Chris “Mad Dog" Russo"s decision to backtrack on his proclamation that he would retire if the Arizona Diamondbacks made it to the World Series led to his unexpected presence in Arizona to witness the very event he said he"d retire over.
Russo had declared on his radio show last week that he"d retire “on the spot" if the D-backs managed to win Games 6 and 7 of the NLCS in Philadelphia. To everyone"s surprise, the Diamondbacks did just that, and Russo had to own up to his promise. He"s been facing the music and admitting his mistake ever since.
Before Game 3 of the World Series, Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall playfully poked fun at Russo. He even did a pretty accurate impression of the “Mad Dog."
Hall quipped about Russo"s presence, asking, “Was there something said?? How is he still here when he retired?" Hall then reminded everyone that Russo had been doubting the Diamondbacks every step of the way, especially before Game 6 in Philadelphia. Russo"s commentary was quite negative, and he confidently asserted that “Arizona doesn"t have a chance, they"re going to go back, they"re going to lose two, they"re terrible… forget it."
"Was there something said?? How is he still here when he retired?" 😭@Dbacks President Derrick Hall confronts @MadDogUnleashed and discusses Arizona's remarkable #Postseason run so far.#HighHeat | @alannarizzo | #EmbraceTheChaos pic.twitter.com/eGKJrZjEZH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 30, 2023
Russo admitted his predictions were off the mark, and he also mentioned another incorrect take he had before the NLDS. He had boldly claimed that Arizona wouldn"t win a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the Diamondbacks ended up sweeping them instead. Russo playfully conceded to Hall, saying, “You got back at me," and humorously pointed out that Hall had placed his radio booth in the center field bleachers.
Hall was gracious about the whole situation, acknowledging that nobody had anticipated the D-backs making it this far into the postseason, especially considering their rough performance in the final week of the regular season. However, he couldn"t help but note that no one had tied these predictions to retirement as Russo did.
