part of the respect factor. Even when in games matters, I think he's been, got so many skins in the game and on the wall as far as trophies and what he's done, and that lifetime achievement award that I think that they would feel it would be disrespectful to him. Now, if he boots two more balls,

then it's going to be a bad decision. Or throws two away, should I say. But, yeah, it's been tough, and especially coming from a guy who's been so consistent in his whole career. It looks like he's mentally tired after this season. It really does, Rob. It does. Sean, what about the,

the reaction from the fans in Houston. I mean, obviously they had a great World Series when they won in 2017, and people loved the whole thing on how this team was put together. They fell in love with the team. And then, you know, to just hear the way, you know, this whole scandal went down or the talk of it, were people kind of indifferent about them making it this far, or were they embracing the team? Well, from two, this is a, Rob, I know this is a football state.

I mean, you wouldn't be, but people would be shocked to know that when you, for instance, we bring up out of two-vades name today and you can't keep people off the phones. I mean, this is a baseball town, and maybe it's because with Bill O'Brien, and now he's not here, but they haven't trusted the football team. They've trusted the baseball team. And now that they're winning, they feel like this is the franchise gives them the best chance every year. Well, you know, after the scandal, they went through it in the off season. And you know how it is.

people get sensitive when you question, even when it was self-inflicted, and it was self-inflicted. And then when you go through all those emotions, well, every other team was doing or other teams, where you go through the excuse-making to the confidence to the swagger to the fighting back, all those things. We'll head into this year with COVID kicking in and the Verlander then going, you know, not pitching, and Garrett Cole signing elsewhere and going through it, I think the expectations while high because there's a sense of swagger in this town. You'd feel like at times, and I mean this sincerely, that you were talking about.

talking about a team like the Yankees who's on, what, 27 banners. Why? After winning a World Series and three, now four straight American League championship series, there's a swagger in this town of a team that's like historic. I mean, that's how they think, and that's okay. These fans been so long without a, I mean, they went after Baguil and Bissio. They struggled with 100 lost seasons. So there's this feeling of pride like, see, we told you so.

Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth.

Listen to Superhuman on the IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me. Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media.

Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life. mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast.

It's a space for honest conversations, stories that don't always get told, and for people who are chasing something bigger. So if you've ever supported me, or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to The Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Do you remember when Diana Ross double-tap little Kim's boobs at the VMAs? Or when Kanye said that George Bush didn't like black people. I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do with Little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at it podcast.

I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick it here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill, waxing all about crack in the 80s. To be clear, 84's big to me, not just because of crack. I'm down to talk about crack on day

But just so y'all know I mean at this point Mark this is the second episode where we've discussed crack So I'm starting to see that there's a through line We also have AIDS on the table right now So Thank you finishing that sentence

I don't think there's a more important year for black people Really? Yeah for me it's one of the most important years For black people in American history Listen to look back at it On the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts Or wherever you get your podcast Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist,

Kear Games. And in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it. And we don't know when we've done enough.

Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on Earth? Are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust.

I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, learn the hard way. Open your free, our heart radio app, Search learn the hard way and listen now. This season comes up, and I've said it on my show.

People said it, I didn't expect this. I didn't expect them to get this far. And I think for some fans, it's like that middle finger, like, see, well, we would farther than the Yankees, or we would follow. Nobody thought we'd be here. See, we're not just a trash can, you know, beating a trash can. We were good before it. We're going to be good after it. So there's a sense of pride, a sense of insecurity, a sense of fight back, all those things that go with emotions.

and I completely understand it, but I don't think many people, even some people within that organization, did not expect after COVID and injuries and the way they were struggling, swinging the bat, and the controversy coming out of it. Nobody expected them to get by Minnesota, let alone go in and the A's who won the division, yet they still think they're the best team in the division, but they just thought they went too much. And I think right now there's a sense of pride that they've got to this point, even though they're down 0 and 3, and there's a sense there's some that still are a semi-delusional, like we all are at times about that they're going to win four straight.

