The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Inside the Parker - Remembering Hank Aaron; Cooperstown Shutout; Rob's HOF Ballot; The Curt Schilling Debate

Episode Date: January 28, 2021

This week on Inside the (Rob) Parker, Rob remembers the life and hall of fame career of all-time great Hank Aaron, discusses zero players receiving enough votes to get elected to the Hall of Fame, rev...eals his ballot, the surprising pushback against the universal DH by the MLB Player's Union,Guests: Fox Sports Radio's Bernie Fratto debates Rob over Curt Schilling's Hall of Fame case; Chicago Baseball Writer Mark Gonzales on zero players being elected to the Hall of Fame in 2020, and reveals his ballot.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.

Transcript
Discussion (0)
Starting point is 00:00:00 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.
Starting point is 00:00:23 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.
Starting point is 00:00:42 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.
Starting point is 00:01:06 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,
Starting point is 00:01:24 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's podcast network on TikTok. On the Look Back at it podcast.
Starting point is 00:01:41 For 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 year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it. With our friends, fellow comedians,
Starting point is 00:01:54 and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 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. Get right to the romance and find the way to wow this valentines 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 in julys.
Starting point is 00:02:27 Chanted 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.
Starting point is 00:02:59 Welcome into the podcast. I'm your host, Rob Parker. Man, what a show we have for you. We'll talk with Chicago baseball writer. Mark Gonzalez will go over his Hall of Fame ballot, and we'll discuss that. Also, Fox Sports Radio's Bernie Frato will make his case for Kurt Schilling,
Starting point is 00:03:21 who did not get into the Hall of Fame this time around. That and much more starts now. Now. To lead off, it's getting robbed. And keep him up. Rob's hot take on the three biggest stories in Major League Baseball. Number one. It was a sad day in baseball last week when Hank Aaron passed away at age 86, one of the all-time
Starting point is 00:03:50 great sluggers in baseball history. He was an amazing player, an amazing person. And when you think about Hank Aaron and his. impact on the game. It was tremendous. Think about this. Hank Aaron played in the Negro leagues. Hank Aaron came up to the big leagues and was a star from day one. And when you look at his body of work, it is an incredible, incredible degree of consistency. When you think that Hank Aaron batted 305, 755 home runs, almost averaged 100 RBIs in his 23-735s. seasons and think about this. If you took away his 755 home runs from his hit total, he still
Starting point is 00:04:35 would have 3,000 hits, which by itself would get you into the Hall of Fame. So not only does he have the 3,000 hits, he has the 500 home more than 500 home runs. Those two are markers from me that automatically get my vote. And then when you think about what he had to go through to become the home run champ and the hate and the threats and the racism that was pointed towards him. Think about that. People saying that they were going to shoot him, kill his kids, and this guy never, never came undone, never lashed out at people, never got angry, just kept playing ball, kept his head down. He is definitely someone you can admire. And then he did reach that milestone, passing Babe Ruth.
Starting point is 00:05:28 And what a monumental moment that was when Hank Aaron became the all-time home run king. And I know people, some people say he's still my home run king and it's not Barry Bonds. And I don't really want to get into the whole debate about this. This is about Hank Aaron and what he did. I respect what Hank Aaron put up, his numbers he put up. but in the record books he's number two and that's where he is and that's what I respect and there's nothing wrong with being number two
Starting point is 00:05:58 when you put up the body of work that Hank Aaron has done he will be missed what an impact he's had and I you know the grace and the dignity everything he played with and he was a World Series champion and he was as steady as it as it gets never hit 50 home run
Starting point is 00:06:20 How can a guy play 23 years, hit all those home runs, and never have those big years over 50? It's an amazing, an amazing accomplishment. And Hank Aaron will definitely be missed. Number two. The Baseball Hall of Fame will have no class in 2021. And what I mean is no one was voted in the class of 2021. Kurt Schilling was the closest at 71.1%. Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens had close to 62%.
