Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Just One Game
Episode Information
- Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
- Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
- Episode: Hour 1: Just One Game
- Release Date: March 28, 2025
- Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don LaGreca, long-time sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg delve into New York sports and beyond.
1. Season Kick-Off and Initial Impressions (00:30 – 03:13)
The episode begins with the hosts discussing the excitement surrounding the new sports season. Alan Hahn opens the conversation from Milwaukee, highlighting the potential intensity of the Knicks vs. Bucks matchup, suggesting it could evolve into a high-stakes 3-6 series. He remarks, “This could be the 3, 6 matchup. You don't want to fall the fourth” (00:43).
Key Points:
- Opening Day Reactions: Mixed feelings about the latest games, with some games going well and others not.
- Duke vs. Maryland Game: Peter Rosenberg shares his enthusiasm about Duke’s impressive victory, stating, “It was a great night” (01:22).
- Personal Updates: Don LaGreca shares personal moments, including spending quality time with his mother despite the Mets' loss (01:53).
2. Mets vs. Yankees Opener and Juan Soto's Performance (03:13 – 05:52)
The discussion shifts to the highly anticipated Mets vs. Yankees opener. Don expresses frustration over Juan Soto’s performance, suggesting his struggles were visible: “You could see he regrets signing with the Mets” (02:44). The hosts dissect Soto’s at-bat, debating whether it was an isolated incident or indicative of larger issues.
Notable Quotes:
- Don LaGreca: “I'm not going to define every single moment early on of this guy's career. Yankee fans should know… it takes time for free agents to adjust” (25:26).
- Alan Hahn: “He’s a confident player. This was not a failure” (19:24).
Key Points:
- Performance Analysis: Debate over whether Soto’s strikeout was a sign of pressure or just an off moment.
- Contract Implications: Discussion on whether one moment can define Soto’s 15-year contract.
- Fan Reactions: Contrasting views from Mets and Yankee fans regarding Soto's performance and future expectations.
3. Listener Story: A Memorable Moment with Aaron Judge (03:32 – 10:31)
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a touching listener story involving Jonathan and his son at a Yankees game. Jonathan shares how Aaron Judge created a memorable experience by interacting with him and his son, turning an ordinary game day into an unforgettable memory.
Key Points:
- Jonathan’s Experience: Jonathan explains, “…Judge just came and gave my son a lifetime and myself a lifetime memory” (06:18).
- Impact of the Moment: The hosts applaud Judge’s gesture, emphasizing the importance of such interactions between players and fans.
- Behind the Scenes: Discussion on how Jonathan secured his seats and the spontaneity of the moment.
Notable Quotes:
- Peter Rosenberg: “The smile from Judge up, guys, if you put that in black and white and slow motion, it could be like Mickey Mantle” (10:31).
- Don LaGreca: “Moments like that, that's, that's something that you're going to talk about forever” (09:43).
4. Yankees’ Season Opener Analysis: Austin Wells and bullpen performance (10:31 – 19:37)
The conversation deepens into the Yankees’ season opener, focusing on Austin Wells' historic leadoff home run and the bullpen's performance.
Key Points:
- Austin Wells' Historic Home Run: Don highlights, “He's the first catcher ever to homer leading off a game on opening day in the history of baseball” (15:02).
- Aaron Boone’s Decision: The unconventional lineup decision by Boone is dissected, pondering the blend of analytics and gut feeling.
- Bullpen Performance: Analysis of Devin Williams’ shaky start but eventual success in securing the win.
Notable Quotes:
- Don LaGreca: “It's the first time something happens in the history of baseball; it's a pretty cool moment” (15:20).
- Alan Hahn: “I think that's the formula for how the Yankees are going to win a lot” (16:54).
5. Reflections on Time and Aging (21:01 – 23:12)
Towards the end of the episode, the hosts engage in a light-hearted conversation about the perception of time, especially in the post-COVID era.
Key Points:
- Rapid Passage of Time: Don reflects on how quickly 30 years have passed since 1995, the release of Old Dirty Bastard’s Return to the 36 Chambers.
- Impact of COVID-19: Both Don and Alan agree that the pandemic has distorted their sense of time, making years feel shorter.
Notable Quotes:
- Alan Hahn: “Covid made us lose track of time” (22:39).
- Don LaGreca: “It’s pretty incredible. Always felt that way, guys, especially at an advanced age” (23:12).
6. In-Depth Discussion: Juan Soto’s Future and Yankee Fan Perspectives (25:26 – 28:14)
The final segment delves deeper into Juan Soto’s performance, his adjustment to the Mets, and the broader implications for his career.
Key Points:
- Soto’s Adjustment Period: Don argues that Soto is still adapting to his new team, emphasizing that one bad game doesn't define his career: “He's got a ring. He knows the moment” (25:26).
- Comparative Analysis: Peter notes Soto’s reputation as one of the best batters, making his off day more perplexing: “There’s probably not a better batter in baseball like at for at bat” (27:32).
- Fan Dynamics: Discussion on how Soto’s struggles are perceived differently by Mets and Yankee fans, with Mets fans being more critical.
Notable Quotes:
- Don LaGreca: “I think he might have been a little amped up… Quinn don’t need him here, pivot to Goldschmidt” (26:31).
- Peter Rosenberg: “Listen, Don. It was a bad at bat. It’s not a great at bat. It happens” (25:57).
7. Closing Thoughts and Final Reflections (28:14 – End)
The hosts wrap up the episode with final reflections on the discussions, reiterating their support for Soto while acknowledging the frustrations fans may feel.
Key Points:
- Support for Players: Emphasis on understanding the human side of athletes and extending grace during tough performances.
- Looking Forward: Optimism about future opportunities for Soto and the Yankees’ strategies moving forward.
Notable Quotes:
- Alan Hahn: “I guarantee everybody that moment’s coming. You know it's coming” (28:14).
- Don LaGreca: “The fact that it's still one of 162 games, we can’t artificially make it out” (29:21).
Conclusion
In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of recent sports events, focusing on the emotional and strategic elements of baseball and basketball. From dissecting individual player performances to sharing heartfelt listener stories, the trio offers insightful commentary intertwined with personal anecdotes. Their balanced perspectives cater to both passionate fans and casual listeners, making the episode a rich tapestry of New York sports culture and beyond.
Notable Moments:
- The emotional listener story showcasing the impact of player-fan interactions.
- In-depth debates on the balance between analytics and gut decisions in sports.
- Reflective discussions on the passage of time influenced by global events.
For those who haven’t tuned in, this episode serves as an engaging entry point into the dynamic world of New York sports, enriched by the unique voices of Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg.