Hour 1: LIVE from Calandra's Bakery

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: LIVE from Calandra’s Bakery (March 18, 2026)

Episode Overview

Broadcast live from Calandra’s Bakery in Caldwell, NJ, this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg dives into the electric aftermath of Team Venezuela’s victory in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), the ongoing debate about Aaron Judge’s clutch factor, and the passion and pressure of New York sports. The crew, joined by Devils legend Ken Danico, mixes serious sports analysis with signature banter, food talk, and vibrant listener calls, all while prepping for a Devils-Rangers watch party.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Live Audience, Food Coma & Setting the Scene

[00:57–03:01]

• Live from Calandra’s Italian Village, with palpable excitement around the food (“already in a food coma”) and the upcoming Devils-Rangers watch party.
• Peter Rosenberg: “The spaghetti pesto, delightful. The bolognese was slamming…”
• Calandra’s Italian delicacies take center stage, setting a casual, lively tone.

2. World Baseball Classic: Atmosphere, Importance, and Venezuela’s Triumph

[03:36–05:38]

• The team reacts to Venezuela’s emotional WBC win, noting stadium fervor and what it meant for Venezuelan fans: “It did have a legitimate World Series loud buzz the entire night…” (Peter Rosenberg, [05:00]).
• Both praise and critique the U.S. presence in the tournament—crowd energy didn’t give the U.S. a “home-field advantage.”
• Discussion on whether the WBC “matters” is put to rest; it clearly does for players and fans involved.

3. Aaron Judge’s Clutch Factor: The Eye Test vs. The Stats

[06:10–11:20]

• Don Hahn frames the ongoing debate: Is Aaron Judge a true “Captain America”? Does he deliver in the biggest moments?
• They revisit Judge’s performance: “He could also go 0-for-4 with three strikeouts… What were his stats yesterday?” (Don Hahn, [07:01]). “Was it three?” “It was three.” (Don, Peter, [07:19])
• Judge’s at-bat after Harper’s home run is dissected:
  • “When Judge ends up in those spots, it’s always like a rushed at-bat… The moment feels too big.” (Peter Rosenberg, [08:56])
  • Social media’s harshness on Judge, contrasted with career analytics defending him.
  • “He is talked about with Ohtani as the best player in the game. He’s going to have to carry more of the criticism than anyone else.” (Don Hahn, [20:16])
• Surrounding cast also struggled, but as the star, Judge absorbs the brunt of disappointment.

4. Listener Calls: The WBC’s Importance & Critique of Criticism

[13:34–19:24]

• Nick (New Orleans) highlights the WBC’s timing as both a strength and a limitation (players not at peak ramp-up, tough for pitchers): “We’re never going to get that kind of gutsy performance that we know from the playoffs…” ([14:21]).
• The meaning of the WBC to Venezuelan and international fans—schools let out to watch.
• Griffin (Connecticut) pushes back on Judge-only criticism: “There’s no I in team…not one person in that whole entire lineup except for Bryce Ring had a hit until Harper got that other single…” ([18:11]).
• Both callers and hosts discuss whether the tournament would be better during the regular season or if timing is part of the tournament’s charm.

5. Ken Danico Joins: Clutch DNA, Broadcasting, & Playoff Mentality

[25:11–44:19]

• Devils’ legend Ken Danico shares his journey from player to broadcaster—and the challenge of balancing fandom with professional critique.
• “I always want to rely on fans… I forgot more hockey than a lot of you ever knew. But…[publicly ripping] does them no good when I’m part of them.” (Ken Danico, [28:07])
• On “Clutch Gene”:
  • Describes traits of winners like Martin Brodeur—“He just chuckled and says ‘I got this Dano,’ very calmly…it’s something you can’t touch, you feel it…” ([38:08])
  • The difference between regular season and playoff urgency; learning clutch mentality from legends like Claude Lemieux (“Put the puck on his stick, he’s going to bury it—the more important the game…” [40:38]).
  • Offers insight into Jack Hughes’ post-Olympic growth and leadership.
• On criticism & analysis: “My job is not to be the one that’s pounding the table and yelling... Put it out there and let [fans] decide if they want to be mad or not.” (Don Hahn, [32:08])

6. Calls & Banter: Is This the Yankees Again?

[50:10–54:47]

• Eric (Connecticut): Watching Team USA felt like “a Yankee playoff game for the last 15 years”—loaded lineup but can’t hit, reliant on home runs.
• Jaden (Harrisburg): Context and “clutch” stats—not all clutch is created equal; playoff and do-or-die at-bats are what fans remember.
  • “Michael was referring to analytics, but there’s another analytic… Season-determining clutch is different than late in a game in May. It’s not the same.” (Peter Rosenberg, [53:19])
• Hosts agree: No pressure in sports equals an MLB playoff at-bat—singled out from the pack.

7. Food & Fun Banter: Calandra’s Sweets Talk

[47:16–49:26]

• More detailed food breakdowns, with playful accusations over desserts: “He didn’t touch the little fruit cup. No shock.” (Don Hahn, [47:40])
• Tiramisu earns top billing as “sweet of choice”—food conversation sets the family-friendly, easy-going backdrop that defines the show’s camaraderie.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “I had to FaceTime my wife and say, this is calamari. Literally.” – Peter Rosenberg [02:03]
• “It did have a legitimate World Series loud buzz the entire night, let alone when something happened.” – Peter Rosenberg [05:00]
• “He is talked about with Ohtani as the best player in the game. He’s going to have to carry more of the criticism than anyone else.” – Don Hahn [20:16]
• “I forgot more hockey than a lot of you ever knew. But [publicly ripping] does them no good when I’m part of them.” – Ken Danico [28:07]
• “He just chuckled and said, ‘I got this Dano,’ very calmly…it’s something you can’t touch, you feel it.” (on Martin Brodeur’s clutch gene) – Ken Danico [38:08]
• “The margins are so slim. But the core group hated to lose more than they liked to win. I love that saying because it means something.” – Ken Danico [42:03]
• “Watching the game last night felt like… watching a Yankee playoff game for the last 15 years.” – Eric (caller) [50:16]
• “No pressure in sports like an at-bat in a pressure situation. That is the highest pressure thing in all of professional sports.” – Peter Rosenberg [54:00]

---

Important Timestamps

• [00:57–03:01]: Show opens, live audience, food banter
• [03:36–06:08]: WBC: importance, atmosphere, and Venezuela’s win
• [06:10–21:12]: Aaron Judge’s big moment – analysis and fan/media reaction
• [13:34–19:24]: Listener calls: significance of the WBC, Judge criticism, tournament timing implications
• [25:11–44:19]: Ken Danico segment: on broadcasting, clutch, leaders in sports, and managing criticism
• [47:16–49:26]: Dessert debate – playful banter around Calandra’s sweets
• [50:10–54:47]: More calls: Yankees déjà vu, clutch context, and pressure in baseball

---

Tone & Language

The tone is lively, friendly, quick-witted, and blends passionate sports debate with New York directness. The hosts' playful jabs, honest takes, and community feeling (live event, audience calls, family-style food talk) make the show accessible even to those outside the hardcore sports demographic.

---

Summary for New Listeners

This episode captures the essence of New York sports talk: spirited, candid, and a bit self-deprecating, with everyman angles on both local and international moments—from WBC drama to the nuances of being clutch in the Bronx. Insights from sports broadcasting veteran Ken Danico add gravitas, while the food joy and audience energy keep it grounded and fun. If you missed the episode, you’ll walk away knowing why Judge is scrutinized, why the WBC truly matters, and what “clutch” feels like across different eras of sport—all with a side of tiramisu.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

So good, so good, so good.

