Mike and the Mad Dog

Then-Mets general manager Omar Minaya appeared on "Mike and the Mad Dog" on Jan. 25, 2006, just as the back pages were accusing him of showing preference toward signing Latino players. “I understand when you’re the first Hispanic general manager, there are going to be people that are going to look at everything that you do and try to analyze it or try to say, ‘He’s doing this because of that,'” Minaya said. “The fact is growing up in New York City, I never think about race. “The New York Mets, what we’re trying to do as an organization is put the best team on the field.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Boomer Esiason and Dan Reeves were among the parade of big-name guests to wish the "Mike and the Mad Dog" show a happy 10th anniversary in November 1999. At the time, Reeves was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, who were struggling a year after reaching their first Super Bowl, and Esiason was the color commentator for “Monday Night Football.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

 Derek Jeter’s best season came in 2006, when he batted .343 with 14 homers, 97 RBIs and 118 runs. But he only finished second in American League MVP voting, being edge out by Minnesota’s Justin Morneau. Mike and the Mad Dog thought Jeter should have won, and on Nov. 21, 2006, the day the results were announced, they wanted answers. What was even more perplexing for Chris “Mad Dog” Russo is how one voter put Jeter sixth on his ballot. Mike and the Mad Dog tracked down that writer, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, and put him on the spot. “To me, you take Jeter out, are the Yankees as good a team? No. Are they a playoff team? Probably still a playoff team when you look at that lineup,” Cowley said. “So I mean, I base it a lot on that, and I talk to people. You grab some guys from around the American League and tell them: ‘Which guy do you think is the MVP? Which guy do you fear the most in that lineup?’ And I heard more people say they fear A-Rod and Cano more than they fear Jeter.” “They’re not watching Yankee games,” Russo fired back. Earlier in the show, the guys talked to Ed Price of the Newark Star-Ledger about why he voted Morneau first and Jeter second. “Everybody has their own definition of MVP,” Price said. “That’s kind of the beauty of it is that it’s open to interpretation.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this "Mike and the Mad Dog" clip, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo tries to call a horse race. There are only a couple of problems: Chris doesn’t have binoculars, and he’s not sure where the finish line is. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

On June 11, 2007, Yankees great Bill “Moose” Skowron appeared as a guest on "Mike and the Mad Dog." He reflected on his career, including playing for the 1963 Los Angeles Dodgers team that beat the Yankees in the World Series -- it wasn't the cherished memory you might expect. The six-time All-Star also told tales of his time as a Yankee. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

On Jan. 25, 2006, then-Mets manager Willie Randolph appeared on "Mike and the Mad Dog" to discuss the previous season and the one that was on the horizon. Randolph talked about Aaron Heilman, Kazuo Matsui, Xavier Nady, showdowns with the Phillies and more. The Mets, of course, went on to win the NL East in 2006 and came within one game of reaching the World Series. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

The day after “The Great One” ended his legendary playing career with an emotional Madison Square Garden goodbye, Wayne Gretzky was a guest on "Mike and the Mad Dog." In the April 19, 1999, interview, Gretzky, who spent the final three seasons of his 21-year career with the Blueshirts said: “I’m going to miss all of it. Going to the rink for practice. I’m going to miss the games. I’m going to miss the fans. I’m going to miss sitting around on the road talking to the writers about hockey. … But most of all, I’m going to miss my teammates.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Eli Manning is calling it a career. In this installment of the "Best of Mike and the Mad Dog," we share an interview with Manning from Aug. 5, 2008. It was from when the guys stopped by Giants training camp. Of course, Big Blue's stunning upset of the previously unbeaten Patriots in Super Bowl XLII sixth months earlier was still a hot topic of discussion.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this “Mike and the Mad Dog” clip from Aug. 5, 2008, Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, interview then-Giants coach Tom Coughlin during his first training camp after winning Super Bowl XLII. As it turned out, this was the last show Mike and Chris did together before their split was announced. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

As the 2006 NBA season was tipping off, then-Commissioner David Stern appeared as a guest on "Mike and the Mad Dog." In the interview, Stern, who died last week after suffering a brain hemorrhage, discussed the league's push to improve player behavior both on and off the court, the game's young superstars at the time, the Nets moving to Brooklyn and more.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

