Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo (born October 18, 1959 in Syosset, New York) is an American sports radio personality. He is best known as the co-host of the widely popular Mike and the Mad Dog sports radio show, which is broadcast on WFAN in New York City and the YES Network. October 18 is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years). ... 1959 (MCMLIX) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Syosset is a hamlet (and a census-designated place) in Nassau County, New York, within the Town of Oyster Bay. ... Mike and the Mad Dog is an afternoon drive sports radio program on WFAN AM 660 in New York. ... WFAN (660 kHz), often referred to as Sportsradio 66 or The FAN, is a radio station in New York City. ... Nickname: Big Apple Location in the state of New York Coordinates: Country United States State New York Boroughs Bronx (The Bronx) New York (Manhattan) Queens (Queens) Kings (Brooklyn) Richmond (Staten Island) Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) Area    - City 1,214. ... The Yankees Entertainment and Sports (YES) Network is a New York City regional cable TV channel dedicated to broadcasting baseball games of the New York Yankees, and basketball games of the New Jersey Nets. ...

Background

Russo grew up in Syosset, New York.^[1] He went to Darrow School in New Lebanon, New York, and Rollins College near Orlando, Florida. He also spent one spring at the Cranleigh School south of London, England (Russo's mother is English) and one semester at Sydney University in Australia studying Australian history and literature. Syosset is a hamlet (and a census-designated place) in Nassau County, New York, within the Town of Oyster Bay. ... Students at the Summit of Mt. ... New Lebanon is a town located in Columbia County, New York. ... Rollins College is a private, nonsectarian university located in Winter Park, Florida. ... Nickname: The City Beautiful, O-Town Location in Orange County and the state of Florida. ... Cranleigh School is a privately run English boarding school in the village of Cranleigh, Surrey. ... London (pronounced ) is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. ... Motto: (French for God and my right) Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital London Largest city London Official language(s) English (de facto) Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP Unification    - by Athelstan AD 927  Area    - Total 130,395 km² (1st in UK)   50,346 sq... The University of Sydney, established in 1850, is the oldest university in Australia, and it is located in Sydney, the capital city of the state of New South Wales. ...

Russo has wanted to be a broadcaster since he was a child. Prior to joining WFAN, Russo worked for WKIS in Orlando, Florida and WMCA in New York City. During his career at WKIS, when it became clear that the people of central Florida were having trouble understanding his accent, the station sent him to see a speech therapist twice a week. He got the "Mad Dog" nickname from New York Daily News Sports TV and Radio critic Bob Raissman.^[2] WKIS is a Country Music station licensed to Boca Raton, Florida and broadcasting at 99. ... Nickname: The City Beautiful, O-Town Location in Orange County and the state of Florida. ... WMCA, 570 AM, is a radio station in New York City. ... Nickname: Big Apple Location in the state of New York Coordinates: Country United States State New York Boroughs Bronx (The Bronx) New York (Manhattan) Queens (Queens) Kings (Brooklyn) Richmond (Staten Island) Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) Area    - City 1,214. ... Daily News Building, Raymond Hood, architect, rendering by Hugh Ferriss. ...

Russo is known for his quick manner of speaking, the unmellifluousness of his voice, and his trademark greeting of "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAnnnnnnnnnnnd good afternoon everybody! How are you todaaaay?" at the start of the Mike and the Mad Dog show. George Vecsey of The New York Times described his voice as "a bizarre mixture of Jerry Lewis, Archie Bunker and Daffy Duck."^[3] Russo's voice is also described as "Donald Duck on steroids."^[4] George Vecsey is a non-fiction author and sports columnist for the New York Times. ... The New York Times is a newspaper published in New York City by Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr. ... Jerry Lewis (born Joseph Levitch on March 16, 1926), is an American comedian, actor, film producer, writer and director known for his slapstick humor and his charity fund-raising telethons for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. ... Archie Bunker on the cover of TV Guide (August 8-14, 1981) Archie Bunker was a fictional character in the long-running and top-rated American television sitcoms All in the Family and Archie Bunkers Place. ... Daffy Duck is an animated cartoon character in the Warner Bros. ... Donald Duck is an animated cartoon and comic-book character from Walt Disney Productions. ... In chemistry and biology, Steroids are a type of lipid, characterized by a carbon skeleton with four fused rings. ...

