Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 1 Summary

Episode: Hour 1: Soto's Comments & Rafael Flores
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guests: Rafael Flores (Somerset Patriots, Yankees Organization)

**1. Baseball Recap: Yankees vs. Mets and Phillies vs. Giants

The podcast kicks off with a lively discussion about the previous night's baseball games. Don LaGreca and Michael Kay delve into the dramatic outcomes of both New York teams’ performances.

• Yankees Game Highlights:

  • Don LaGreca (00:45) notes a rain delay in the Yankees game, sharing a humorous anecdote about navigating torrential rain on the way home: “It was a deluge” (01:02).
  • The Yankees showcased a potent offense, particularly highlighted by Stanton’s three-run homer: “After that, Stanton with a big three run” (05:51).
  • Don LaGreca comments on the Yankees' reliance on individual talent: “Yankees can't gain any ground on the Blue Jays...they have J Rod. They have...” (06:02).

• Mets Game Highlights:

  • The Mets secured a pivotal win against the Orioles, overcoming a significant eighth-inning comeback by Baltimore: “The Mets have the big eighth inning. Win the game. Bullpen's hold onto it” (06:27).
  • Discussion about Mauricio’s inconsistent performance: “Do you remember...a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals called Joaquin... just stand up there and just..." (06:27).

• Phillies vs. Giants Drama:

  • A historic moment occurred when Don LaGreca highlights the Giants' Bailey hitting a three-run walk-off inside-the-park home run, the first catcher to achieve this since 1926 (07:40).
  • Michael Kay (08:03) emphasizes the rarity and excitement of the play: “The ball ricochets off the brick wall...then it ran along the warning track...too late.”

Notable Quote:

Don LaGreca (07:42): “Bailey hits a three run walk off inside the park home run. He's the first catcher to have a walk off inside the park home run since 1926.”

**2. Celebration and Retirement of Joe Micheletti

The hosts reminisce about attending a farewell event for Joe Micheletti, a respected NHL broadcaster retiring from the Rangers.

• Event Atmosphere:

  • Don LaGreca shares the ambiance of the rooftop setting: “Hot, humid...we felt good” (02:26).
  • The event was a heartfelt goodbye, highlighting Micheletti’s class: “Joe Mick didn't want to step on Sam's time...he's not about himself. He's about the team” (02:55).

• Don's Recognition:

  • Upon arriving, Don received a warm reception from the MSG community: “The minute they saw Don, everyone stopped and applauded” (04:15).
  • Don LaGreca recounts a voicemail from Joe Micheletti expressing pride over his new gig, though there was a moment of confusion: “He left me this message saying he didn't know until today that I got the gig” (04:34).

Notable Quote:

Don LaGreca (03:38): “So MSG really does it, right? So that was cool...It really is, too. All the people you work with and all the different teams, it wasn't just Ranger people.”

**3. Juan Soto’s All-Star Comments and MLB Reactions

A significant portion of the episode discusses Juan Soto’s remarks about not attending the All-Star Game and the ensuing reactions from fans and media.

• Soto’s Comment Analysis:

  • Don LaGreca (15:29) introduces the topic: “We talked about yesterday, Soto not going to the All Star game...the biggest talking points of the off season.”
  • Michael Kay (16:04) highlights Soto’s humorous take: “It's $100,000” (17:06).

• Debate on Soto’s Intent:

  • The hosts debate whether Soto was genuinely upset about missing the All-Star Game or making a lighthearted joke about the bonus:
    • Don LaGreca (19:00): “But when he said, what do you think? Do you think he's saying that because he lost $100,000 or is he ticked off that he's not an All Star?”
    • Michael Kay (21:06): “You think everybody's reaction was, oh, damn, he went there.”

• Fan and Media Reactions:

  • The discussion touches on negative social media responses, with Yankee fans attributing Soto’s move to financial motivations and neglecting other factors like family.

Notable Quotes:

Don LaGreca (16:10): “Do you really think a guy that is amidst of a 15 year contract worth how much? $750 million is going to sit there and complain about $100,000 bonus he didn't get?”

