Hour 2: Alan Texting & Stanton's Elbows

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Alan Texting & Stanton's Elbows

Release Date: February 17, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a variety of sports and entertainment topics, blending their unique perspectives to deliver an engaging conversation for their New York and New Jersey audience. The primary focus centers on recent events in the NBA All-Star Game, international hockey versus baseball competitions, Giancarlo Stanton's injury woes with the Yankees, and notable moments from Saturday Night Live (SNL).

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Alan's Texting Antics and On-Air Personas

The episode kicks off with Don and Peter discussing their differing views on Alan Hahn's texting habits, revealing a humorous and candid side of their dynamics.

• Don on Alan's Texting:
  [00:55] “I thought I would have gotten a side face. I would have thought...”

• Peter on Text Tone:
  [01:16] “The craziest part is...”

The conversation highlights the contrast between Alan’s pleasant demeanor in person and his abrasive texting style, prompting laughs and relatable frustrations.

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Listener Call-In: Daniel on International Competitions

Don and Peter engage with Daniel from Patterson, who raises an insightful comparison between international hockey and baseball tournaments.

• Daniel on Hockey vs. Baseball Exhibitions:
  [05:05] “I've been noticing a bias towards the Four Nations hockey tournament...”

Daniel argues that international hockey garners more genuine enthusiasm and rivalry compared to the World Baseball Classic (WBC), attributing this to deeper-rooted rivalries and the underdog status of the U.S. in hockey. He questions why baseball struggles to evoke the same level of interest, despite efforts by Major League Baseball to enhance the WBC's appeal.

• Don's Response:
  [07:30] “...international hockey's a thing. International baseball is not a thing...”

This segment underscores the differing cultural impacts of these sports internationally and domestically, providing listeners with a thoughtful analysis of sports popularity.

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Listener Call-In: Tessa on Gymnastics and NBA All-Star Game

Tessa from West Caldwell brings attention to the rigorous demands of gymnastics on young athletes and critiques NBA personalities.

• Tessa on Gymnastics Juggernaut:
  [09:11] “Gymnastics is no joke. They start at 2 or 3, and they...”

She warns about the intense schedules and physical toll on gymnasts, emphasizing the sport's demanding nature for both boys and girls. Additionally, Tessa criticizes NBA figures like Draymond Green for their behavior, expressing her dissatisfaction with their on-court conduct.

• Peter on NBA Critique:
  [11:32] “So that's why he doesn't count guys.”

This interaction highlights the podcast's commitment to addressing both sports performance and the personalities that influence them.

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Listener Call-In: Raul and Richard on NBA All-Star Game Innovations

Raul’s brief interaction is followed by Richard from St. John's, who proposes unconventional ideas to revitalize the NBA All-Star Game.

• Richard's All-Star Game Proposals:
  [28:06] “First year, next year, raise the basket to 11ft...”

Richard suggests dramatic changes such as elevated baskets, dividing teams by height, and enforcing only three-point shots to make the game more exciting. Don debunks one of Richard's hockey-related questions about NHL rules, showcasing his deep knowledge of the sport.

• Don on NHL Rule:
  [30:09] “Yes. That’s a little known rule that they don't know that...”

Ultimately, Don critiques Richard’s All-Star Game suggestions as “trying too hard,” emphasizing the challenges of reinventing established sports traditions.

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Giancarlo Stanton's Injury Concerns with the Yankees

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Giancarlo Stanton's recurring injuries and their impact on the New York Yankees.

• Don on Stanton’s Injuries:
  [16:05] “...the way he swings so hard and he's not very fluid with his swing...”

Don discusses the implications of Stanton’s frequent injuries on the Yankees' lineup, questioning the team's reliance on him despite his consistent performance issues. He draws parallels to historical sports moments where singular plays overshadowed players' careers.

• Peter on Yankees' Struggles:
  [19:42] "So it's not a hypothetical. It is a reality."

Peter elaborates on the frustration of Yankee fans with Stanton’s unpredictability, highlighting how crucial moments in the postseason have been marred by his errors, thus impacting the team's overall success.