Starting point is 00:06:57 Those were the closest. You need 75% in order to get induction into Cooperstown. I am a baseball Hall of Fame voter. I'm a BBWA member. It is my prize possession and I take it very seriously. And I don't have an issue of there not being any people going into the Hall of of fame because if there aren't any people worthy on the ballot, that's the writer's right to not vote for people and not just put people in just to do so. So I don't have any issue.
Starting point is 00:07:29 Here is my ballot in case you're wondering. I voted for Barry Bonds. I voted for Roger Clemens. I voted for Sammy Sosa and I voted for Gary Sheffield. And when it comes to me, it's real simple. you know, speculation, all the other stuff that went on with the steroid and PED era, I just think it's very hard to pin it just on those four guys or five guys, if you add Mark McGuire, who's no longer on the ballot, because it was an era. It was rampant. I'm sure more people tried it than we really even know. And those guys, they were not being tested for it during that time.
Starting point is 00:08:10 So I'm not going to play judge, jury, and execution. I'm going to, the numbers count in the baseball record book, so I am going to vote accordingly. And in my book, if you have 500 home runs, 3,000 wins, 3,000 hits, or 300 wins, you automatically get my vote. All four of those guys check the box in the home run category. All of them had 500 or more home runs. That is why they get my vote. I did not vote for Kurt Schilling.
Starting point is 00:08:45 Kurt Schilling was a very good pitcher, big time in the postseason, but his entire body of work wasn't good enough. I didn't vote for Mike Lucina who got in. I didn't vote for Jack Morris, who got in through the Veterans Committee, and they all are around the same kind of pitcher. Very, very good, just not elite. And the dialogue against Schilling, is that he didn't win to Sa Young.
Starting point is 00:09:13 If you were one of the elite pitchers, the greatest of all time, one of those guys, you should have at least for one year won a Cy Young. And that didn't happen. He finished second three times. Well, that tells you, there was somebody better than him
Starting point is 00:09:29 who pitched during his era. I think that's telling. So the Hall of Fame will go on. No players from this past voting, which is fine. And next year will be very interesting. I think A-Rod and Big Poppy will be added to the list and we'll see how those guys are treated and where they are as we go forward. But the Hall of Fame continues.
Starting point is 00:09:54 And Kurt Schilling, not so sure he will get in as he's blamed writers for his not getting in. And the only people seem to complain about writers voting for the Hall of Fame are the people who don't get in. That's lame. Number three. Here's one of the most underreported baseball stories that's out there. The union has rejected Major League Baseball's use of the Universal DH and expanded playoffs, which we saw last year during the pandemic. The Players Association is, according to sources to ESPN or not for the Universal DH,
Starting point is 00:10:36 which I thought they would. It would be another big time job for, it's membership and also last year where we had the 16 of the 30 teams make the playoffs it was a lot of
Starting point is 00:10:52 you know the wild card kind of playoffs and three game series it was a little exciting considering where it was and it was used and some people got they loved it the networks of course loved it but according to
Starting point is 00:11:08 the union and ESPN's reporting, they are not keen to doing it again. So this will be interesting. I don't want to see. I've got to be honest. I'm against both of them because I love that the National League has its own set of rules. Baseball was started without a DH. That's the natural form of how the game is played.
Starting point is 00:11:32 So I like it that way. I don't have an issue with the DH. I love the strategy of whether or not you have to pitch, pinch hit for a pitcher who's pitching well to try to score some runs. The DH to me reminds me of a softball game more than anything. I'm not a big DH guy. And the expanded playoffs, I don't want baseball to make the regular season null and void. It's too long of a season to do that.
Starting point is 00:11:56 And you see that in the NBA and the NHL, where more than half the league makes the playoffs. And then what you have is people turning off as far as the regular season and saying, I'll just wait for the playoffs. Because most of the times, you know what teams are good enough to make the playoffs. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.
Starting point is 00:12:21 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.
Starting point is 00:12:45 I don't care what you're saying. Yep, that's me, Clivert 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, Unthinkable. filtered 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
Starting point is 00:13:15 moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clivert 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.
Starting point is 00:13:53 I know what you're thinking. What the hell does George Bush got to do a little Kim? Well, you can find out on the Look Back at a podcast. I'm Sam Jett. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a here, unpack what you? went down and tried to make sense of how we survived it. Including a recent episode with Mark Lamont Hill, waxing all about crack in the 80s.
Starting point is 00:14:12 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 you 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. Yes. I don't think there's a more important year for black people.
Starting point is 00:14:34 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.
Starting point is 00:15:12 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.
Starting point is 00:15:30 I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Keer Gaines, is we have really. 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. Out of a field of 16. So you're playing 162 games to eliminate 14 teams.
Starting point is 00:15:53 That doesn't make any sense to me. I like the way the playoffs are already set up. They need to stick with that. So in this case, I'm with the union. I don't know what their reasonings are. But I'm against the D.H in both leagues. If the American League wants to keep it, that's fine. And I'm against a playoff system where more than half the teams make the playoffs.
Starting point is 00:16:17 Did you know Amazon provides ways of working that fit your lifestyle? They know you value your time outside of work, juggling family, school, friends, or other activities. That's why they offer a variety of shifts that work for you. There are full-time, part-time, and even temporary opportunities that can work with your schedule. with great starting pay and sign-on bonuses. If you want a career that fits and adapts to your lifestyle, head to Amazon.com slash apply. Amazon is a proud equal opportunity employer.
Starting point is 00:16:47 If I could be you and you could be me for just one hour. If you could find a way to get inside. Each other's mind. Walk a mile in my shoes. Walk a mile in my shoes. Walk a mile in my shoes. We've all felt left out. And for some, that feeling like that.
Starting point is 00:17:04 lasts more than a moment. We can change that. Learn how at belonging begins with us.org, brought to you by 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.
Starting point is 00:17:26 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
Starting point is 00:17:43 Discovertheforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the ad council. Here comes the big interview. Listen and learn. Oh, it's so good. All right, let's welcome in Fox Sports Radio personality.
Starting point is 00:17:58 Bernie Frato, he hosts straight out of Vegas on Saturday nights on Fox Sports Radio, Mr. Bernie Frato, who played minor league baseball and loves baseball as much. as I do. What's happening, Bernie? Well, I'm good to be with you today and especially good because we get to debate our favorite topic, baseball. No doubt. It was a debate over Pete Rose that linked us together back in Detroit
Starting point is 00:18:21 on the radio. And you remember that I kicked your butt then and I'm going to kick your butt now. So let's start skill, baby. I'm digging in. I'm digging in. All right. Let's go. So the big hot topic, obviously, of the whole, Hall of Fame was that Kurt Schilling was not elected. He was about 16 votes short. 71.1% Bernie, he needed 75%. He has one more year of eligibility to be voted in by the writers in his 10th year on the ballot. Here you are, Bernie Frattle. Make your case for Kurt Schilling. Well, first of all, when you make a case for any player, the operative word to me in the Hall of Fame has always been the word fame. And fame has to do with why.
Starting point is 00:19:08 spread reputation based on your renown. So when you look at Schoen's renown among peers in terms of his on-field performance, it was stellar. I mean, this is a guy that was highly respected as a top-flight competitor, 216 wins in his career. He had the best struck-out-to-walk ratio of any pitcher since 1900s. So very dominant, but the postseason is where he really made his bones, Rob. 11 and 2 with a 2.23 ERA.
Starting point is 00:19:36 He was light-taught in the postseason. In fact, he started five elimination games and never lost one of them. To me, those stats are comparable to players that have already been voted in the Hall of Fame, if not better. Here's the case against him. He just wasn't good enough. If he was as good as you make him out to be, he would have won at least one Cy Young in the 20 years he pitched. 216 wins over 20 years is 11.4 per season. That's not impressive.
Starting point is 00:20:08 It doesn't match up to the greats of the game. And yes, there are some people who got in who you take a look at. I don't know. They could be Veterans Committee. Those could be guys who have been voted in, not by the writers. Remember, Jack Morris did not get in by the writers. He got in through the Veterans Committee. So you can't put up his numbers against a guy like Jack Morris.
