Felger And Mazz - Boston Sports Talk
For those who follow Boston sports, there is a distinct sound that fills the afternoon airwaves, a discussion that often sparks strong feelings and gets people talking. It is the program featuring Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti, a duo known for their direct and sometimes quite challenging viewpoints on the local teams and players everyone cares about. This broadcast, originating from Boston, Massachusetts, has made a name for itself by not shying away from what some might call less than positive assessments of beloved athletic groups.
You know, it's almost as if they thrive on stirring things up a bit, offering a perspective that might not always align with the usual fan sentiment. This show, which you can find on 98.5 The Sports Hub, also has a visual side, with its content broadcast on NBC Sports Boston. Listeners often hear them picking apart games, questioning decisions, and sometimes, just sometimes, giving a little bit of credit where they feel it is due, though that might be less frequent than the other stuff, you know?
So, whether you are looking for a deep dive into the latest Red Sox pitching plans, like when Brayan Bello was announced as the opening day starter, or a look at the expectations for the young pitcher group where Mazz suggested the training wheels should be off, this program has a way of getting right to the heart of what fans are thinking, or perhaps, what they should be thinking. They cover everything from the Celtics' big wins, like their victory over the New York Knicks, to the Patriots' draft picks, making sure there is always something to discuss, actually.
Table of Contents
- Who Are Felger and Mazz?
- What Makes the Felger and Mazz Show Distinct?
- Why Do People Tune Into Felger and Mazz?
- The Everyday World of Felger and Mazz
- What's Being Said Lately by Felger and Mazz?
- Is Felger and Mazz a Fit for Everyone?
Who Are Felger and Mazz?
Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti are the main voices behind a very well-known sports talk program in Boston. They have been at this for quite some time, becoming fixtures in the afternoon listening habits of many sports followers in the New England area. Their show is more than just a place to get scores; it is a spot where opinions are shared, sometimes quite forcefully, and where the performance of local teams is put under a powerful light. You know, it is a big part of the sports talk scene there, a very central part, actually.
Tony Massarotti, often called Mazz, brings a certain kind of fire to the discussions. He is known for his strong takes, and you can often hear him pushing a point with a lot of energy. Michael Felger, on the other hand, often plays a role that might seem to provoke, asking questions that challenge common beliefs and sometimes taking positions that are not popular. Together, they create a dynamic that keeps listeners engaged, whether they agree or disagree with what is being said, which is a big part of why people listen, I mean.
They are joined by others, like Big Jim Murray, who adds his own contributions to the conversations. The show also brings in a number of guests, people from the sports world who offer different points of view. This mix of personalities and voices helps to keep the program fresh and ensures there is always a range of thoughts being put out there for listeners to consider, more or less. It is a group effort, you know, that makes the show what it is.
Personal Details of the Hosts
| Name | Role on Show | Known For |
| Michael Felger | Co-Host | Challenging common views, provoking discussion |
| Tony Massarotti | Co-Host | Strong opinions, passionate delivery |
What Makes the Felger and Mazz Show Distinct?
What really sets this show apart, you might ask? Well, it comes down to a few things, but mostly, it is their willingness to offer opinions that are not always what you might expect. They do not shy away from being critical, even of teams that are doing well or players who are popular. This approach can be a bit jarring for some, but for others, it is exactly what they want to hear. It is a style that has certainly made them stand out in the crowded world of sports talk, you know.
They have a way of digging into the issues, going beyond just the surface level. For example, when the Red Sox announced Brayan Bello would be their opening day starter, Felger and Mazz had their own ideas about what that meant. Mazz, in particular, talked about the expectations for the young pitcher group, saying that the "training wheels should officially be off." This kind of direct talk, where they put things plainly and often with a bit of a bite, is a signature of their program, and it's almost always there.
The program often features lively discussions, sometimes quite heated, about the latest sports happenings. They are not just reporting the news; they are giving you their unvarnished thoughts on it. This can lead to moments that are memorable, either because you completely agree with them or because you find yourself yelling at your radio, which, you know, is part of the fun for many listeners. It is a show that truly gets people reacting, in a way.
