Hour 2: ABS, The List, Dave Maloney

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: ABS, The List, Dave Maloney

Release Date: July 9, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Guests: Dave Maloney

---

1. Automated Ball Strike System (ABS) in MLB

Timestamp: [01:23] - [06:03]

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the recent implementation of the Automated Ball Strike (ABS) system in Major League Baseball (MLB), particularly its introduction in the All-Star Game. Drawing parallels to the Cyclops system used in tennis, the hosts discuss the potential permanence of ABS in MLB. Don La Greca references a recent article by Jesse Rogers on ESPN.com, highlighting the technicalities of the system, such as the limited challenges available to pitchers, catchers, and hitters immediately after a pitch.

Notable Quotes:

• Don La Greca [02:24]: "I think they should put it on centerfield scoreboard so the whole stadium can see it just like the Cyclops."
• Peter Rosenberg [03:28]: "I hate the framing. I hate trying to fool the umpire."

The conversation touches upon fan reception, noting that 72% of fans polled during spring training viewed ABS positively, with only 10% expressing negativity. The hosts ponder the future of umpiring, contemplating a scenario where umpires solely rely on technology for ball and strike calls, potentially eliminating traditional officiating nuances.

Timestamp: [05:04] - [06:03]
Peter Rosenberg and Don La Greca delve into the implications of ABS on traditional skills like pitch framing, comparing it to flopping in the NBA and diving penalties in the NHL. They express concerns over preserving the sport's integrity while embracing technological advancements.

2. MLB All-Star Selections and Team Representation

Timestamp: [09:05] - [13:33]

Listener call-in segment featuring Dave Maloney, a long-time New Jersey Devils fan, who shares his perspectives on MLB All-Star Game selections. He critiques the MLB's approach to ensuring every team has representation, arguing that it sometimes leads to the inclusion of players from underperforming teams solely for market balance rather than merit.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Maloney [09:05]: "The younger person in me wanted one of my players to be on the All Star team. The older person in me now wants to be like, I don't care if they make it to the All Star game because it's going to make us have to pay more in contract negotiations."
• Don La Greca [11:17]: "If you're a last team, you don't get an All Star because your team sucks."

The discussion highlights the tension between fan representation and competitive meritocracy, with both hosts and guests acknowledging the complexity of balancing these factors in All-Star selections.

3. "The List" – Top Five Don Calls

Timestamp: [24:30] - [37:34]

Anthony Pusick introduces "The List," a segment dedicated to ranking Don La Greca's top five game calls. The segment is enriched with nostalgic and memorable moments, reflecting on the artistry and emotion behind each call.

Top Five Calls:

1. Barclay Goodreau’s OT Game-Winning Goal in ECF Game Two (Eastern Conference Final, May 24, 2024) [34:01 - 34:40]

   • Don La Greca: "In overtime, we are tied at one."
   • Anthony Pusick: "That's number one."

2. Michael Grabner’s Goal in 2017 [29:11 - 32:16]

   • Don La Greca: "Grabner, yo."

3. Benoit Puliot’s Stanley Cup Final Goal [26:29 - 27:10]

   • Don La Greca: "Pugouillot on a breakaway. All alone score."

4. St. Patrick's Day Massacre: Rangers 9, Flyers [25:04 - 26:22]

   • Don La Greca: "Across the crest of center ice, brings it into the zone, finds a. Breaking Zabanajad, who scores."

5. Rick Nash’s Eastern Conference Final Goal Against Tampa Bay (May 22, 2015) [27:54 - 28:56]

   • Don La Greca: "Here comes Dash with that inner circle. Makes a move on the backhand and score."

The hosts and Pusick reminisce about these iconic moments, emphasizing how Don's descriptive and vivid commentary enhances the listener's experience, capturing the essence and excitement of each play.

4. Dave Maloney’s Transition to TV Analyst for the New York Rangers

Timestamp: [37:04] - [53:24]

The latter part of the episode focuses on an exclusive interview with Dave Maloney, who announces his new role as a television analyst for the New York Rangers alongside Kenny Albert. The discussion navigates through Dave's career trajectory, his passion for hockey, and the emotional connections he maintains with the Rangers' fanbase.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Maloney [42:39]: "I remember every guy that was in the stands that used to bust my chops."
• Peter Rosenberg [48:45]: "You taught me so much about the game. There's no way I would have gotten this opportunity with the Devils if it wasn't for you."
• Dave Maloney [49:33]: "I hope to keep that. I've always liked that people have the perception or whatever that he tells it like it is."

Dave elaborates on the differences between radio and television broadcasting, emphasizing the collaborative aspect with production crews and the enhanced visualization that TV offers. He reflects on his longstanding relationship with the Rangers' community and how his analytical approach aims to enrich broadcasts without personal bias.

The conversation also touches upon the personal stories and behind-the-scenes moments that Dave has shared with the hosts, highlighting the camaraderie and mutual respect within the broadcasting team.

5. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [53:08] - [53:58]

As the episode concludes, the hosts share light-hearted interactions, teasing each other about future broadcasts and expressing excitement for upcoming sports seasons. They extend congratulations to Dave on his new role and reiterate their commitment to delivering engaging sports commentary.

---

Conclusion

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts navigate through significant discussions on technological advancements in sports officiating, the intricacies of All-Star Game selections, and celebrate memorable broadcasting moments through "The List." The heartfelt interview with Dave Maloney encapsulates the strong ties and shared passion that bind the sports broadcasting community. Listeners are left with a comprehensive understanding of current sports dynamics, enriched by personal anecdotes and expert insights from seasoned hosts and guests.

---

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Don La Greca: "I think they should put it on centerfield scoreboard so the whole stadium can see it just like the Cyclops." [02:24]
• Peter Rosenberg: "I hate the framing. I hate trying to fool the umpire." [03:28]
• Dave Maloney: "The younger person in me wanted one of my players to be on the All Star team. The older person in me now wants to be like, I don't care if they make it to the All Star game because it's going to make us have to pay more in contract negotiations." [09:05]
• Don La Greca: "If you're a last team, you don't get an All Star because your team sucks." [11:17]
• Don La Greca: "Grabner, yo." [29:14]
• Drop Maloney: "I hope to keep that. I've always liked that people have the perception or whatever that he tells it like it is." [49:33]

---

This structured summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing readers with a clear and engaging overview of the discussions, key points, and memorable moments shared by the hosts and their guest.

Transcript

[Don La Greca]

This message is brought to you by Abercrombie and Fitch.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I've been ready for summer for a.

[Don La Greca]

While and now it's finally time for summer outfits. With a trip coming up, the A and F Vacation Shop has me covered. Abercrombie really knows how to do a lightweight outfit. Their tees, sweater, polos and linen blend shorts never miss. I wear Abercrombie denim year round.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Their shorts are no different and have the comfort I need for summer prep.