On June 3, 2003, the Yankees held a news conference announcing that Derek Jeter was being named team captain. Neither Mike Francesa nor Chris “Mad Dog” Russo believed it was that big of a deal. “I guess it’s noteworthy because it’s the Yankee captain, but … to me, he’s been the captain since he got here,” Francesa said. “The Yankees gotta take a chill pill,” Mad Dog said. “Nobody cares. “It doesn’t mean anything who’s the silly captain on the Yankees,” he continued. “It means nothing whatsoever.” The Yankees then called in to dispute the assertion that they were calling it a “major” news conference, and Russo started to back down from his criticism of the team. Later in the show, Russo flipped his lid after seeing all the pomp and circumstance on TV. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

There's nothing better than a passionate caller. In this classic segment from "Mike and the Mad Dog" from 2002, a caller, Jerome, gets all worked up about the Yankees' Jason Giambi, who was slumping at the time. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this “Mike and the Mad Dog” clip from March 23, 2005, Mike Francesa discusses some of his memories of Mickey Mantle, which leads to a discussion about Whitey Ford as well. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

As John Minko and two of his buddies turned 50 years old, they went on a Yankees road trip to relive their youth. Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo were bewildered by some of the details. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Tim McCarver joined "Mike and the Mad Dog" before Game 4 of the 2006 World Series between the Cardinals and Tigers, reminiscing about the classic 1968 World Series between those same teams. He also discussed playing against the Yankees in the 1964 World Series, including the awe he felt catching when Mickey Mantle was at the plate. And he talked about the 2006 World Series and the Kenny Rogers pine tar controversy. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

After pitcher Chien-Ming Wang sprained his right foot running the bases on June 15, 2008, in the Yankees’ 13-0 win over the then-National League Houston Astros, Yankees co-chairman Hank Steinbrenner called for the NL to “join the 21st century” and have designated hitters. Chris “Mad Dog” Russo wanted no part of that, which led to this discussion on the “Mike and the Mad Dog” show on June 18. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Before WFAN was housed in Manhattan's Hudson Square, it called Astoria, Queens, home. There were good memories there, and there were not-so-good memories. This classic "Mike and the Mad Dog" clip from Oct. 25, 2006, was recorded on a day when the newsroom was flooded, which was just one of the problems. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Joe Girardi's name has been coming up a lot as some MLB teams look for a new manager, including the Mets. Here is an interview Girardi did with "Mike and the Mad Dog" in October 2006, a year before he was hired to manage the Yankees and shortly after he was fired as the Marlins’ skipper (despite being the 2006 Manager of the Year). He was part of the TV broadcast team for the 2006 World Series and discussed the series with Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, including his take on Tony LaRussa not getting Kenny Rogers ejected for pine tar, as well as his future managerial prospects. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo is a vocal, lifelong San Francisco Giants fan. So imagine his pain in 2003 when the Giants, still looking for their first world title since leaving New York in 1957, were eliminated from the postseason for the second time by the Marlins, a team that had only been in existence for 10 years at the time. In this classic clip from Oct. 6, 2003, Russo rants to Mike Francesa about the Marlins’ NLDS win over San Francisco. “Why waste my time?” Mad Dog says. “Every single freakin’ year I get myself juiced up for this stupid team, and at 43 years of age and three kids, enough already! Let them go hurt somebody else!” Of course, the Giants have won three world championships since 2010, so all is well with Dog now on that front. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In another reunion, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo was a guest on Mike Francesa’s show from Radio Row before Super Bowl XLVI in February 2012 between the Giants and Patriots. Listen as Mike and the Mad Dog catch up, talk about a wide-ranging topic of sports and laugh … A LOT! See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this clip from November 1999, Mike and Chris discuss which athletes were the best in their sports in the 20th century. They also took input from callers. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

On June 3, 2003, the Islanders surprisingly fired coach Peter Laviolette after two playoff seasons. General manager Mike Milbury appeared as a phone guest on "Mike and the Mad Dog" to explain his decision. The interview became rather confrontational when Chris “Mad Dog” Russo asked Milbury: “How are you the GM? Let’s be fair. Say it the way it is: You have not done a good job here.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In 2007, WFAN’s John Minko was rejected for a press pass to see his alma mater, Butler, play in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo. Mike and the Mad Dog were flabbergasted. “If they don’t get Minko a pass, they are dead as far as I’m concerned,” said Chris “Mad Dog” Russo. Listen to this classic clips as the guys try to get the Mink Man into the game. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In 2007, WFAN’s John Minko was rejected for a press pass to see his alma mater, Butler, play in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo. Mike and the Mad Dog were flabbergasted. “If they don’t get Minko a pass, they are dead as far as I’m concerned,” said Chris “Mad Dog” Russo. Listen to this classic clips as the guys try to get the Mink Man into the game. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In 2007, WFAN’s John Minko was rejected for a press pass to see his alma mater, Butler, play in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Buffalo. Mike and the Mad Dog were flabbergasted. “If they don’t get Minko a pass, they are dead as far as I’m concerned,” said Chris “Mad Dog” Russo. Listen to this classic clips as the guys try to get the Mink Man into the game. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