[Griffin]

Spring styles are at Nordstrom Rack stores

[Don Hahn]

now, and they're up to 60% off. Stock up and save on Rag and Bone, Madewell, Vince, All Saints, and more of your favorites.

[Griffin]

How did I not know Rack has Adidas?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why do we rack for the hottest?

[Griffin]

Still just so many good brands.

[Don Hahn]

Join the Nordy Club to unlock exclusive discounts. Shop new arrivals first and more.

[Griffin]

Plus, buy online and pick up at

[Don Hahn]

your favorite Rack store for free. Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack. This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. That sounds like heaven to me. Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don, one day you're not gonna play football anymore. And if there's a God up above, it'll be soon.

[Don Hahn]

Han. Huge. No, but big. And Rosenberg.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said. This isn't North Dakota. This is New York.

[Don Hahn]

This is Don, Han, and Rosenberg, the threesome I've ever heard on ESPN New York and streaming live on YouTube. We are live at Calandra's Italian Village here in New Jersey, and Peter and I are already in a food coma.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, stop.

[Griffin]

Style.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm gonna get into a food coma later. That was a teaser.

[Don Hahn]

You think so, dude? Well, I. I forget. Your appetite's much different than mine.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, listen, I just. That was the. That was just a little warm up. I don't. I don't want to botch because Anthony will yell at me if I say the wrong dishes. Anthony, can you tell us which specific pastas we had here?

[Don Hahn]

He knows his past.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Come on. Like a proper Italian gentleman. The spaghetti pesto, delightful. The bolognese was slamming, but I don't know which kind of pasta it was. He thinks maybe pappardell, but we're not 100% sure.

[Don Hahn]

I'll go with pappardell. I'll also go with delicious.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it was just.

[Don Hahn]

It's gone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And this is not just. I'm not just saying this because Calandra's had us out here. I get calamari a lot of places, and a lot of people can give you an average or mid calamari.

[Don Hahn]

This not mid.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, the crispiness. I had to FaceTime my wife and say, this is calamari. Literally.

[Don Hahn]

Did you weep?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but it's like you dream about

[Don Hahn]

calamari and you wept. This is beautiful.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So we're super excited. And as you guys know, the man who this event was sort of made it his image. Donald Marco Legreca. Sadly, can't be with us today. His heart exploded while he was. No. Changing a tire. No, no. Sorry. He's sick and can't be with us. But, yeah, I know he's listening. Yep, I know he's very excited. And we're gonna have the great Ken Danico and Rick D. Pietro join us instead.

[Don Hahn]

That is right. Dan will come in here. The. The devil legend will be here shortly. I'm gonna spend the night with us as we're also gonna have a watch party here as well for Rangers Devils. Bet your ace after.

[Ken Danico]

And this is.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, talk about like, this is a cool setup. We already have a number of people here and we appreciate everybody for coming here early with us. Eat, drink, be merry. We're going to have some fun today.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I got a driver, so I am going to at least drink and be merry once we go off the air. John Winthrop.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Once we go off the air.

[Don Hahn]

He is certainly watching you. So. Yes, Don Hoddan Rosenberg live from Calandra's Bakery in Caldwell, New Jersey. And not bad to get here, by the way.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, not bad at all.

[Don Hahn]

Not bad.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Easy trip.

[Don Hahn]

Especially because we're so used to how the Cross Bronx can be for those of us coming from that side.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Don Hahn]

And so once you got through that, it was actually a delight. Calandra's Bakery in Caldwell. Fresh bread, classic Italian pastries. I believe that's what's in that box.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I'm having one during the break.

[Don Hahn]

Also, all of this, the bread, the pastries, bake daily. Taste of tradition today. Tradition. The wbc.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, the tradition. The rich tradition of the wbc.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. Well, listen, it's becoming. It's on.

[Don Hahn]

Congratulations to Venezuela. Let's start there because you saw the passion, you saw the performance by that team, how much it did matter. We're not going to get into the does it matter who it matters to and all that stuff, because it mattered.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That. That qu. That that question was answered by the players and coaches who were there last

[Don Hahn]

night, who got to play.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It mattered.

[Don Hahn]

There were some who didn't play just

[Peter Rosenberg]

say, okay, that is a fact.

[Don Hahn]

That does exist. But that's a different.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But the people that were there, we know the level of passion, we know the level of care. And I.

[Don Hahn]

How about the building?

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I texted you.

[Don Hahn]

I kept looking at it going, wait a minute. This is March. It's not October. The weather feels the same, but it's not October.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I'm sorry, I got to say it, when we get Don back, hopefully tomorrow, I think he may owe Aaron Judge an apology because I do not think it's an exaggeration to say that that atmosphere was at least World Series like I the when you turn on tv, if I turn on a Yankee game on the S Network to hear Michael during the summer, I know the energy and vibe I get from the television. I know what the smattering of applause sound like. I know what the air feels like when you turn on the TV for a playoff game or a World Series game. The constant murmur grows as the playoff.

[Don Hahn]

The buzz, if you will.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, the legitimate out loud buzz. I turned on the game for the first pitch. It did have a legitimate World Series loud buzz the entire night, let alone when something happened.

[Don Hahn]

And I give full credit to the Venezuelan fans just like you give full credit to the Dominican fans. You give to me, that was not a home field advantage. That did not feel like it was played on American soil. That felt maybe 50, 50 or worse for the home team, quote, unquote.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, absolutely.

[Don Hahn]

That was us. Now when Harper hit the home run, the place went nuts up for grab. Some might say.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Some would say.

[Don Hahn]

And I don't know why, but they.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But that's what they would say.

[Don Hahn]

I don't understand it, but that's what they'd say. But so you, you had all that, all those moments, but all that aside. So we're not going to have that debate anymore. We all agree we were drawn in. We were caught up. I was at a. I did the Nick game last night, so I didn't see it live, but I for sure was following all you guys were texting like crazy. And then this morning I watched the thing back because I'm like, I need to feel this and see it and understand why the guys last night on

[Peter Rosenberg]

the by the way, a quick watch because the first six innings flew by.

[Don Hahn]

Flew by.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Nothing was happening. Yeah, of course, a lot of strikes.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. Speaking of nothing happening, there was something that I was worried about as we were discussing yesterday. I think this is the bigger story. The bigger story coming at is from a local perspective because again, nationally, overall, we can all agree this was a great spectacle. It was a lot of fun and it was a good way to kick off the season if you're a baseball fan. Great. Good for you. You have pulled me in. Everybody convince me you have pulled me in. Now it's over. My takeaway though, from a local perspective is what we were talking about yesterday when it comes to Aaron Judge, Captain America.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Don Hahn]

Because there were two things that could happen. He could come through in a big spot. And you could say there he is in a clutch moment. And this could be the first chapter of the championship DVD for the Yankees 2026 season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And we presented two versions of that DVD.

[Don Hahn]

I said or. And I can't believe I actually said this, but I did say it. You can. We will find it and play it back. He could also go over four with three strikeouts. And we could go see, he's just not clutch when it matters most. What were his stats yesterday? Was over four with.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Was it three?

[Don Hahn]

It was three. Strike.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Three. Strike.

[Griffin]

Okay.