• Don on Aaron Judge’s Performance:
  [23:09] “...you got to let him live that down at some point...”

The hosts express empathy for Aaron Judge, acknowledging his talents while critiquing the recurring issues that prevent the team from reaching its full potential.

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Saturday Night Live (SNL) Highlights and Paul Rudd’s Fame

The conversation shifts to entertainment as Don and Peter discuss the latest SNL sketches and the enduring popularity of actor Paul Rudd.

• Don on SNL’s Memorable Skits:
  [33:03] “I love what SNL did with Tom Hanks where you think it's going to be in a memoriam...”

They commend SNL for balancing humor with sensitive topics, noting the evolving nature of comedy over the decades. Paul Rudd's frequent appearances and his rise as a beloved figure are also highlighted.

• Peter on Paul Rudd’s Versatility:
  [26:50] “He's fantastic in 40 year old virgin.”

The hosts marvel at Paul Rudd's ability to remain relevant and beloved, attributing his success to a combination of charm, talent, and strategic role choices.

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Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, Don and Peter reflect on the discussions, emphasizing the complexities of sports dynamics and the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment. They invite listeners to stay tuned for more insightful conversations in future episodes.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don on International Hockey vs. Baseball:
  [07:30] “International hockey's a thing. International baseball is not a thing.”

• Peter on Alan’s Texting Behavior:
  [04:24] “The craziest part is...”

• Don on NBA All-Star Game Innovations:
  [31:04] “It is never going to be what it was when we were kids.”

• Peter on Yankees’ Future Without Stanton:
  [22:47] “That would be that Don. That's such a nightmare. I can't see that.”

• Don on Paul Rudd’s Relevance:
  [27:32] “...very odd that we can't really come up with the thing that makes him so famous.”

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Key Takeaways

• Sports Rivalries and Popularity: The episode underscores the significance of genuine rivalries in sports, explaining why international hockey captivates audiences more effectively than baseball’s WBC.

• Athlete Performance and Team Dynamics: Giancarlo Stanton’s injury struggles are dissected, revealing the delicate balance teams must maintain when relying on key players.

• Entertainment Evolution: SNL’s ability to adapt its content to modern sensibilities is praised, alongside a discussion on Paul Rudd’s enduring acclaim.

• Listener Engagement: Through multiple call-ins, the hosts engage with their audience, addressing diverse perspectives and fostering a community dialogue around sports and entertainment.

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This comprehensive discussion between Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg offers listeners a blend of humor, insightful analysis, and candid opinions, making it a must-listen for fans of New York sports and pop culture.

Transcript

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[Don]

No, not a second.

[Peter]

Wow. What about Saturday night?

[Don]

It just.

[Peter]

No, I know. No, that's not lack of interest. Yeah. That's not protest. That's just honesty. What about all star Saturday?

[Don]

No, I was all in on, on the game Saturday, the Canadian USA game. I. I know I'm good, but I was following you did a great job of updating us on what was going on. I thought Alan Han was. Was nasty with his. Hold on, by the way. I really, honestly, I'm gonna, I'm blow it up here because I'm in that kind of a mood today.

[Peter]

Well, by the way, this isn't.

[Don]

I thought I would have gotten a side face. I would have thought. I thought I would have gotten a side tag for how bad he was. Just. I just said, full disclosure, he's not here. You know, that's. That, that, that's unfortunately one of the perks for us. Exactly. McClung wins the. The slam dunk. And Peter texting, updating us on what's going on in Alan in like almost a K show fashion. I don't care. Oh, man.

[Peter]

Well, I know.

[Don]

Just don't text back.

[Peter]

No, the crate. The craziest part is. So here's what, here's what makes. Here's what makes K and Han similar and different. K. K is more likely to say he doesn't care on the air, which has its own version of annoying. Like I would say, you know, he, he would right now be trying to talk exclusively about, you know, judge. And I would mention. Hey, you know, I gotta admit, because if you go back down to the tone of my text, the tone of the text Saturday was. All I was expressing was a little, little surprise that a couple of the dunks were actually pretty good. Right? And here's the exact quote I wrote. McClung's winning dunks were pretty dope, I gotta say. Now, Don, tell me, do you understand that's me in that, in that one sentence is me expressing that the dunks were good in spite of the fact that we all agreed we had no interest.

