An Open Letter to Tony Reali

Dear Tony Reali,

I want to express my heartfelt and sincere thank you. Thank you for your presence, your purpose, and the people behind it.

Thank you for giving a young sports fan a home in the sports world. When I first started watching Around the Horn back in 2005, I had no idea the kind of impact it would leave on me. What began as daily entertainment quickly became a cornerstone of my path. You provided a voice I could count on. When ESPN officially announced the show was coming to an end on March 4th, my appreciation turned into something deeper: true, genuine gratitude.

Thank you for building a platform that celebrated real journalism. Growing up in a small town in Alabama, the idea of life in a big city seemed distant. Honestly it felt unrealistic. But through ATH, I got to see journalists from across the country such as Woody Paige in Denver, Bob Ryan in Boston, Tim Cowlishaw in Dallas, JA Adande in Chicago. It made me feel connected to those places and the people in them. You brought the country to my doorstep, and with it, a curiosity and love for learning about voices beyond my own community. You showed me that storytelling has no borders.

Watching Around the Horn didn’t just teach me sports. It taught me how to listen. How to think critically. How to challenge a take while still respecting the person who gave it. In a time where disagreement so often becomes division, ATH modeled something rare. It was a space where passionate debates could coexist with empathy and mutual respect. That lesson has stuck with me in every conversation I’ve had since.

Thank you, Tony, for always showing up with joy. Life is hard. I don’t doubt that behind the scenes, you faced your own battles, yet, you never let that stop you from being a steady light. Your voice was a source of calmness. Your energy is a reminder that showing up with passion and presence can truly make a difference. Through your authenticity, you taught me what it looks like to lead with grace.

Around the Horn wasn’t just a show. It was a companion. At 4:00 p.m. CST every weekday, I knew I could count on you. Whether I was driving home from a tough day or sitting down to unwind, ATH was my constant. Even in silence, you filled the space with energy. You reminded me that even in the chaos of life, joy can still be found and shared with others.

You showed what loyalty looks like. You could’ve been lured elsewhere, pulled by opportunities and offers. But you stayed. You chose ATH, and through that loyalty, you gave us more than a host. You gave us a foundation, a heartbeat, a reason to keep tuning in.

And perhaps most importantly, you helped me find my voice. You made me want to write. You made me want to share. Whether my takes were “right” or not didn’t matter. You made it feel like every voice mattered. You gave me a sense of direction and helped shape a purpose: to speak with heart, to think with care, and to contribute to something bigger than myself.

When I started Mental Dimes, it was your influence that helped shape the vision. The way Around the Horn elevated personal opinions and welcomed diverse perspectives from across the country inspired me to create a space that values the same. While I could never replicate what you and your team accomplished, the impact and legacy you’ve built serve as a guiding light. I hope, in my own way, to carry that spirit forward — to create something rooted in authenticity, driven by passion, and committed to giving voices a platform that matters.

ATH wasn’t background noise. It was the soundtrack to my growing up. It was there during middle school awkwardness, high school hangouts, college all-nighters, long commutes, holidays at home, and even quiet moments of reflection. The show grew as I did. And now, saying goodbye feels like saying goodbye to an old friend.

You gave us more than a show. You gave us a standard. You gave us a connection. You gave us heart. And you gave us you.

While the Around the Horn era may be coming to a close, your impact will carry on. There will never be another show quite like it and that’s okay. Because what you built was never meant to be replicated. It was meant to be remembered.

Thank you, Tony Reali, for being you.

Forever Thankful,

 Zac Barringer