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Pedro Martinez Joins MLB Network

Jason Barrett

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Pedro Martinez’s summer just got busier. And that’s great news for baseball fans, especially around here.

The iconic former Red Sox ace, who will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July, has reached an agreement to join the MLB Network as an analyst.

Further details regarding his role will be revealed in a conference call Wednesday afternoon with Martinez and network president Rob McGlarry.

Martinez, who went 117-37 with a 2.52 ERA in seven seasons with the Red Sox (1998-2004), has been a studio analyst on TBS’s postseason coverage the past two Octobers.

Martinez said in an interview in September 2013 that he wanted to give analysis a try because former teammates such as Kevin Millar enjoyed it so much.

Despite being a relative novice — he also filled in on occasional NESN Red Sox telecasts — the charismatic Martinez was a near-instant hit for his candor and humor.

He also does not shy away from criticism when it’s warranted, something recently retired players sometime struggle with in the transition to television.

Most notably, Martinez ripped Royals manager Ned Yost for pulling starter James Shields in favor of Yordano Ventura — who had thrown 73 pitches two days earlier — during the AL wild card game last season.

Martinez is the ninth former Red Sox player to join MLB Network’s roster of analysts.

Credit to the Boston Globe who originally published this story

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Mike Felger: Being 2nd Chair in Sports Radio ‘Sneaky Hard’

“I’m just used to running my mouth and setting the pace, and that sort of thing.”

Jordan Bondurant

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Mike Felger
Courtesy: Nantucket Current

Morning drive on Boston’s 98.5 The Sports Hub will have a new co-host alongside Fred Toucher starting in January, and speculation continues to swirl about who will replace longtime co-host Rich Shertenlieb.

The Boston Herald last week reported the latest in the station’s search for a new morning co-host. Kendra Middleton, a familiar voice in the mornings, has interviewed, and other current station talent like Jim Murray and Rob “Hardy” Poole are believed to be getting consideration.

Mike Felger, co-host of Felger & Mazz on The Sports Hub, has been jokingly suggested as the next co-host. But Felger said in a digital video reported on by the Herald that it would certainly be a challenge, and that he and Toucher would have success.

“I think it would go well,” he said. “What is a sneaky hard spot is to be in the second chair, to be in the Mazz chair, the B chair, because listening is harder than talking… that would be the only discomfort.”

Felger added that it would be an adjustment.

“I’m just used to running my mouth and setting the pace, and that sort of thing,” he said.

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Former Tennessee Titans Tight End and 104.5 The Zone Host Frank Wycheck Dies

The Tennessee Titans announced Wycheck’s death Sunday. He was 52.

Jordan Bondurant

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A photo of Frank Wycheck
(Photo: WZTV)

Tennessee Titans fans were saddened to learn over the weekend that beloved tight end Frank Wycheck died. He was 52 years old.

Wycheck passed away after falling and hitting his head at his Chattanooga home on Saturday, according to a statement from the family.

“We are all devastated to hear the news of Frank’s passing,” Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. “He was loved by so many, and his memory will always be cherished. Frank’s name was synonymous with Titans football. He was such a huge part of our team’s success both on and off the field. He embraced this community and fan base immediately, and everyone loved him right back.”

In 11 seasons with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, Wycheck recorded 505 receptions for 5,126 yards and 28 touchdowns. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection. Frank is in both the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and the team’s Ring of Honor.

Wycheck was part of one of the most memorable plays in NFL history when his cross-field pass to Kevin Dyson in a 2000 playoff game set up what’s now known as the “Music City Miracle.” Wycheck’s only Super Bowl appearance came that season.

Post-retirement in 2003, Wycheck went into sports radio, hosting a morning drive talk show with Mark Howard and Kevin Ingram on 104.5 The Zone. Wycheck was also the color analyst for Tennessee Titans radio broadcasts, leaving both roles in 2017.

Howard passed away last year, but Ingram on Sunday offered his condolences on X.

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Channing Crowder: I Still Underestimate How Many People Listen to Radio

“We make fun of it like ‘Oh, AM radio’ and this, man, but here are people who when I went to the bathroom, and they’re walking up to me ‘Hey, love the show, man’.”

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A photo of Channing Crowder and the 560 WQAM logo
(Photo: Audacy)

Even though he’s been in the sports radio game for more than a decade, 560 WQAM’s Channing Crowder admits he still doesn’t appreciate just how many people listen to his show.

While hosting Hochman and Crowder at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino ahead of sports betting going live in Florida, co-host Marc Hochman shared a story that one of the employees at the casino told him he often deals with giant celebrities.

However, despite his dealings with major music and movie stars, the employee was excited to meet Hochman and Greg Cote of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz.

That led Crowder to admit he often underinflates the size of his daily audience.

“It’s funny, because like, I underestimate, still –12-13 years into radio — how many people listen to radio,” Crowder said. “And it’s funny because we make fun of it like ‘Oh, AM radio’ and this, man, but here are people who when I went to the bathroom, and they’re walking up to me ‘Hey, love the show, man. You and Hochman are hilarious’.”

Crowder has hosted afternoons alongside Hochman on 560 WQAM since 2015 after previously hosting the early afternoon window on the Audacy station. In addition to his radio work, he hosts The Pivot podcast with Ryan Clark and Fred Taylor.

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