[Don La Greca]

For your next trip with the A and F Vacation Shop, get their newest.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Arrivals in store online and in the app.

[Don La Greca]

This is the On Han at Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don La Greca]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Game time is brought to you by Teleportu Irish Whiskey because when it's game time, Allan.

[Don La Greca]

It is. Wow, we didn't get the little no no, no extras.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right, the Mets continue their series with the O's coverage immediately following us on 8:80 at 6:30 Yankees host the Mariners at 7:05. Tullamore due the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish Whiskey. Be sure to grab a Telemore do or try the new Tullamore Dew Honey during today's action. Glasses up to enjoying Telemore do responds.

[Don La Greca]

So we were just talking about this a few minutes ago and this just came out. Jesse Rogers wrote this for ESPN.com just about a two hours three hours ago. Now the automated ball strike system is coming to the All Star Game. So we're going to see it, they're going to use it. They're going to add this to the All Star Game, knowing it could be the precursor to being permanent in the sport at the major league level. They have used this in spring training, as you remember. So you get two challenges with the ability to retain if successful, only the pitcher, catcher and hitter can ask for a challenge and it has to happen immediately after the pitch. So this sounds a lot like the Cyclops in tennis. Yes. Where you think the ball was in and you go right to the challenge it now right there and then right now and then they just show it. I think they should put it on centerfield scoreboard so the whole stadium can see it just like the Cyclops. They do the US Open. It's one of the most compelling things.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It really is that you see and.

[Don La Greca]

The whole guy goes. It's just a great reaction and everybody knows and let's keep it going and it's quick. So anyways they're going to do it. MLB officials said 72% of fans who were polled during spring training said the impact of ABs on their experience at the game was a positive one. 69% said they'd like to be part of the game Moving forward, only 10% and express negativity towards it. So it is something that's interesting. I'm wondering if we ever get to a point where every single pitch is automated, where the umpire is only there to let you know what the computer says. Right. What the. What the radar tells them. And that's their only purpose when it comes to balls and strikes, because then we eliminate all that stuff. But it is interesting that while talking to Rafael Flores, the minor league catcher for the Yankees, who just joined us a few minutes ago from Somerset, said that he's kind of not sure yet because as a catcher, you do kind of make your money defensively as a guy that can frame, and that matters. So how does that change things if it's automated?

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I wanted to honor the tease because I hate the framing. I hate trying to fool the umpire. You see it all the time. Pitch is low and the catcher will jerk the glove up.

[Don La Greca]

Who was it last night that was struck out on a pitch where it was clearly.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, it was really.

[Don La Greca]

Obviously it was out of the zone and the hand just came right up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now it's going to be moot because they're going to go to the electronic strike zone, so it's not going to matter anyway. If we weren't going to do that, I would outlaw framing because let me ask you this. What's the difference between that and flopping in the NBA?

[Dave Maloney]

Oh, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All you're doing, all. When you're flopping, you're trying to draw a call, right? Not necessarily.

[Don La Greca]

What's the difference? But again, the foul baiting is really more. With that. What you're talking about. Less than flop and more than a foul bait, where I'm bait. I'm almost tricking the official into being fouled, even though I'm the one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it's tricking. I'm taking a ball and I'm trying to fool the umpire that it was a strike. In the NHL, you dive. It's a penalty now.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I. And I really wish that in the NHL, if you get caught for diving, don't. Don't even it up with the trip. Because I didn't trip you if you dove like. Because they'll call me for tripping. Call you for diving. And then we play four on four.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, if you dove, that means I didn't really trip.

[Don La Greca]

But if you trip me and I make it look worse than it is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Then you know what? Then I. Then I, you know what? But I'm not taking the trip. You lost the right to draw the penalty because you faked it.

[Don La Greca]

If I got tripped, and as I'm falling, maybe I put a little slow punishment. You're penalizing me for making sure that your blind ass.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, because you know what? I. It's hard. It's hard enough to do this job. I don't need you fooling.

[Don La Greca]

Well, maybe you missed two other trips.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I gotta make sure that's neither here.

[Don La Greca]

All right, well, you know what we're gonna miss with the. With the balls and strikes, what you and I just did. The one thing about baseball that has this. There is something. There's a lot of comfort food about baseball, Donnie. And to me, one of them is Savages in the box moment.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right?

[Don La Greca]

One of them is, you know, Earl Weaver or whoever, you know, Tommy Lasorda. Those guys like coming out and just. Mendoza did it. Scrape some dirt on the. On the home plate. Get you two sets. There's something about that's fun. Once it's automated or I can challenge, it's kind of like I can't argue anymore.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I know, but you're really not allowed to argue, because if you argue balls and strikes, you're supposed to be automatically.

[Don La Greca]

Ejected, which is dumb.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, because they did that, because they knew that it's still subjective. We can't do anything about it. I mean, listen, arguing with an umpire is all theatrics.

[Don La Greca]

Of course. Fire your team up. Just let your team know because you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Can'T change the call. And that's why I never understood. I know they're human beings, so they're gonna react to getting screamed at. Yeah, but I never understood why Umpires get upset, start yelling back, Listen, you're God. You made the call. It can't get changed.

[Don La Greca]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So what are you arguing? Just walk away. But they think they're part of it.

[Don La Greca]

It gets personal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I get it. But then you throw them out of the game. That's the way you can handle it.

[Don La Greca]

Then you walk away, which you're supposed to. All right, so you don't like the idea of framing because you feel like it's part of the trickery where it's clearly a ball. But I have such a quick hand and my ability to. To frame it so it looks like it hit the. It hit the black. You think that's like Floppy. Well, I think it's a skill.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what? It's a skill when it's done and you hardly notice it. But you see some of these guys just, like, throw the glove up like three feet. Like, what?

[Don La Greca]

That was last night. Last night. And I cannot remember the at bat, but there was an at bat last night. It was called Stroke 3. And I was like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that's why it could be the. It could be in the eye of the. Of the umpire to just say there's framing, but then there's what you did. And I'm going to call it a. Yeah, yeah, or I'm gonna award first base. So, yeah, the subtle. Like it's anything like being able to draw a penalty, whether to not get called for the dive. Cause you just did it enough. I think there's always room for that in sports. Not cheating, but if I can get an edge by just knowing how to do something better than you. But when I'm just, you know, jerking the glove up or down two feet, that's stupid.

