The Lovable Reunion - Dexter Fowler’s AWESOME stories on Cubs World Series run, Bill Murray, SNL cameo | Lovable Reunion

The Herd with Colin Cowherd1h 15mMay 20, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Ten years after the Cubs' historic World Series victory, Dexter Fowler returns to 'Lovable Reunion' with Colin Cowherd to recount the unforgettable journey that defined a generation of baseball fans. Fowler reveals how a team built on chemistry, humor, and unshakable trust—anchored by Joe Maddon’s hands-off leadership and David Ross’s quiet authority—transformed from a collection of individuals into a brotherhood. The episode dives into the surreal, behind-the-scenes magic: the secret return to the Cubs after nearly signing with the Orioles, the legendary 'speedball' ritual with Bill Murray before Game 7, the emotional rain delay speech that reset the team’s mindset, and the unforgettable moment when Fowler’s home run in Game 7 sent the entire clubhouse into euphoria. But beyond the highlights, the core revelation is this: the Cubs didn’t win because of stats or analytics, but because of a culture where players like Fowler were given the freedom to be themselves, where small acts of care—like a Gatorade cup handed in a slump—mattered more than any contract. The real victory wasn’t the trophy, but the lifelong bonds forged in the trenches of a season that felt like destiny. The episode is a masterclass in team culture, revealing that the most powerful weapon in sports isn’t talent, but trust. Fowler’s story proves that when players feel seen, valued, and loved—especially in the quiet moments—the performance follows.

Key Takeaways
1

The 2016 Cubs won not because of analytics, but because of a culture where players felt seen, valued, and loved—especially in quiet, human moments.

2

Joe Maddon’s 'just be Dex' philosophy gave Fowler the freedom to play without pressure, leading to a career-best season and a deeper connection to the team.

3

The secret return to the Cubs after nearly signing with the Orioles was orchestrated in secrecy, with only four people in the loop—proving how much the team wanted him back.

4

Bill Murray’s 'speedball' ritual (Woodford Reserve + 5-hour Energy) became a pre-game ritual that fueled the team’s adrenaline, especially in Game 7.

5

The rain delay speech wasn’t a pep talk—it was a cathartic release where players cried, confessed, and reset as a team, proving emotional honesty is a competitive advantage.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Intro: The Jonas Brothers & iHeart Podcast Ads

The episode opens with a series of iHeartRadio podcast promos, including 'Hey Jonas' by the Jonas Brothers, 'Humor Me with Robert Smigel and Friends,' 'Renee Stubbs Tennis Podcast,' and 'Superhuman,' before transitioning into the main segment.

1:40
3 min

The 10-Year Anniversary Reunion: A Brotherhood Forged

We brag on each other. And like the thing I look back at most is if I was tired one day, I knew Dexter would bring it. If Dexter was tired one day, Rossi would bring it.

Highlight
5:00
5 min

The Secret Return: How Fowler Came Back to the Cubs

I get a call back from Theo the next day. Theo goes, Dex, we're a million apart. Like, let's figure this out. I said if we can figure it out then I'm back.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

The 'Speedball' Ritual with Bill Murray

He goes, I call it a speedball. It brings you up and brings you down. I'm like, all right, fuck it. Right where you need to be.

Highlight
15:00
5 min

The Rain Delay Speech: A Cathartic Reset

We looked each other in the eyes and like we were talking about telling the truth. We let it all out right there. That was literally everybody needed to get it off their chest.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
I hit that ball so high. Like, and I was like, and I saw Rajay going back like this. I was like. You know when you
Dexter Fowler66:40
Viral: 95.0
I get a call back from Theo the next day. Theo goes, Dex, we're a million apart. Like, let's figure this out. I said if we can figure it out then I'm back.
Dexter Fowler21:49
Viral: 90.0
He goes, I call it a speedball. It brings you up and brings you down. I'm like, all right, fuck it. Right where you need to be.
Dexter Fowler63:47
Viral: 88.0
Speakers

Host

Colin Cowherd

Guest

Dexter Fowler
Topics Discussed
cubs world series 201695%team culture90%dexter fowler88%locker room chemistry87%bill murray85%playoff shares80%joe maddon78%david ross75%
People & Brands

dexter fowler

person

120xPositive

colin cowherd

person

80xNeutral

david ross

person

30xPositive

joe maddon

person

25xPositive

anthony rizzo

person

20xPositive

bill murray

person

15xPositive

theo epstein

person

10xPositive

snl

organization

8xNeutral

tom ricketts

person

5xPositive

seatgeek

organization

5xPositive

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