Michael Kay (20:40): “When you consider yourself one of the best players in the sport, and you're not invited to the best player in the sport party, I got a problem.”

**4. Interactions with Interns and Personal Anecdotes

The hosts share light-hearted moments and personal stories, offering listeners a glimpse into their off-air lives.

• Interns at ESPN:

  • Don LaGreca (12:03) comments on the interns' camaraderie: “They’re like in a herd. I’ve never seen them singular. They’re always together.”

• Childhood Memories and Smoking Culture:

  • Michael Kay and Don LaGreca reminisce about past smoking habits and the generational shift:
    • Don LaGreca (13:04): “My parents didn't do it. But you ever go to a house where there were smokers...”
    • Michael Kay (14:00): “There were candies, they were candy cigarettes. We would kill for those.”

**5. Guest Segment: Rafael Flores of the Somerset Patriots

In the latter part of the episode, the hosts welcome Rafael Flores, a promising catcher from the Yankees' Double-A affiliate, the Somerset Patriots.

• Introduction to Rafael Flores:

  • Don LaGreca (35:23) introduces Rafael as the 15th top prospect in the Yankees organization and discusses his potential: “He is a catcher and just sounds like a great kid.”

• Rafael’s Insights:

  • Flores shares his experiences and aspirations:
    • Health and Consistency: “The process for me has just been to stay healthy...how can I be the same guy for the team every day?” (40:43).
    • Transition to New Jersey: “I grew up watching New York on TV...I've grown to love it” (44:08).
    • Minor League Life: Discusses team dynamics, minor league entertainment, and personal routines: “I’m more of a...Let's go to a bagel shop...” (44:51).

• Rafael on Major League Transitions:

  • He speaks about team promotions and maintaining relationships with teammates: “I keep in contact with Cam Schlitter...it's all baseball at the end of the day” (40:29).

• Discussion on Catcher Position and Technology:

  • The hosts explore how automated strike zones might impact catchers like Flores:
    • Michael Kay (42:32): “Do you like that? As a catcher?”
    • Rafael Flores (42:47): “I'm interested to see how it plays out. I'm not fully against it yet.”

Notable Quote:

Rafael Flores (40:43): “As far as Soto not making the All Star team...he should be an All Star Game. Manfred...you need to get it together, brother.”

**6. Closing Remarks and Future Topics

The episode wraps up with teasers for upcoming segments and a nod to future guest appearances.

• Upcoming Events:

  • Mention of SportsCenter’s coverage at the Somerset Patriots game and anticipation of Rafael’s major league debut: “ESPN is going to be out there and have a lot of fun” (37:04).

• Personal Stories:

  • Don LaGreca shares anecdotes about playing catch with his nephew, adding a personal touch to the episode’s conclusion: “He wants me to, like, throw it all the way over there so he can dive” (24:38).

Conclusion

This hour-long episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg masterfully balances in-depth sports analysis with personal stories and engaging guest interviews. From dissecting dramatic baseball games and controversial All-Star selections to celebrating the retirement of beloved broadcasters and spotlighting emerging talents like Rafael Flores, the hosts provide a comprehensive and entertaining overview of New York sports. Their insightful conversations, punctuated with memorable quotes and relatable anecdotes, make the episode both informative and enjoyable for listeners, whether they’re seasoned fans or newcomers to the sports scene.

Key Quotes with Timestamps:

• Don LaGreca (07:42): “Bailey hits a three run walk off inside the park home run. He's the first catcher to have a walk off inside the park home run since 1926.”

• Don LaGreca (16:10): “Do you really think a guy that is amidst of a 15 year contract worth how much? $750 million is going to sit there and complain about $100,000 bonus he didn't get?”

• Michael Kay (20:40): “When you consider yourself one of the best players in the sport, and you're not invited to the best player in the sport party, I got a problem.”

This detailed summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions from the podcast, ensuring that all key points, insights, and memorable moments are conveyed effectively.