Starting point is 00:20:31 Also, you talk about the postseason. First of all, I'll give you a guy, David Wells. David Wells won 23 more games than Kurt Schilling during a regular year, during a regular season, and had 10 playoff wins. So it's not, he never got any consideration for the Hall of Fame. He was considered a guy who was very, very good, pitched a lot of big time games when it came to the postseason as well. So there's another thing. And when you talk about Kurt Schilling, a lot of his numbers just don't.
Starting point is 00:21:06 don't compare to the greats of like a Tom Seaver and a Nolan Ryan and people like that who won 300 games. That's a testament to how good they were and the Cy Young's that they won. He just doesn't have any of that national hardware. Well, first of all, if you want to bring David Wells into the conversation, while it's true, Wells had 10 career postseason wins. He had eight losses. He was basically 500, and his ERA was a full one-on-term. for game higher than Chilling. Chilling was not only effective in the postseason,
Starting point is 00:21:40 he was absolutely lights out in the postseason. Now, he doesn't have 300 wins, like Tom Seaver. I get that, or you probably would have ordered him in. But let's take a look at other renowned pitchers like Waddy Ford, who was considered the gold standard for the postseason. He was also 10 and 8 with a 2.7 ERA. He's in the hall. Don Drysdale, three and three in the postseason,
Starting point is 00:22:03 and had seven less career victory. than Kurt Schilling. And I don't care that he never won a Sion. Those are voted on by human beings, and let's face it, Kurt Schilling, whose nickname while he played professional baseball, was cable for one, not a nice guy, was very rude and bombastic toward the press. Allegedly, he wants to a cartoon with a picture of a journalist,
Starting point is 00:22:27 with a rope and a tree, and said, Some Assembly required. How are you going to do that and allow your fellow human beings to look at you seriously? there's too much subjectivity in voting for the Hall of Fame. Now, I'll give you some credit because you didn't vote for David Wells, and there are other star pitchers either, so I think, Rob, your standard, I respect, because you've been consistent down the line.
Starting point is 00:22:49 But I don't feel all the writers hold the same type of objectivity that you do. There's more subjectivity. To me, what Kirk Schilling did in his career, and again, back to the word, the operative word fame, the Hall of Fame, Schilling's numbers not only stand up, but he did it what it mattered most, and he didn't have murderers' role behind him like David Wells did when he was pitching for the Yankees. You brought up Don Drys Day. I'm going to push back for the final time.
Starting point is 00:23:18 Nine-time All-Star won a World Series three times. One of Cy Young in 1962. Also was the MLB wins leader in that year, 1962. Three-time MLB strikeout leader. He was a dominant pitcher on an organization that, He is better, and you said he only has seven more wins. And yes, the postseason, if you want to go with three and three, but you have to look at the entire body of work.
Starting point is 00:23:45 Mr. Bernie Frato, I appreciate you. I appreciate your stance. I don't agree with it, but we can agree to disagree. 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. Let's welcome to the podcast, one of my favorite people, one of my favorite baseball people,
Starting point is 00:24:08 one of my favorite baseball writers, Mark Gonzalez from Chicago, who spent 15 years, almost 16 with the Chicago Tribune covering first the White Sox and then the Cubs, Hall of Fame voter. Mark, welcome to the podcast, my man. Thanks for having me on. It's an honor. Always, buddy, you know it. Let's just get right to it. This was one of those years.
Starting point is 00:24:33 it's happened, I think, nine times in the past where no one was voted in to the Baseball Hall of Fame, which I don't have a problem with. If nobody's really worthy, I'm cool with that, rather than just putting people in. Where are you on nobody getting in? Hey, if that's what the 75% determined, I'm all with it, because it's the Hall of Fame. It's not the Hall of Good or Very Good. and you want the most elite players in the hall representing baseball's greatest shrine. I'm with you.
Starting point is 00:25:09 We've been lax, I think, of late putting guys in, Mark on their last try. A lot of guys have been getting in like that. Tim Raines, Larry Walker, you know, when time is running out. And help me with this. if you don't vote for somebody for 14 years or for nine years, how do you vote for him in year 10 or their last year on the ballot? Does that make sense, or am I missing something? Well, everybody's entitled to their format, how they go about it.
