Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Hour 1: Finally, A Rivalry

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 1: Finally, A Rivalry
• Release Date: April 4, 2025
• Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, long-time sportswriter and handsome New York Knick broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg delve into New York sports and beyond.

Introduction

In the inaugural episode titled "Finally, A Rivalry," hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg kick off their discussion by highlighting a particularly busy and eventful sports weekend in New York City. The conversation sets the stage for a deep dive into the burgeoning rivalry between Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Juan Soto of the New York Mets.

Setting the Stage: A Busy Sports Weekend

Peter Rosenberg (00:27):
"All right, let's get it going here on a Friday in New York City. And man, we got a busy weekend of sports to enjoy this weekend as well as a busy day..."

The hosts outline the key events:

• Baseball: The Mets' home opener at Citi Field and the Yankees' series in Pittsburgh.
• Basketball: The Knicks' back-to-back games over the weekend.
• Hockey: Playoffs nearing the end.
• Football: The upcoming NFL draft in a couple of weeks.

Don La Greca (01:11):
"It's warm, you know, sun fell out. But I think you're appreciating because, you know, like tomorrow is just going to be, you know, rain on and off all day Sunday..."

The pleasant weather is briefly acknowledged before shifting focus to ongoing and upcoming sports events.

The Aaron Judge vs. Juan Soto Rivalry

Emergence of a Historic Rivalry

The central theme of the episode revolves around the developing rivalry between Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, two standout players from New York's premier baseball teams.

Peter Rosenberg (02:02):
"Boys, it's amazing how I... Aaron Judge has 14 RBI, right? That's more than two teams in the league right now..."

Peter emphasizes Judge's outstanding performance, comparing his statistics to other teams and hinting at the nascent rivalry with Soto.

Don La Greca (04:09):
"Yeah, it's so odd because you really can have this conversation in baseball and football. That's it..."
"...But you know, Soto and Judge for the most part play the same position. Right. Sometimes judges in center field."

Don highlights the uniqueness of this rivalry in the context of New York sports, comparing it to historical rivalries but noting its distinctiveness.

Historical Comparisons and Significance

The hosts draw parallels between the current Judge-Soto dynamic and past great rivalries in New York sports history.

Peter Rosenberg (04:22):
"When do we have two stars that are MVP caliber talents... When have we had that?"

He questions when New York last witnessed such direct competition for supremacy within the city's teams.

Don La Greca (06:11):
"When you go back to the three baseball teams... Willie, Mickey and the Duke..."

Don reminisces about past iconic Yankees players like Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Duke Snider, comparing their legacy to the current stars.

Debate on Player Superiority and Legacy

A lively debate unfolds between Don and Alan regarding who stands superior between Judge and Soto.

Don La Greca (18:14):
"Judge is a better player than Juan Soto, and he will put up bigger numbers, sexier numbers than Juan Soto..."

Don asserts Judge's statistical dominance and potential legacy as the greatest Yankee of all time.

Alan Hahn (38:54):
"But in the major leagues at the age of 19, who is the better player?"
(Referring to Soto's early World Series appearance)

Alan brings Soto's impressive early career into the conversation, challenging the notion of Judge's superiority.

Peter Rosenberg (18:28):
"It's about winning."

Peter shifts the focus from individual statistics to the importance of team success and championships in defining a player's legacy.

Don La Greca (19:11):
"But I'm not going to sit here and feel like I'm going to lose an argument from somebody saying that Aaron Judge is the only player..."

Don emphasizes the balance between individual prowess and team achievements, highlighting the complexity of evaluating a player's greatness.

Peter Rosenberg (20:03):
"That's saying a lot, by the way."

Peter acknowledges Don's bold claim about Judge's potential legacy, underscoring the high stakes of the discussion.

Callers’ Perspectives and Fan Reactions

Throughout the episode, callers contribute their viewpoints, adding depth and varying opinions to the discussion.

Caller 1 (05:32):
"The most recent answer we could have had... Giants still have Saquon Barkley, jets have Aaron Rodgers..."