[Don]

Right. That was the title of the thread. It was.

[Peter]

That's what I gotta say meant when you say I gotta say, it's like I'm admitting it actually was kind of good. That's all.

[Don]

It was like my sport moment. It wasn't. Why aren't you watching this? Or.

[Peter]

No, no, keep in mind, let's keep giving more context. This comes on the heels of I'd been texting about the hockey all night. I'd already text. It's a general threat about the hockey.

[Don]

And that was something that was going on, and you were showing genuine surprise.

[Peter]

And Allen's response did. These are in multiple texts. Three separate texts. Didn't watch. Don't care. I'll check it out on IG later. I'm not a representative for the NBA. It's like you're jumping down my throat.

[Don]

Wow. At least he tried to save it with the third one. But by the time you get to the third text, you've already lost everybody.

[Peter]

The question is, is Alan Hahn the guy I see in person who is lovely, or is he the guy I text with, who is a nasty SOB.

[Don]

Who I don't like?

[Peter]

I don't like him. Like, I legitimately don't like him on text. Now he. On the air, he. I never feel thrown under the bus like that. Which makes him a great partner, obviously. Put on text. My God, he's a monster.

[Don]

And we're terrible people for revealing it. But you know what? It had to be. Why not? I think.

[Peter]

I think I've. I think I've said on the air before that he's horrible on text.

[Don]

I've said. I've said it to him on the. It was just so jarring. Now, listen, I felt the same, but my not texting back is sending that message.

[Peter]

That's all you need to do is not text back.

[Don]

Want me to feign interest and have like, oh, good job, Peter. Really? No. I gave you nothing. I didn't want to make you feel bad for it.

[Peter]

No, you're. Listen, you're good. You're also good at giving nothing on the text. I'll say that.

[Don]

Well, I'm not making any kind of a statement. I got a lot going on, and sometimes it was like, you guys got it covered.

[Peter]

That's true. Sometimes it's definitively covered. All right, let's go back to the phone. So many people want to say different things about all of this stuff, considering there's Nothing going on. There's a lot. There's a lot going on. Let's start with. Let's start with Daniel in Patterson. Hey, Daniel.

[Don]

Hey, how's it going, guys?

[Peter]

Hey, buddy.

[Don]

What's up, man? Hey, so I just wanted to speak about the. Lately, I've been noticing a bias towards the Four nations hockey tournament that we're going through right now. It's an exhibition. It's a good time. You know, I love the fact that it's nations against nations. It definitely makes you have a sense of pride while watching it as well. But the thing is, when the World Baseball Classic was going on, there was a big thing about how these games are meaningless. It's a meaningless exhibition. Why are people playing? Edwin Diaz gets hurt and it becomes a thing. Like, oh, Edwin Diaz got hurt because he was playing in this meaningless exhibition game and cheering and celebrating a win that meant nothing. And it's like, well, the four nations, everyone's saying how they love the energy and they're going crazy and they're trying to win the game and going all out. But the World Baseball Classic, it's a bit. It's, like, bad that they did that and it was, like, frowned upon. And why are they doing this? It shouldn't be happening. It's an exhibition. Where. Why is it that. Why? I'm trying to find out. Why is there a bias in the two sports? Well, I mean, bias is strong, but to go with what you're saying is I just don't think international baseball is interesting to a lot of people the way international hockey is like, all right, what's the U.S. s biggest rival in international baseball? He's. I got disconnected. Nobody knows who is it? Is it Mexico? Is it Canada?

[Peter]

He wouldn't have an answer.