Starting point is 00:25:41 There's been a couple of times that I've left the guy off the first time, but then he's on the second time and usually gets in. Two examples are Tim Rains and Andre Dawson, but that's the exception more than the role. So I just still, it goes back to what I feel. If you're having the Hall of Fame, we had to dominate for an extended period to be worthy of nomination. How about, okay, we knew going in with the taint of the PEDs, Bonds, Clemens, Sosa, Sheffield. Where are you on those guys?
Starting point is 00:26:20 And first, I guess we should say, we would love to hear your ballot. and then I love your take on guys who are rumored or linked to PEDs. I voted for three. My ballot's usually tight. I voted for Billy Wagner, Jeff Kent. Those two guys have always been on my ballot. And the addition this year was Andrew Jones. I put an extra emphasis on defense,
Starting point is 00:26:46 and I felt with the Tim Gloke-level words in center field. And the fact that he did have a stretch of dominance. I think people forget that this guy broke into the majors when he was 19. So I think that has to be considered. And those are the three guys I voted for. As far as the guys with a cloud of PED over them, I never voted for them. It goes back to the Dale Murphy. That's good cause.
Starting point is 00:27:11 Yeah. I just think if guys like Dale Murphy and Harold Baines, those guys have been in sooner, to their credit, they played the game right, they played it clean. and if you let these guys get in, these other guys get in, it just hurts guys like Dale Murphy and Harold Baines, even though he'll get in on the Veterans Committee. How about next year, Big Poppies on the list?
Starting point is 00:27:38 Big Pappy was in the Mitchell Report for the use. Would you vote for him, or have you not thought about that yet? Try not to think about it yet. I know the commissioner has come out in his defense. I'll have to break down a lot of things. one thing I will do, I won't penalize him for being a DH during the last stretch of his career. I don't think you can penalize a guy for that, especially if he has dominated at the plate, special player. No doubt about it. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
Starting point is 00:28:10 And do you doubt, because I don't doubt that there are guys who have been inducted in the Hall of Fame of late who have either used PEDs or been involved in it. do you think guys who have used PEDs are in the Hall of Fame? I cringe to think about it, but you've got to wonder just how prevalent it was during the 90s and turned the century. But I'd like to think for the most part that it's a pretty pure group with very few exceptions. Our guest is Mark Gonzalez, Chicago sports writer, Hall of Fame voter, B-B-W-A-A-A member, friend of mine for a long time covering baseball. Let's get to the elephant in the room.
Starting point is 00:28:59 Kurt Schilling, making noise. I mean, you know, the case he makes, and he did it on the radio after he didn't get in, he got 71.1% of the vote. Right away went after the writers that if he was a Democrat, he would be in, making all these excuses, where are you on Kurt Schilling? And how come he can't accept that
Starting point is 00:29:22 maybe some people don't think he's a Hall of Famer? Well, I'm one of those of the latter. I've seen good and bad with him. But as far as... 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.
Starting point is 00:29:41 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.
Starting point is 00:30:03 I don't care what I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Clever 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,
Starting point is 00:30:27 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
Starting point is 00:30:56 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? 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.
Starting point is 00:31:19 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 on day, but yeah, yeah, yeah. But just so y'all know. I mean, at this point, Mark, this is the second episode where we've discussed crack.
Starting point is 00:31:40 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.
Starting point is 00:31:53 For me, it's one of the most important years for black people in American history. Listen to look back at it on the IHeartRadio 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,
Starting point is 00:32:11 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.
Starting point is 00:32:28 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?
Starting point is 00:32:43 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, is 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 Hardway and listen now. Achievement from the mound.
Starting point is 00:33:05 Very good. I just think his body of dominance wasn't long enough. You saw in Philly were, you know, a good stint, but it was. really wasn't long. He was injured, too. Down and backs, he had that he was traded to Boston, did a solid job there, but his last few years were injury plate. I just think if he had up all the numbers, there are some guys that didn't get in that appear favorable for his numbers.