[Don La Greca]

You notice, though, this is a 21st century thing in sports. Like, Mano Ginobili brought a lot of that to the NBA. Flopping. Yeah, that's all him. You never saw it in the past. Not. Not to the extent you see it now. And it became like, you know, it almost became a shrewd thing. Like, wow, that's. He's really smart. Drawing that foul, getting that play. He had no shot there, but somehow he was able to draw a foul. Like, instead of it being like, that's embarrassing. He flopped. Yeah, but he drew the foul. It has been in soccer forever. We all know this, but we always look down at it. But Ginobili brought it to the NBA, and now everybody does it or did it for a long time in hockey. I don't know who started it, but it did become a thing more in the 2000s than I've ever seen before, where guys were like, if you got tripped, you started rolling down the ice. So, like, it just got too dramatic at times. And then framing. How new is that? The idea of being like, oh, he's so good at framing was such a big thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's if they did it. We weren't privy to it.

[Don La Greca]

I never heard about framing now, maybe late 90s, maybe.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Maybe.

[Don La Greca]

But I don't know. I was wondering if you knew. But it's a thing in sports in North America now that we. It has been introduced and now it almost seems like it's acceptable.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's get back to the calls at 1-800-919-3776. Rich in Rockville Center. You're on ESPN New York. What's up, Richard?

[Dave Maloney]

Hey, first of all, Don want to give you your flowers. Now that you are the lead announcer for Devils, can I be the first person to say on one of these shows, new Jersey Devils fan since 1994.

[Don La Greca]

Is that gonna be a thing?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah. Let's make that happen.

[Don La Greca]

That's gonna be a thing. Jersey devil fans since 1983.

[Dave Maloney]

No, but what I was going to say was back to like the Soto not being an All Star thing. It's been talked about, it's been bandied about. But this really does stem from the MLB wanting to have a participant from every team. And the younger person in me, like, wanted one of my players to be on the All Star team. The older person in me now wants to be like, I don't care if they make it to the All Star game because it's going to make us have to pay more in contract negotiations. But if you look at the All Star team, the alternates, Miami sucks. Washington sucks. San Diego's politics, they already have a reliever and they just threw Tatis there because the mets already have three. San Diego has to have two. Colorado's catcher's not great. St. Louis's second baseman not great. Like, it's just, they're just trying to square peg around all of it.

[Don La Greca]

Like, waters it down.

[Dave Maloney]

I don't know what the answer is.

[Don La Greca]

But yeah, no, it's a. I like the point. Rich and Don, I think that's the sense. Right? Is that. And what he said is kind of true. When you're younger, you're just happy that there's my guy, there's our jersey represented there. And then as you get older and you realize, like, he hasn't, he shouldn't be there. Like, you almost. Almost embarrassing to a point where it's like, he, like, that's our best player. You know, like, it's, it. If you don't deserve to be there, you shouldn't be there. It's not necessary to have every player, every team represented. But for baseball, they feel like it is because they don't want a market of fans who are like, I'm not watching because we don't have a guy there. You think that's probably what it's about?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I, I just, I look at, I always tell the story about my Lee Mazzulli moment. The Mets weren't good. Lee Missile goes to Seattle, represents the Mets.

[Don La Greca]

It's a home Run.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was a big deal for me.

[Don La Greca]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But if that's the case and you feel like you need to have everybody represented, then expand the roster. What does it matter? It's a.

[Don La Greca]

It's a good point.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's an exhibition game. So you know what we're going to send. Everybody's going to have a guy. But if there's a guy that really deserves it, he's not going to sit home because we had to have a Marlin or we had to have a Rocky. The Rockies are on their way to losing 130 games this year. They lost yesterday. They're 50 games under.500 and they're going to have an All Star, but they have to have representation.

[Don La Greca]

That's insane.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you know what?

[Don La Greca]

If you're a last team, you don't get an All Star because your team sucks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But there's a kid in Colorado who's still a Rockies fan that is going to get excited.

[Don La Greca]

Come on.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can say anything about the Mads. Hey, listen, there's a kid.

[Don La Greca]

At this point, you're 50 games under.500 and this kid can't wait to watch the game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Happened to me. I'll look it up.

[Don La Greca]

If that was your kid, would you be like, no. You're not watching it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, no, because your team's terrible again. It happened to me. I'm going to look it up quick.

[Dave Maloney]

That.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That Lee Missile.

[Don La Greca]

How bad was that Met team?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm going to look it up. It wasn't good. I could tell you that. So it was. I think it was. Yeah. He only went to the All Star Game once. That was in 1979. All right.

[Don La Greca]

They were bad.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The 1979 Mets were. Were. Come on.

[Don La Greca]

You hit the wrong thing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I got to hit the. Listen, I'm a moron.

[Don La Greca]

63. Right. Wait.

[Peter Rosenberg]

99 and what probably had a game that was postponed. It was.

[Don La Greca]

And one playing. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What's the one? Well, the Mets were. The 62. Mets tie were 40, 120 and two. Because there were two games that like it rained. They didn't suspend games back then, so they just, you know, decided all the time. But you know, what would their record be at the All Star Game? Like, so you're 100 loss team go.

[Don La Greca]

To go to schedule.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're probably scheduled right there.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

30, 38 and 49 is not awful.

[Don La Greca]

No, that's not terrible.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But you're still double digits under 500.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, but it's not 50.

[Peter Rosenberg]

A team that hadn't made the playoffs in 73 like, but in those days.

[Don La Greca]

If you were 10 games under at the break, you were never going to win the division.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, you were out, you were done. But it was still my moment. I wouldn't want to be told. Listen, your team's so bad you're not watching. No, I wanted to see Lee or John Stearns get a chance to bat in the eighth inning because John Stearns always got in there because of that rule. But you want to have that rule? Fine. Well then you know what? Expand the roster. Who's going to care? No one's.

[Don La Greca]

I don't think anybody cares.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Spike in St. Pete. You're on ESPN New York. How are you, Spike?

[Dave Maloney]

Well, I'd be remiss if I didn't get through and tell the people from having lunch with you Andy's corner. So going to your events just to see you sing and jump off the stage. I am so happy for you and your mom with David's success. It's wonderful. And I just can't wait to become a listen to a broadcast because I'm not really a big hockey fan, but I'm a big Don fan. So long time overdue. Alan, you know how I feel about you. I thought you did a terrific job with the interviewing. Am I happy what happened with the Knicks? No, I'm not happy with it. And maybe you could answer this last question. And Don, again, you might. Brother. Must have some smile on her.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Dave Maloney]

Why did they pick up two offensive minded players? Because Jordan Clarkson doesn't play a liquor defense and Yabaselli is kind of a tweener. Big thick guy. Reminds me of Michael Sweetney a little bit in his, in his bill, you know, six, eight, six nine and thick. Who's going to cut down on the three point shots and the six foot open shot. What's the plan here?

[Don La Greca]

Well, I want to see the strategy defensively. You know, it's going to look a lot different because it's not going to be boxes and elbows. It's going to be, I'm sure, a different approach. But you know, talking about Yabaselli, he's not Michael Sweetney. He's really fit.

