The sports talk show where one man yells at clouds—and it's actually brilliant.
Season 11 • Episode 24
LatestChris Russo has never been afraid to bring the heat as a radio host. Nicknamed "Mad Dog," he shows real passion for sports when the subject is baseball. Hearing him rant on satellite radio is one thing; seeing him is electrifying, which is why MLB Network collared Mad Dog to talk hardball each weekday. The hourlong studio show begins with Russo's monologue on the day's big headlines, then accelerates to league news with a roster of contributors including analysts Al Leiter, Dan Plesac, Harold Reynolds, Bill Ripken, insider Tom Verducci, and national/local beat writers and broadcasters.
Acting
Russo's theatrical monologues—part sermon, part meltdown.
Production
MLB Network's slick studio lets the chaos feel premium.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Russo pioneered the 'sports yakker' archetype that dominated ESPN and talk radio from 1990-2010.
The 'Mad Dog' nickname came from a WFAN colleague mocking his intensity—he trademarked it.
US
