The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Inside the Parker - Gio Stanton Mashin'; Astros 'Clean' Playoff Run; Curt Flood HOF Push; HOF'er Barry Larkin Talks Division Series,

Episode Date: October 8, 2020

This week on Inside the (Rob) Parker, Rob discusses Gio Stanton's torrid postseason home run explosion, why the Astros could gain some respect back with a World Series run, and why he supports the push for Curt Flood's induction into the Hall of Fame.Guests: Reds Hall of Fame Shortstop Barry Larkin his role in removing former MLB Commishioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis from the MVP awards, and his take on the 2020 playoffs. Dodgers reporterDave Vassegh on L.A,'s methodical march to the Division Series, and why Clayton Kershaw is more confident than he's been in years in the postseason.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 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 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 Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. Get right to the romance and find the way to wow this Valentine's with 1800flowers.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 wows. rose medley for $3999 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. 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. All right, welcome into the podcast. We have a great show for you today. First up, we'll be Hall of Famer Barry Larkin from the Cincinnati Reds. We'll talk to him about the playoffs and the great short stops in Major League Baseball. Also, Dodger reporter David Vasay from AM 570 in Los Angeles.

He'll talk about the Padres and the Dodgers series. Plus, Phil Sanchez is Diamond Dust. and much more. Let's go. Better up. To lead off, it's getting robbed. And keep them up. Rob's hot take on the three biggest stories in Major League Baseball.

Number one. Tuesday night was another reminder why the Yankees went out and got G. And Carlos Stanton from the Marlins. Yes, the dude is a stud, a slugger. Tuesday night, he followed up Monday night where he hit a grand slam, with two more home runs in the series against Tampa Bay. He knocked in four runs for the Yankees. The three-run bomb that he hit that pulled the Yankees

to within one run of that game was an absolute bomb. They called it 458 feet. It was more like 500 feet. It was so amazing. So that makes it five home runs, and he's homered in four consecutive postseason games. which is tied for the third longest season, single postseason streak with Dale Murphy in 2015. He hit in six straight.

Carlos Beltran in 2004 hit in five straight, which is incredible. And Stanton now also becomes the third Yankee to Homer in four straight postseason games. Joining, you ready for this? Lou Gehrig, 1928 through 1932. and Reggie Jackson, 1977, 1978. He's also the third player to Homer in each of his team's first four games of a single postseason. He joins Juan Gonzalez from 1996 and Jeffrey Leonard from 1987. And on Wednesday night in game three with the series tied 1-1,

Stanton had a chance to be the first to ever Homer in the club's first five games of a postseason. And he is red hot swinging a hot bat for the Yankees. And Yankee fans who, you know, kept scratching their heads, not really happy because he kept being hurt, are now rejoicing because Stanton has proven to be the stud that he was in Miami. Number two. Say it isn't so. Going into the American League Division Series on Wednesday,

the Houston Astros had a chance to move on to the ALCS for a fourth straight year. I mean, baseball America cannot be happy. This was supposed to be the year that they were supposed to be ostracized and beat up and told how no good they were. considering their cheating scandal. But instead, they just needed to win one of the next three games against the Oakland A's to punch their ticket and have another shot at the World Series.

And you know what? If they were able to do it and get back to the World Series or even win a World Series, people would have to look at them a little bit different because most people believe they had a huge advantage by stealing signs and no. knowing what pitch was coming, but without that stuff in place this year, and if they somehow, some way, were able to make it,

and when you think this team doesn't have Garrett Cole or Justin Verlander, and if they were able to make it to the World Series or even win a World Series, it would take some of the stink off the Houston Astros. It would be hard to deny that. Number three. There is a cry out in Major League Baseball that Kurt Flood the St. Louis Cardinals outfielder who changed sports, not just in baseball, but in all sports, who gave up his career so that he could be a free agent and forever changed sports,

belongs in the Hall of Fame. Yes, Kurt Flood, who took a stance and said that he decided that he should have his opportunity to be free to go to another team and went to the Supreme Court and eventually won. He won, but he also lost. Everybody else won with free agency, but Kurt Flood never really played again in Major League Baseball, playing only 13 games after the decision in his favor. So now there's a committee.

the Golden Days Committee that's talking about whether or not they should vote for Kurt Flood in December, December to be in the Baseball Hall of Fame. And I say yes, Kurt Flood changed the game, changed sports in his country. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. He was a great player before this happened, a three-time All-Star, a seven-time Gold Glove Award winner. Yes, Kurt Flood belongs in the baseball Hall of Fame. Here comes the big interview. Listen and learn.