[Don Hahn]

And I mean a huge moment too.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

A brutal strikeout early. Harper then hits the home run. He's up now, buildings going crazy. There's Captain America. There's your moment right there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the beauty is just tied it.

[Don Hahn]

Now take the lead.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So, so, so here's the thing.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, how bad did you watch?

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, listen, listen, I watched, I watched this moment in the game. Anthony, this is exciting. Mike will be very excited. I literally watched this portion of the game. Wait for it, folks. In the nude. That's right. Full on in the. I had to shower. It was time to wrap up the night.

[Don Hahn]

But there are people eating.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I understand. They don't need to picture eating. I brought the cell phone in the shower. People do it. Stop. And I put the cell phone up. I have this like little thing and I set the cell phone up while I'm doing the shower. And here we go. I'm up. Judge is on. Judge is in the hole here. He's gonna get his shot. Oh, judge is on deck. Here we go. Let's see what Harper does. Yeah. Because I'm thinking Harper gets on that. Judge has a chance for the three run homer to win this thing.

[Don Hahn]

That's, that's true.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what I was dreaming of.

[Don Hahn]

We're anticipating something great happening.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Instead, Harper hits the home run, which, but that, but now the pressure is off.

[Don Hahn]

This is beautiful. You think the pressure's off?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I, I, that's how I thought.

[Don Hahn]

It's even higher because now you're back in the game. You got the building on your side, which you didn't have for most of this game. Now here's your spot to. Not only we just tied it, now we're taking the lead.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So see, I view it totally different. I felt like that didn't take pressure.

[Don Hahn]

I thought it was almost like now it's your turn. Pass the baton. You're next. Another big star coming up in a big spot.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know whiff either. Either way, we landed in the same

[Don Hahn]

place, same pitch he always strikes out

[Peter Rosenberg]

on and the same kind of at bat too. When he ends up in that spot, when Judgy ends up in those spots, it's always like a rushed at bat, fouls one off, miss swings at one looks at what it's quick. So it's like the moment feels too big. That's the frustrating part.

[Don Hahn]

I hate that I Michael spent some time on his show before us using stats that the Twitter accounts were using to defend Judge because I'll tell you what, and I hadn't again didn't have a chance to watch the game yet. This is last night I go on social media. Thus the Judge slander was through the roof, I'm sure. And I'm sure it was. And again, I wasn't rooting for this. I was just kind of forecasting get ready for this. If you're a Yankees fan, if you're a Judge fan, if he doesn't come through in the US loses, this is coming. People can't wait to take down the Giant. Literally. He's a Giant.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yep.

[Don Hahn]

They can't wait to do it. And they were going to find some other reason and you know, anybody who's either a Mets fan or a Red Sox fan, they were going to dial it up as well. Just keep twisting the knife. But the that happened on social media last night. So if other accounts now are trying to say wait a minute, career wise he is clutch, seventh inning or later, Michael was given all these numbers that show historically in his career he has come through in big spots.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He has.

[Don Hahn]

But why is it though that the eye test that we've watched him, especially in the World Series run two years ago, the eye test tells us not that kind of a big spot because

[Peter Rosenberg]

the biggest spots are where he's come up lame. It's not that he comes up lame in every spot, it's that it's the biggest spot he and last night what's really frustrating is the only there would have been chatter either way. I said on the show yesterday he was damned either way. If he came up big, you'd have Yankee fans complaining, oh, he does it at the wbc, but he doesn't do

[Don Hahn]

it for the Yankees.

[Peter Rosenberg]

If he comes up in a big spot and fails, they're going to kill him there. But there was one other option we didn't talk about.

[Don Hahn]

What was that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That he just has a pretty good game that he goes 2 for 4. And yeah, that spot yesterday, if he goes 2 for 4 yesterday, that spot hurts. But it looks so much worse that he was.04 yesterday. One for eight with five strikeouts in elimination games. That's the problem. He could have kind of gotten away from it without it being that bad. But instead by coming up so bad in the two big games, it furthers the narrative for the people who already hate on him.

[Don Hahn]

By the way, look at Peter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Look at Peter what?

[Don Hahn]

Quoting stats.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right. Thank you, Anthony.

[Don Hahn]

He's giving you analytic perspective.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right. Thank you.

[Don Hahn]

On what happened in a sports event.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Wait, wait.

[Don Hahn]

Last evening.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hold on. I mean, hold on. You went. No, no, you went too far.

[Griffin]

You could have went.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Don Hahn]

Round of applause.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Don Hahn]

Like this matter really was. This is, this is a big moment for the show. Anthony right now is home. Coughing probably, but also tear.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But by the way, tear because he can't be here. You know what makes you a bad guy?

[Don Hahn]

He's watching you going, there he is. There he is. Look at him go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what makes Alan a bad.

[Ken Danico]

Why am I bad?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm giving you props right now. He could have stopped at saying a baseball game. He had to say a. A sports event with teammates like you. You know what I mean?

[Don Hahn]

Where's the lie?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who needs, who needs enemies? That's true. Nightly sports events. Well, listen, we're almost getting. When's football coming back around.

[Don Hahn]

The draft is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, no. We have the NBA playoffs right around

[Don Hahn]

the corner, 12 games to go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you know, you know that every. Every afternoon after a Nick playoff game, I'll be locked in with the analytics every day.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, well, every other day.

[Ken Danico]

Every other.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You get the idea.

[Don Hahn]

That's how we're certainly looking forward to it. We, we're looking forward to calls. A lot of times when we do, you know, outings, live events, it's hard to take calls because we like to talk to the people who are here. We certainly will do that because you made the effort to come see us. We want to make the effort to talk to you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And we're going to talk to Ken Danico who's going to be here at 3:30.

[Don Hahn]

Ken Danico is coming momentarily. He'll be fun to talk to. Certainly. Yeah, we do. This feels like a heavy call day because of the WBC angle, the judge angle for sure. And so I do think I want to encourage people. 800-919-3776. As they look down, I noticed that the calls are coming in fast and furious.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's get them.

[Don Hahn]

So we will get to them and let's do Some calls now. Yeah, Danico comes in. Great perspective from him. By the way, we can talk about clutch in sports because he won a Stanley Cup. He also played with one of the great clutch goaltenders in the history of the sport in Martin Brodeur.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Don Hahn]

If anybody can talk about clutch and what it is in the clutch gene, it will be Ken Danico. So I think that'd be a great addition to the conversation. But we have people that want to talk to us now, so let's do it. 800-919-3776. Nick in New Orleans is going to start us off with a little significance of the wbc. What up, Nick?

[Griffin]

Hey, guys, how you doing? Good to talk to you. I was locked in last night. It was really great. I think, you know, one reason why it kind of is popular is because of the timing of it. You know, B is the time of the year when first of all games don't matter. We're also star for baseball. And also, you know, games aren't really going to matter at this level until September. Right. I think some of the issue, but also the timing of it also kind of presents like another issue. We're never going to, if it stays right now, we're never going to get a dominant, gutsy full game pitching performance from somebody. I forget the guy's name. Unfortunately. The guy from Venezuela was dealing. I would have loved to see him go into the sixth, seventh, you know, but because guys aren't ramped up, we don't want to put him at a disadvantage long in season. We, we're never going to get that kind of, you know, gutsy performance that we know from the playoffs. Right.