I guess it could happen, but this team takes a lot of pride in the Houston Astros, and they will fight back because anytime go on Twitter, you can you see it all the time when you say something about the Astros, they will battle you sensibly. It doesn't matter what went on. So I give them a lot of credit for rallying behind their team, but there's a sense of sensitivity, should I say, about their team, and when you talk about their players,

because they feel like, well, we don't get treated like the Dodgers or the Yankees or the Red Sox. And they feel in Houston like over the last four years they should because of their performance, notwithstanding 2017. But I think they're proud of their team and they still think they got a chance, but I think they also realize their reality is kicking in and down 03 against the best team in baseball this year is a tough hill to climb. All right.

His name is Sean Salisbury. Sean, man, thank you for the insight. We appreciate it on the Astros and where they are. Thanks again, buddy. I appreciate it. I guarantee you if you ask them, Rob, they think they're coming back. to win the World Series next year. That's the hardcore good fans here.

I appreciate you, brother. Keep up the great work. If you love to be remembered as the person who gives the best birthday gifts, I'm here to tell you that 1-800 Flowers.com is your ultimate birthday gifting destination. 1-800 flowers has thoughtful and artfully created options that are guaranteed to deliver the best birthday surprise.

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and our family bonds grow too, because when we disconnect from this and connect with this, we reconnect with each other. The forest is closer than you think. Find a forest near you and start exploring. Discover theforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the Ad Council. And we're live here outside the Perez family home just waiting for the...

And there they go. Almost on time this morning. Mom is coming out the front door strong with a double-armed kid carry. Looks like Dad has the bags. Daughter is bringing up the rear. Oh, but the diaper bag wasn't closed. Dipers and toys are everywhere. Ooh, but Mom has just nailed the perfect cut.

seat buckle for the toddler. And now the eldest daughter, who looks to be about nine or ten, has secured herself in the booster seat. Dad zips the bag closed, and they're off. Ah, but looks like mom doesn't realize her coffee cup is still on the roof of the car, and there it goes!

Oh, that's a shame. That mug was a fam favorite. Don't sweat the small stuff. Just nail the big stuff. Like making sure your kids are buckled correctly in the right seat for their age and size. Learn more at nhtsa.gov slash the right seat. NHTSA.gov slash the right seat. Brought to you by Mitzha and the Ad Council.

Now bring in the closer. Track one. Strike two. Right three. Here's why MLB is better than the NFL or NBA. And it isn't even close. Here's the latest reason why baseball is better than the NBA in the NFL. It's the fans.

You know it's the fans. That's what makes baseball. baseball grade. The fans showing up at the ballpark. I've always said this. You know, baseball attendance is incredible when you think about it. Baseball outdoors, the NBA, the NFL, the NHL, I mean the NBA, NFL, and Major League Soccer. Combined.

Nearly 70 million fans buy tickets every year. And you know what? Major League Baseball opened its doors on Monday to the new ballpark. in Arlington, Global Life Field, and fans were able to buy tickets, a limited capacity, 25%, but it was great to see people at the ballgame. And 17,000 showed up on Monday to see that first NLCS game against the Braves and the Dodgers. And it just added some life. Did you see those home runs going into the crowd and people there?

spread out, giving room, but the atmosphere a little bit was back at the ballpark. The fans make the game. There's no doubt about it. And that's why we love going and spending our great summer and great weather out at the ballpark. It's the best quality time you can spend with friends is at a ballpark at a baseball game. In the words of New York TV legend, the late Bill Jorgensen, thanking you for your time this time until next time.

Rob Parker, out. He can't get it. This could be an inside of Parker. See you next week. Same bad time. Same that station. Did you know Amazon provides ways of working that fit your lifestyle? They know you value your time outside of work,

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not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform?

We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential.

Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On the Look Back at it podcast. From 1979, that was a big moment for me.

84's big to me. I'm Sam J. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a here, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. with our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year.

It was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me.

Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media. Now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfilled conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. So let's get to it. Listen to The Clifford Show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok.

This is an IHeart podcast, guaranteed human.