On Oct. 13, 2005, with the Yankees fresh off an ALDS defeat at the hands of the Angels, reporters were gathered in the Yankee Stadium clubhouse waiting to interview players clearing out their lockers. It was slow going throughout the day, and there was no food on hand for the media. “You would make so many friends if you sent a couple of pizzas over to the Yankee clubhouse,” WFAN reporter Sweeny Murti told Mike and the Mad Dog. And Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo did just that, sending over eight pies and sodas. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

On Oct. 13, 2005, with the Yankees fresh off an ALDS defeat at the hands of the Angels, reporters were gathered in the Yankee Stadium clubhouse waiting to interview players clearing out their lockers. It was slow going throughout the day, and there was no food on hand for the media. “You would make so many friends if you sent a couple of pizzas over to the Yankee clubhouse,” WFAN reporter Sweeny Murti told Mike and the Mad Dog. And Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo did just that, sending over eight pies and sodas. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Yankees great Bobby Murcer was a guest on "Mike and the Mad Dog" on June 16, 2003. The player-turned-broadcaster talked about how his former team was doing at the time. The Bronx Bombers had a strong team in 2003, but days earlier they were the victims of a no-hitter by six different Astros pitchers. “When Joe (Torre) speaks, that team certainly listens,” Murcer said. “There’s no doubt about that. But I think truly all of the ballclub was embarrassed. That’s the first time ever that anybody, any team has even been no-hit with six different pitchers. I think they were embarrassed.” To listen to the interview, click on the audio player above. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

On Oct. 16, 2009, a little more than a year after Mike and the Mad Dog's 19-year on-air run ended, Chris Russo appeared as a guest on Mike Francesa’s WFAN show, which was on location from the ALCS at Yankee Stadium. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In Game 2 of the 2006 World Series, Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenny Rogers was caught on camera with a foreign substance on his pitching hand. The next day, Oct. 23, Mike and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo discussed the potential ramifications, including how Major League Baseball should deal with similar situations. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this "Mike and the Mad Dog" clip from April 1, 2005, Anthony in Queens asks Mike Francesa and Chris Russo about their earliest baseball memories and which sport they prefer, baseball or football? See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this “Mike and the Mad Dog” clip from Oct. 24, 2006, Chris “Mad Dog” Russo turns movie critic after seeing the film “Flags of Our Fathers.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

The hot topic of conversation on the "Mike and the Mad Dog" show on Oct. 20, 2006, was the Mets’ heartbreaking loss the night before to the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Championship Series. The Cardinals took the seven-game series and went on to win the World Series. Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo opened their show by breaking down Game 7. Then-Mets general manager Omar Minaya called in to discuss the tough loss. Of course, Mets fans were devastated, none more than “Mr. Met,” WFAN sports anchor Bob Heussler, whom Mike and Chris treated with much compassion. Or maybe they weren’t really that compassionate and tried to needle him about the loss. You decide. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Broadcasting live from Yankee Stadium before the 2008 All-Star Game, Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo stayed later than their show was scheduled to end to speak with then-Commissioner Bud Selig. As it turned out, it was the second-to-last show Mike and Chris did together before their show ended. To listen to the segment from July 15, 2008, click on the audio player below. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Last week, we posted Mike and the Mad Dog’s review of Chris Carlin’s wedding. They weren’t as kind when they discussed the wedding plans of another of their onetime producers, Marc Malusis. They weren’t crazy about the hourslong gap between the ceremony and reception, and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo wasn’t a fan of Malusis’ honeymoon plans, either. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this classic "Mike and the Mad Dog" clip, the guys discuss attending Chris Carlin's wedding. Carlin was the show's producer at the time. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Alex Rodriguez made a surprise appearance on the "Mike and the Mad Dog" show on March 5, 2002, from Legends Field in Tampa, Florida. A-Rod was still a Texas Ranger at the time, and he talked about how he almost became a New York Met, as well as other baseball-related matters. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Back in 2005, Chris "Mad Dog" Russo brought his kids to the WFAN studios, and when he wasn't paying attention, they managed to disrupt a live Brooklyn Nets game broadcast. Listen and Russo and Mike Francesa discuss the incident in this March 25, 2005, episode of "Mike and the Mad Dog." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