[Don Hahn]

As someone who's just on fire, you're not getting an 8 inning gem. Of course not. And that's, that's why as much as I know everybody's going to cringe when I say this. And Michael kept hammering this home during his show. It is an exhibition. That's not a curse word, everybody. It's just what it is, an exhibition. But doesn't mean it can't be incredibly fun and incredibly engaging exhibition of baseball.

[Griffin]

Absolutely.

[Don Hahn]

For the sport.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And, and you're talking about it's not

[Don Hahn]

to World Series because you can let

[Peter Rosenberg]

it all hang out.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. The closer wouldn't, couldn't pitch. You're gonna let it, right. You're gonna let a pitcher go. There's gonna be guys who like wouldn't normally have played. Today I'm playing. I don't care.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like when it's Eduardo Rodriguez went four and a third yesterday and gave up one hit. Not normally a time when you're pulling a pitcher in a world, although in

[Don Hahn]

today's baseball, You know how it is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks for the call, but it's a great.

[Griffin]

But I also just wondered too, that crowd, that crowd was electric, you know, But I wonder if it to, you know, foreign born players, right? You know, like American players.

[Don Hahn]

It's just been a lot more Venezuela

[Griffin]

than it is to Americans, you know.

[Don Hahn]

No, Nick, you're. This is a great call, by the way. Great way to start off the day. But that is the other point that I think it's also worth getting into at some point about this is it does seem to mean more because. And this is why, when it's, when it's hockey, why do we care so much? Because we're not the best in the world. We think we could be, but we're not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

We think we can measure up with the best. And so when you play Canada, it becomes a little different. Right? So think about it. Venezuela again, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Japan, all of them look at the US as this world power. We're going toe to toe with you. And it means more to them when they win because what does it say is that we can go toe to toe with the U.S. oh, isn't it

[Peter Rosenberg]

funny though, because you look around at the teams, Venezuela, obviously, who won the whole thing.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Japan, who. I'll just mention these teams are within a whisker of being as good as the US you could argue some are as good.

[Don Hahn]

So it's funny, but hockey's the same

[Peter Rosenberg]

way, but not unlike hockey, where the US is really right there.

[Don Hahn]

Right there. Sweden's right there, Finland's right there. There's no Russia, but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. If they're there, they'd be right there.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So it is interesting that these, the lineups you're seeing, they're all filled with big league ball players the whole tournament.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, but, but, but you know, the, it's just different.

[Don Hahn]

The visual.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It is a differently the visual.

[Don Hahn]

Why did it matter when in 1980 when a bunch of college kids beat the Russian powerhouse? Why did it matter?

[Ken Danico]

Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because it mattered.

[Don Hahn]

Because those are a bunch of kids. They're playing against pros like it mattered.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So did you hear what they said though, on the broadcast last night? They it just to summarize how big a difference it was, they let kids out of school early in Venezuela yesterday. Okay. This was a huge, huge deal for

[Don Hahn]

a country that really needed to feel Good about something.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think. I think that this is the US losing a heartbreaker to a team like Venezuela. I said this yesterday. I feel the same way. Today actually will do more for the betterment of the WBC that had the US beaten Venezuela 7 nothing yesterday. This. That was kind of. I think it was kind of the best case scenario for the building of this tournament. I think you saw the celebration, man.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's just going to mean so much more. I mean, and guess what, I got news for you. The American players are going to be jealous seeing the Venezuelan celebrate that much and go, hey, we got to win this thing next time. You know what I mean?

[Don Hahn]

I completely agree. I think it does put pressure and that's good. And again, this all goes back to Captain America. It goes back to Aaron Judge and that's where the local.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Are people calling him Captain America. Is that just you?

[Don Hahn]

I'm just using it because that's what it was. So people are wanting to talk about this. So our good friend Griffin in Connecticut is up next. He's already tired of this criticism of Judge Griff.

[Griffin]

Yeah, yeah. Because I am. I understand that he's the guy, he's the person, but there's no I in team. And last night, not one person in that whole entire lineup, except for Bryce Ring had a hit until Harper got that other single and that was it. And then he had that home run by Harper and it was huge. But they had three hits all game.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Griffin]

They weren't able to put any pressure, they weren't able to do anything. Nobody even sat put on second base for a moment. I thought we were going to get no. 1 in runners in running, scoring in scoring position. We finally did. So I understand he's the guy, he's the person, but there's no I team. It's everybody let the haunt out. Everybody was down yesterday. And that's why I almost feel like, is there a point where this tournament, I know it happens every three years. Is there a point where we could have this in the middle of the season when guys are at their best? Because this is spring training for a bunch of these guys and you're not having the best out of Cal Raleigh, the best out of Bryce Harper, the best out Kyle Schwarver, the best out of Aaron Judge.

[Don Hahn]

Well, Griffin, I agree with the timing part of it because I do think, and if you want baseball in the Olympics with the major league players, you're going to have to halt your season like the NHL does and let the players go play, which could Be good for the sport. Long run. Like, it was good for the NHL and therefore you'd want to play the WBC the same kind of way. And maybe it will look different, but other teams might be like, wait, I don't want to lose this guy. We're. We're in August. I can't lose this guy. What if he gets hurt? So that's one thing to think. But Griffin, thanks for the call. Here's the difference, because I've heard this already. You know, everybody else had a bad game. Name me anyone else on that team that's considered the best player in the sport. You can't. He is talked about. With Ohtani as the best player in the game, he's going to have to carry more of the criticism than anyone else. Don't you agree?

[Peter Rosenberg]

100.

[Don Hahn]

Like when they say, why aren't they criticizing this guy Schwaber or anybody else? Because they're not considered. They're not talked about as the best. You are the best. And by the way, not only the strikeout that he had after the. The Harper home run, the ground out, like, the one time he did make contact, and he brings it down the third baseline, and now it's that. That's it. Like, that was not really. There was no. If he hit one to the track, he'd be like, all right, you know. You know, he just missed. If he put. If he sent a couple out that looked like maybe the wind knocked it down or maybe it just couldn't. Whatever it is, at least you'd say, boy, he sent a few out there. They just didn't cross the.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, it wouldn't. It would. It wouldn't make the moment look too big. But if the lack of hard contact

[Don Hahn]

almost seemed right, it almost seemed meek. The one time he made contact, it was basically a bounce, the third out. So that's why people are looking saying, this is your king. This is your champion. This is your best player of the generation.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I hate that it had to be Bryce Harper who was the guy too.

[Don Hahn]

But the salute was pretty cool. Not a fan. I gotta admit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, he's. It was easy.

[Don Hahn]

Pretty cool.

[Griffin]

Pretty cool.

[Peter Rosenberg]

By the way, I don't want to hear anyone talk about, like, did anyone bring up the level of bat flip that that was too. We giving Bryce a pass? Because at the moment, he literally didn't run at all. Stopped chucked the bat.

[Don Hahn]

I don't hate it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it was great. But by the way. Cause guess what? I'm all for it. That's awesome. That's what baseball should be.

[Don Hahn]

You have to be all for that kind of stuff. We're all for you at 800 now. 193776 tons of calls. We'll get to them. Ken Danico, Mr. Devil gonna join us here coming up next.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh that's right.

[Don Hahn]

We got a big crowd here at Calandra's Bakery in Caldwell, New Jersey. And we will have a watch party tonight. Devil's Rangers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You bet your ace will after this.