Russo is an avid San Francisco Giants, tennis and beach-going fan and has done his shows from the US Open and the Jersey Shore on many occasions. However, he has made no secret of his dislike for NASCAR, despite his previous on-air work in Orlando. Major league affiliations National League (1883–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3,4,11,24,27,30,36,44 Name San Francisco Giants (1958–present) New York Giants (1885-1957) New York Gothams (1883-1885) Ballpark AT&T Park (2000–present) a. ... Recently, (as of September 2006) the worlds #1 Roger Federer won his third straight U.S. Open Championship. ... The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the largest sanctioning body of motorsports in the United States. ...

Rise to Stardom

Main article: Mike and the Mad Dog

Russo's rise in popularity happened rapidly. Russo joined WFAN in late 1988 as an Overnight/ Weekend and fill-in host. He caught the attention of WFAN Morning Show Host, Don Imus. Imus brought Russo on-board the Imus in the Morning show as the Sports Reporter. The attention Russo received on Imus was enormous. Imus also later helped promote Russo's nickname. By early 1989, the Imus gig lead to Russo getting his own regular weekend show on Saturday Mornings. When Pete Franklin's drive time Show from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. was not renewed by WFAN station management, WFAN paired up Russo with Mike Francesa, who at the time was a co-host on the mid-morning show. The show was dubbed the Mike and the Mad Dog show and was launched on September 5, 1989 at 3 p.m. Mike and the Mad Dog is an afternoon drive sports radio program on WFAN AM 660 in New York. ... Don Imus John Donald Imus, Jr. ... Imus in the Morning is a daily comedy, news, and political program that revolves around the comedy and personality of Don Imus. ... Pete Franklin (1928 - November 23, 2004) (The King) was a U.S. sports radio talk show who worked in San Francisco, Cleveland and New York. ... Mike Francesa (born March 20, 1954 in Long Island, New York) is an American radio talk show host and television commentator. ... September 5 is the 248th day of the year (249th in leap years). ... 1989 (MCMLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The combination paired up Francesa's hard-hitting style with Russo's unorthodox and humorous style and proved to be a huge success. Francesa and Russo's show quickly became the signature show for WFAN, as well as among the most influential sports talk shows in the country.

Tirades

Throughout his tenure on Mike and the Mad Dog in New York, Russo has not been afraid to go against the tide of popular opinion of local New York and national sports. Most notably, Russo is a huge San Francisco Giants fan and has been a harsh critic and has frequently made fun of the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. He claims not to have favorite teams in the other sports, only favorite people. Still, the YES Network has televised the Mike and the Mad Dog radio program between 1 and 6:30, Monday through Friday, since it launched in 2002. Major league affiliations National League (1883–present) West Division (1969–present) Current uniform Retired Numbers 3,4,11,24,27,30,36,44 Name San Francisco Giants (1958–present) New York Giants (1885-1957) New York Gothams (1883-1885) Ballpark AT&T Park (2000–present) a. ... Major league affiliations American League (1901-present) East Division (1969-present) Current uniform Ballpark Yankee Stadium (1923-present) Major league titles World Series titles (26) 2000 â€¢ 1999 â€¢ 1998 â€¢ 1996 1978 â€¢ 1977 â€¢ 1962 â€¢ 1961 1958 â€¢ 1956 â€¢ 1953 â€¢ 1952 1951 â€¢ 1950 â€¢ 1949 â€¢ 1947 1943 â€¢ 1941 â€¢ 1939 â€¢ 1938 1937 â€¢ 1936 â€¢ 1932 â€¢ 1928 1927... Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Name New York Mets (1962–present) Ballpark Shea Stadium (1964–present) The Polo Grounds (1962–1963) Major league titles World Series titles (2) 1969 â€¢ 1986 NL Pennants (4) 1969 â€¢ 1973 â€¢ 1986 â€¢ 2000 East Division titles (5) 1969... Mike and the Mad Dog is an afternoon drive sports radio program on WFAN AM 660 in New York. ...

In 1989, when Sports Illustrated named Greg LeMond the Sportsman of the Year, Russo ripped the selection angering many Cycling fans in the New York area. The first issue of Sports Illustrated, August 16, 1954, showing Milwaukee Braves star Eddie Matthews at bat in Milwaukee County Stadium. ... LeMond at the start of the last stage in the 1990 Tour de France. ... Since its inception in 1954, Sports Illustrated magazine has annually presented the Sportsman of the Year award to the athlete or team whose performance that year most embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and achievement. ...

In 1989, he angered Yankee fans by saying Will Clark of the SF Giants was a better ballplayer than NY Yankee Don Mattingly claiming Clark was more feared by pitchers.

In 1992, he flew into a major tirade about New York Rangers head coach Roger Neilson's laid-back coaching style. He shouted that Neilson should "kick over a garbage can." Roger Paul Neilson, CM (June 16, 1934-June 21, 2003) was a National Hockey League coach, and was responsible for many innovations in the game. ...