[Dave Maloney]

He's closer to body type.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, well, even no body type, he's more like Mason. Like he's jacked.

[Dave Maloney]

Okay.

[Don La Greca]

Oh yeah, he's strong. He, but he is, he's not. He's an undersized five who could play four. And I tell you what Mike Brown told me yesterday, he said maybe even a little three. Okay, like, okay, like. So that's a big lineup so he's got some ideas already floating around in his head. But I get what you're saying. That bench needed offense, spike, they needed scoring. And Jordan Clarkson is one of the best bench scorers in the game since 2021. I think he actually is the highest scoring bench player in the NBA since 2021. Total points. Yabushelli is a versatile, physical, nasty guy. He can score, but he's just. He brings a little nasty, little, little, little moxie. They were missing that. And Jordan Clarkson, by the way, while he's not considered a defensive player, he is a in your face, talk crap kind of player. And it's just bringing a little more back of that element that they were missing. Plus building out a bench that was obviously not up to par when it comes to around the league. So they're hoping that depth is going to be a difference maker for them next season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Let's go down to Mississippi, talk to Felicia. You're on ESPN New York.

[Dave Maloney]

Hey, guys. I've been trying to get through for two days, so I know it's old news, but I, of course had to congratulate you. I'm so excited for you, Don and I just had a quick question. So I know Marco is getting close to where he has to declare his fandom.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, very close. The clock is ticking. He's got the December 5th. So I was wondering.

[Dave Maloney]

I don't remember you talking much about who he was rooting for in hockey. You're leaning towards, but, you know, does this, how do you think, steer him towards the Devils? I know the Islanders probably weren't in the mix, so I'm guessing it was between, like the Rangers and the Devils.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, when you would ask him right now, if I were to put him on the air, what's your favorite hockey.

[Don La Greca]

Team, what would he say?

[Peter Rosenberg]

He always says Golden Knights, Devils, Rangers, Kings, Devils and Rangers, obviously, because they're local.

[Don La Greca]

Sure.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He likes the teams that wear black. Like, he went through a month where I had to put Ottawa Senator games on if they were home because he liked the black jerseys, and then the Senators would be on the road, were white and he wasn't interested.

[Don La Greca]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like, very odd. Felicia, how would it be that he's home watching his dad call a game and not root for the team? So I'm hoping this makes him a doubles fan, but again, I'm not going to force him. Well, whatever life, wherever life takes them.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, I think it's. I think it's done.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I hope so.

[Don La Greca]

Done.

[Dave Maloney]

I just had. And I have one more quick point. If you don't mind, I wish I could give the person credit. They commented under Peter's congratulations to you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That he shared on Twitter.

[Dave Maloney]

And just so for anybody who wants to say you're a fraud, that you, like, gave up your fandom or whatever, the. Drop the mic. Excuse me? Drop. Drop the mic moment. Get it out there that this person put was. You know, it's not like you ever covered your tattoo up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You never denied having it. You've always had it.

[Dave Maloney]

You just were doing your job. Job and doing it incredibly well.

[Anthony Pusick]

So I think if anybody.

[Dave Maloney]

Not that you really care about, you know, the Cheeto Dust people, but, you know, but. But if they do want to say that, that would be kind of your somebody that's like, I never hit it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's not like it went away.

[Don La Greca]

Right. You know, that's why I posted it, Felicia. I don't know if you saw it, but I, I. That day I took a picture of it. He was wearing shorts that day. And I said, don, hold a second. And I took a picture of it, posted it, and it's basically like, if you. If you needed proof, there it is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you know what? I'm getting a lot now, Felicia, now, because it's been overwhelmingly positive. But the few negatives I got, I'm now getting Ranger fans who saw my interview with Amanda Stein.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who were like, don wasn't a Ranger fan. And now, like, hate me.

[Don La Greca]

Oh.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I'm like, that's coming, but that's okay. But I'm like, dude, I must have been doing my job pretty well. If you didn't. You never suspected for a second that I was a Devil fan. You didn't know. I never hit it, Felicia. Because if you listen to the show, before I started doing Rangers, I wore my heart on my sleeve. I was a Devil fan. I talked about, you know, the Devils. And then when the Rangers stuff happened, it kind of went to the wayside like we were talking about before. And I never mentioned anything again, but I. I never said that I was a Ranger fan. They just assumed it because I must have been doing a good job calling the game.

[Don La Greca]

And again, take that as a compliment. I wanted to tell Felicia she would appreciated this because she's an Islanders fan. Well, she still listens, but when it comes to Marco, I guarantee you he will be a Devils fan. Here's why. So when Zach was born, I was covering the Islanders when he was a toddler, and their practice facility wasn't far from my house. So a lot of times I'd Go to practice. So Stephanie was either teaching or going to school. And so I had Zach. And so I would take Zach with me sometimes to practice. In a pinch, if I knew, like, you know, I'm only just in it, I can be there too long. I could put him off to the side.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How old was he at the time?

[Don La Greca]

He was, like, 2.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, okay.

[Don La Greca]

He was. Wasn't too. He was like that. Like two. He could walk. And so I would bring him with me, and he would sit and watch practice, you know, no big deal. And if I had to go talk to the coach and everything like that, I would just. He would be off to the side. I would. He always had something he could play with. It was fine. It wasn't a big, big rink. It was a small rink in Syosset. And the players would see him. And so, like, Alexei Yashin would walk by, and one time he saw him, and he was like. Basically like, whose kid is this? And I said, that's my son. He goes, oh, okay. And he went up to him, and he, you know, messed with his hair. And Zach smiled and he moved. And then Yashin had a hat trick that next. Next game. So every time Yashin saw Zach, he would go up to him and mess with his hair. He had to. Mark Parish broke a stick. He gave me the half, the bottom half. He's like, tape this up. Give it to your son. So I did. And that's one of the sticks Zach would use, is like, broken sticks. You guys would give me. La Violette would see him. They would. And then there was a time where Garth Snow and Chris Osgood saw him and said, don't leave him outside. If you come in the locker room, bring him with you. They took their. The goalie pads they made. They stacked them up into, like, this little playpen, and they got two frozen pucks from the fridge, put them there, and they. Here, he can play with this. And he would sit there around them and the stuff they talk about. And he's sitting there just in his glory, looking at these guys while they're just, you know, doing their thing. And I'm interviewing, and when I went over there, there's, like, you know, the usual stuff, like, you know, he's way cooler than you, and you can leave him here. You can go. That kind of stuff. But because that experience, he just. Everything with him was islanders from that point forward, because my connection and my being around it. So you being around the Devils, it's a fait accompli. He will be a devil's fan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And the Devils did give him a jersey when he was born, which I thought was really nice. I mean, doesn't fit him anymore as one of those black ones that say jersey.

