Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Knicks & Subway Series

Release Date: May 16, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: ESPN New York

Introduction to the Episode

In this inaugural episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the trio delves into two major New York sports storylines: the New York Knicks' pivotal playoff moment and the highly anticipated Subway Series between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees. The hosts navigate through team performances, player dynamics, and the overarching pressure surrounding both franchises.

1. The New York Knicks' Playoff Aspirations

Key Discussion Points:

• Historic Opportunity: The Knicks have a rare chance to advance to the conference finals for the first time since 2000 by clinching a series at home against the Boston Celtics. This marks a significant milestone for the franchise and its fans.

• Pressure on the Team: Alan Hahn acknowledges the immense pressure the Knicks are facing, particularly emphasizing that unlike defending champions who may not feel the same intensity, the Knicks are shouldering considerable expectations.

Notable Quotes:

• Don La Greca [04:35]:
  "Well, because you've got a chance tonight to slay two huge dragons... defeating the Celtics, going to the conference final for the first time since 2000."

• Alan Hahn [01:16]:
  "This is a night of a lot of anxiety, a lot of nervous energy. And may I just say to you, I was wrong yesterday. I was tripping."

2. The Subway Series: Yankees vs. Mets

Key Discussion Points:

• Juan Soto's Transition: Juan Soto's move from the Yankees to the Mets has ignited debates about his impact and loyalty. Don expresses skepticism about Soto's immediate influence, questioning whether he has truly embraced his new role with the Mets.

• Judge vs. Soto Narrative: A recurring theme is the comparison between Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, with discussions on their performances and what their duel means for both teams and the broader fanbase.

• Interleague Rivalry Enhancement: The Subway Series is highlighted as a significant event, with both teams holding first-place standings, adding layers of intrigue beyond just the player matchups.

Notable Quotes:

• Don La Greca [09:21]:
  "I don't think Juan Soto's a Met yet... I'm still kind of waiting for his moment."

• Peter Rosenberg [10:16]:
  "But maybe this weekend is the perfect time for that moment."

• Alan Hahn [14:34]:
  "Both could be true of it, but today is a chapter in that argument. This is a big part of it."

3. Managing Pressure and Expectations

Key Discussion Points:

• Alan Hahn's Realization: Alan openly admits to misjudging the level of pressure on the Knicks, emphasizing personal accountability and the collective stress within the organization striving for success.

• Don's Perspective on Winning: Don underscores the fundamental desire to win over fan-driven narratives, asserting that personal and team success are paramount regardless of external debates or manufactured rivalries.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [02:21]:
  "It's more about me and understanding that... I was completely tripping and... I got to do that on the train... hold me accountable, please."

• Don La Greca [13:05]:
  "I want to start winning games here and I want to widen the lead."

4. Audience Interaction and Caller Opinions

Key Discussion Points:

• Caller Perspectives: The episode features interactions with listeners who bring varied viewpoints, especially from Mets fans who express frustration with Juan Soto's performance and his transition to the Mets.

• Debate on Manufactured Rivalries: Alan and Don engage in a light-hearted debate about whether the Judge vs. Soto narrative is genuinely impactful or artificially constructed to boost interest among casual fans.

Notable Quotes:

• Caller, Danny Long [30:02]:
  "I don't see Juan Soto, I see check swings, the first baseman, I see loss."

• Don La Greca [33:59]:
  "I'm not going to like text Allen if Soto goes four for four and the Mets lose and... I don't have any consolation prize."

5. Concluding Insights and Future Implications

Key Discussion Points:

• Significance of Current Games: The hosts emphasize that while the Subway Series and Knicks' playoff games are crucial, they are early in the season and set the tone for the months to come.

• Long-Term Rivalries and Success: There's a consensus that the outcomes of these games could influence the trajectories of both the Knicks and the Mets, potentially leading to more profound rivalries and achievements.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg [41:11]:
  "I'm somewhere between you guys on this. I do think it's a really big deal this year, more than any other year."

• Alan Hahn [40:02]:
  "This is the most important Subway Series that has ever existed since the World Series. This is the most important."

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with the hosts teasing future discussions and encouraging listeners to stay tuned for ongoing coverage of both the Knicks' playoff journey and the unfolding Subway Series. They highlight the unique position of New York sports, where multiple high-stakes events converge, providing endless material for spirited debates and passionate fandom.

Episode Highlights:

• Knicks’ Potential Breakthrough: Discussing the historical significance and the pressure associated with advancing to the conference finals.
• Subway Series Dynamics: Exploring Juan Soto's impact on the Mets, and the Judge vs. Soto narrative fueling fan engagement.
• Pressure Management: Hosts reflect on personal and team pressures, with Alan Hahn admitting past misjudgments.
• Caller Engagement: Featuring diverse fan opinions, particularly focusing on Mets supporters’ views on Soto’s performance.
• Future Implications: Anticipating how current games could shape the future of New York's sports landscape.

Notable Time-Stamped Quotes:

• Don La Greca [04:35]:
  "Defeating the Celtics, going to the conference final for the first time since 2000."

• Alan Hahn [01:16]:
  "I was wrong yesterday. I was tripping."

• Don La Greca [09:21]:
  "I don't think Juan Soto's a Met yet."

• Peter Rosenberg [10:16]:
  "Maybe this weekend is the perfect time for that moment."

• Alan Hahn [14:34]:
  "This is a big part of it."

• Don La Greca [33:59]:
  "I don't have any consolation prize."

• Peter Rosenberg [41:11]:
  "I'm somewhere between you guys on this."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the dynamic discussions and key insights from "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg’s" first episode, providing listeners with an in-depth overview of New York's current sports narratives.