Starting point is 00:33:35 You know, David Wells, for example, with 20, excuse me, 239 wins, and postseason record was 10 and 5 with a 317 ERA. I usually don't vote for many starting pitches unless they dominate. Roy Haldives a guy that came to mind. I didn't vote for Mike Messina, but good for him he got in. I'm with you. I try to stay consistent. Didn't vote for Schilling, didn't vote for Musena, didn't vote for Jack Morris.
Starting point is 00:34:05 I didn't vote for any of those guys, and I think they're all in the same boat. Very good. And the other last argument is some people always trying to trump and say that the, you know, postseason numbers should push you over the top. And a guy at Schilling played 20 years in the big leagues and had 216 wins, which is what, 11.4 or zero wins a year? I mean, I don't think that's that impressive. Yeah, if you offset it by 20 wins season, which were, which had a lot of merit during his era,
Starting point is 00:34:44 then you can say, okay, maybe that's. you carry some weight, but I only think he had a couple. Yeah, that was it. All right, his name, Mark Gonzalez, man. We always appreciate the knowledge. One of the best baseball writers out there. We appreciate you on the podcast, and hopefully we'll talk to you during the season.
Starting point is 00:35:04 Sounds good, Rob. Take care. Funderstruck, adjective. Shocked and amazed by the power of fun on Carnival. Riding Bolt, the world's first roller coaster at sea. Brian got fundersruck so hard, his 93-year-old grandmother felt it 3,000 miles away in Nebraska and immediately booked a cruise. Hooray!
Starting point is 00:35:23 Get funder struck starting at 289. Carnival. Choose fun. Cruise runs U.S. dollars per person double occupancy, taxes fees, import expenses, additional restrictions, apply. Full details on carnival.com, ships, redstreet, Bahamas, Panama. Look for your children's eyes to see the true magic of a forest. It's a storybook world for them.
Starting point is 00:35:42 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.
Starting point is 00:36:06 Adoption of teens from foster care is a topic not enough people know about and we're here to change that. I'm April Dinwiddie host of the new podcast. Navigating Adoption, presented by Adopt U.S. Kids. Each episode brings you compelling real-life adoption stories told by the families that live them with commentary from experts. Visit AdoptuSkids.org slash podcast or subscribe to navigating adoption presented by Adopt U.S. Kids. Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration
Starting point is 00:36:33 for Children and Families and the Ad Council. Now bring in the closer. Track one, track two. And right three. He's out. Here's why MLB is better than the NFL. or NBA, and it isn't even close. Here was another reason why baseball is better than the NBA and the NFL.
Starting point is 00:36:54 With the passing of Hank Aaron, it was only appropriate that I thought back to my childhood and I thought back to that magical moment when he hit his 715th home run to pass Babe Ruth to become the all-time home run leader. and if you haven't heard the play-by-play of that game from Vince Scully, you are in for a treat because even to this day, that happened in 1974, and here we are in 2021, and I still get goosebumps when I hear the moment and Vince Scully's call and the video of him running around the bases and Vince Scully ties it up into a nice bow. He talks about what it looked like, a black man in the South, winning the home run
Starting point is 00:37:50 title. And it was just an amazing moment. And that is why baseball has those moments that not often do you see those kind of moments in the other sports. And for your listening pleasure, here you go. Fastball is a high. and the state of Georgia, what a marvelous moment for the country in the world. A black man is getting a standing ovation in the deep south
Starting point is 00:38:38 for breaking a record of an all-time baseball idol. And it is a great moment for all of us, and particularly for Henry Aaron, who was met at home plate not only by every member of the Braves, but by his father and mother. He threw his arms around his father, And as he left the home plate area, his mother came running across the grass, threw her arms around his neck, kissed him for all she was worth.
Starting point is 00:39:15 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.
Starting point is 00:39:52 Get right to the romance and find the way to wow. with 1 800 flowers.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. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy, not quite.
Starting point is 00:40:27 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,
Starting point is 00:40:50 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.
Starting point is 00:41:10 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. 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.
Starting point is 00:41:29 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.
Starting point is 00:41:52 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 Cliford 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.

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.