Torey Lovullo sends a message to Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo after Diamondbacks' NLCS victory: "He's got to put his money where his mouth is"
Arizona is now prepared to face the Texas Rangers in the World Series thanks to the historic victory in Game 7. Arizona needed to win back-to-back road games in a difficult setting to secure its place in the 2023 World Series for the first time since winning it in 2001. Arizona was down 3-2 in the NLCS against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Just before Game 7, sports radio personality Chris "Mad Dog" Russo made a bold statement. Russo declared he would "retire on the spot" if Arizona pulled off the comeback on his radio show "Mad Dog Sports Radio."
Although it's unclear if he'll truly retire, the Diamondbacks players acknowledged his comments by chanting "Mad Dog" during their celebrations.
"DBacks chanting 'Mad Dog' during their celebrations." - BRWalkOff
After the game, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo replied to Russo's remarks in a humorous way. He said he had previously warned Mad Dog that he needed to back up his words with deeds. In his opinion, it was his last day working for the network.
"'So I've already told @MadDogUnleashed he's got to put his money where his mouth is. I think he had his last day at the network today as far as I'm concerned.' TOREY LOVULLO IS A SAVAGE." - @PHNX_Dbacks
Chris Russo's radio career
Chris Russo, a native of New York, worked for WMCA in New York City from 1987 to 1988 and WKIS in Orlando, Florida, between 1984 and 1987. Russo is well known for his fast speech, whistles and opening line for the Mike and the Mad Dog program: "Good afternoon everybody!"
Russo launched his own channel, Mad Dog Sports Radio, on Sirius XM Radio in August 2008. On SiriusXM channel 82 of Mad Dog Sports Radio, he also broadcasts the afternoon radio program Mad Dog Unleashed.
In addition, on March 31, 2014, Russo joined MLB Network. He currently co-hosts the show High Heat with Alanna Rizzo. Additionally, he regularly appears on First Take on ESPN. On Nov. 1, 2022, Russo was admitted into the Radio Hall of Fame.