[Don]

You don't have an answer because it's not a thing. I mean, they're trying to create something. But I will tell you, there's a lot. There's definitively more interest in the WBC than there was when it first started. It is starting to grow because now you. You. You were able to get Otani versus Trout last year, and the best players are starting to play in it. Like, I don't know if there was anybody that said no to playing in the four nations other than guys that were nursing an injury, but everybody wanted to be in this because international hockey's a thing, because you have people from Finland and you have players from Sweden and Canada and the United States. And if they expand it, you would have Russia and you'd have the Czech Republic. And it would. That's the thing. There are guys around this world that want to play internationally. They care more about a gold medal than they do care about winning a Stanley Cup. Not here in North America, but around the world. Baseball doesn't have it. The teams that were into it were the Caribbean teams and Japan because they wanted to flex their muscle. Because it's our sport. It's hard to get the United States to care because it's our sport. We don't have to win to prove anything. We still feel we're the best, even if we were to lose the wbc. But in hockey, we're the underdog. And international hockey is a thing. International baseball is not a thing. So it's not a bias, Peter. It's just that nobody that loves baseball cared about the wbc. But if you love hockey, you love international hockey, you love that everybody's getting a chance to play that at least represented those four nations and they're into it. But believe me, believe me, if, God forbid, you know, Mika Zabanejow blows out his knee tonight, there'll be people screaming, why is he playing in this meaningless tournament? You would have that. But international hockey is a thing. International baseball is not a thing. But that doesn't mean it can't become a thing. And that's what Major League Baseball is trying to do.

[Peter]

By the way, Don, you mentioned this earlier, and I thought it was such a good point. It's really all about the fact that in. In hockey and in soccer, the US Is the underdog. The US as the favorite in an international competition just does not compel people. It just is what it is.

[Don]

Yeah.

[Peter]

And the wbc, again, there's an organic real. There are multiple, real rivalries in international hockey for the US US Plays Canada rivalry. US Plays Russia rivalry. You have things that will be built in rivals. That just doesn't really exist in baseball. So there's a. There's a multitude of reasons as to why it just doesn't really work, at least at. At this point. Let's go to Tessa. Hey, Tessa in West Caldwell. How you doing, Tessa?

[Tessa]

Hey, guys.

[Don]

How are you?

[Tessa]

Thanks so much for taking my call. I love it. I'm so glad. I'm so glad you guys put Alan out there about him saying he don't care, because Alan's a Gemini, just like me. My birthday studies before Alan, and, yeah, we're no joke. So good. I'm glad y'all put them on blast like that. You guys are crazy. I love y'all. Y'all Crazy. But anyway, I know you said this way earlier in the show, Peter, but when you guys have that discussion about what is a sport that's a juggernaut or hell in the cell for your kids, I'm definite to be on that call, because I'm going to tell you right now, and be careful, because you have a girl, even though the boys do it, too. Gymnastics is no joke. I'm telling you now. They start at 2 or 3, and they. If they bless with injuries and bless with, you know, to keep going, and they continue to do it in college, like my daughter, it's out of control. I mean, you're all over the freaking state. On the weekends, when they're in season, then they have practice. You're running up from practice at 4pm not picking up till 8 or 9pm until maybe your senior year, when they have their own license. I mean, Peter, I'm telling you. And even for you, Marco, or. Or your daughter, Don, they might want to do it. Then you go International Bahamas, Then you go all throughout the country. And we've been there. We've been to every. Oh, my God. Arizona, Virginia, Maryland. It's just all over. So that is a juggernaut of a sport. And you better buckle up, I'm telling you now.

[Peter]

I appreciate this information. Thank you. Thank you, Tessa.

[Tessa]

But I just wanted to say that you guys are correct about everything that you're saying. I really was dialed in and locked in with the hockey game. You know, I was taping everything with the All Star Game. But I'm gonna be honest with you. I think Draymond, he. First of all, he's. He's a polluted guy. He speaks like his breast stinks. He makes me sick. I can't stand him. And I think he just went a little bit too hard. The NBA was at least trying. They were trying to do something. That's what this was called. They can always tweak it, and it can always change things. You know, next year, the format or just do whatever. It's not like with football. Football, they were able to do the flag football. So to me, it is entertaining. Now, I know they're playing around, but it's flag football. So when the NFL does their. I think it's fun now, but we can't do flag football and basketball. They're trying. So for him to just, like, demolish the NBA and say everything was born. Like, who are you to say it? Like Don said, if it was somebody more successful or just somebody that just not getting fined for hitting people in their private parts all the time. You know, maybe we would have took them seriously, but I definitely don't.