[Don La Greca]

That's why Zach, to this day he's a die hard Islanders fan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I thought that's cool. And there's a lot, a lot of teams that would allow that to happen. So that was cool. Yeah, that's a cool.

[Don La Greca]

They were great to me. They were great to me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is an ad by BetterHelp. Workplace stress is now one of the top causes of declining mental health, with 61% of the global workforce experiencing higher than normal levels of stress. To battle stress, most of us can't wave goodbye to work, but we can start small with a focus on wellness. With over 30,000 therapists, BetterHelp is the world's largest online therapy platform, having served over 5 million people globally. And it works with an App store rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on over 1.7 million client reviews. It's convenient too. You can join a session with a therapist at the click of a button, helping you fit therapy into your busy life, plus switch therapists at any time. As largest online therapy provider in the world, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a diverse variety of expertise. Unwind from work with BetterHelp, our listeners get 10% off their first month at betterhelp.com timeout. That's betterhelp.com timeout with a Venmo debit card, you can Venmo more than just your friends. You can use your balance in so many ways. You can Venmo everything.

[Don La Greca]

Need gas?

[Dave Maloney]

You can Venmo this.

[Don La Greca]

How about snacks? You can Venmo that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Your favorite band's merch? You can Venmo this or their next show? You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo Me Debit to learn more.

[Anthony Pusick]

The Venmo Master MasterCard is issued by.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The Bancorp bank and a pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. Card may be used everywhere. MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply. This summer, try the new Strato Frappuccino blended beverage at Starbucks. It's the classic blended iced coffee you know and love, now topped with a creamy layer of handcrafted brown sugar. Cold foam available for a limited time. Your Strato Frappuccino is ready at Starbucks.

[Don La Greca]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don La Greca]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You just made it. This, buddy.

[Don La Greca]

This is the list with Don Hahn and Rosenberg.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, it's time now for the list, which is brought to you by bet365, curated by Anthony Pusick.

[Anthony Pusick]

Well, it was asked yesterday on the show.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, no.

[Anthony Pusick]

To do a top five Don Gol calls. And Don can't do that.

[Don La Greca]

No.

[Anthony Pusick]

Because he's too humble. And quite frankly, that is a little nozzle if you wanted to make your own. So I took it upon myself to make.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I have some of my favorites.

[Anthony Pusick]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm not judging them based on the quality, but the things that I kind of remember so I. I could participate.

[Anthony Pusick]

So I reached out to the only person that's listened to more games than I have in this radio station. That's Ray Santiago. And he helped me as well. So I curated a few, and Ray assisted me on a bunch, and he agreed with a lot of what I said. All right, I'm gonna start with number five. This is a personal favorite of mine, so people are gonna tell me that I missed something, just like you, Don. And I am ready to take the slings and arrows, but this was March 17, 2021.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Panarin across the crest of center ice, brings it into the zone, finds a.

[Don La Greca]

Breaking Zabanajad, who scores.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Touchdown Rangers.

[Dave Maloney]

They're up seven, nothing.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Mika Zabanejad with a second of the night, the St. Patrick's Day massacre, Rangers 9 and the Flyers, nothing.

[Don La Greca]

Ooh, I heard you call that St. Patrick's Day Massacre.

[Dave Maloney]

You know what?

[Don La Greca]

All subtly in that call, by the way. And this is why he's brilliant, because he's painting a picture across the crest at center ice.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's one of my things, that and trapezoid. I throw the trapezoid out more than the guy.

[Don La Greca]

It's visual. Across the crest at center ice. It's like, oh, yeah, I see that. I see. I see that now.

[Anthony Pusick]

That one was personal for me. I thought that was awesome. I loved the St. Patrick's Day Massacre call. They beat the Flyers. I enjoyed that very much. So that was my number five call of dons.

[Don La Greca]

That's five.

[Anthony Pusick]

Here is number four. We go back to June 4, 2014.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Richards has it out to the high slot. Gowdy makes a move, but it's intercepted. Here comes Pugouillot. Pugouillot on a breakaway. All alone score. And the first goal of the Stanley Cup Final belongs to Benoit Puliot. And the Rangers take a one settling lead.

[Anthony Pusick]

Not only is it a great call.

[Don La Greca]

Fantastic call, but I Know how important.

[Anthony Pusick]

It was for Don to call a Stanley cup game?

[Peter Rosenberg]

God, I thought they were gonna win that game. Not all.

[Anthony Pusick]

Yeah, well, I thought he was going to win a couple of those games.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Williams, what a.

[Anthony Pusick]

Not only did he get to call the Stanley cup, he got to call the first goal for the team he called it for on the radio. That for me is number four, Pouliot. Benoit Pouliat.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And what was, I think what Dave mentioned after it, he said, like Laloon, because that's what AV used to call Pouliot because Pouliot was kind of a space cadet. And AV would say like. Like he's in. He's. He's Laloon. Like he's on the moon. And Dave incorporated that in there. So that was. That was cool. That was so much fun.

[Anthony Pusick]

That's number four for the sentimental value. It's also a fantastic call. Ray reminded me of 11 years ago. It was. Time is crazy. And this was one of Ray's favorites. This goes back again in the playoffs. Eastern conference finals, game four against Tampa Bay, May 22, 2015.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Across center ice, looking for a breaking match. Here comes Dash with that inner circle. Makes a move on the backhand and score. Rick Dash, Rangers take a one to nothing lead. See if you remember right. Alan's gonna remember this.

[Don La Greca]

This was turned into one of the greatest edits ever. Do we have it?

[Anthony Pusick]

I think we might still have it. We might still have Rick Nash, Gordon Allen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Allen was doing a show at Rick and what they did after every playoff game of that run, they would have Rick and Allen come on after the game.

[Don La Greca]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I remember you guys calling me. It's like, you gotta. You gotta listen to this. You gotta listen to what we did. You gotta find it because it was. It was hilarious.

[Anthony Pusick]

Ray played it for me earlier and now I can't find.

[Don La Greca]

You gotta find.

[Anthony Pusick]

We gotta find it. We will find the Rick Nash, Gore.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jason, get to work, man. We gotta find.

[Anthony Pusick]

If he's not sleeping.

[Don La Greca]

It was so good.

[Anthony Pusick]

So that, that. But of course it was a great. It was a great call. The Rangers won that game. We don't have to talk about what happened after game four. We all know what happened.

[Don La Greca]

It doesn't matter.

[Anthony Pusick]

You're a Ranger fan.

[Don La Greca]

But that was an awesome call.

[Anthony Pusick]

Was so good in an awesome win. This. I think personally you could go either way with these. But for me, this is number two. We go back to 2017. January 7th goes to the near wall.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Seth Jones waits for it at the blue line. His center pass knocked away. Here come The New York Rangers. It's Grabner alone. Grabner. Yes. Michael Grabner. 16.5 to go.

