Chris “Mad Dog” Russo and Stephen A. Smith began screaming in each other’s faces during a heated debate about New York Yankees legends on First Take.
Friday’s episode of First Take was taped live at Fanatics Fest in New York City. Russo, who normally appears every Wednesday, joined the show for the occasion.
When host Molly Qerim asked the two men who they think is the greatest Yankee of all time, Russo looked straight at the audience and insisted it was Babe Ruth. He was immediately booed for the answer as some in the crowd argued it was actually Derek Jeter.
“They built the stadium because of him!” Russo said. “No, it’s not ‘El Capitan’! No, it isn’t… He’s not even in your top five!”
That comment drew even louder boos.
“You guys need a little history lesson!” Russo told the crowd. “Have you heard of Ruth? Have you heard of [Lou Gehrig]? Have you heard of Joe DiMaggio? Mickey Mantle? If you haven’t, go back to your history book; and when you go to Yankee Stadium, go look at all the photographs! Go to Monument Park!”
Much to the crowd’s delight, Smith argued that Jeter was the greatest player in the franchise’s history. He claimed that Ruth should not be in consideration due to the fact that he had multiple stints with the Boston Red Sox — the Yankees’ biggest rivals.
Russo then pivoted to Gehrig.
RUSSO: Lou Gehrig played 2,000 straight games! Died! Died at Yankee Stadium! And you bring up ‘El Capitan’? You should be ashamed of yourself!
SMITH: You should be ashamed of yourself!
RUSSO: You’re nuts!
SMITH: This is ‘El Capitan’!
RUSSO: You’re nuts!
SMITH: This is Derek Jeter! Oh, by the way, he’s got more World Series championships in a Yankee uniform than Babe Ruth! Ha! You see that? You didn’t know that either! You didn’t know that either! Drop mic! Sit down! Sit down! Sit down!
Watch above via ESPN.
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