Chris "Mad Dog" Russo on the final "High Heat" on MLB Network. Chris “Mad Dog” Russo on the final “High Heat” on MLB Network. (Awful Announcing on X.)
By Andrew Bucholtz on

Since March 2014, High Heat has been a fixture of MLB Network programming. However, the afternoon show, featuring Chris “Mad Dog” Russo (and also Alanna Rizzo as co-host since her 2021 return to MLBN), is now set to end.

Russo announced that move on Friday’s episode, which he said would be the last High Heat on MLBN.

“We’ll do as good a job as we’ve done in the last 2,200 of these shows in the last 11 years, because this is the last High Heat here on MLB Network,” said Russo, who saluted many of the people who have worked on the show.

MLB Network also released a statement on the decision.

“In more than 2,200 episodes over the last 11 seasons, High Heat created a signature edgy and entertaining look at the game,” it read. “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.'”

They also posted a compilation of highlights from the show’s 11 years:

Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported that Russo is still expected to regularly contribute to MLBN, which AA confirmed.

Moving away from a daily MLBN show could potentially pave the way for Russo to do more with ESPN. He joined that network in January 2022 as a guest host on First Take, with that firmed up into an every Wednesday hosting gig the next month. His well-compensated ESPN appearances turned into a renewal for 2023, and then a multi-year contract earlier this year, despite his regular criticisms of that network, their parent corporation, their talent, and their partners.

It’s possible he might wind up taking High Heat (or a similar MLB-focused daily show concept) as “the last High Heat here on MLB Network” language might suggest the brand or concept isn’t dead.

Russo has other roles, of course, especially with his Mad Dog Sports Radio channel on SiriusXM, where he hosts a daily Mad Dog Unleashed show. (He re-upped there for three years this July after previously questioning how long he wanted to and complaining about their app and their other programming, including on his channel.)

He may do more with SiriusXM with no High Heat commitments. Or maybe he’ll crank up his ESPN work. Perhaps he’ll do something else entirely. Or maybe he’ll just expand his gummy-enjoying time.

[Awful Announcing on X]

About Andrew Bucholtz

Andrew Bucholtz has been covering sports media for Awful Announcing since 2012. He is also a staff writer for The Comeback. His previous work includes time at Yahoo! Sports Canada and Black Press.

View all posts by Andrew Bucholtz