On March 30, 2016, Mike Francesa and Chris "Mad Dog" Russo got together for a big reunion show at Radio City Music Hall. Here's the opening segment.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo saw Billy Joel in concert, which led to a discussion about his music, which of his songs are Mike's and the Chris' favorites and ticket pricing in this Jan. 27, 2006, clip. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Mike and the Mad Dog interview Yankees great Don Mattingly on June 9, 2008. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Mike and the Mad Dog interview Yankees great Don Mattingly on June 9, 2008. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

On June 2, 2008, former baseball commissioner Fay Vincent stopped by the Mike and the Mad Dog show to promote his book “We Would Have Played for Nothing.” Of course, steroids in baseball was a hot topic then. Vincent said he believed baseball’s union heads were partly to blame for the problem because they fought against a ban on performance-enhancing drugs. But Vincent said he, too, was somewhat at fault. “I wish we’d known more when steroids came along,” he said. “I thought it was a football problem. “We were wrong. We didn’t realize that there are thousands of different compounds called steroids. It’s not like cocaine. There’s just so many different drugs pitchers can take and hitters.” Chris “Mad Dog” Russo asked Vincent how he came to choose the 11 baseball stars from the 1950s and ’60s to interview for his book. Vincent also spoke about interviewing Larry Doby, the American League’s first black player, and Ralph Houk, a war hero, player and longtime manager. Vincent also talked about his time working for future President George Bush in the Texas oil fields and how he wishes he could have remained commissioner for more than three years. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

After Chris “Mad Dog” Russo got married, Mike Francesa, John Minko and others offered a critique of the wedding. The food didn’t draw rave reviews. “I tell you, Dog, if a pizza man had stumbled in there, he’d never have to work again,” Francesa joked. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Mike and the Mad Dog chat with the Jets head coach in this Jan. 15, 2003, clip. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Mike and the Mad Dog chat with the Jets head coach in this Jan. 15, 2003, clip. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo was rather jubilant a day after the Yankees were eliminated by the Angels in the 2005 American League Division Series. Mike Francesa was not.  This classic clip from Mike & the Mad Dog includes a “missive from General George.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Then-Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens appeared on Mike and the Mad Dog’s show on June 16, 2003, just days after winning his 300th career game. “I had some emotions out there on the mound, and I think just the fact that it had come and we had gotten it there at home and just huge the ovations and everything, it was just tremendous,” Clemens said. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Before there was a new Yankee Stadium, there was this classic argument between Mike and the Mad Dog about whether there should be a new Yankee Stadium. Chris “Mad Dog” Russo believed a new venue wasn’t needed because the Yankees were still packing the house and making money hand over fist. Mike Francesa, a longtime Yankees fan, disagreed. “I personally felt that they need a new stadium because I think it is cramped, I think underneath it is cramped, they don’t have any of the modern amenities that Camden Yards has, they don’t have any of the modern amenities that any of these wonderful new ballparks have that I think are very fan friendly,” Francesa said. At one point, the argument became a debate about how long it takes to use the restroom at Yankee Stadium. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In this clip from Jan. 15, 2003, Mike and the Mad Dog talk about then-board op Marc “Moose” Malusis’ long-distance relationship and the show’s upcoming road trip to Super Bowl XXXVII (that was the one when the Buccaneers blew out the Raiders). See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani was a guest on Mike and the Mad Dog’s show on June 16, 2003 during an on-location broadcast from Yogi Berra’s annual charity golf tournament in Montclair, New Jersey. Francesa asked Giuliani about becoming known as “America’s Mayor” following 9/11. “At the time, I didn’t realize that,” Giuliani said. “As it was going on, you were so busy. There was no way to know who you were actually talking to. And now when I talk to people who watched it on television, which makes up most of America, there are a lot of experiences that I didn’t have. They were sitting there watching it happen, and I was sort of in the middle of it.” Giuliani talked in further detail about the morning of Sept. 11. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Radio icon Don Imus called into Mike and the Mad Dog’s 10th anniversary show on Nov. 18, 1999. “It wasn’t my idea to put you two together. I forget whose idea it was, but whoever’s idea it was … it was a great idea,” said Imus, who worked with Mike and the Mad Dog at WFAN. “I hate to say this, it’s head and shoulders the best sports talk show, maybe even the best talk show in the country.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