[Don Hahn]

So come on down if you've got some time and hang out with us.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Peter that's right. Right now, FanDuel's dropping bonus bets into everyone's account for the tournament. All you have to do is opt in to claim your bonus. Use them on your bracket picks, Moneyline spreads, totals, game props, or even same game parlays. But don't wait. These bonus bets are only available for a limited time. Just visit FanDuel.com local to learn more. 21 and over physically present New York bonus issued is non withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Max bonus 500 bucks unless otherwise specified restrictions apply. See [e-mail] for help with a gambling problem. Call 877-8-HOPE NY or text openy467369 when

[Don Hahn]

was the last time you felt in control of your business? Finances? Expenses tracked, Invoices sent, Taxes ready.

[Griffin]

That's where Found comes in.

[Don Hahn]

Found brings your banking, bookkeeping, invoicing and

[Peter Rosenberg]

taxes together in one simple app.

[Don Hahn]

Manage expenses, invoice clients, send payments and prep for tax time right where you bank. Join the hundreds of thousands who have

[Ken Danico]

already streamlined their finances with Found.

[Don Hahn]

Open a Found account for [e-mail] that's f o u n d.com found is a financial technology company, not a bank.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Banking services provided by lead bank member

[Commercial Announcer]

FDIC in today's planning ahead isn't always top of mind, but not having life insurance can leave families facing difficult financial uncertainty during already emotional times. In many cases, loved ones are left managing expenses, debts or long term obligations without a clear plan in place. Life insurance is one of those ways to help provide financial security and support when it's needed most. That's where ethos comes in. Ethos makes getting life insurance fast and easy, and it's 100% online. You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and even get same day coverage. There's no medical exam, you just answer a few simple health questions online. And coverage options are flexible with up to $3 million available and some policies starting at around $30 a month. Ethos has also earned strong customer feedback with a 4.8 out of 5 star rating on Trustpilot based on more than 3,000 reviews. Help protect your family with life insurance through Ethos. Get your instant free [e-mail] sports that's e t h o s.com sports application times and rates may vary.

[Don Hahn]

I like things my way, my coffee, my schedule and my treatment. So I talked to my doctor about self injecting with the Vivgard Hytrulo pre filled syringe which contains fgartigamide alpha and hyaluronidase qvfc.

[Commercial Announcer]

It's injected under your skin subcutaneously.

[Don Hahn]

It means I can inject in my space on my time. It's my treatment my way. Visit vivgartmyway.com that's V Y V G-A-R-T my way.com and talk to your doctor about Vivgard Hytrulo Brought to you by Argenics thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. All right, live from Calandra's Bakery in Caldwell, New Jersey. Calandra's Bakery in Caldwell. Fresh bread, classic Italian pastries baked daily. Taste the tradition today. Don Han Rosenberg here with you all day long and we are proud to be joined by you. Talk about a champion.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, that's right.

[Don Hahn]

This is. We are doing a watch party tonight after the show here at Calandras and it's Devil's Rangers. So we thought, you know, if you're bringing in anybody from the Devils, you bringing in Mr. Devil. Of course, the great Ken Donacoe.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. By the way here guys, hell of a softball player as well. I've seen it many times.

[Ken Danico]

I'm a baseball guy. That was 1A. I played baseball growing up. Left on a pitcher, loved the game. People think because it was pretty cold where I grew up that we didn't play. I mean that was. I was a die hard baseball guy and sports guy in general. But if you didn't come out of your mother's womb with hockey skates on, where I come from you didn't have a whole lot to do. So yeah, hockey took precedent. So you guys are. Was, was going to chowing down. I love it. This place is great.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, we had a.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This place is special.

[Don Hahn]

It really is. They keep saying like do you want anything? I'm like everything. I'll try it all like you know, don't even stop me. And with Don not here, there's more for us to get. You know, I look at it that way. So you've been working with Don this season. So before we get into all the sporty stuff, what is, what has been the experience? Because we work with Don every day.

[Griffin]

Yeah.

[Ken Danico]

And so for a long time it's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, me for a long time.

[Don Hahn]

You for a long. I've known don though for 20 years. But for you, as in the booth calling games. Let's get a little critique of your new play by play partner.

[Ken Danico]

Well, he's passionate and that's, that's what you love, right? I mean he was watching me back in 88 at the continental Airlines arena, way up in the rafters there forever. He was a die hard Devils fan growing up and that was the big controversy going into this job with the Devils. And he'd worked so long for our arch rival, the Rangers. That's business. Business is business. I don't know if. And he did what he had to do and got great experience and had a good time on the radio covering the Rangers for so many years and with you guys obviously and you, Peter. But yeah, it was a dream come true job for him. You could tell. I knew Don for 30 years as well. He was at my 2000 Stanley cup party in Mendham. I invited him to. I had over 1500 people come through the door.

[Griffin]

Wow.

[Ken Danico]

I wanted everybody celebrate. Had the, the cops, the Mendham township police, where I lived at the time, controlling traffic. It was crazy. But that's what it was all about. And Don was one of those guys there. So he has fond memories of that. But he's passionate, he loves his team. We all want their success. We've got a job to do. I get it to call a game. But you know, I do get a kick out of sometimes we want to throw things and get after it too. But I want to relay right now to fans to understand. I'm sure they do. But the ones they want you to hammer them or say, yeah, because we didn't meet expectations or hammer player. I go, couple of things. I've been through it. Don't get me wrong. I'm not naive. I've been in the game 40 years. I know when they're playing like dog, you know what, or an individual makes a huge mistake.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Ken Danico]

I travel with them, I'm on the plane with them. It's not about sugar coating it, it's about encouragement. I want their success so I don't have to Yell out the name and going, that's a bad pass. That's a. I always wanted to rely on fans get. I'm going to use the line. I forgot more hockey than a lot of you have ever known. Ever known, never could know. But they'll DM me and tweet you and say, no, you're being too political, too. So I'm going, no, I'm not. I see everything. I get it. But I'm. It does them no good to rip them when I'm part of them kind

[Peter Rosenberg]

of deal, you know, but also the thing that.

[Don Hahn]

I think I had to go on

[Ken Danico]

that rant because I'm glad you did.

[Don Hahn]

I can join you. Nick's. Nick's broadcast. It's the exact same thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And they. And here's the thing. The thing that's hard for them to understand is whether you were to rip them or compliment them profusely, what that makes you is a fan. And while you love the team, you also are a part of the whole thing there. You can't be a fan. Whether that's to compliment them too much and say, oh, my God, Jack Hughes is my hero, or whether that's to critique them too much, your job is to call it straight. You guys do a fantastic job. Was Don, first of all, did you know that Don was getting the job prior to him getting it?

[Don Hahn]

This is the time to tell him.

[Ken Danico]

Prior to. That's a. That's a good question. I. I'd heard rumblings you never know what's going to transpire, but had heard along the way. I mean, he was. Well, I did the auditions for the final six initially, a few years prior to. And I love Bill Spalding. That's part of the business. We all know it's not my call to make. And they decided to go in a different direction along the way. And Don was a finalist back then at the time and did a great job. And he was right there, I guess, as well. So, yeah, I had assumed possibly it could be. It could be. I didn't know per se.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Was he nervous? Could you see his nerves in the early games?

[Ken Danico]

Early going a little bit.

[Griffin]

Yeah.

[Ken Danico]

He was excited. Like. Like, anyway. And that's what you love.

[Don Hahn]

I mean.