[Anthony Pusick]

I thought Dave was joining us at 4. 45.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now, the great thing about. Here's the story behind it.

[Don La Greca]

We also used that and turned it into. What was that? Oh, my God. We used that scream and put it into a song that had.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, I remember that.

[Don La Greca]

It's also. It's got to be in the system. And Dinahan might remember was bust a move, I think. No, no, no, no, no, no. It takes two.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It takes two to make a thing go right.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah. Because it's that and then it's also. Yeah. Over his. Yeah.

[Anthony Pusick]

Oh, because you mean this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hit it.

[Don La Greca]

Yes, yes, yes, yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Anthony Pusick]

I think we're bringing him in with this.

[Don La Greca]

So good.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The story. It's.

[Don La Greca]

This is the stuff that Dpiedro and I used to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're in Columbus. The Rangers are playing like garbage. They're down like three goals going to the third. They make this amazing comeback. They tie the game and you figure you're going to overtime.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Columbus is on the power play with a chance to win it in regulation. And then the cross ice path by Jones is stolen by Grabner, fastest player, and he scores. And there are a lot of people that thought that that was me yelping. That was Dave. And I'll never forget, to our left in Columbus and a lot of arenas, the Ranger management would be right next to us. And sometimes it's a wall, but sometimes it's glass. So we could see it's J.D. gorton. And you know, Dave knows J.D. going back to when they played. So if you listen to the end of the call, if you want to play it again, that it's Dave banging on the glass to the Rangers management. He's banging.

[Don La Greca]

Goes to the near wall.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Seth Jones waits for it at the blue line. His centering pass knocked away. Here come the New York Rangers. It's Grabner alone.

[Don La Greca]

Grabner, yo.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Grabner 6.16.5 to go.

[Anthony Pusick]

And the reason that I remember it so well is anytime that there's a clip of people saying this is how Don sounds on his calls. That was one of the calls back in the day that Peto would throw to on the postgame show.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, they used it on the poll, which I thought was awesome.

[Anthony Pusick]

That ended up going on New York Post. It's one of the first things you look up when you say Don goal calls on Twitter. That's one of the first goals that comes up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm glad that's on because this Dave's reaction and the him smacking the. It's. It's so great. Like, I don't even know how Drury.

[Don La Greca]

Would react if that happened.

[Anthony Pusick]

He's also a maniac.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it was just perfect with JD Is just bang. Oh, it was just. It was just hilarious. Like, I don't know. It wasn't like that big of a game was. Because what was the date on it again?

[Don La Greca]

Middle of the season.

[Anthony Pusick]

Like that was January said.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So it was early in the season.

[Don La Greca]

That's a hell of a comeback.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But it was a big comeback. And the way that they scored, it was just.

[Anthony Pusick]

There was double fan. Just get ready. That's what you're in for. Don Colt will take care of the moment now, I believe.

[Don La Greca]

Is Danico going to do some of the stuff that Dave does? Because you know Danico, if you ever seen those games. Oh, yeah, he goes crazy.

[Anthony Pusick]

I think he's got to match Dave. He's got to match the Dave crazy. Gotta dial it up now. I was told that Ray Santiago has sent us the Nash Gordon. Do we have it?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Jacob across center ice looking for a breaking Nash. Here comes Nash with that inner circle. Makes a move out of pocket and scores. Rick Nash, Rangers take a one to nothing leads. Dad. Oh, that was.

[Anthony Pusick]

You guys had fun in the morning, huh? Mid afternoon, whatever they called.

[Don La Greca]

I'm telling you, man, it was so creative, so much fun.

[Anthony Pusick]

Dino is a talent, man.

[Don La Greca]

Timer saved by Bishop.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Rebound trickles in.

[Don La Greca]

But you gotta give credit, like a lot of it was like Dinahan would think of things and he would put. And then he'd go into another room and put it together within minutes. But it was a lot of times where Rick and I. Rick and I drove in a lot together and we would also like. Because we'd hear previous shows or whatever, we'd hear calls and he. His mind, you. I don't know if you guys know this. His mind works in a funny way. Very funny. He would come up with things or say something and the next thing we're like, all right, we got to do this. And we turn it into a skit. So that was one of my favorites.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I just remember you guys doing that. I was like. And you sent it to. To me and I've been playing. It was like. It was really incredible. But thank you, Ray, for sending that.

[Anthony Pusick]

And number one, number one don't have to go very far now.

[Don La Greca]

This been some good ones.

[Anthony Pusick]

Eastern conference final game two, May 24, 2024.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Montour spins to his forehand off the half. Wall where Igor will play in the trapezoid. Back to Truba. Truba flips it out. The center knocked down by Goudreau, finds Trocheck back out to Barkley Goodrell. The shot and score. Barkley Goodrow.

[Don La Greca]

In overtime, we are tied at one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's now a best of five as the Rangers win in overtime two to one.

[Anthony Pusick]

I really thought they had a chance.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And then when they went in overtime the next game and they're up two games to one.

[Don La Greca]

Yep. They gave you more of a chance.

[Peter Rosenberg]

What was the win probability after the. After the goal in game three?

[Don La Greca]

All the pain. But just.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that was. And listen, I don't think I'm telling tales out of school. That was the goal that Michael had a lot of problems with. Dave Steppage.

[Don La Greca]

That was the Steppage.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was the.

[Don La Greca]

That's when it got too far. But I didn't think that was.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But Michael. Michael got attacked because Ranger fans love that.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's what you want from. Of course, your forever Ranger, right. Is Dave Malone captain feeling it. That was a big deal.

[Don La Greca]

There's nothing isolated.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It was really a special like because. Because unfortunately Sam got sick.

[Anthony Pusick]

Yes.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I ended up calling the first four games of that series. And game one, you remember, was like a 31 final. Rangers didn't play well, didn't look good. Game two, Sean McDonough got sick because the game was on the ESPN and Bob was shoes and filled it. So it's like shoes and doing tv. I'm doing radio. I've known wishing forever. I remember tweeting out the picture.

[Anthony Pusick]

Yeah, it was a picture.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And just. It was. I was so, like, so proud of that moment. And then getting to go with the team for games three and four. They lost game four in overtime. I was like, are they going to win a third straight overtime game or what? Are they going to be the 93 Canadians winning all those games at overtime. But that's when the luck ran out.

[Anthony Pusick]

I didn't have a heart for that. By the way, sources have told me Nash Gordon was an a Ray Santiago production.

[Don La Greca]

Oh, Ray did.

[Anthony Pusick]

That was a Ray Santiago.

[Don La Greca]

Well, I'm again another brilliantly talented producer. Two observations.

[Anthony Pusick]

Thank you, Dave.

