Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 1: Frustrating NY Baseball
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Hosts: Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Description: The trio delves into New York sports, offering passionate insights and spirited discussions on current events.

1. Introduction to NY Baseball Frustrations

The episode kicks off with Don Hahn expressing deep dissatisfaction with the New York Yankees' recent performance.

• Don Hahn [00:49]: "I'm not happy. I'm not happy at all. Last night sucked."

He highlights the Yankees' disappointing outcomes across multiple sports teams, emphasizing a sense of collective underachievement among fans.

2. Analyzing the Yankees' Hitting Slump

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Yankees' persistent hitting struggles, both offensively and in clutch situations.

• Don Hahn [02:56]: "Is it the end of the world? No. But can you be red hot about it? Yes you can."

The hosts dissect the Yankees' inability to score runs consistently, citing historical comparisons to illustrate the severity of the slump.

• Don Hahn [03:50]: "That's the first time the Yankees have done that since 1968. That's 57 years ago."

They delve into the statistical anomalies, such as the Yankees being the first team since 1869 to be shut out in three consecutive games while striking out over 10 times in each.

• Don Hahn [03:50]: "First time in the history of Major League baseball that a team has been shut out three consecutive games and struck out more than 10 times in all three games."

3. Management's Response and Team Meetings

The hosts critique the Yankees' management, particularly Aaron Boone's handling of the team's offensive issues.

• Peter Rosenberg [04:51]: "They had a conversation. And you know why? I think that was a complete waste of time."

They argue that the closed-door meetings and generic reassurances from management lack substantive strategies to address the real problems.

• Don Hahn [05:41]: "How do you have a meeting about failure? Like baseball, you fail 70% of the time if you're good."

4. Player-Specific Challenges: Aaron Judge and Austin Alvarez

Aaron Judge's performance is singled out as a critical factor in the team's struggles.

• Peter Rosenberg [07:32]: "He hasn't figured out that he's striking out when he's going through a hard time."

Don and Peter discuss Judge's declining batting averages and increased strikeouts, questioning his approach at the plate.

• Don Hahn [10:54]: "He is now 2 for 20 with 13 strikeouts in his last 20 bats."

Austin Alvarez's defensive mistakes behind the plate are also scrutinized, raising doubts about his suitability as the starting catcher.

• Don Hahn [20:22]: "We can't win a championship if the regular season Judge doesn't show up in the playoffs."

5. Historical Comparisons and Thematic Concerns

The conversation draws parallels between the current Yankees' performance and historical slumps, emphasizing the recurring nature of such issues.

• Don Hahn [46:35]: "They have not gotten consistent."

They express concern that without significant changes, the Yankees are unlikely to secure a World Series title, mirroring past disappointments.

6. Listener Interaction and Calls

Throughout the episode, listeners call in to share their frustrations and opinions about the Yankees' performance.

• Caller Jim Knight [33:27]: "It's frustrating that the Yankees have had hitting issues for so long and go back to the 2009 Yankees World Series lineup."

These interactions reinforce the widespread dissatisfaction among the fanbase and provide additional perspectives on the team's challenges.

7. Concluding Thoughts on the Season

As the episode wraps up, the hosts remain cautiously pessimistic yet hopeful that the team can turn things around before the postseason.

• Don Hahn [37:20]: "It's more than just a slump. It is something that, hey, it's not the end of the world, but it's kind of something to pay attention to."

They stress the importance of evaluating the team's strategies and player performances moving forward to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [02:56]: "Is it the end of the world? No. But can you be red hot about it? Yes you can."

• Peter Rosenberg [04:51]: "It's just baseball. Susan, this just happened."

• Don Hahn [03:50]: "That's the first time in the history of Major League baseball that a team has been shut out three consecutive games and struck out more than 10 times in all three games."

• Peter Rosenberg [10:54]: "He is now 2 for 20 with 13 strikeouts in his last 20 bats."

• Don Hahn [46:35]: "They have not gotten consistent."

Conclusion: This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the New York Yankees' current struggles, blending statistical insights with passionate commentary. Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg offer a nuanced perspective on the team's performance, management decisions, and key player challenges, resonating deeply with frustrated fans seeking answers and accountability.