[Ken Danico]

I mean, obviously you start. You're starting to call games for the team that you grew up rooting for along the way, and you're gonna have some nerves just like a player. Right. So. But as he's settled in and we all want their success, I mean, we. I am a fan for sure. No question about it, yes, there's a job to do and you try to separate that. When we don't call the games and I go to games when national TV does it, like tonight, I really enjoy watching from that perspective because I'm a lunatic like the fans, of course, I really am. And they see it, they know my passion. I've been there 42 years. Of course it's in my DNA and blood. But I just wanted to preface. I understand what's going on. Everybody trust me. Just because I'm not ripping them when they lose three in a row or ripping an individual, I'll say it at home under my breath. This doesn't do them any good.

[Don Hahn]

Right. There's always a time and place for it as well. And you always know as somebody who played like when there's a moment where it's not this needs to be said now versus this isn't the time to say it. And viewers are supposed to trust you with that because again, you have the body of work.

[Ken Danico]

As a former player, I made plenty of mistakes. If they were ripping me 24 7, number one, you know, wouldn't be too comfortable going on the plane with them anymore. That's certainly a part of it. But I get it. It's. You got to be better there. But it's not about. There's a way to preface it and there is some encouragement that you can use along the way because I've been through it, I've been where I've been. Absolute terror. Absolutely terrible for, for a five game stretch. And if guys are ripping me all the time, that's tough.

[Don Hahn]

Again, just to put a bow on that. What's most important, and I think that's how where I. Everybody loves, like you former players, you know, you see Paul o', Neill, you see Clyde, like guys who have been there, done that, have rings, is you will know when to say what to say.

[Ken Danico]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

And you put out there the analysis. It's up to those watching to again, the credibility of your voice and what you have to say in your experience, then you're the ones that decide whether you want to scream and yell or back off. That's for you to do. That's great point for you yourself, like Daniel, your job is not to be the one that's pounding the table and yelling so that the viewers are going, yeah, I'm with you. You put it out there and let them decide if they want to be mad or not.

[Ken Danico]

I, I love the way you preface that because don't get me wrong, I love the passion of fans and certainly my New Jersey Devils fans and been around it forever. And we don't win all those championships without them. The fans are what it's all about. But. And they have the right to rip them. Say what they want, do what they want on social media. But the way you preface it's good. And when they DM me. Stop being politically correct. No, I have a job to do the way I have to do it. But don't think I'm naive to not understanding what's going on.

[Don Hahn]

I don't think so.

[Ken Danico]

That's the way. That's the way you're. Yeah. You're taking it because you're a passionate.

[Don Hahn]

Because they want the satisfaction.

[Ken Danico]

And that's okay. I'm saying I support you too. I love you guys. But yeah, I sometimes I'm dying to answer back and say please now you're

[Peter Rosenberg]

doing the right thing.

[Ken Danico]

Two guys.

[Don Hahn]

Take it from two guys. You know, this is therapy for me right now.

[Ken Danico]

If you guys can understand. Totally yelling because I. It gets to me.

[Don Hahn]

Fighting back on Twitter doesn't really ever.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm still learning that over after 20 years. But let me. Let me ask you this, Ken. Have you noticed any sort of change in young Jack Hughes post that gold medal game? I think it's really an exciting opportunity for him to grow into a different level of leader on this team. Is there a different swagger to him when he's in the building? Have you noticed anything?

[Ken Danico]

Well, for sure. I had said it in the first game. He was back with Donnie, that he was a kid before the Olympics. He came back a man really. And that's on and off the ice. You know, I mean the swagger that you need to be a leader, the swagger you need to take your team to another level now. You need supporting pieces. And. And it's been a disappointing year this year. We all know that. And part of that was because Jack Hughes had a freakish injury accident because he is our best player. He's always had the talent. Just broke the all time record for reaching 400 points faster than any New Jersey Devil. That's saying something because the team's been around 50 years with a lot of great players and teams that won Stanley Cups, but you still have to learn those other elements. Everything you're talking about as far as how to win, how to encourage your team, it's how to bring them together. And yeah, I've definitely knows. Noticed a different mentality and swagger and understanding what it takes because he was surrounded by guys as good as him or better all around and understanding what it takes with the best players in the world. But then you can kind of come back to your team and. And see the role player and what he means to your club. And understanding because those star players, it's a collection of stars had to take on different roles as they won that gold medal. And I think for any young player like a Jack Hughes trying to, you know, become a champion or get to that next level, we know it's not easy to win. They won the gold and he's always going to be etched in hockey history for that. It was awesome. He took some pressure off of us in the disappointing season we're talking about for the Devils. Just from the standpoint we had something to cheer about. It was fantastic. It was a joy to watch him. But yeah, he's learned so much. I feel it. That swagger, that self confidence. Always had it on the ice. But just in his taking ownership of the franchise as a leader now you're

[Don Hahn]

the guy standard like all those things. Yeah.

[Ken Danico]

And that takes. That's not easy.

[Don Hahn]

And that. That's what you hope sometimes from a younger player when they come back from an experience like that is what do you take from that and how can it change you and how can it change us? Because of your experience there. With that in mind and we're talking with Ken Danigo. Mr. Devil here is the WBC had Aaron Judge, captain of the team. He's arguably the best player in baseball, if not right there with Shohei Ohtani. And he had some moments last night, winning moments that he did not come through criticism of him because of the World Series two years ago and the fact that there's this sense about him that as great as he is, the player he doesn't come through in the clutch. And it makes us think when you have that much talent. And again, you were at the highest level three times you played with one of the great clutch goaltenders in the world, in the sport, in Martin Brodeur and others of course on that team that were great in clutch moments. You've seen it though. What is the clutch Gene? What is it? Does it even look like something? And when do you know that a player has it?

[Ken Danico]

Yeah, great question, Alan. And look, I'm a big baseball fan, but I have no idea what it's like to hit 100 mile an hour fastball. Sports is sports, sports is sports. But to compare, I'm just prefacing that so. And I understand the pressure you're under as top dog to come through in big moments, right. Whether it's the World Series, whether it's the world baseball class, whatever it may be, or the Stanley cup championship, Stanley cup finals, where you got to go four grueling rounds and I guess looking for me. Look, I was a guy in the trenches. I just had to run over people, get rid of that angst and block some shots. And I would do whatever it took. And if I had to take one in the mouth, I was going to do that. I felt that was a lot easier than what Marty Broder had to do or the top goal scorers or Scott Nedemeyer had to do because they were so talented, so gifted. Now, the goaltender's the most important position. And I just know when Marty Broderick came in as a young guy, I mean, you. It's something you can't touch. You feel it because your goaltenders scrutinized the most. He's the most important guy because he can win or lose you a series. Yeah, you can have great teams, but if your goaltender doesn't show up, it'll be tough to win.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I remember you can save your ass if you don't show up.

[Ken Danico]

Oh, yeah. When we make mistakes, he covers it up time and time again or makes us look real bad after we get beat if he doesn't bail you out

[Peter Rosenberg]

once in a while.