Oh, it's so good. All right, now let's welcome to the podcast, the Hall of Famer, Mr. Barry Larkin from the Cincinnati Reds, of course, 12-time All-Star, the Shortstop, and went into the Hall of Fame back in 2012. Barry, thanks for joining me, buddy. Rob, it's good to be with you, my man. Always.

A couple things we want to jump on, and talk about as the playoffs continue. But first, there was a monumental moment with the BBWA, the Baseball Writers Association of America, which I'm a member of and have been for 30 years and very proud this week, Barry, because it's removing the name of the ex-commissioner, Kenneth, Mountain Landis from the MVP Awards.

And, you know, in the times that we live in, We've seen a lot of statues come down, things that were not cool, but people have gone along with. But this is coming down. And you had a hand in this. You were involved, Mike Schmidt, Terry Pendleton. Tell me about this. Well, when I won the MVP award in 1995, Joe Morgan, who has always been a mentor of mine, a great man, told me about, well, congratulated me on the award. but he also told me about the name on the award.

He told me when he won his two awards, he had the same kind of question. Like, you know, certainly there's part of the history of baseball and the first commissioner and the positive things that Keneshaal has done, had done for baseball. But in the climate of where we are right now, and even back in 2000 and or in 1995, Joe was telling me, you know, we as black men have to be aware of what's going on and what's associated with this award.

So he brought it to my attention. You know, I won the award. I was very happy to win the award and proud of it. And I didn't at the time say anything about, you know, the association. But when it did come up and whenever we talked about things as black people in this country, we talk about some of the things that need to be righted, and this was certainly one of them. So when he was brought up and it brought to my attention,

I didn't go out and publicly say, hey, this is something that we need to do. But when I was asked about it, with all the statues coming down, with the climate of what's going on out on the streets right now, I certainly said my peace. And so, yes, I had a hand in it, but, you know, I think that there's a delicate balance.

certainly the positive things that he did and I'm certain that his family who is proud of the things that he's did so it's not about tarnishing the name or anything like that it's just about moving forward and being progressive and you know the MVP

the MVP award should stand on its own and if they decide to put anyone's name associated with it then it should be a name is a very positive associations. And that wasn't necessarily the case in the past. I would love maybe Frank Robinson, who won the MVP in both leagues.

He might be somebody. But you know what, Barry, it was great that the writers that, like I say, I'm a part of this group and very proud that they took this step. And change is good. Also, let's just talk about baseball and change in the playoffs. 16 teams started the playoffs. Where are you, are you enjoying this? Baseball four games a day, playing every day.

It's different from what we're used to with baseball playoffs. It is, it is different, but, you know, it's a sign of the times. It's, you know, it just is what it is. You know, I remember as a player just feeding on the energy of the crowd. I remember when we had a chance to go to the World Series in Cincinnati, just the incredible energy that was generated from people and the hum. And I know a lot of that sound is piped in now, but the fans are truly a part of the game.

So I have all the respect in the world for these guys to be able to get motivated, go out there and find the energy to compete at the highest life. level and you know the schedule is what it is I mean I it's a different game now players are different now they go about their business differently they celebrate differently they take selfies as they're hitting home runs and their home run truck now you know there's the bat flip and all that kind of stuff it just is a sign of the time so you know it's just uh I'm enjoying it I'm enjoying watching the players enjoy themselves I guess that's the thing for me and uh you know, as long as the players are enjoying themselves and everyone's cool with expressing themselves.

And, you know, it just is what it is. I mean, we saw some hardball yesterday. I don't know if Acuna got hit. I don't know if they hit Acuna on purpose. But if they did, they hit him in the right spot. You know, so there's some positives to some of the stuff that's happening out there. And, you know, that's just part of the game. It just used to be part of the game.