This caller reminisces about past potential rivalries, drawing connections to current players.

Don La Greca (09:24):
"Well, that it feels like that we, for the first time that I can remember, are living in a Yankee fan's head."

Don reflects on the shift in Yankee fan mentality, acknowledging the growing rivalry.

Caller 2 (10:58):
"But is it here? Are they in separate tiers?"

This question probes deeper into whether Soto and Judge are truly in the same league or hierarchy.

Don La Greca (21:26):
"I mean, I'm not going to sit here and feel like I'm going to lose an argument..."

Don reiterates his stance on Judge's potential greatness, inviting further debate.

Alan Hahn (35:12):
"Soto is the better hitter, according to all the baseball analysts..."

Alan counters Don's position by citing analysts and Soto's own achievements.

Caller 3 (46:41):
"By the way, one of the best points you've ever made in the history of the show."

Positive feedback from callers underscores the engaging nature of the debate.

Historical Context and Modern Comparisons

The discussion frequently references legendary players and historical rivalries to provide context for the current dynamic.

Don La Greca (18:28):
"Soto is not Aaron Judge. He's close. It's close, but it's not. It's not really much of a conversation."

Don differentiates between the two players while maintaining that Judge stands slightly above Soto.

Alan Hahn (39:03):
"The better player. I would like to see, to answer two questions from you before you switch to the next caller..."
(Referring to Soto's hitting prowess)

Alan emphasizes Soto's skills, challenging Don's assessment of their comparative abilities.

Don La Greca (41:12):
"And GNC is a whole freaking store..."

This segment shifts briefly to promotional content but ties back to the hosts' banter.

Rivalry’s Impact on New York Sports Culture

The hosts explore how the Judge-Soto rivalry influences the broader New York sports landscape, affecting fan loyalties and media narratives.

Don La Greca (22:42):
"If he continues on this trajectory, Aaron Judge is going to be the greatest Yankee of all time..."

Don underscores the potential long-term impact of Judge's career on the Yankees' legacy.

Peter Rosenberg (34:23):
"We have calls to get to. That's..."

Peter acknowledges the high engagement from the audience, reflecting the public's vested interest in the rivalry.

Alan Hahn (45:03):
"Soto was in the World Series at the age of 19..."

Alan highlights Soto's early success, adding to the conversation about his potential legacy.

Don La Greca (50:31):
"I don't think there's anything wrong with my hair..."

A moment of levity occurs as the hosts engage in playful banter, maintaining an engaging and personable atmosphere.

Conclusion: A Rivalry Worth Watching

The episode culminates with the hosts affirming the significance of the Aaron Judge vs. Juan Soto rivalry, suggesting it marks a new era in New York sports.

Don La Greca (25:04):
"All right, so clearly we've got a lot here on the table to discuss. So let's get to it."

Peter Rosenberg (25:08):
"We are jam packed already and that is always a good sign."

The hosts express enthusiasm for the ongoing discussions and future debates, teasing upcoming topics and guest appearances.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Rosenberg (02:02):
  "Aaron Judge has 14 RBI, right? That's more than two teams in the league right now."

• Don La Greca (18:14):
  "Judge is a better player than Juan Soto, and he will put up bigger numbers, sexier numbers than Juan Soto."

• Alan Hahn (36:52):
  "I honestly believe that Ohtani is by himself in that field because he's the unicorn."

• Peter Rosenberg (34:23):
  "We have calls to get to. That's..."

• Don La Greca (22:42):
  "If he continues on this trajectory, Aaron Judge is going to be the greatest Yankee of all time."

Final Thoughts

"Hour 1: Finally, A Rivalry" successfully establishes Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg as a dynamic trio capable of sparking engaging and insightful sports discussions. The episode not only highlights a significant new rivalry in New York baseball but also weaves in historical context, fan perspectives, and lively debates that promise an exciting future for the podcast. Listeners are left anticipating further exploration of this rivalry and its implications for New York's sports culture.