How Diamondbacks made their improbable run to the World Series
USA TODAY Sports’ Bob Nightengale discusses the Arizona Diamondbacks odds-defying run to the World Series and previews their matchup with the Rangers.
Sports Pulse
The Mad Dog isn’t ready to leave the airwaves just yet.
After the Arizona Diamondbacks pulled off a stunning comeback to earn a spot in the World Series, MLB Network and SiriusXM Radio host Chris “Mad Dog” Russo is backing off the outrageous promise he made two days ago.
“I haven’t decided yet,” he said on MLB Network’s “High Heat” program Wednesday afternoon.
Russo vowed Monday on his SiriusXM radio show that he would “retire on the spot” if the 84-win and sixth-seeded D-backs won back-to-back games in Philadelphia to reach the World Series.
After Arizona took Game 6 of the National League Championship Series later that night, Russo doubled down on social media − reposting a clip of his comments with the words, “I stand by my promise!”
Incredibly enough, Arizona’s unlikely upstarts completed their upset of the defending National League champions with a 4-2 win Tuesday night in Game 7.
On Wednesday’s edition of the Howard Stern Show on SiriusXM, Russo admitted he’s not going to follow through and announce his retirement. He also seemingly agreed with Stern’s suggestion that he should walk down the streets of Manhattan in a bikini as punishment.
Then on “High Heat,” he pointed out to co-host Alanna Rizzo: “I said retirement on SiriusXM,” hinting that he could save face if he retired from just his radio show.
That hasn’t stopped Russo’s critics — as well as his friends — from calling attention to his botched prediction.
STAY UP-TO-DATE: Subscribe to our Sports newsletter for exclusive content
Damon Amendolara, a host on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Radio channel, offered one of the many “congratulatory” posts on social media: “Enjoy a lifetime of shuffleboard in Winter Haven!”
Even the Diamondbacks themselves couldn’t resist taking a shot at their high-profile skeptic.
While the D-backs prepare to face the Texas Rangers in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, the baseball world will look forward to Mad Dog wearing the cone of shame for a little longer.
Sarah Wilson is your guide to the latest trends, viral sensations, and internet phenomena. With a finger on the pulse of digital culture, she explores what’s trending across social media and pop culture, keeping readers in the know about the latest online sensations.