[Don La Greca]

One, you hear Donnie again subtly in that call trapezoid. Igor plays it at the trapezoid.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don La Greca]

Like just little. Little things like that that make it such great calls. And again, painting. I appreciate it. But the other part is knowing Dave Maloney like we all do. When you hear screeches like that, does he like when you talk to him? That, that does not sound like. No, he does not look like a guy that could make that sound.

[Anthony Pusick]

We have a lot of drops today by the way. But anyway, so good. I hope I did you proud, Don. That's my top five.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Five.

[Anthony Pusick]

St. Patrick's Day Massacre 3, 1721. The pulley out goal in the Stanley cup final is number four. The Rick Nash Eastern Conference final goal against Tampa in game four is number three. The Michael Grabner goal in 2017 is number two. And of course Barclay Goodreau's OT game winning goal in ECF game two is number one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. That was nice to do and I got no problem.

[Don La Greca]

Can't wait for more.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was good. There was the list brought to you by bet365. Whatever the moment, it's never ordinary at bet365. God, it just shows you how quick it can turn right? 2, 1. Rangers up on the Panthers in the conference final. And that would be the last playoff game that they would win and still going end up losing the next three. Lose that series, don't make the playoffs this year. That's why, you know, hopefully the Knicks got this right now. I don't think it's going to go sideways the way it did for the Rangers, but you never know if things don't go the way you expect. If the coaching change doesn't work, I'm just telling Nick fans, take a look at the Rangers, the same team that plays in your building, and how close the Rangers were in 22 and in 24, and the coaching changes and the moves that were made to try to get that much closer. The Rangers are an example of how it can get away from you.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that's something that's on the table for the Knicks until they prove that this coaching change was the right move.

[Don La Greca]

Don, I have used the Jenga reference, the metaphor. It just feels like that's what you always worry about. It's the wrong, the wrong piece taken out the wrong time. We have some, some very big Yankee news being reported that the, The Yankees have DFA'd D.J. leMayhue.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I'm wondering if that was by his request.

[Don La Greca]

Maybe it was not. He's owed nearly 22 million on the remainder of his six year contract that ran through 2026. So they're basically just. Yeah, I mean remember we talked about buyouts and all that stuff. I mean it's just like can. Why keep a guy around if he's not.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was not something that J.D. wanted. I just thought maybe because of the fact that he was upset that he was going to be bench, like, hey, let me go someplace where maybe I got a chance to play. But no, I think he wanted to stay.

[Anthony Pusick]

He didn't ask for his release and he's not happy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He was not asked for his release and he's not happy.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, so they're opening.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I got to be honest, this is.

[Don La Greca]

The right thing to do. This is not emotion. This is business. And it's not. It's the right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it just tells you that the BS that they were spewing that everything's okay with the best team in the league. What's happened since those comments? Jazz moves back to second where he belongs. All right, lemayhue, now, dfa, like all the things that should have happened a while ago are starting to now happen because I think they realize, you know what?

[Don La Greca]

I got a theory.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We've got something going on.

[Don La Greca]

I got a theory about what they did and why they did it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want, like that dream house or ride, is a great feeling. That's why the State Farm Personal Price Plan can help you save when you choose to bundle home and auto bundling. Just another way to save with a personal price plan. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state. On WhatsApp, no one can see or hear your personal messages. Whether it's a voice call message or sending a password to WhatsApp, it's all just this. So whether you're sharing the streaming password in the family chat or trading those late night voice messages that could basically become a podcast, your personal messages stay between you, your friends and your family. No one else, not even us. WhatsApp message privately with everyone Jif Peanut.

[Don La Greca]

Butter it's that jiffing good. It doesn't really need advertising, so instead enjoy the calming sounds of the ocean. Jiff. Ooh, it's that tiffing good. Get your [e-mail] thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg Podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don La Greca]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

ESPN SportsCenter is coming to New Jersey for their 50 States in 50 Days tour on Saturday, July 12, when the Somerset Patriots take the field at TD bank ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey at 7:00pm we'll have ESPN merch for the first 1,000 fans in attendance and a chance to meet SportsCenter host Ryan Smith. Check out ESPN.com 50states, 50days for details on when and where SportsCenter is hitting every state this summer to celebrate fans and sports forever. Well, speaking of forever, one of the forever Rangers is Dave Maloney. Got a chance to see him yesterday and find out the news and it was made official earlier today. He is going to be the analyst on TV for the New York Rangers alongside his buddy Kenny Albert. And he joins us here on Don Han and Rosenberg. Congratulations, man. I know it's something that you wanted and you definitely deserve it.

[Dave Maloney]

Congratulations.

[Don La Greca]

Congrats.

[Dave Maloney]

Well, you know what? It certainly was something. Well, I have to be honest that as I said today, you know, my career took an unexpected turn in a terrific manner because if I had written out into the sunset as a radio guy, I would have been totally happy with life and working with guys like you and Kenny. And now we're both heading to the dark side. Actually, though, Donnie, the tv so Alan's already there, right?

[Don La Greca]

Yes. So I left the thing is.

[Dave Maloney]

But no, it's, I'm just thrilled beyond, you know, I've got to follow some, some pretty good, pretty big guys in Joe and J.D. who really, J.D. kind of changed the way an analyst approached the work and Joe took it to the next level. So all in all, I just couldn't be happier. And here we are.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And you're a TV veteran. I mean, you did Fox way back in the mid-90s and there were times you did a ton of television for MSG as far as pre and post and intermission. So you do have a television background. But from an analyst standpoint, the majority of your work has been on radio. So how do you expect the transition to be and how much different will it be for you from radio to television?

[Dave Maloney]

Well, you know, John, I don't think it'll be that different. I think we both agree and know that it's a different call, right? It's a different play by play call. It's a different analyst call. The sickness that you have to have on the radio to keep the listener engaged in the game is one thing where I think we just have to complement the picture with television. So and I think television puts a little more premium, a little more not pressure, but an expectation of the analyst because every play there's probably a sequence that resulted in that play, whether it's a goal or whatever. And I think then TV analyst me may have the expertise enough to see that subtle moment where the play changed. And then with the support of the production staff, and I've got a great, great one in Chris Ebert and Larry Roth is, you know, say, okay, this ended up here, but this is what happens. So I think that it's, you know, it's a different call, but from an analyst standpoint, I just think when you work with the production crew, I think you all enhance the broadcast in that manner, and that really, that's what I hope to do. Because I say the Rangers have been blessed over time. When you go back to Bill Chadwick and times and technology were certainly different with the big whistle, Phil comes in and Phil's.

[Don La Greca]

Phil.

[Dave Maloney]

It's all about Phil. And then JD Takes it to the next level and. And Joe just continues that. So I'm looking forward to meeting the challenge, actually.