In 2003, after his beloved San Francisco Giants lost to the eventual-World Series champion Florida Marlins in the NLDS 3 games to 1, Russo went on perhaps his most famous tirade where, among other things, he states that he would give up his 3 (at the time) children to see the Giants win a World Series.^[5] For other events named World Series, see World Series (disambiguation). ... Major league affiliations National League (1993-present) East Division (1993-present) Current uniform Ballpark Dolphin Stadium (1993-present) Major league titles World Series titles (2) 2003 â€¢ 1997 NL Pennants (2) 2003 â€¢ 1997 East Division titles (0) None Wild card berths (2) 2003 â€¢ 1997 The Florida Marlins are a Major League...

In 2006, he flew into a tirade about Bryant Gumbel's Winter Olympic remarks. Gumbel has yet to respond. Bryant Gumbel Bryant Charles Gumbel (born September 29, 1948), is an American television personality for news and sports programs. ...

On March 4, 2006, Russo criticized his parent company for hiring David Lee Roth. He ripped Roth for not being able to do a talk show. He was also critical of his parent company suing Howard Stern because it was keeping Stern's name in the newspapers. March 4 is the 63rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (64th in leap years). ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... David Lee Roth David Lee Roth (sometimes referred to as Diamond Dave) (born October 10 1954[1] in Bloomington, Indiana) is an American rock vocalist, songwriter, actor, author, and former radio personality, best known for his work with the band Van Halen and his fast-talking, oversized personality. ... Howard Allen Stern (born January 12, 1954) is an American radio and TV personality, media mogul, humorist, actor and author. ...

In June 2006, Russo ranted about media coverage of 16-year-old Michelle Wie as she attempted to qualify for the US Open, which he felt was overblown since she had never won anything and was on the cover of the New York Times. Michelle Sung Wie (born October 11, 1989 in Honolulu, Hawaii) is a professional American golfer who has gained attention for her long drives and attempts to make a cut at a PGA Tour event. ... The New York Times is an internationally known daily newspaper published in New York City and distributed in the United States and many other nations worldwide. ...

On July 31, 2006, Russo got into a heated argument with Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman on the respective merits of the players Cashman had recently acquired from the Phillies. Russo claimed that SP Cory Lidle was simply not a good pitcher and OF Bobby Abreu lacked the intangibles to lead a winning team. Cashman responded by saying that he was firmly behind his players and believed their individual performances would complement that of the entire 25-man roster. July 31 is the 212th day (213th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 153 days remaining. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Cory Fulton Lidle (March 22, 1972 – October 11, 2006) was an American right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. ... Bob Kelly Abreu [ah-BREH-yu] (born March 11, 1974 in Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela) is a Major League Baseball right fielder who plays for the New York Yankees. ...

On October 7, 2006, with the Yankees on the verge of elimination from the postseason, Russo (who as many guessed he would be excited) started the show by screaming "ITS ELIMINATION DAY", "WHERE ARE ALL THE YANKEES FANS", and (because the Yankees had just been beaten by Kenny Rogers) "KENNY ROGERS"! October 7 is the 280th day of the year (281st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Other Work

Russo's popularity on Mike and the Mad Dog soon led to his first television show - Mad Dog Live on SportsChannel America. Unfortunately, Russo's popularity did not help this show and it quickly disappeared from the air.

In addition to the Mike and the Mad Dog show, Russo also hosted the syndicated radio show In the Huddle with Boomer Esiason, which was cancelled as of September 2005. He was also a co-host of a locally produced football pregame show on WCBS-TV with John Riggins in 1998. Norman Julius Boomer Esiason (born April 17, 1961 in West Islip, New York) is a former quarterback with the National Football Leagues Cincinnati Bengals (1984-1992, 1997), the New York Jets (1993-1995) and the Arizona Cardinals (1996). ... WCBS-TV, channel two, is the flagship television station of the CBS television network, located in New York City. ... John Riggins (born August 4, 1949, in Seneca, Kansas) is a former American Football running back, playing from 1971-1985. ...

He also co-authored the book The Mad Dog 100 : The Greatest Sports Arguments of All Time with Allen St. John, which was released on May 13, 2003 (ISBN 0-385-50898-0). His second book The Mad Dog Hall of Fame: The Ultimate Top-Ten Rankings of the Best in Sports, also co-authored with St. John, was released on May 2, 2006 (ISBN 0-385-51746-7).

Russo has been a frequent guest on the Late Show with David Letterman. The Late Show with David Letterman is an hour-long weeknight comedy talk show broadcast by CBS from the Ed Sullivan Theater on Broadway in New York City. ...

