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Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo said on today’s edition of High Heat that it was the last episode and that the show, hosted by the SiriusXM host and ESPN contributor along with Alanna Rizzo, would no longer air on MLB Network. The network posted on social media, “Cheers to High Heat on a great 11-season run!” and had a video montage of some of the best clips from over the years.
“We’ll do as good of a job as we have done in the last 2,200 of these shows in the last 11 years because this is the last High Heat here on the MLB Network,” Russo said. “…So, we do this show in conjunction with all those who have worked on it in the last 11 seasons and that includes Benji Goldsmith today who is the director, producer, and of course our buddy Chris Bonetti.”
The show launched on Opening Day in 2014 and featured Russo’s signature energetic delivery and passionate takes. Rizzo, who won the 2020 Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association’s TV Reporter award, covered the Los Angeles Dodgers for SportsNet, but prior to that had been a contributor to MLB Network.
MLB Network released a statement that said, “In more than 2,200 episodes over the last 11 seasons, High Heat created a signature edgy and entertaining look at the game. It’s been a great ride, and we thank Chris and Alanna for everything they’ve given to the show. As Chris likes to say, ‘that’s a good job by you.'”
Russo headlines SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio, and hosts its anchor program, Mad Dog Unleashed, live every weekday afternoon from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. ET. Russo joined SiriusXM Radio in 2008 after nearly 20 years in New York hosting the popular Mike and the Mad Dog show.
Russo will still make appearances on various MLB Network shows.