And if you try to get a guy out inside and you having to miss, you having to miss down, okay. If you happen to miss up where I'm his head, that's a problem. So, you know, Rob, it's funny because there's a delicate balance and there's a mixture between the old and the new school. And the game is certainly going through some transition. But as long as the players are cool with it and they can self-police themselves, hey, have it. Our guest is Hall of Famer, Barry Lark, and, of course, the shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds.

Speaking of a change, one of the brightest stars in baseball and fun to watch. You should be a shortstop yourself. But to watch Fernando Tatis Jr., Barry, he's got everything. He's got the swag. He's a star. He's having fun out there. Do you enjoy watching him play? I love watching him play.

He is amazing. I'm going to tell you who else I love watching and loved watching him play was his father. He doesn't get enough. He doesn't get enough credit. I think he was only one guy to hit two grand slams in one inning or something like. I'm crazy. No, he's the only guy to do it, yep, the only guy. Yeah, so he had a flare for the Dramatics too, but he does have the swag.

I mean, I met him in spring training, and I saw him play. And, you know, he's a young guy. He's super, super talented, super, super aggressive, you know, both on the offensive and the defensive side. He's got Manny Machado as a mentor, and Mani kind of has that loose cannon of an arm and, you know, his way about going about things that Miami swag. So it's really fun to watch those guys. They got their hands full with the Dodgers, but it's fun to watch them play and certainly.

But, you know, there's Francisco Lindor is another shortstop that I love to watch. And I get a chance to work with him, unfortunately. They got beat by the Yankees. And they're in that series, that wildcar series. But, you know, certainly I love watching the shortstop. And I love watching Fernando Tatex Jr. One last thing, speaking of short stops, Derek Jeter, you know, got to Miami, you know, got rid of a lot of stars. People ripped Derek, you know, about how they were going about their business.

And if you remember, the Marlins had the outbreak of COVID-19. They had to wait, you know, and not play. But they made it to the playoffs. They've advanced. And, you know, now they're in the second round against Atlanta. What about the Marlins? what do they have there, Barry, with these young players? Can they get to the NLTS?

Well, first of all, let's just say this, that winners breed winning. I'm going to say that again, winners breed winning. And, you know, DJ is certainly proud of this situation. First of all, proud that he is going to, when COVID allows, he's going to be a teammate of mine in the Hall of Fame. but, you know, as an owner of the team and kind of running the team, just bringing a winning mentality, you know. On the outside looking in, you don't have access to the plan, to the master plan.

But knowing Derek, you know, no one ever outworked Derek, and I'm assuming that's the case in the executive position as well. The question is, can they advance? Well, you know, youth and athleticism takes you so far. You know, I look at the Houston Astros and Dusty Baker. You know, they have that winning pedigree in the postseason. It's tough to win in the postseason. Can they continue to win in the postseason?

I'm not sure if they will be able to advance, simply because they have so many young players, but they have talent. And we've seen this in the past. The two times that they've had success in the past has been on teams that they put together, and then they dismantled the team. Yep. My hope and my thought now is that we're DJ there. 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 where 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 Podcasts, 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 Jette.

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 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, 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.

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 podcasts. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hard Way 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. Trip 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, Keer Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing,

growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, Learn the Hardway. Open your free iHeartRadio app. Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. That's not going to be the case. So I think there's a lot of franchises that are in good hands as far as the future is concerned.

I think the Reds are one of those franchises. But I think the Marlins are too, simply because I think DJ has a plan and he'll see that plan out. All right, his name is Barry Lark in the Hall of Famer. I got the privilege to cover him a couple of years of his career for the Cincinnati Inquirer. A buddy of mine, Barry, thank you so much for joining the podcast. Thanks for having me, Rob. As well, we're in-fumor, we can't in this time in the time in time. to ensure children.