[Ken Danico]

But I just noticed, I'll use a prime example, when he was young, coming in second, third year, and you know, the 94 great series against the Rangers where we ended up losing. And during that playoff run, I think it was only his second year, really, in the National Hockey League or taking over as the number one goaltender. And you always wonder how they're going to handle that pressure. And I remember, I think it was in round two, I think we played Buffalo and it was tense and it was a tight game. And that series went seven. And I'm a nervous wreck guy. I mean, I'm just wound up like a top. And it's right halfway through the game and I come back to face up. But I was very vocal and crazy and would say things that would off the cusp. And I go, well, Marty, if it is to be before the. Before the puck was dropped, it's up to you and me. And I just threw that out there. He started to chuckle like, I knew it was a lot more up to him, but. But I was nervous, I was uptight. And he just chuckled and says, I got this Dano, very calmly. I'm like, he's like 20 years old. Yeah, yeah. 21 years old, I was just. I go, look at this kid. Nothing phases him, nothing fazes he. He's not feeling that pressure. He's. He's just going to go use his athleticism and his talents and he's not going to make the pressure situation or moments any different than a regular season game. Easier said than done, right? Another guy I'll throw out there is a Claude Lemieux. He was a clutch, clutch, clutch. And Scott Stevens was great and I go on down the list and Nedemyer was. But they were all great talent and all world guys that just were leaders and would do whatever it takes. But Claude Lemieux, he'd be up and down during the regular season. One playoff year, I think he scored 13 goals during the regular season. Had a bad year for him, you know, and he's a 2530 goal scorer. Come playoff time, the guys won four Stanley Cups. Two with the Devils, two, one with Montreal, one with the Colorado Avalanche. So wherever he goes, he's a winner. And those guys have that clutch gene of in the big spot, put the puck on his stick, he's going to bury it. The more important the game or the time of the game, playoffs, you could just feel it, you sense it. Chloe Lemieux wanted the puck before the game. He's in the dressing room smiling, laughing, fired up. You knew he wanted a big moment. Sometimes the regular season boredom, does that make any kind of sense?

[Don Hahn]

I'll tell you what, I think the Knicks are going through that right now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, but in the funny way, regular

[Don Hahn]

season starting to bore them a little bit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When we, when we talk about Judge so much though, and comparing him to Jeter, for example, it's interesting because when you think about the Yankees, there's so many other names in the Jeter years, Tino, Bernie Posada, that all had big moments, that all delivered so many big moments. And it just seems like with this Yankee team, it's been heaped on Judge every single time. When are you going to be the one to do it? And as you pointed out, it might be a Claude Lemieux. Who was that guy who does it?

[Ken Danico]

And look, going to my arch rival, Mark Massier, one of the greatest leaders of all time. I grew up with him. He was a mentor of mine. A lot of people know that now and we used to. He was a big reason why he taught me how to be a pro. I known him since 12 years old. I went to his hockey schools and then became great friends when he was with the Edmonton Oilers and Those great teams. I was around those teams, watching how those guys carried themselves themselves and how they're pros and Gretzky and Messier and Yuri Curry and Paul Coffey. Not only great talents, but they were a different breed. And even their role guys of SAO and Dave Hunter and Lee Fogland, watching how they handle themselves. I was 17, 18 year old kid. So being around that was amazing for me. And saw Mark's leadership at 22 years old and, and just how they handle those clutch moments. But when he and we joked when Edmonton, when we'd play Edmonton, we'd pass notes before the game, they'd wink at me. Kevin Lowe as well. I was close with all them. Used to travel the world with them, have some fun, crazy fun when we could. No social media and not getting taken.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Different era.

[Ken Danico]

Yeah, but the days we joking when Mark went to New York and What was it? 91, 92, whatever it was, we didn't talk for two years. That's how intense the rivalry was. And it was just French. All friendships were off because both teams were good. Both teams. It was arrival proximity, six miles apart from the Meadowlands New York and had some epic playoff series. But I watch guys like that grow up and go, man, like you learn so much. And I, I don't know, didn't know it during my career. You realize five years after you retire, I'm going, I know why my team's won because there's so, it's. The margins are so slim. But the core group hated to lose more than they'd like to win. I love that saying because it means something. And then being around a guy like Mark and his dynasty years in Edmonton and watching how these guys carried themselves and how they were together and how just nothing fazed them. It's a. Sometimes you can't. Don't know exactly what it is, but if you're around it enough, you know it, you know it, you know it. We're good. We're quietly confident.

[Don Hahn]

How great is this by the way? Like the storytelling alone, like just that, that part of it. The experience of winning and what you know and the perspective that can really transcend now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Guess what? Everyone here at Calandras gets to watch the game with them tonight.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. And so everybody, I'm leaving for a little bit.

[Ken Danico]

I kind of jam packed my schedule, unfortunately. Fortunately. But I'll be back 10 minutes into the first period. I'm gonna watch it with the fans. I love it because I get to be a fan. So now you might hear me.

[Don Hahn]

We need to throw a curse word or two.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I love it.

[Ken Danico]

I still always encourage don't rip guys. But I do at home with my wife and dogs, on the couch

[Don Hahn]

with the dogs. Can only imagine the dogs reacting. Well, we'll all get this experience coming up later on after the show, but Dano's got to run. He's going to come back, though, for the watch party. So again we're at Calandra's in Caldwell, New Jersey. Come join us if you can during the show or of course for the watch party as well. Dano, thanks so much. We'll see you later on.

[Ken Danico]

Real pleasure being on with you guys. Donnie, get better, my partner. Love you and and thanks for having me, fellas.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks, ken.

[Don Hahn]

All right, 800-919377 says we'll grab some calls from you next. Stay with us. Don Rosenberg, ESPN New York if you

[Commercial Announcer]

run a home service business, you're probably wondering if your current software is ready to handle that next phase of growth. You're working hard to bring in more revenue, stay on top of marketing, payroll projects and more, all while keeping your customers happy. But your software isn't cutting it. If that's the case, it's time to upgrade to service Titan, the all in one solution that scales with you. Find out how the most successful home service contractors are growing today. Visit servicetitan.com to learn more that servicetitan.com Rich Eisen here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The tax deadline will be here before you know it and you just want to know your taxes are actually being handled. But the old way, you hand everything off and then silence. Days pass, weeks pass. You start wondering, should I send another follow up email? It feels like you're chasing updates and getting nowhere. But now taxes are different because your taxes are done for you by a TurboTax full service expert. With Intuit TurboTax, you can match with your dedicated tax expert and hand off everything right in the app. And while your expert checks for every deduction, you'll see real time updates on your phone. So you always know exactly where things stand. Suddenly you're not refreshing your inbox. You're going for a run, grabbing a coffee, scrolling anything other than a just checking in message because your TurboTax expert is handling it and keeping you in the loop. So this tax season, get your best possible outcome and every dollar you deserve without the guesswork. Visit TurboTax.com today to learn more. Real time updates only in iOS mobile app only available with TurboTax full service

[Commercial Announcer]

experts as you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy but for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Don Han Rosenberg, ESPN New York. We are live at Calandra's Calandras Baker in Caldwell, New Jersey. Fresh bread, classic Italian pastries baked daily. Taste the tradition. Today. I am noticing that our pinhead suit, John Winthrop, is tasting just about everything that comes out.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, hold on. That's, you know, what you said is everything.

[Don Hahn]

The box was open. We're walking away with pastries.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hold on.

[Don Hahn]

There was a plate here with food that's gone.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, the plate of food is gone.

[Don Hahn]

I don't know where that went. He.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Which one did he get after? Oh, yeah, he cut right back in the back row. I don't know how he. I don't know how he got to the back row.

[Don Hahn]

Look at his face. He's like, yes, it was really. Oh, here's notice he didn't touch the little fruit cup. No shock.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The little fruit pastry didn't make it. This tiramisu may have to one. I might have to bring one of these back to the wife. That's her one. That's her number one.

[Don Hahn]

Sweet of choice, the tiramisu.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Tiramisu.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But this stuff is beautiful.

