Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Great Weekend for Alonso
Release Date: April 7, 2025
Hosts: Don Han, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guests: Ryan Reynolds

I. Introduction: A Rainy Start to April

Timestamp: 00:42 – 01:04

The episode kicks off with Don Han introducing the hosts and setting the scene on a particularly rainy Monday in April. Peter Rosenberg humorously reflects on the unpredictable April weather, remarking, “This is April, man, where you enjoy a 70-degree day one Saturday and the next Saturday it feels like it's the dead of winter” (01:04).

II. The Etiquette of Walking and Umbrella Usage

Timestamp: 01:04 – 05:20

Don Han raises an intriguing question about urban etiquette, specifically regarding tall individuals navigating crowded sidewalks with umbrellas. He asks, “Am I supposed to duck or are you supposed to raise your umbrella so I don't get pegged in the eye by those little points at the end of the umbrella?” (01:29).

Ryan Reynolds engages in the discussion, suggesting, “I think I go side” to avoid accidental pokes (02:12). The conversation evolves into a playful debate about "tall privilege," with Peter Rosenberg asserting, “I think there's tall privilege in this world. I think it's time to acknowledge it” (04:44).

III. Mets Baseball Insights: Pete Alonso's Breakthrough

Timestamp: 07:12 – 12:20

The focus shifts to Major League Baseball, with a deep dive into Pete Alonso's exceptional performance for the New York Mets. Don Han highlights Alonso’s remarkable season, stating, “The bigger winner is, I think, Pete Alonso because of how this has worked out” (07:12).

Peter Rosenberg adds, “If he plays the way he's playing right now the rest of the season, then maybe he'll get [a favorable contract]” (08:04).

Discussion centers on Alonso’s growth, the Mets’ strategic decisions, and the potential implications for his future with the team. Don Han emphasizes Alonso’s resilience, “Now it's almost like the Mets, what are their options now at first base? It's probably just, you know what, this seems to be working. Keep this guy” (07:50).

IV. Further MLB Analysis: Team Dynamics and Future Prospects

Timestamp: 12:20 – 25:00

The hosts delve into the broader dynamics of the Mets’ lineup, comparing Alonso’s performance to other team members like Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor. Don Han notes the bullpen's critical role in recent games, “The bullpen saved their bacon yesterday, but they're still not hitting on a consistent enough basis” (15:26).

Ryan Reynolds expresses frustration with strikeouts, likening them to inefficiencies in other sports: “A lot of pop outs, fly outs, foul outs… Strikeouts from when your team's on offense like this, it's brutal” (18:04).

V. Transition to Basketball: Final Four Highlights and Player Performance

Timestamp: 25:00 – 47:00

Shifting gears, the conversation transitions to college basketball’s Final Four. The hosts discuss the dramatic performance of a player named Cooper Flagg, who missed crucial shots. Don Han laments, “He made that face. He was supposed to make that shot. He did everything you want to do in a one-on-one situation and he just short-armed it” (46:45).

Peter Rosenberg reminisces about classic sports figures like Patrick Ewing, drawing parallels between past and present athletic performances: “That shot was like an NBA move. He set up, he got his shot. Everything you wanted to do in a one-on-one situation” (46:23).

VI. Listener Calls: Maintaining Respect and Etiquette in Sports Settings

Timestamp: 32:29 – 37:54

The episode features interactive segments with listeners Rashad, Reggie, and Rich, who share their perspectives on tall privilege and umbrella etiquette.

Rashad emphasizes the need for consideration, saying, “Yeah, they gotta move for us because they can focus in the eye as a safety hazard” (32:29).

Reggie offers practical advice on umbrella sizes based on height, “I think the umbrella size should be dependent on the size of the person” (33:03).

Rich discusses the challenges tall individuals face in crowded areas, “I turn my head, bang, right in the forehead. Now I'm bleeding because you didn't close the overhead” (34:00).

VII. Conclusion: Wrapping Up with Additional Sports Topics

Timestamp: 47:00 – End

As the episode nears its end, the hosts recap the key discussions and tease upcoming topics. Don Han highlights the resilience of the Houston team in the Final Four, “Every single time, you're like, all right, that's it. This game's a wrap. They never gave up” (47:41).

The conversation concludes with light-hearted remarks about sports events and the continuous challenges faced by athletes, leaving listeners engaged and anticipating future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg: “I think there's tall privilege in this world. I think it's time to acknowledge it.” (04:44)

• Don Han: “The bigger winner is, I think, Pete Alonso because of how this has worked out.” (07:12)

• Ryan Reynolds: “It’s the most maddening thing in sports.” (18:45)

• Don Han: “Every single time, you're like, all right, that's it. This game's a wrap. They never gave up.” (47:41)

Key Takeaways:

• Urban Etiquette for Tall Individuals: The hosts engage in a humorous yet insightful discussion about the challenges tall people face with umbrellas in crowded sidewalks.

• Pete Alonso’s Stellar Performance: A significant portion of the episode focuses on Alonso’s contributions to the Mets, his potential contract implications, and how his performance is pivotal for the team’s success.

• Cross-Sport Comparisons: The hosts draw parallels between baseball strikeouts and performance metrics in basketball and other sports, highlighting the unique frustrations inherent in each.

• Final Four Drama: The episode covers dramatic moments from the Final Four basketball games, specifically critiquing key player performances and coaching decisions.

• Listener Engagement: Interactive segments with listeners provide diverse perspectives, enriching the conversation and fostering community engagement.

For more insights and discussions on New York sports and beyond, subscribe to the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast on your preferred platform or the ESPN New York app.