[Don]

But.

[Tessa]

So that's why he doesn't count guys. Right.

[Don]

Okay, well. But, you know, it's interesting, Tessa, when you say he doesn't count, I mean, I have. You could take it with a grain of salt because of who he is, but he's not necessarily lying. He might be motivated because that's the kind of game he plays. It's something to pay attention to. I'm sure the NBA was not thrilled that it happened on their broadcast. I mean, we may not care about the All Star game, but I'm sure the NBA was paying attention. And he's not. No one. This. This was a tough weekend for the NBA guys, honestly. I mean, there's a lot of people that agree with Draymond, and this has been something that's been building. And now you actually have, in the United States of America, an NBA event that was dwarfed by a hockey event. And that does not happen in 2025.

[Peter]

The year of our Lord. It happened this weekend. I watched hockey All Star festivities, and I watched a total of about three dunks.

[Don]

Now, what was the. Do we have the ratings for Saturday? Maybe Sunday's ratings didn't come out yet, but over 4 million people watched Canada U.S. a hockey game on a Saturday night. 4 million people watched. I don't. I can't imagine that many people watched the skills competition on Saturday. But no pun intended, The NBA got dunked on Saturday, at least in the public perception, and that doesn't happen. So the NBA is paying attention. I give Adam Silver credit. He pays attention to things like this, and he's going to try to do something about it, I'm sure.

[Peter]

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[Tessa]

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[Don]

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[Peter]

Check responses for accuracy. And they were up against a juggernaut with the SNL thing on set on Sunday night as well.

[Don]

Yeah, there's like no shot there, right? I mean that's. That's a tough one. No LeBron James either. That's got to hurt.

[Peter]

No LeBron James. The SNL thing was the most star studded show, I mean legit ever. Like it's. Don, the. The ticket. I was thinking about this yesterday. To go to the actual SNL show or the after party. Those are about as two. Two of the most coveted things I'm talking about. You could compare it to Oscar season. All of that stuff there. When you talk about the Grammys or the Oscars, you have to remember there are tons a. The venues are big and there are tons of people there who nobody cares about. I mean, respectfully, there are people nominated who just no one's heard of. Tons of categories with nobody's in it. Don, last night you're recording at 30 Rock. The studio itself is small, only hold several hundred people. And Don, everyone who's a part of it is a big name. There's not, there's no, there was no invited guests really, who were nobody. I mean, I'm sure, I'm sure important people got to bring people and not everyone in the studio is famous. But man, the ticket last night, iconic. Let's go back to the phones. It's risky. You want to take a risk on or no.

[Don]

Should we? Not really.

[Peter]

All right, we won't take a risk yet. No, let's not take a risk. You're right. We don't need to. Let's go to. Let's go to Raul in Harrisburg. Hey, Raul.

[Tessa]

Hey, gentlemen.

[Don]

Nice speaking to you. Met you at the Tavern.

[Tessa]

Tab.

[Don]

Thanks for taking my drink, Peter.

[Peter]

Oh, thank you for giving me.

[Don]

That was very nice. A lovely. You signed the ball, too. That was lovely.

[Peter]

My man. Bro. Thank you.

[Don]

Thank you. Yeah, Two quick takes. Number one, the NBA. That's why I don't watch it anymore.

[Tessa]

You know why?

[Don]

They got to stop those three pointers. They got to go back to that old school game, cut.

[Tessa]

Remember the Utah Jazz?

[Don]

You know, all those guys, Ace of cut. They got to bring that back. And then our other take is Stanton. I think the guy is getting injured with all that tweak on his. I just want to hear your take. Thanks. Thanks for taking my call, man.