In a lengthy interview with Mike and the Mad Dog on June 25, 1990, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner began by revealing he was scrapping his usual blueprint and instead playing and developing young players. The Bronx Bombers were 25-42 at the time and in need of a shakeup. “I didn’t think you could do that in New York,” the Boss said. ” … I felt that you had to be up there in New York every year. These are the toughest fans in the world here. They’re the most knowledgeable. They’re the toughest. I’m sure you know that from some of the calls you get. They know what they’re doing. This is a mentally tough city, and it has to be. You fight for cabs, you fight for a restaurant table, you fight for everything. That’s a good way to have it. I didn’t think I could come with the Toronto or Cleveland excuse that we’re going to go and develop the young players.” He also discussed the failed tenure of manager Dallas Green, some of his differences with Dave Winfield, instability within the organization and his hiring and firing of Billy Martin five times. At one point, the interview turned a little testy. “George, do you think you’ve run this team into the ground?” Mike Francesa asks him. After Chris “Mad Dog” Russo reintroduces the Boss — “George Steinbrenner joining us here on the FAN” — Steinbrenner asks: “Where am I joining you? … Oh, the FAN! It sounds like I’m joining you in a ring.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

It all ended on Aug. 15, 2008. That was the day Mike Francesa opened the show confirming that after 19 years Mike and the Mad Dog were going their separate ways. Tony, Chris Russo's father, then called in to the show. “This show will be thought of for the rest of my life, and I want to wish you the best of luck to your family and to your friends,” he told Francesa. “One thing I want to ask you: Can I call you at any time?” “You’re killing me, Tony,” Francesa responded. “Yes, yes, any time, Tony.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

It all ended on Aug. 15, 2008. That was the day Mike Francesa opened the show confirming that after 19 years Mike and the Mad Dog were going their separate ways. “We started this program on Sept. 5, 1989,” Francesa said. “It was a shotgun wedding, as everyone may remember, if you’re old enough. It was almost a quicky divorce. We did not get along very well in the beginning. The show was considered to be a colossal misjudgment the first couple of weeks. Within nine months, it was the toast of the town. And fortunately, for Dog and myself, it has remained that for these many years. “This is a very sad ocassion.” Then Chris “Mad Dog” Russo called in to say goodbye. He said the move had nothing to do with his working relationship with Francesa. “I’m 48. It’s time for a little change for me personally. I think this will both do us a little good. I think you’ll do very well,” Mad Dog told Francesa. “I can tell you’re challenged, looking forward to it. … I think that I just need a little challenge in my life, a little something different.” Then an emotional listener, Tony, called in. “This show will be thought of for the rest of my life, and I want to wish you the best of luck to your family and to your friends,” he told Francesa. “One thing I want to ask you: Can I call you at any time?” “You’re killing me, Tony,” Francesa responded. “Yes, yes, any time, Tony.” Mark Mason, the former WFAN program director who teamed Francesa with Russo in 1989, then called into the show. “I think everybody’s got this a little wrong,” Mason said. “I think you guys are to be congratulated. I think it’s a celebration. I can’t think of the last time anything this great has been on the air for nearly two decades. And it’s a remarkable thing in the history of broadcasting. “Look, everybody has their ups and downs. The thing that made you guys great in my mind was your passion, your love for broadcasting and your love for sports.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

It all ended on Aug. 15, 2008. That was the day Mike Francesa opened the show confirming that after 19 years Mike and the Mad Dog were going their separate ways. “We started this program on Sept. 5, 1989,” Francesa said. “It was a shotgun wedding, as everyone may remember, if you’re old enough. It was almost a quicky divorce. We did not get along very well in the beginning. The show was considered to be a colossal misjudgment the first couple of weeks. Within nine months, it was the toast of the town. And fortunately, for Dog and myself, it has remained that for these many years. “This is a very sad ocassion.” Then Chris “Mad Dog” Russo called in to say goodbye. He said the move had nothing to do with his working relationship with Francesa. “I’m 48. It’s time for a little change for me personally. I think this will both do us a little good. I think you’ll do very well,” Mad Dog told Francesa. “I can tell you’re challenged, looking forward to it. … I think that I just need a little challenge in my life, a little something different.” Then an emotional listener, Tony, called in. “This show will be thought of for the rest of my life, and I want to wish you the best of luck to your family and to your friends,” he told Francesa. “One thing I want to ask you: Can I call you at any time?” “You’re killing me, Tony,” Francesa responded. “Yes, yes, any time, Tony.” Mark Mason, the former WFAN program director who teamed Francesa with Russo in 1989, then called into the show. “I think everybody’s got this a little wrong,” Mason said. “I think you guys are to be congratulated. I think it’s a celebration. I can’t think of the last time anything this great has been on the air for nearly two decades. And it’s a remarkable thing in the history of broadcasting. “Look, everybody has their ups and downs. The thing that made you guys great in my mind was your passion, your love for broadcasting and your love for sports.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

