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Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo talked about the end of his MLB Network show High Heat on an episode of the SI Media with Jimmy Traina podcast. Traina and Russo were joined by WFAN host Sal Licata as the three talked about a wide variety of sports topics. Before they got into anything else, however, Traina said many had asked him about High Heat coming to an end, so he wanted to know what Russo had to say on the matter.
“There’s a couple of things,” Russo said. “Number one, I was even debating whether I would do it this last year. And, you know, the media landscape has changed an awful lot from where I first started doing this 11 years ago, as far as cable access and all those things. You know, the media business, you know how tricky it is right now as far as companies trying to save money left and right. MLB is no different there.
“Probably from a bang for their buck with ratings, putting me in at 11 a.m. for the money they pay, they may not think they’re getting enough value for that based on ratings. They can put on a lot of day games as it is. They can extend the morning show that they have with [Mark] DeRosa and Lauren Shahadi and Robert Flores. So, I mean, I’m replaceable, to make a long story short.”
Russo went on to say he appreciated how long he did get to do it as an 11-year run is a good one for a television show. He also said while he was ready for it to end there were others who were a part of the show who now have to look for extra work.
“Listen, 11 years is a long time. I feel more bad for [co-host] Alanna [Rizzo] than I do for myself because Alanna, you know, this is an important piece of income for Alanna. She loves doing it. I love doing it, too. I have other things that I can do to occupy my time. Alanna doesn’t have as much. So, I do feel a little bit more for Alanna and the producers as well.”
Russo wanted to make sure everyone understood it wasn’t as if MLB Network had pulled the rug out from under them. Russo explained as they were talking last November, he wasn’t sure he wanted to continue but ultimately, they all decided to do it for another year and regroup once it was over.
“Maybe it’s time,” Russo said. “I have three jobs. I’m 65, kids all over America. Maybe take a little blow. And this was an opportunity to take that little blow.”
Traina responded by saying, “Listen, a media company trying to save some money and canceling a show. I mean, this happens every day in this business.”
“100%, that’s what it is,” Russo said. “And it’s a niche. MLB is a niche outfit. You know, it’s not like it’s an outfit that’s printing money based on my show. They’re looking to cut corners.”
Russo did say there might be some other things he may end up doing with the Network, just not being on daily during the season. That way, the network can show savings, and Russo can still contribute talking about a game he loves and is good at analyzing.
Russo would later add, “I don’t want to come off as the poor victim here, that’s not fair.”