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ad council. Look through your children's eyes to see the true magic of 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? It's October and that means playoff baseball. Now, a lot of ink has been spilled about what it takes to win a world series. In the day and age of slugging and strikeouts, is that really the way to win a title or a small ball

off to takeover at some point with bunts and hit and runs? Now, the last team to win a World Series after leading all of baseball and home runs was the 2009 Yankees. And prior to that, you have to go all the way back to the 1984 Detroit Tigers to see a team who slugged their way to a championship. However, on the other side, you look for the last team to lead the league in sacrifice hits and win a World Series. That would be the 1965 Los Angeles Dodgers. But looking strictly at postseason performance, you see a difference in what it takes to win. Only two World Series champs in the Wildcard era have posted 10 or more sacrifice hits from non-pitchers, 2011 Cardinals, and the 2001 Diamondbacks.

And on the other end, only one World Series champ in that time has hit fewer than 10 home runs on their way to the trophy. That'd be the 2014 Giants who hit only seven total round trippers in 17 games. But just remember, one last thing. Through Monday's games, teams that out-home are their opponents this postseason or a perfect 13 and 0, just some food for thought. When Rob was a newspaper columnist, he lived by this motto. If I'm writing, I'm ripping. Let's bring in a writer or broadcaster, older new.

All right, now let's welcome to the podcast, David Vasay. He is the Dodger reporter for AM 570, K-L-A-C in Los Angeles. And David, thanks for joining the podcast. Man, I have really made it now if Rob Parker's calling me to come on this podcast. You're already a big-time report. I love the work you do. You know that. He's down in Arlington, Texas, down at the Globe Life Field,

which is where they're playing this series and the World Series will be played. David, give us a peek behind the curtain for fans who didn't even get the christen their new ballpark this year. What is that place like? It's really beautiful, Rob. It is a mini Jerry's world because they do have so many over-the-top amenities. The video board, number one stands out. It's one of the biggest ones in Major League Baseball. But the Concourse is so beautiful.

It's a palace. It feels like the baseball game will be secondary when these fans in Texas come here to enjoy it, and it might be as soon as the NLCS and World Series. but yeah, they have those suites right behind home plate. It reminds me a little bit of Dodgers Stadium when they used to have those seats behind home plate in that extended foul territory area behind home plate. But instead of just normal seats,

their actual suites dug into the ground. And that's where Padres families and Dodger families have been sitting during this series. The Dodger families are having a good time and down the right field line in the suite area and the Padres families are having a great time down the left field line. So this really is a special ballpark. But if you want to talk about what's going on on the field about this ballpark,

it's got to be the size of this ballpark and the way the ball does not travel. The Dodgers came here during the regular season. They hit at least three balls that would have been home runs at Dodgers Stadium that fell short. Same thing that you saw in game one where at least four fly balls, definitely would have traveled out of Dodgers Stadium. Instead, they're just long out here at Globelight Field, and only 66 home runs were hit in 30 games this season, which ranked 22nd in all a Major League Baseball.

Just to compare that, Rob, and put it in perspective. 99 home runs were hit at Dodgers Stadium in 30 games. That was the fourth most in baseball. Yeah, it says a lot about how that ballpark will play. Speaking of the Padres and Dodgers series, which is one, I think, is one of the most anticipated series in this round because you have the upstart Padres who put together, Dave, a fantastic season. I know they didn't finish it. They stumbled in September, but still made the playoffs. And the one bombing, a bad thing I should say for them is that Mike Clevenger, you know, the picture they got from the Indians.

They thought that, you know, if he was able to bounce back, that would give him a chance. How much of a blow is that for the Padres that he had to come out and he's hurt? That was a huge blow and a huge blow to their chances to win the series because they were hoping at least to get four innings from him. And it was a valiant effort by him to try to go out there and find a way to even go out there for a second inning. Unfortunately for the Padres, they just don't have enough pitching, Rob. They came into this series with less than 50% Mike Clevenger,

and they're also missing a guy that really dominated the Dodgers this season into Nelson Lament. That was, for me, a bigger loss to their hopes to win this series than Mike Clevenger not pitching in this series because Lament really was starting to find himself and dominated the Dodgers all season in the two starts that they faced each other. So for me, that was a big blow, and you look at it, they came into this series with only two healthy starting pitchers in Zach Davies and Chris Paddock. So I'm not sure how AJ Preller thought they were going to piece this together, even if they win this series, Rob, how are they going to do it in a best of seven series?