Russo-isms or Doggie-isms

Russo is also known for his often humorous mispronunciation of names and words. He can also butcher a well known phrase with the best of 'em. Here are some examples:

• "Say something funny, Mike.": Russo deliberately creates an awkward moment (often with his candor) and encourages Francesa to break the tension with a joke.

• "They were as dead as a pancake" which he has used often. Correct saying could be either "dead as a doornail" or "flat as a pancake".

• Pronounces Yesterday, YESTERDEE. Pronounce's the days of the week the same way. Mondee, Tuesdee etc.

• Misuses the word "bamboozle" (which he mistakenly pronounces "bomboozle"). The word means "to deceive or dupe," but Russo uses it to mean "to blow out or rout."

• New one said on December 2 2005. "A tall road ahead". Correct Saying could be either "A tall order" or "a long road ahead".

• Feb 16, "Blasted out of the tub". Real saying: Blasted out of the water.

• March 24 2006. On Barry Bonds: "He's as healthy as a rock".

• Known to invoke the "Loosey-Goosey" theory, meaning teams that have less pressure will perform better. Russo also likes to combine "Loosey-Goosey" with "all their ducks in a row" for a water fowl double-whammy. The Loosey-Goosey Theory is not believed to have undergone scientific analysis, but anecdotal evidence suggests it is suspect.

• "You can't have it both ways." Nothing wrong with this one but he likes to say it a lot. Especially to fans who contradict themselves.

• May 12 2006 On replacing Hideki Matsui after his injury Chris said incredulously The Yankees are gonna pull 15 million out of the Kittle? It's "Kitty"!

• In an argument over steroid use, Mad Dog and Mike argue over whether or not stats prior to steroid use should be counted. Doggie uses this line, which backfires on him: Chris: If a guy gets thrown out at third trying to stretch a double into a triple, does he still get credit for the double!?

Mike: I think he does, Dog.

• Constantly mispronounces White Sox player Scott Podsednik's (pronounced Pod-sed-nik) last name as Po-dez-nick.

• Constantly mispronounces NBA player Alonzo Mourning's first name as A-LAN-zo.

• Constantly mispronounces NFL player Michael Strahan's (pronounced STRAY-han) last name as Stra-HAN.

• During the 2006 Winter Olympics, he routinely referred to skiier Bode Miller as Bondy Miller.

• Another persistent mistake, Mad Dog pronounces Los Angeles Dodgers French-Canadian pitcher Éric Gagné's last name GAG-nay, instead of GAHN-yay.

• Yet another common mistake, Russo pronounces New York Mets relief pitcher Aaron Heilman's last name a HAR-men, instead of HILE-men, with "hile" rhyming with "pile".

• June 6, 2006 1:32 PM: Mispronounced legendary actor Burgess Meredith's name as "Berg-us Meredith."

• June 6, 2006. 4:34 Pm. On Carolina Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette and his possible re-hiring by the NY Islanders. "The Islanders are going to offer him the whole Hook, Line and Kaboodle". The correct phrase would be either "Hook, Line and Sinker" or "Whole kit and Kaboodle."

• On Albert Pujols: He's the hands on favorite to win the MVP this year."

• Russo pronounces Nadal, Nedal.

• Constantly mispronounces remember as "renember."
• Constantly mispronounces Islander Goaltender Rick DiPietro's name as "Di Prieto".
• When the Yankees were struggling early in the 2005 season and the Yankees called up Robinson Cano and intentionally and persitantly called him "canoe" as he saw calling him up from AAA as a desperation move and therefore the Yankees were up a creek without a paddle

• When he believes that something should not happen, he constantly repeats the phrase "Can't do it."

• Rinky-dink - referring to the met fans after they booed Chase Utley He uses this phrase from time to time.

• Will often compare two players by remarking that Player A is "not a patch on the fanny" of Player B.

• Once asked former New York Islanders GM Mike Milbury, "Why are you still sitting there?" in regard to his poor track record as general manager.

• when a caller or guest say something he does not like he says: "come on" loudly and boldly!

• Has a tendency to refer to anyone named "Tim" as "Timothy," even if that person prefers to be called Tim (e.g. his repeated references to actor Tim Robbins as "Timothy Robbins."

• When a sports figure does something he doesn't like, he uses the term "bad job", repeatedly. Ie: "That's a bad job by Bonds...bad job Mike, BAD job..."

• "mess up the apple cart" Correct phrase is "upset the apple cart".