[Don Hahn]

It really is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know. You know, Calandra's brought these to the Rosenberg nuptials.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, really?

[Peter Rosenberg]

On people's way out of the wedding, you had some. Anthony, on the way out. On the way out, there were like, tables set up with Calandras.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, wow. Well, I'm sure people didn't just take a piece and leave like maybe somebody else did. I'm just saying. You're going to take it. You just eat the whole thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. John, the fact that he reached to the back row and cut out some

[Don Hahn]

and left it, and it's like, oh, no, you can have the rest of it. Like, I don't want to because that's your fork that was in your mouth.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is giving Oreo cheesecake Energy.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, wow.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, he used a knife. That was not his fork.

[Don Hahn]

Communal knife. You didn't just go in with the fork. All right, all right. I don't know this, though. I didn't see you do it. You don't know. Some people might have done that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I could stare at this dessert all day.

[Don Hahn]

You could. It's really.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So are you a sweet guy or.

[Don Hahn]

No, I am, but I, you know, try to be. As you fight, you fight it. I fight it. Fight it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, like, left to your devices, like, let's suppose you accidentally.

[Don Hahn]

Did you see me last week with the donut? Remember that?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah. You went to town.

[Don Hahn]

I told everybody, don't touch it because I mean the whole thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So if you accidentally. If someone accidentally slips some boo bond into your, like, breakfast.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And so you all of a sudden realize you're just completely starved. Where would you go Savory? Would you go sweet?

[Don Hahn]

Great call. Depends on the time of day. Late night, Late night. Sweet.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sweet. That's a tough one.

[Don Hahn]

Very.

[Griffin]

You guys know, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's right.

[Don Hahn]

Anything. Anything. Chocolate and peanut butter.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, God. Anything.

[Don Hahn]

Reese is like, God bless. Yeah. Then it's. It's. It's. Yeah. Night, night, termite. Get ready, New York soccer fans. I know you love that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I love.

[Ken Danico]

Night night, termites.

[Don Hahn]

New York City FC is back at Yankee Stadium for a massive showdown against Inter Miami on Sunday, March 22. With kickoff set for 1pm you don't want to miss this huge matchup. Be there when the boys in blue take the field against Miami for your chance to be there in person. Enter [e-mail] or through the ESP New York app, which everybody here has. Right, the ESPNYork app. Everybody. Of course we do. Tickets are available [e-mail] NYCFC Monica McNutt. Coming up in the 4 o' clock hour, talks from Nicks and NBA. But first, we have your calls on judge and the WBC and more. So let's get to a call here that I'm interested in talking about this topic.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right.

[Don Hahn]

Specifically because I was feeling the same thing that Eric in Connecticut was feeling. Eric.

[Griffin]

Hey, what's up, guys? You know, watching the game last night felt like to me watching a Yankee playoff game for the last 15 years.

[Don Hahn]

It's so true.

[Griffin]

I. I'm curious, is this just. Are these teams the way they're built? Look, you got. You got all. It's an all star team, but are these teams just binary? Are they just on or they're off? You know, is there no Gray area anymore or do you win in the gray area? It just felt like rinse and repeat. And I know it's a spring training tournament, but boy, I've seen that game before, right, Al?

[Don Hahn]

It was give. It was giving Yankee playoff. Because why a. A a murderer's role lineup couldn't hit think about. Right. How maddening that was in a big spot. Just was able to neutralize. And what did the other team do? Small ball effort stuff. Right. It's not like they didn't tear the ball off the COVID either.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no, they didn't.

[Don Hahn]

But the things they did was more of just, you know, get on the base and make things happen. And you know, the. It was. What did it take? A home run. What did it take to win the semifinal? Home runs. Yeah, right. It very much was giving, but it's playoffs.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It really did. It's live by the home run.

[Don Hahn]

And then Judge doesn't.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then Judge doesn't come through. And then you get the one home run. You hope that's enough. And guess what happens next half inning. Immediately lose the lead again to a team that can somehow put it together. Even if it's not with a home run. It is incredibly familiar.

[Don Hahn]

Jaden in Harrisburg. Jaden, you're up next.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jaden, great name.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Griffin]

Yeah. I just wanted to talk about something that Michael was talking about on his show to start when he's saying how Judge his clutch numbers are a lot higher than fans make it.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. This segment. Yeah, he's quoting a lot of stats. I did hear.

[Griffin]

I did. Yeah. But just from like you talking about like the eye test. I think context matters too. Like Aaron Judge also say next week on opening day, he hits a two run home run in the ninth game. They give the Yankees elite like, yes, that's gonna go into the clutch stats, but it's opening day. It doesn't really matter that much the first game of the season. But it seemed like a lot of times in the playoffs that same moment you would have come through and he was talking about like, yeah, he's the only one getting the blame. Like what about Harper or Swerver or those other guys? Well, those other guys are like World Series champions and they'd come through in those big spots like most men hitting the game winning home run. Harper's in game seven. Yeah, Harper, Harper, like those guys always come through. And even like for the Yankees, Stanton has done that too. And he's even done in the WBC himself.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Griffin]

It just seems like when just gets in those moments where all the eyes are on him, and he can dictate whether or not the team can win something meaningful. He kind of, like, fumbles himself a

[Peter Rosenberg]

little bit or shrinks making a great point. No, the specifics. I like that because it's, It's. It's your. You there. Michael was referring to analytics, but there's another analytic, because you can say clutch, but playoff clutch, season determining clutch is different than late in a game in May. It's not the same thing.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. And that's unfortunate. I don't. I don't recall if Michael was quoting playoff stats only or just overall since 20.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I think it's overall clutch because I

[Don Hahn]

agree, like, a game in May doesn't have that same weight as a game in September. Even. Not even October. Just give me September. Like a push down.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Down the stretch, when Judge was going for the home run record, he was just mashing home runs. And all of a sudden it felt like the end was a crawl just to get to 62. It was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no, it got to about. We got to 55, 56. Right. At about 55, 56, it started getting like, where every day we were talking about it, we were waiting, and they just started.

[Don Hahn]

And he knew everybody was watching. Everybody was waiting for one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Every couple days, it became every couple days. Every two, three days instead of every night. Yeah. Although we talked about this briefly with Danico, it's something fun to get into anytime. When you talk about, like, pressure and clutch, though, I do not think there is any comparison in all of sports. I don't think there's anything like an at bat in a. In a pressure situation. I think that is the highest pressure thing in all of professional sports.

[Don Hahn]

I think that's very fair. Because every other sports, it's not you and one other in a team concept. Right. Tennis it is. Golf it could be, but in baseball, the team is there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sports, that's the.

[Don Hahn]

It's you versus a pitcher, and the pitcher is the one trying to get you out. That that's different than even just doing

[Peter Rosenberg]

the hardest thing that there is to do in all the sports.

[Don Hahn]

I completely agree. The best thing to do in all of sports talk radio is talk to Monica McNutt.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We love Monica McNut, and she's going

[Don Hahn]

to join us next. Don Han Rosenberg live from Calandras in Caldwell, New Jersey, on ESPN New York. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter Weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8:80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers. Two teams, one cup. The primetime stage is set for the TGL presented by SoFi. Finals Los Angeles Golf Club versus Tigers Jupiter links. Keep up it's playoffs. Tune in. Monday, March 23rd, 9:00pm Eastern, on ESPN 2 and Tuesday, March 24th, 7:00pm Eastern on ESPN and on the ESPN applied.