The series just get, the series just get longer. So I don't know how they do that. No doubt about it. It looks like it would be nearly impossible. Our guest is David Vassay, Dodger reporter for AM 570, K-L-A-C in Los Angeles. Speaking of pitching, let's talk about, and we do it every postseason. Clayton Kershaw, he was scheduled to pitch game two in this series for the Dodgers. And just help us with, like his mindset, as he just kind of put aside what's happened.

and this is a totally different year. Where's his mindset, just as far as pitching in the postseason? This is the most reassured Clayton Kershaw. I've been around Rob in at least two years because his body's cooperating. And I asked him, before the playoffs started, everybody's trying to dissect why he's had this renaissance. And he said, he can't really put his finger on it, but it's a lot of work. And it is because his body is feeling like it can pitch the way that we saw on pitch even in 2017. So that's the biggest difference in Clayton Kirshah this year from any of the previous two seasons

when his arm, his back, just were not cooperating with him. And he's done a lot of drills with the heavy ball, something he learned at driveline, the pitching guru spot in Seattle that you've heard about. and also he's become less stubborn, not as stubborn. And he's admitted that openly, and I can't believe he ever would, but recently he has opened up that he has become less stubborn and become more open-minded in how to do things a different way. And for him, pitch sequencing was a real sticking point where he would not budge.

He always wanted to come inside on right-handed hitters. he always wanted to drop his slider on the back foot of right-handed hitters. But now this season, we have seen him bend from that. And the Dodgers have been begging him to do this. Throw your fastball away from righties. Throw the fastball up in the upper quadrant of the strike zone. Throw your curveball in the upper part of the strike zone. And he just was so steadfast in his beliefs.

And all of a sudden, you get humbled in a game five of the NLDS last. year, and all of a sudden you're a little bit more open-minded to find a way to get back on top. And I asked him earlier this year, Rob, whether or not the critics motivate him. And he said, that's really not what motivates him. It's the burden he puts on himself to live up to the standard he has pitched his entire career. His name is David Vasay.

If you want to know about the Dodgers, he's your man from AM 570 in Los Angeles. Mr. Vasay, thank you. for your knowledge, my brother. Rob, you're so awesome. You do such a great job. You're a much-needed voice in sports and in life. So great to be with you. Now it's time for some diamond dust with Wish TV's Phil Sanchez.

Out of here. He played baseball in college. Now here is MLB knowledge. Move over, Babe Ruth and David Ortiz and say hello to George Springer. Springer, making history once again on two. Tuesday, this after hitting two more postseason home runs against the A's. Catapulting Springer ahead of Babe Ruth, Jason Worth, and Carlos Beltrane, and into the top 10 on MLB's all-time postseason home run list.

Springer now tied for seventh with Nelson Cruz, David Ortiz, and Jim Tomey, at 17 home runs. And listen to this. Another home run would move Springer into the top five all-time, tying him with Reggie Jackson. and Mickey Mantle. Not bad for a guy who went drafted out of Yukon. Scouts considered a fourth outfielder. It was a big week in the big leagues. 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 I-Hard Radio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care which I'm 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 what you need to be. 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. 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 a little kill? 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 was 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, 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. Thank you for finishing that sentence. Yes. 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 Hard Way 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. you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth? Or 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, Keir Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, Learn the Hardway. Open your free, our heart radio app. Search Learn the Hardway and listen now. Owl or is it fair? And now, hear shadow. League.com MLB insider J.R. Gamble.

For the first time since the Yankees acquired G. and Carlos Stanton, he and Aaron Judge, are finally healthy and playing in the same lineup every day. J.R., is it foul or fair to say that having these guys healthy and present makes the Yankees favorites to go to the World Series? Fair. It's a fair ball. You guys not being in the lineup, along with the Astros. cheating, some would say, is why the Yankees have been unsuccessful at getting to a World Series under Aaron Gold,

despite running off 100-win seasons like its MLB to show. Stanton came here off of 50 homer season and an MVP. He hasn't been able to stay on the field. He teased us with 38 homers in 2018 and has played just 41 games since. But he's finally healthy. Same with Aaron Judge, who hit 52 bombs as a rookie. in 2017 and hasn't played more than a 112 games since. With 12 moments hit in the first two AL Division Series games on Monday,

and more coming with the start of the NLDS, the Yankees have picked the perfect time to have their big boppers back. Two big-time difference makers who can rip victory from the jaws of defeat with a flick of their mighty muscle-bound wrist. Since Stanton arrived in 2018, he and Judge have been playing musical chairs with each other. When one is injured, the other's playing, or they're both just injured.

