Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode Summary: Hour 1: Torpedo Bats

Release Date: March 31, 2025

In the inaugural episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a scorching hot topic dominating the baseball world: the introduction and impact of the "torpedo bat." This episode, aptly titled "Torpedo Bats," offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of the Yankees' explosive start to the season and the ensuing controversy surrounding their innovative equipment.

1. Setting the Scene: Weather and Sports Excitement (00:00 – 03:05)

The episode kicks off with casual banter about the fluctuating weather in New York City. Don shares a vivid account of an unexpected temperature drop while playing baseball with Marco, illustrating the unpredictable nature of spring weather in the tri-state area. Alan reminisces about experiencing a similar rapid temperature change after attending a hockey game in Westchester, highlighting the region's volatile climate.

Notable Quote:

• Don Hahn (00:00): "Todd, a lot of virgins working in one room together. A lot can be accomplished."

2. The Yankees' Historic Start (03:06 – 05:14)

Alan transitions the conversation to the Yankees' remarkable performance at the season's outset. Over three games, the Yankees have smashed 15 home runs, tying the Major League Baseball (MLB) record for most home runs to start a season. This offensive onslaught has stirred both admiration and skepticism among fans and analysts alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn (03:06): "First impressions are great. So the Yankees get the sweep over the Brewers. They hit 15 home runs in three games."
• Don Hahn (03:20): "It's 79 last I checked. But something 80 of J. Something really weird happened on Saturday night."

3. Introducing the Torpedo Bat: Innovation or Cheating? (05:15 – 12:03)

The core of the discussion revolves around the Yankees' use of the torpedo bat, a novel piece of equipment designed with an enlarged barrel to optimize the sweet spot for hitters. The hosts debate whether this innovation provides an unfair advantage or simply represents a legitimate enhancement within the sport's regulations.

Key Points:

• Design and Functionality: The torpedo bat reallocates wood density to areas where batters are most likely to make contact, potentially increasing offensive performance without altering the bat's overall size.

• Reactions and Controversy: Non-Yankee fans and critics accuse the team of "cheating," despite the Yankees having cleared the bat's design with MLB. Don expresses frustration over the backlash, emphasizing that the bat complies with existing rules and should be credited as a smart innovation rather than condemned.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn (05:14): "They play within the margins. And what that means is we're going to try to get away with whatever we think we can get away with."
• Alan Hahn (05:43): "It's like a juice ball. It's not a juice ball. It's not a juiced player. It's just a bat in regulation, just with a different area of what is it? It's contact."

4. Analytics and MLB's Response (12:04 – 18:30)

The conversation shifts to the role of analytics in baseball and how they interact with innovations like the torpedo bat. Don compares the situation to the NHL's adaptation to curved sticks, suggesting that MLB may eventually need to regulate such equipment to maintain competitive balance.

Key Points:

• Adoption by Other Teams: Following the Yankees' lead, multiple teams including the Cubs, Braves, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles, and Twins are beginning to adopt the torpedo bat, signaling a potential shift in the league's equipment standards.

• MLB's Regulatory Dilemma: With offense being a significant driver of fan interest, MLB faces the challenge of deciding whether to embrace or restrict such innovations. Don speculates that MLB might either regulate the bats to ensure fairness or allow their use to boost offensive statistics across the league.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn (06:31): "In that area, putting them more wood in where they believe their batters are likely to hit the ball. Exactly, exactly."
• Alan Hahn (10:08): "Met since it's no, and Major League Baseball is going to have to decide whether they want this to continue because it looks like it's something that really does help."

5. Listener Engagement and Community Reactions (18:31 – 25:06)

The hosts invite listeners to call in and share their opinions on the torpedo bat. A caller named Joel from Minnesota raises concerns about Michael K.'s (a fellow broadcaster) prior discussions on the bat, suggesting that other broadcasters may have mentioned it before him. This sparks a debate about the timing and originality of the information dissemination.

Key Points:

• Caller Insights: Joel shares his experience of hearing about the bat on a Brewers broadcast before Michael K. discussed it on the Yankees' broadcast, challenging the notion that Michael was the first to reveal the Yankees' secret.

• Hosts' Perspectives: Don defends Michael K., asserting that the Yankees likely didn't intend for the torpedo bat to become public knowledge swiftly. Alan emphasizes the importance of timing in the spread of such information and how high-profile broadcasts naturally garner more attention.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn (18:48): "You put the bong down and actually listen to this."
• Alan Hahn (24:49): "And Don is asking a simple question, is like, how big of A deal is this. Don't say that it's cheating, but don't say that it has no impact on what the Yankees do."

6. The Broader Impact on Baseball and Future Outlook (25:07 – 38:49)

As more teams adopt the torpedo bat, the hosts discuss its potential to revolutionize the game. They examine how hitters like Aaron Judge, who isn't using the bat, have still excelled, complicating the narrative that the bat is the sole reason for the Yankees' success. Additionally, the conversation touches on the balance between innovation and maintaining the sport's integrity.

Key Points:

• Player Performance: The discussion highlights that while players using the torpedo bat are experiencing increased home runs, other star players not using it, like Aaron Judge, continue to perform exceptionally, suggesting that skill remains a critical factor.

• Future of the Torpedo Bat: Don speculates that as more teams experiment with the bat, MLB will need to monitor its impact on the game's dynamics. The hosts agree that while the bat has shown immediate benefits, its long-term effects remain to be seen.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn (08:46): "But I do think that there was a large exposure to the fact that, hey, you came up with an idea that literally breaks a record, don't you flex rather than say, well, it didn't have anything to do with it. That's how good we are, man."
• Alan Hahn (28:04): "And by the way, just to be clear to everybody, the bat's not bigger. It's not like Big Bertha."

7. Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Moments (38:50 – End)

Breaking from the intense discussion on baseball, the hosts engage in light-hearted banter and share personal stories. Don recounts an amusing encounter with Adam Sandler, while Alan and Peter jest about their roles and interactions within the show. These moments provide a glimpse into the camaraderie and personalities behind the microphones, offering listeners a balanced mix of serious sports commentary and entertaining conversation.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg (38:19): "You did talk about the bats?"
• Don Hahn (39:09): "You think really? I think it'd be the opposite."
• Alan Hahn (35:07): "You bring it all together nicely. You really do. You bring it together. Thank you."

Conclusion

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg adeptly navigates the complexities of the torpedo bat phenomenon, balancing technical analysis with spirited debate. The hosts provide diverse perspectives, from defending innovative strategies to questioning their long-term implications on baseball's integrity. Through engaging dialogue and insightful commentary, the episode offers listeners both depth and entertainment, setting a promising tone for future discussions.

For more in-depth analysis and lively sports conversations, subscribe to Don, Hahn & Rosenberg on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your favorite podcast platforms.