On September 22, 2006 Russo stated that Pedro Martinez "Beats to his own tune". The saying is "marches to his own beat". Major league affiliations National League (1890-present) West Division (1969-present) Current uniform Ballpark Dodger Stadium (1962-present) Major league titles World Series titles (6) 1988 â€¢ 1981 â€¢ 1965 â€¢ 1963 1959 â€¢ 1955 NL Pennants (21) 1988 â€¢ 1981 â€¢ 1978 â€¢ 1977 1974 â€¢ 1966 â€¢ 1965 â€¢ 1963 1959 â€¢ 1956 â€¢ 1955 â€¢ 1953 1952 â€¢ 1949 â€¢ 1947 â€¢ 1941... Éric Serge Gagné (born January 7, 1976 in Montreal, Québec, Canada), pronounced GAHN-yay, is a right-handed relief pitcher in Major League Baseball. ... Major league affiliations National League (1962–present) East Division (1969–present) Current uniform Name New York Mets (1962–present) Ballpark Shea Stadium (1964–present) The Polo Grounds (1962–1963) Major league titles World Series titles (2) 1969 â€¢ 1986 NL Pennants (4) 1969 â€¢ 1973 â€¢ 1986 â€¢ 2000 East Division titles (5) 1969... Aaron Michael Heilman (born November 12, 1978 in Logansport, Indiana) is a sidearm-throwing Major League Baseball pitcher for the New York Mets. ...

• Constantly mispronounces NFL Quarterback J.P. Losman as "J.P. Lonesome."

• When Chris wants to emphasize his point he often says, "I'm mean, gee whiz."

• He often asks a question to make a point. For example, "I mean Mike, can the Yankees save some players for the other teams? Do they have to have all the best players?" Or...Mike, can the Giants ever make a big defensive play when it counts most?"

• He also love the term "in that spot." For example..."Mike, that's a good job by Jeter in that spot."

• Initially referred to Albert Pujols {Poo-Holes} as "Albert Pullhouse". In addition Mark Teixiera {Tuh-shera} as "Mark Tahara".

When discussing Joe Torre's possible firing "They're leaving him sitting on a string" The correct saying would be "Hanging on a string".

All too often uses the word "scenario" when describing and event or situation.

Frequently mispronounces the word Philadelphia as "Philadelthia"

Trivia

Russo is a big fan of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band and Southside Johnny. Bruce Springsteen (born September 23, American singer and songwriter, nicknamed The Boss. He frequently recorded with The E-Street Band. ... Southside Johnny (real name John Lyon, born December 4, 1948 in Neptune, New Jersey) is an American singer, harmonica player, and songwriter, who usually fronts his band The Asbury Jukes. ...

Russo often picks up grinders from Gates restaurant in New Canaan

Russo also has a New Canaan Estate and Mike Francesa beckons Dog to build a wing in his house for Tony his father.

Russo's name may have been inspiration for the fictional Sports-Talk host "Jerry Musso" on the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. Everybody Loves Raymond, sometimes referred to in the abbreviated form Raymond, was a popular and long-running American sitcom that was produced from 1996 to 2005 and broadcast on CBS. The show revolved around the life of Ray Barone, a Newsday sportswriter from Lynbrook, Long Island who lives with his...

Personal

Russo is the only child of Tony, who is from Flushing, New York, and Vera Russo, who is from England. Russo is currently married to Jeanne and they have four children. He resides in New Canaan, Connecticut. Flushing is a section of the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. ... Motto: (French for God and my right) Anthem: Multiple unofficial anthems Capital London Largest city London Official language(s) English (de facto) Government Constitutional monarchy  - Queen Queen Elizabeth II  - Prime Minister Tony Blair MP Unification    - by Athelstan AD 927  Area    - Total 130,395 km² (1st in UK)   50,346 sq... New Canaan is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States, 8 miles (13 km) northeast of Stamford, on the Five Mile River. ...

Books

• Russo, Christopher and St. John, Allen. The Mad Dog 100 : The Greatest Sports Arguments of All Time. Doubleday, 2003. (ISBN 0-385-50898-0).
• Russo, Christopher and St. John, Allen. The Mad Dog Hall of Fame: The Ultimate Top-Ten Rankings of the Best in Sports. Doubleday, 2006. (ISBN 0-385-51746-7).

References and notes

2006 (MMVI) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... October 12 is the 285th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (286th in leap years). ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... August 30 is the 242nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (243rd in leap years), with 123 days remaining. ... 1991 (MCMXCI) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... February 17 is the 48th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... February 24 is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

See also

• List of talk radio personalities

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External links

• WFAN Profile
• The Unauthorized Mike and the Mad Dog Radio Show Blog