New York has never gotten a true chance to find out how potent these guys could be in the lineup together. The nine three-pounders they put on Tampa in game one of the ALDS capped by a Stanton grand slam is proof that the Yankees finally have the manpower and healthy sticks to whack their way

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We've all felt left out. And for some, that feeling lasts more than a moment. We can change that. Learn how it belonging begins with us.org. Brought to you by the ad council. Walk a mile in my shoes. And we're live here outside the Perez family home, 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 car 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. Visit nhtsa.gov. Slash the right seat. Brought to you by Nitsa and the Ad Council. Now bring in the closer. Here's why MLB is better than the NFL or NBA, and it isn't even close. Here's another reason why baseball is better than the NBA in the NFL. The Great Stories.

And we have award-winning journalist and best-selling author Ben Ryder, and he has a new sports documentary podcast called The Edge. And Ben, welcome to the podcast. Appreciate it. Rob, thanks for having me. No doubt. And season one focuses on the Houston Astros' 2017 World Series season and the sign stealing scandal.

Tell us about it. Rob, you know, this is a story that is really been working on since 2014. When I went down to Houston as a writer for Sports Illustrated to embed with the front office and write a story for SI about what was then the worst baseball team in 50 years. During my time with them, I saw that they were up to something new. I said that they had a plan to get better, and it was a plan that I'd never seen before that I thought would work.

That turned into the cover of Sports Illustrated, in which we predicted that this terrible team would win the World Series three and a half years later in 2017. And we would be remiss in saying that that did take some of the tarnish off of what they put together and what people, thought like, oh, the Astros way and what they were doing, the cheating scandal definitely took some of the bloom off of that, didn't it? Just a little bit, I'd say.

And one of the things I'm investigating is, or trying to figure out, at least trying to wrestle with, is how much of their success was due to all of these novel strategies they pursued to the baseline talent of this incredible collection of players they assembled. and how much of it was due to cheating flat out, right? Like sign stealing, as you know Rob's been going on in baseball since 1870, if not before that. Hall of Fame players using telescopes and the scoreboard, all sorts of things to steal signs. This seems like something different.

This does seem like the next level of sign stealing. So it's not a matter of absolving anyone with the Astros for what they did. it's figuring out what they did and figuring out what it means. All right. Tell people again how they can get your podcast. I can't wait to listen. It sounds great. Thanks, man.

It's available Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast. Ben, thank you so much, man. We appreciate you. Thanks for your time. And I can't wait to listen. Thanks, my man. Thanks, Rob. Take care.

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 bad station.

On January 19th, 2020, for BBDO and AT&T Radio. Add ID AXWR-975000000. Spot title, Fiber Lifestyles, Meet the Walker's, B-A-U-60. 60 second radio gorgeous gaming stunning streams unbelievable bandwidth welcome to another lifestyles of

gagillionaires meet the 18T fiber customers winning at life with hyper gig speeds say hello to the walkers a family of not one but four gagillionaires each living up their gagillionaire life at ludicrous internet speed first up Anna Walker

she dominates streaming like the matriarch she is no show ever goes unwatched under her watch next episode next up Peter Walker. There's no stopping this dad bod from showing up to his virtual workout sessions. Let's go leg day! And finally the Walker twins.

They may look alike but couldn't internet more differently. Harry dominates his fellow online gamers while heather group video chats with friends. Oh, nice background filter, Jess. Live like a gillionaire. Get internet that upgrades everything. AT&T fiber. Now with speeds up to five gigs.

Limited availability in select areas. Speed's not guaranteed. Single device wire and speed max 4.7 gig per second. Visit ATT.com slash Hypergate for details. 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 I-heart radio app. 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 I-Hard 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, Clivert 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, unfields of 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 IHard 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. On the Look Back at it podcast. For 1979, that was a big moment for me. 84 is 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. I mean, 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. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.