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.