The lovable, quotable Yogi Berra was a guest on Mike and the Mad Dog’s show on June 16, 2003. The Yankees great talked about catching Don Larsen’s perfect game, hitting two homers in Game 7 of the 1956 World Series, playing alongside fellow legends Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle and more. He also discussed his museum in Little Falls, New Jersey, adding that a broadcast center for college students was being built there at the time. “Maybe we could use you guys to come over and teach them,” Berra told Mike Francesa and Chris “Mad Dog” Russo. “We’re the wrong guys to do that, Yogi!” Mad Dog joked. “It’s like you teaching hitting to somebody, OK?” Francesa added. “Don’t learn to do it like me. You can’t take the pitch off the ground and hit it into the right-field seats.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Then-Yankees manager Joe Torre called in during Mike & the Mad Dog’s 10th anniversary special On Nov. 18, 1999. The Yankees were just coming off winning their third world title in four years. “When you win it once, it’s sort of like an Academy Award — you’re always an Academy Award winner,” Torre said. “When you do it the second time, it’s, ‘Wow!’ And then the third time, I haven’t figured out an adjective for it yet.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

John Madden called into Mike and the Mad Dog’s 10th anniversary show on Nov. 18, 1999, and had some high praise for the WFAN hosts. “Any time I’m in New York … I’m always listening to you guys, and you’re the best,” the broadcaster and former NFL coach said. “I remember when you started, they said, ‘Heck, this will never work.’ And then it worked, and then they said, ‘Oh, yeah, well, heck, it’ll work, it’ll never last.’ And then you go 10 years and you say, ‘Wow, these guys are amazing!’ “There’s just the way you do it and the knowledge, and the passion that you have for sports is just the greatest.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Mets catcher Mike Piazza called into Mike and the Mad Dog’s 10th anniversary show on Nov. 18, 1999. Piazza talked about playing hurt against the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series a month earlier. But he also admitted to Mike Francesa that he had dyed his hair blonde. “I guess I did,” he said. “It was that or getting a tattoo and I figured, well, my real hair will grow back.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Bobby Valentine was one of the many guests who appeared on Mike and the Mad Dog’s 10th anniversary special on Nov. 18, 1999. In the interview, the Mets manager at the time said he supports sports talk radio, but then jokingly took a shot at the WFAN hosts. “It’s great … when you guys can have what you have to say on the air and have professionals commenting on it every day, and then every once in a while get guys who know a little about what we’re doing to come on it, too.” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Mike & the Mad Dog had a couple of Giant guests on their 10th anniversary special on Nov. 18, 1999. Longtime Giants general manager George Young and defensive end Michael Strahan were among the sports figures who stopped by. “I don’t know whether it’s nice to be here or not,” Young joked. “Congratulations on 10 years. I’m surprised they kept you two on the air for that long,” Strahan said in jest. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Holy cow! Phil Rizzuto appeared on Mike and the Mad Dog’s show on June 16, 2003. The Yankees Hall of Famer discussed his playing days and his broadcast career, which included proving the play-by-play commentary in Meat Loaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Light.” “I had forgotten all about it (after recording the commentary),” Rizzuto told Mike and the Mad Dog. “About six months later, when the record came out, my son calls me. … He says, ‘Dad, you’re a rock star!’ And then he brought it home and played it about six times before I realized what was going on (in the song).” See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

After Chris “Mad Dog” Russo got married, Mike Francesa, John Minko and others offered a critique of the wedding. The food didn’t draw rave reviews. “I tell you, Dog, if a pizza man had stumbled in there, he’d never have to work again,” Francesa joked. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Mike and Chris interview Hall of Famer Bill Russell at the 10th anniversary of Mike & the Mad Dog on April 19, 1999. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.