Don, Hahn & Rosenberg

Episode: Hour 1: World Series Marathon
Date: October 28, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

Overview

This episode dives deep into the epic marathon Game 3 of the World Series between the Dodgers and Blue Jays—a historical 18-inning battle marked by jaw-dropping star performances, most notably Shohei Ohtani's dominance both at the plate and upcoming on the mound. The trio dissects the game’s drama, the ethics and strategy of intentionally walking superstars, and the enduring spectacle of baseball postseason heroics. The conversation naturally spins out to larger-than-life comparisons and lively debate over if (and how) baseball should respond to the “Ohtani dilemma.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Marathon World Series Game 3 Reactions

• All three hosts recount their experiences of the previous night’s marathon game:
  • None stayed awake for all 18 innings, but each watched significant stretches and caught up with highlights.
  • The sense of witnessing history was palpable, highlighted by the game's tension, defensive plays, and bullpen maneuvering.

Memorable Moment:

• Alan Hahn wakes up mid-game, stunned:

  "I think I might have fallen asleep somewhere in the eighth inning and then woke up and I was like, damn, they're in the 11th!" (02:19)

Shohei Ohtani as a Baseball Phenomenon

• Ohtani's nine consecutive times on base, two home runs, and upcoming pitching start are marvelled as unprecedented.
  • Comparisons to elite single-named icons like Jordan, Gretzky, Tiger, Serena, and historic baseball figures such as Ruth and Mantle.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg on Ohtani’s legacy:

  "This is the playoff that could do it for him... Single name reference and becomes at least temporarily sort of the... the Kleenex name of a baseball player." (06:19)

• Debate: Is Ohtani already in the Jordan/Serena/Tiger tier? Don argues his emergence as "something I've never seen before" (20:52).

The Intentional Walk Dilemma

• Recurring issue: Opponents intentionally walking Ohtani five times in a game.
  • Does this diminish entertainment? Should baseball intervene with rule changes?
  • Don proposes a novel rule: Awarding two bases (second base) on intentional walks with empty bases.
  • Extensive back-and-forth about whether the sport should force teams to pitch to stars or preserve pure strategy.
  • Consensus leans toward not overreacting to a rare occurrence, but open to creative discussion.

Notable Quotes:

• Don La Greca on rule innovation:

  "In those situations when you have the open base, give them two." (08:28)

• Alan Hahn on team-building:

  "You build your team so the next guy can beat you. That's what you do." (09:07)

• Rosenberg, questioning the limit:

  "I just don't know if you should be able to intentionally walk the same player over and over again." (08:46)

Game’s Impact and Psychological Aftermath

• How does an 18-inning loss affect the Blue Jays?
  • Comparison to hockey’s “team-breaking” marathon games.
  • Don argues baseball's emphasis on pitching and daily resets make momentum overrated.

Quote:

• Don:

  "I just don't think [momentum] exists in baseball because it's all about who's gonna pitch the next game." (13:08)

The Ohtani Experience as Event TV

• Even indifferent fans are tuning in for Ohtani, cementing his must-see status.
  • Alan admits he only checked back in because of the drama surrounding Ohtani.
  • Rosenberg notes: "A lot of people are going to tune in tonight who do not give a rat's patoot about the Dodgers and Blue Jays. I am watching Shohei Ohtani pitch tonight." (21:42)

Proposals & Calls on Rule Changes

• Multiple callers offer ideas, including:

  • Only one intentional walk per player per game
  • Escalating base awards (first, second, third) for repeated walks
  • Ban on intentional walks after the 10th inning

• Hosts generally see most suggestions as overly complicated but enjoy the creativity and recognize the rarity of the situation.

Comparisons Across Sports

• Basketball/football analogies:
  • In other sports, even with max attention from defenses, stars can exert some control (Curry, Ovechkin, Moss). In baseball, an intentional walk removes agency.

Hahn:

"That's the one, I think, argument you can make, Don, if you want to argue against being able to intentionally walk somebody multiple times in a game." (19:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On epic length:

  "Did anybody make it to the end?" – Don (02:09)

• Big Game Comparison:

  "Is that one of the greatest games when you consider the amazing defensive plays..." – Hahn (02:22)

• Ohtani marvel:

  "He starts being talked about in that rarefied era of Gretzky and Jordan and Tiger and Serena." – Don (06:09)

• On intentional walks:

  "I just don't know if you should be able to intentionally walk the same player over and over again." – Rosenberg (08:46)

• Legacy watch:

  "We're on our way, man. ... I'm seeing something I've never seen before." – Don (20:52)

• On the chase for World Series dynasties/dynasty denial:

  "So much for crapshoot, right?" – Don (27:10)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• World Series Game 3 Recap: 01:20–11:55
• Ohtani Discussion/Greatness Debate: 04:37–09:46, 19:58–22:00
• Intentional Walks Debate & Rule Proposals: 06:09–11:34, 16:43–37:43
• Callers with Rule Ideas: 28:15–50:14
• Sports Equinox/Other Results: 23:04–23:46
• Personal Moments/Behind the Scenes: 44:38–48:02

Tone & Highlights

• Lively, playful banter: True to format, with hosts ribbing each other and quick-witted exchanges.
• Balanced perspective: While stunned by Ohtani, they avoid hyperbole, gently challenging each other and callers.
• Interactive: Multiple audience calls, each given space for unorthodox suggestions.
• Insider’s vibe: References to producer Anthony Pusick and recurring show personalities.

Timestamps Cheat Sheet

• 01:20: Recap of how deep each host made it into the 18-inning game
• 04:37: First deep dive on Ohtani’s stat line, comical base-running, and comparisons to legends
• 06:09: Start of “What should MLB do about intentional walks?”
• 09:05: Should rules change for rare generational superstars?
• 11:55: Transition to Blue Jays psychological fallout and sports momentum
• 19:58: Heated debate with caller over comparing Ohtani to Jordan/Serena/Tiger
• 28:15: Extensive callers’ segment on possible rule changes
• 44:38: Break for lighter personal stories about road trips, time zones, and family

Conclusion

This episode provides a riveting breakdown of a World Series game for the ages while putting Shohei Ohtani’s singular talent in both a historical and cultural context. The lively debate about intentional walks frames an underlying question about the balance between strategy and spectacle—leaving the audience both energized and reflective.