[Don La Greca]

And, Dave, your connection to the Rangers goes obviously way back in as a player, and then obviously in your years as a broadcaster, just been around the franchise. And that means, of course, that you've had a connection with the fan base for such a long time. Like. Like, how much does that play into the emotion? Because obviously, as a former player, there's a lot of that passion for it. Because you still bleed that range of blue, right? I'm sure you do. But, yeah, because of the connection to fans and knowing that these people are watching and, you know they know you like they've known you for years. Even if you don't know them personally, they know you. Does that. Does that bring a little extra special something to this job for you?

[Dave Maloney]

Well, it's funny you should come this way because I've just been absolutely overwhelmed by the texts I've gotten from people, and I'm. I'm. I'm on social media, but I'm not an active participant. Right. And so my phone has been blowing up and it's overwhelming. I. I just. And I think the thing that I have a passion for the game, obviously, and a passion for this franchise, and as I mentioned, we had a media call this. I'm not going. We all have our innate biases, whatever it is, whether it's sport, religion, whatever it is. And I'm not going to confess to being biased to the team that I think I'm one of the tribal callers. But the magic is presenting execution when it's done right well, and execution when it hasn't been so good, in a manner that it's not personal, and yet it has to be said. So I. I think those are the things that I'm not Saying, I struggle with. Because I think at the end of the day, I think at the end of the day, particularly a pro athlete, and particularly when you get to this stage in life where you have a different perspective, right. Than when you played. Because when you played, you took everything personally, right? So when you get to this level, you respect that because you should take it personally at that level. But the game is hard. The game is hard. I can't speak for your sport, Alan, but hockey's hard and I don't want to forget that either. So, all in all, my connection to the Ranger fans has certainly been something for a long time. I could remember every guy that was in the stands that used to bust my chops. And I can certainly respect the Ranger fandom, and I hope to continue to garner and continue to earn that respect.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Now we're talking to Dave Maloney. He is going to be the new analyst with Kenny Albert on television when the Ranger season starts in October. Talking to him here on ESPN New York. That's why you'd always have that caveat when you'd call a game with me, Dave. You'd say, well, it's easier to say up here. You know, you always get like, because. But I think, you know, for what I do for a living, I think sometimes you got to be critical. And I've always been told, just make sure you show your face. Like, if you're going to call out a player, make sure that you're there in that room. And you do that. You're at, you're at every practice. You can be morning skates. So if you called out Chris Kreider for something or Mika Zabanajad for something, I'm sure they respected the fact that not only did it come from a former player, but a guy that wasn't shooting, you know, threes from the logo that you were in that room. And, and I'm sure the players always appreciated the fact that you're always around.

[Dave Maloney]

Well, I hope so. And all I can say is that I don't want to see. I, I consider myself an analyst, not a critic. Now, maybe there's not a great differentiation between the two terms, right. Because I suppose analysis automatically assumes criticism. I don't kind of look at that way, but I don't. I want. What I really like on is I like when the hockey people say, you know what? I liked what you said. Something had to be said, and I like the way you did it. And those are the things for me. And there's no question, you know, the criticism I Tend to take. That's why, you know, on social media, it's really the many nice comments to take one comment and I'd want to hang somebody.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

Yeah, it's true. Right.

[Dave Maloney]

Good stuff. So you have to kind of roll with the punches and really. And I'm much better prepared now at this stage of my career than maybe I was earlier. But I do hope to keep that. I've always liked that people have the perception or whatever that he. He tells it like it is, whatever that means, you know, and with that, with still the ability to have. And my audience for me is the Ranger audience. But I really like when the hockey people go, you know, I heard what you said. It had to be said. You did a good job. So that's. Again, that's part of my story. I guess I'm sticking to it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And Dave, I'll miss you. It was an absolute honor to call games with you. I think I told you last night that the one person I wanted to impress more than anybody else was you calling games because you're the one guy standing next to me. So the general public wouldn't hear my mistakes. They'd have to listen to what I had to say. But Dave was there. He'd know. He'd see. And whenever I got a compliment for you or if I felt we did a really good game, I was always so proud of that. You taught me so much about the game. There's no way I would have gotten this opportunity with the Devils if it wasn't for you. I'm so happy for you to get to be on television and we both get to walk it to the dark side together in sports, as opposed in life, which usually means you're gone. So that's good.

[Dave Maloney]

Right.

[Don La Greca]

Now. I can't wait. I can't wait for the first Ranger Devil game where the broadcasts are. You know, you're always going to have two different channels, right? Because it's two different broadcasts on msg and the rival kind of calls back and forth. I gotta feel like that puts a little more juice into your relationship now, right? Because of. Now you get the.

[Dave Maloney]

Yeah. No, you know what, Alan? You know, Donnie and I have gone back a long way in this business and. And I respected him because he had another job, and now along comes a young family. And I just respected that he was able to stay with it and stay with it with the passion, despite. Despite having that devil tattooed on his back. So we'll leave it at that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We all got to start somewhere, Dave.

[Dave Maloney]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, and that's where I started. And maybe if it wasn't for the Devils, none of this would have ever happened because I wouldn't have gotten into the sport and all that, you know, so.

[Dave Maloney]

No, you don't need to apologize, Johnny. Like I said before, our passions run deep. A lot of times it runs through our youth, and no one should ever apologize. From my perspective of being about. Passionate about something you love, and that's. I think we're all that way, you know, those of us that get the opportunity. And, Alan, I watch you on msg, and you can tell people who enjoy what they're doing because they like what they're doing, they're good at what they're doing because they're passionate about what they're doing. And off we go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And listen, even though there's different teams that we root for or work for, we're all hockey people, and that community has always been very tight. So I'm always what happens. We're always part of that family, and Alan's a part of that family from his Islander days. So I think the sport very well represented.

[Dave Maloney]

One last comment on our broadcasts. If something ever breaks out physically, Donnie, I'm coming after you because I don't want any part of your partner.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's probably a good idea.

[Don La Greca]

Pair it up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. And by the way, when. When we go at it, if you need to find me, I'll be hiding behind Dan, so that's what you'll be able to find me.

[Don La Greca]

All right, buddy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Congrats, man. Enjoy the rest of your summer.

[Don La Greca]

Appreciate it.

[Dave Maloney]

Thanks a lot, guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm so happy.

[Dave Maloney]

Thank you very much.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah. You know, when Joe Mick retired, I'm like, they better give it to Dave. We were all saying, he so deserves it. I'm so glad that they were able.

[Don La Greca]

To get another great move by Kevin Meininger, Kevin Morata and Ms. No, they did. Andrew Greenberg. This is back to back. Fantastic hires, and it just shows you, again, the network gets it. 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.

[Anthony Pusick]

80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app.

[Don La Greca]

And your smart speakers.