The Felger and Mazz Way of Talking Sports
The style of discussion on Felger and Mazz is quite direct, some might even say confrontational at times. They are not afraid to question everything, from coaching decisions to player effort. This means that when they talk about something like the Celtics' game 5 victory over the New York Knicks, they will not just celebrate the win; they will also pick apart what went well and, perhaps more often, what did not, even if the team won. They might look at a player's performance, like Luke Kornet's role in that win, and give a very honest assessment, you know.
They have a reputation for being what some call "negative" about local sports teams and players. This is not to say they never have positive things to say, but their approach tends to focus on areas where teams could improve or where they are falling short. This can be seen in their discussions about the Patriots, whether it is about position battles in training camp or questioning if there is a truly safe pick for the team in the first round of the draft. It is a consistent part of their presentation, more or less.
This particular way of looking at things, this critical lens, is what draws many listeners in. They want to hear someone who is willing to say what others might be thinking but are afraid to express. It creates a space for different viewpoints, even if those viewpoints are sometimes controversial. So, it is not just about the information; it is very much about the perspective they bring to that information, which is a big deal for their audience, actually.
Why Do People Tune Into Felger and Mazz?
So, with all this talk about their direct and sometimes critical style, why do so many people listen to Felger and Mazz every afternoon? Well, part of it is that they are genuinely passionate about Boston sports. They are not just going through the motions; they really care about what happens with the teams. This passion, even when it comes out as frustration or criticism, resonates with fans who feel the same way. It is a connection based on shared feelings about the local sports scene, you know.
Another reason is that they often address the very things that fans are already discussing among themselves. When Tony Massarotti talks about how the Red Sox have handled Kristian Campbell, for instance, he is hitting on a topic that many fans have strong feelings about. They are tapping into the conversations that are happening at water coolers, in living rooms, and on social media, giving voice to those concerns and opinions. It is a bit like they are the amplified version of the fan base, in a way.
The show also provides a place for lively debate. Listeners know that when they tune in, they are going to hear different sides of an argument, or at least a very strong argument from the hosts. This keeps things interesting and unpredictable. It is not just a straightforward news report; it is an ongoing discussion where ideas are bounced around, sometimes quite vigorously, and that is a pretty compelling reason for people to keep coming back, I mean.
How Do Felger and Mazz Discuss Big Moments?
When a major sports event happens, like a big playoff game, how do Felger and Mazz typically handle it? They usually open their program by immediately jumping into their thoughts on the event. For example, after the Celtics' game 5 victory over the New York Knicks, Felger, Mazz, and Murray began the show right away with their take on what happened. They do not wait; they get right to it, which is something listeners appreciate, you know.
They do not just give their own thoughts, though. A significant part of how they discuss big moments involves bringing in the listeners. Callers are a very important part of the show, and after the hosts share their initial reactions, they open up the phone lines for people to weigh in. This creates a two-way conversation, allowing the audience to share their own feelings and reactions to the big game or news. It is very much a collaborative discussion, more or less.
Beyond the immediate reactions and caller input, they also spend time on additional thoughts, often looking at specific aspects of the event that might have been overlooked. This could include a particular player's performance, like when they discussed Luke Kornet's efforts in the Celtics' win. This deeper look at the details, even in the midst of broader reactions, gives listeners a more complete picture of what happened, actually.
The Everyday World of Felger and Mazz
For those who follow the show regularly, the everyday routine of Felger and Mazz is quite consistent. You can catch Mike Felger and Tony Massarotti on weekday afternoons, usually from 2 PM until 6 PM. This time slot means they are often discussing the day's sports news as it breaks, or they are reacting to events from the night before, which keeps their content very current. It is a pretty steady schedule, you know.
The program is broadcast from Boston's new home for sports, 98.5 The Sports Hub. This station is a central point for sports talk in the area, and Felger and Mazz are a big part of its afternoon lineup. The show also has a simulcast on NBC Sports Boston, which means you can not only listen to them but also watch them as they talk, giving a visual element to the discussions. It is a very accessible way to experience the show, I mean.
They often have recurring segments and topics that pop up. For instance, they have something called the "Friday Final Word segments," which have produced many funny moments over time. There is also the "Felger & Mazz Big Board," which recently wrapped up its first week by discussing less glamorous but still important positions like kickers, punters, and long snappers, with kicker being a main need for the New England Patriots, as a matter of fact.
