Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Don's Coming Home

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts/Authors: ESPN New York’s Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg
• Description: A dynamic trio discussing New York sports and more, featuring ESPN's Don La Greca, New York Knicks broadcaster Alan Hahn, and hip-hop and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg.
• Episode: Hour 1: Don's Coming Home
• Release Date: July 7, 2025

1. Yankees’ Struggles and Performance Analysis (00:22 – 22:39)

The episode opens with a heated discussion about the New York Yankees' disappointing performance in the current MLB season. Hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and guest Michael Kay delve into the team's ongoing issues, primarily focusing on their pitching woes.

• Admitting Faults:

  • Alan Hahn expresses his reluctance to admit when he's wrong, setting the tone for honest criticism. (00:22)
  • Don La Greca asserts, "This isn't North Dakota. This is New York," emphasizing the high expectations for the team. (00:10)

• Pitching Problems:

  • Don La Greca criticizes the Yankees' pitching, stating, "The Yankees are just not a good baseball team right now. And they need to answer to why." (01:25)
  • Michael Kay elaborates on the severity of the pitching issues, highlighting injuries and the thin rotation: "Luis Heel is still not back... Schmidt now gone and you're missing Heel... this pitching has been cursed." (03:00)

• Comparisons to the Mets:

  • Alan Hahn compares the Yankees to the Mets, noting that both teams face similar challenges but speculates the Yankees might still make the playoffs. (02:22)
  • Don La Greca counters, emphasizing the Yankees' dependency on high-scoring games: "Now scoring five runs isn't going to be enough... they do feel like a one trick pony." (07:33)

• Organizational Criticism:

  • Allen Hahn expresses frustration with the Yankees’ management, suggesting that despite a hefty payroll, the team is underperforming due to poor pitching and defensive strategies. (02:22)
  • Don La Greca decries the management’s failure to utilize their resources effectively: "Why am I going without when I've got all this money to work with?" (14:45)

• Future Outlook:

  • Michael Kay predicts that the Yankees’ response to their pitching crisis will involve urgent trades to bolster their rotation before the trade deadline. (04:21)
  • Don La Greca urges the organization to acknowledge their shortcomings honestly: "Instead of just sometimes admitting we're not playing well, I'm concerned about what's going on here." (19:00)

Notable Quotes:

• Allen Hahn: "The three game series against the Yankees could have very easily gotten swept." (01:07)
• Michael Kay: "I predict they finish the season with a better year." (05:58)
• Don La Greca: "Aaron Boone should know better than that." (17:10)

2. Announcement: Don La Greca Joins New Jersey Devils as Play-by-Play Announcer (25:07 – 54:50)

The latter half of the episode shifts focus to a monumental announcement: Don La Greca has been named the new TV play-by-play announcer for his hometown team, the New Jersey Devils.

• Breaking the News:

  • Michael Kay reveals the exciting news: "Don La Greca has been named the new TV play-by-play announcer of his hometown New Jersey Devils." (25:07)
  • Allen Hahn shares his elation, recounting his journey and deep connection with the Devils and broadcasting: "I've been on cloud nine since I heard the news." (26:32)

• Hosts’ Reactions:

  • Peter Rosenberg and Kenny Albert express overwhelming joy and support for Don’s achievement, comparing it to significant career milestones like Mike Breen’s role with the NBA. (40:35 – 50:20)
  • Michael Kay emphasizes the significance of the opportunity for Don, highlighting his passion and dedication: "This is a dream job for you, is it not?" (30:05)

• Personal Stories and Emotions:

  • Allen Hahn reminisces about his early days in broadcasting and the mentors who influenced him, illustrating the personal growth leading to this moment: "I was in the Devil's fan club dinner in 1989... Gary Thorne said, good luck in broadcasting." (30:11)
  • Don La Greca reflects on his lifelong love for hockey and the Devils, sharing heartfelt stories that underscore his suitability for the role: "My first hockey game was at the Meadowlands on February 22, 1987." (26:32)

• Future Expectations:

  • The hosts discuss the balance Don will maintain between his new broadcasting role and his existing commitments with ESPN New York, expressing confidence in his ability to excel in both. (37:25 – 38:04)
  • Kenny Albert praises Don’s authenticity and passion, ensuring that fans will resonate with his genuine approach: "Just be you. And obviously you have the institutional knowledge of the franchise." (49:28)

• Interactive Segment:

  • A celebratory goal call is featured, showcasing Don’s announcing style:
    • Don La Greca: "But he catches up with it. Puts it back behind the net... He scores." (38:11 – 38:22)

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Kay: "This feels like a conversation I was having with you about two, three weeks ago..." (08:46)
• Allen Hahn: "I've never had a chance to work full time for a team that I followed growing up. And it wasn't a problem." (26:32)
• Don La Greca: "Aren't you a little concerned? Wouldn't Hal or Brian be a little concerned?" (17:10) — (Note: This appears to be misattributed in context)

3. Conclusion and Call to Action (54:50 – End)

As the episode nears its end, the hosts wrap up the celebratory segment by encouraging listeners to congratulate Don La Greca and tune into future broadcasts featuring him as the Devils’ announcer.

• Final Congratulations:

  • Kenny Albert and Michael Kay offer heartfelt congratulations, emphasizing Don’s deserving nature and the positive impact he will have on the Devils’ broadcasts. (46:02 – 50:20)

• Encouraging Listener Engagement:

  • The hosts invite listeners to call in and share their congratulations, fostering a community celebration of Don’s achievement. (42:12 – 54:50)

• Closing Remarks:

  • Peter Rosenberg and Alan Hahn remind listeners to subscribe and catch future episodes on various platforms, ensuring continued engagement with their audience. (43:56 – End)

Notable Quotes:

• Kenny Albert: "You are the Michael K. He is the Kenny Albert. He is the Gary Cohen." (40:35)
• Don La Greca: "Trust your people. Trust the fans. If baseball fans in New York are anything, they're intelligent." (21:38)
• Michael Kay: "What makes me feel really good is how much you love this." (46:10)

Key Insights and Takeaways:

• Yankees’ Performance Issues: The hosts provide a critical analysis of the Yankees' struggles, primarily focusing on pitching deficiencies, injuries, and organizational shortcomings despite a significant payroll.

• Don La Greca’s Career Milestone: A central highlight of the episode is the announcement of Don La Greca’s new role with the New Jersey Devils, marking a significant achievement in his broadcasting career. The hosts and guests celebrate this transition, sharing personal anecdotes and expressing confidence in his abilities.

• Authenticity and Passion in Sports Broadcasting: The discussions emphasize the importance of genuine passion and deep-rooted knowledge in sports broadcasting, as exemplified by Don’s dedication to the Devils and his commitment to his craft.

• Community and Listener Engagement: The podcast fosters a sense of community among listeners, encouraging active participation and celebration of milestones within the sports community.

For listeners who haven't tuned in: This episode offers a blend of insightful sports analysis and uplifting career news, making it an engaging listen for fans of New York sports and broadcasting enthusiasts alike. Whether you're following the Yankees' season or excited about Don La Greca's new journey with the Devils, "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" delivers a comprehensive and entertaining discussion.