Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: Masters Interest

Released on April 14, 2025

Weather and Opening Banter

The episode opens with Don LaGreca promoting the Chevy Silverado ([00:01]-[00:28]). Once the advertisement concludes, hosts Peter Rosenberg, Sid Rosenberg, and Alan Hahn engage in light-hearted conversation about the arrival of spring in New York City. Peter enthusiastically remarks, "It feels like spring, boys. Finally." ([00:40]-[01:10]), while the team contrasts the current pleasant weather with the previous weekend's poor conditions, discussing how it has positively impacted local activities like baseball games.

Yankees Performance and Ben Rice Highlighted

Transitioning to baseball, the conversation centers on the New York Yankees' recent struggles. Sid Rosenberg expresses frustration, stating, "We're not focused on the fact that they've dropped four of their last five series" ([02:44]). Peter Rosenberg offers a glimmer of hope by highlighting Ben Rice's promising performance: "Ben Rice is the one guy that I feel good about. Happy for him. What a great start he's been off to." ([02:57]-[03:25]). The hosts analyze the team's pitching issues, noting concerns over inconsistent starting pitchers and the strain on the bullpen, while also acknowledging positive developments from emerging players.

Masters Tournament: Rory McIlroy's Journey

A significant portion of the episode delves into the Masters golf tournament, focusing on Rory McIlroy's quest for his first Masters title. Alan Hahn commends McIlroy's perseverance, saying, "The storyline of Rory trying to get his first jacket...was dead sexy." ([04:23]-[05:02]). Peter Rosenberg shares his initial disinterest but admits to being captivated by key moments: "The shot that just rolled. Oh my God, look at the six-foot putt." ([10:25]-[11:00]). The hosts dissect McIlroy's emotional rollercoaster during the final round, including multiple double bogeys and his eventual triumphant playoff victory.

Emotional Highs and Lows: Rory vs. Tiger

The discussion moves to comparisons between Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, highlighting their physicality and emotional displays on the course. Peter observes, "Rory...reminds me so much of Tiger physically. His body type...like a nerdy, juiced-up Tiger now." ([07:39]-[08:00]). Alan Hahn adds, "He also has now and again, like Tiger developed to hit a drive 330 yards real quick," praising McIlroy's resilience and strategic play. The hosts commend McIlroy's ability to maintain composure under pressure, drawing parallels to Tiger's legendary performances.

Debate on Golf's Status as a Sport

A heated debate ensues over whether golf qualifies as a sport. Sid Rosenberg declares, "I don't even consider golf a sport." ([20:27]-[21:07]), arguing that it lacks the physical intensity of other sports. In contrast, Alan Hahn defends golf's athleticism, noting the stamina required for walking 18 holes and the precision of hand-eye coordination: "But walking 18 holes and all that stuff. I'm not going there." ([21:04]-[21:06]). Peter Rosenberg weighs in, comparing golf to games like cornhole and darts, emphasizing differing perspectives on what constitutes a sport: "It's on the same level as cornhole, darts." ([20:14]-[20:17]).

Listener Call-In Segment: Perspectives on Golf and Sports

Listeners call in to share their viewpoints, sparking further discussion among the hosts. Caller Lake poses a question comparing Tiger Woods' and Rory McIlroy's redemption stories. Peter responds, "The Tiger story just feels more universal" ([33:11]-[35:15]), while Alan Hahn acknowledges Tiger's unparalleled appeal: "The drop off in terms of compelling between Tiger and who's ever next. There's multiple levels." ([33:23]-[34:07]). Another caller, William, expresses indifference toward golf, stating, "I just love sports, but I won't do that [watch golf]." ([35:36]-[49:45]). This leads to a humorous exchange about meatball sandwiches, showcasing the hosts' camaraderie and shared interests outside of sports.

Upcoming NBA Playoffs: Knicks vs. Pistons

Shifting focus to basketball, the hosts discuss the upcoming Knicks vs. Pistons series. They analyze how star power influences national interest and broadcasting decisions. Sid Rosenberg critiques the matchup, questioning the lack of excitement: "It just doesn't draw you in, right?" ([46:07]-[49:21]). Peter emphasizes the importance of marquee players, noting, "It’s about the star power." ([46:07]-[46:24]). They also touch on Vegas odds, with Alan Hahn mentioning, "If you put 100 bucks on the Pistons, it's a long shot," reflecting skepticism about the Pistons' chances against the Knicks.

Banter on Meatball Sandwiches and Local Eats

In a lighter segment, the hosts rekindle their earlier conversation about meatball sandwiches. Sid recounts making sandwiches with Nancy's homemade meatballs: "Nancy makes the best meatballs... I made a sandwich instead of a hero." ([36:19]-[37:01]). Alan Hahn recommends a local spot, "Bogies Hoagies in Hawthorne," inviting listeners to try their meatloaf sandwiches ([36:19]-[38:27]). This exchange highlights their shared love for local cuisine and adds a personable touch to the episode.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on their diverse interests and the dynamic of their discussions. They tease upcoming episodes and express appreciation for their listeners, reinforcing their commitment to delivering engaging sports conversations despite differing viewpoints on topics like golf and basketball.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg ([00:40]-[00:55]): "It feels like spring, boys. Finally."

• Sid Rosenberg ([02:44]): "We're not focused on the fact that they've dropped four of their last five series."

• Peter Rosenberg ([02:57]-[03:25]): "Ben Rice is the one guy that I feel good about. Happy for him. What a great start he's been off to."

• Alan Hahn ([04:23]-[05:02]): "The storyline of Rory trying to get his first jacket...was dead sexy."

• Sid Rosenberg ([20:27]-[21:07]): "I don't even consider golf a sport."

• Alan Hahn ([21:04]-[21:06]): "But walking 18 holes and all that stuff. I'm not going there."

• Peter Rosenberg ([35:36]-[35:45]): "I just love sports, but I won't do that [watch golf]."

• Sid Rosenberg ([46:07]-[49:21]): "It just doesn't draw you in, right?"

These quotes encapsulate the key discussions and varying perspectives among the hosts, providing listeners with insights into their differing viewpoints and the dynamic nature of the conversation.