Getting Your Voice Heard with Felger and Mazz
If you are someone who wants to share your thoughts and get involved in the discussion each day on Felger and Mazz, there are ways to do it. The show very much encourages listener participation. However, they do point out that their phone lines can be constantly busy, which tells you just how many people are trying to call in and share their opinions. It is a popular way to connect with the program, you know.
Beyond calling in, the show also has a strong presence on social media. You can find them with a significant following, where people are talking about the show and its topics. This provides another avenue for listeners to engage with the content and share their thoughts, even if they cannot get through on the phone lines. It is a very active community that has built up around the program, actually.
The fact that they have so many people trying to call in, and such an active online presence, really speaks to how much their listeners want to be a part of the conversation. It is not just about passively listening; it is about feeling like you can contribute to the ongoing discussion about Boston sports. This desire to connect is a big part of what makes the show work, in a way.
What's Being Said Lately by Felger and Mazz?
The topics discussed on Felger and Mazz are always changing, reflecting the latest happenings in the sports world. Recently, they have been talking about the Red Sox's pitching plans, specifically with Brayan Bello starting on opening day. Mazz, for his part, has been quite vocal about the expectations for the young pitchers, suggesting they are past the point of needing careful handling. This shows how they react quickly to current events, you know.
They also spend a good amount of time on other local teams. For instance, they have discussed the Celtics, looking at their wins and individual player performances, like Luke Kornet's efforts in a game. They also delve into Patriots news, from how spring practices set the stage for position battles to the search for a "safe pick" in the first round of the draft. It is a pretty wide range of subjects they cover, I mean.
Their discussions are not just about the games themselves but also about the broader issues surrounding the teams. This includes things like how teams handle their players, as seen in Tony Massarotti's comments about the Red Sox and Kristian Campbell. They also touch on player movement, like a new team entering the Kristaps Porzingis conversation, showing they keep up with all the big stories. It is very much about the full picture of sports, actually.
What Do Felger and Mazz Think About Local Teams?
When it comes to the local teams, Felger and Mazz often share views that are, shall we say, quite direct. For the Red Sox, they have been known to express strong opinions on how the team is managed and the performance of its players. Tony Massarotti, for example, has stated that the Red Sox should be "ashamed" of how they have handled situations, like with Kristian Campbell. This shows a willingness to criticize even beloved franchises, you know.
For the Patriots, their discussions often revolve around the team's future and its strategic choices. They have spent time questioning if there is a truly safe pick for the Patriots in the first round of the draft, and they look at how spring practices set the stage for position battles. They are very much focused on the team's direction and whether it is making the right moves to succeed, more or less.
And when it comes to the Celtics, they will analyze games in detail, celebrating wins but also pointing out any weaknesses. After the Celtics' game 5 victory over the New York Knicks, they discussed additional game thoughts, including the performance of specific players. They look at the big picture and the small details, always with a critical eye, which is a big part of their appeal to many listeners, I mean.
Is Felger and Mazz a Fit for Everyone?
Given their particular style, the question naturally arises: is the Felger and Mazz show something everyone will enjoy? The answer is probably not. Their approach, which often involves controversial and negative opinions on local sports teams and players, is not for every listener. Some people prefer a more positive or less confrontational discussion about their favorite teams, and that is perfectly fine, you know.
However, for those who appreciate a direct, no-holds-barred discussion, and who might even enjoy hearing their own frustrations echoed on the air, then Felger and Mazz could be a very good fit. They offer a different kind of sports talk, one that challenges conventional wisdom and is not afraid to say what might be unpopular. It is a show that thrives on debate and strong viewpoints, actually.
So, if you are someone who likes to hear sports analyzed with a critical eye, and you do not mind opinions that might make you think, or even argue back at your radio, then tuning into Felger and Mazz might be just what you are looking for. It is a unique voice in the Boston sports media landscape, and its continued popularity suggests that there is a very large audience that truly connects with what they do, in a way.
This article has explored the Felger and Mazz sports talk radio show, detailing its hosts Michael Felger and Tony Massarotti, their broadcast on 98.5 The Sports Hub and NBC Sports Boston, and their reputation for controversial and critical opinions on local teams. It has covered their discussions on the Red Sox, including Brayan Bello's opening day start and the young pitcher core, as well as their thoughts on the Celtics' wins and the Patriots' draft and training camp. The piece also touched on listener interaction through calls and social media, and the various segments that make up the program.
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