[Peter]

His theory is what? On the Stanton injuries, all that. What?

[Don]

I didn't. I couldn't. Oh, yeah, that. Okay, guys. I wasn't sure what he was saying. Yeah. Because the way he swings so hard and he's not very fluid with his swing, that. That's probably damaging to him. I don't think there's any question about that. And we need to get deeper into the Stanton stuff because.

[Peter]

Well, let's. Let's real quick, let's. Let's play this because. Yeah, he's got issues. It sounds like in both. In both of his hands. Let's hear from Boone. Would you DH Judge if Stanton's out booning?

[Don]

That sounded like a hypothetical look, you know, hopefully that's not the case, but anytime G's down, I like to give that as time for Judge DH some. So it just depends. It depends what the makeup of our club is, honestly.

[Peter]

Like who's in the mix.

[Don]

You know, if we have a more natural DH or something, then he won't get a lot of DH reps. But there are times throughout the year, you know, more so when he's been playing center field, that I really value him getting some DH days. But that'll still be the case in right field. So we'll see. I mean, this is not a. Everybody looks at it as, oh, well, we don't care about the regular season with him anyway. As long as he's ready for the postseason, the day's going to come. He's not going to be ready for that either. He's always getting hurt and now he's getting hurt to start the season, which means you've got to juggle some things around. Do I think the Yankees are in trouble if they don't have Giancarlo Stanton? No, I think they're still very good baseball team. But this idea, as long as he's ready for the postseason, you have to wrap your mind around the fact that that day may come to an end soon. He's not a spring Chicken. He's always getting hurt. And do you think he's just automatically going to rake in the postseason if he was compromised in the regular season as he continues to get older? So now you talk about hypotheticals. I'm sorry, Aaron, you got to address that question. Your own general manager said going into last year, he's always hurt. So it's not that much of a hypothetical what you're going to do with DH when your DH is always hurt. He started spring training with him hurt, so you can't be dealing in hypotheticals. Peter, when the guy is always hurt, it's always in question who is going to be your DH if Stanton gets hurt. Is it really an if? It's more of a when. So it's not a hypothetical. It is a reality.

[Peter]

Isn't it crazy that this Yankee team, the one guy they can always count on in the playoffs, they can basically never count on for an entire regular season, and the guy who is their bread and butter in the regular season is yet to have a great postseason? They just. It like the relationship of Judge and Stanton don't. It's so symptomatic of the problem of this baseball team over the last half decade or more. It just never. It's yet to all come together in a real way. I mean, this past last. This last postseason, Stanton absolutely raked. And Judge really was never great. Don, when he finally looked like he might be going the right direction, might be. He has, of course, the critical error in the inning that shall not be named.

[Don]

Oh, my God.

[Peter]

So, like, they've just never been able to fully be there. It's crazy.

[Don]

And I gotta tell you, I don't. When we were talking about great players known for a moment, I'm not ready to put Judge that we're only. The first thing you think of is that drop in the fifth inning. But, God, people don't let it go. Yankee fans, don't let it go.

[Peter]

Really.

[Don]

I mean, I'm not even a Yankee fan, but I feel bad for Judge. I mean, this is a singular talent who I do think has contributed in the postseason, just not living up to his expectations. But, God, you got to let him live that down at some point, man. I know it contributed to one of the worst innings in the history of baseball, but this is not nobody. And God, it just. You can't. You just can't get around it. I know he hasn't played a meaningful game since then, so hopefully he'll be able to get up from it. But God, until he wins, that is going to live. It's going to continue to grow and grow. It is. God, it just will not go away, isn't it?

[Peter]

It's almost like on this show, Don, we didn't quite give it that much, but it was almost like what a worst case scenario that was. Like. I remember I was kind of focused on, oh my God, is Judge ever going to really wake up in the playoffs? Because, Don, my feeling was last year if he didn't wake up in the playoffs, we were going to have this really frustrating situation of oh my God, incredible year. But he let us down in the playoffs. Not only did that basically happen, but at the end you had something worse than just not showing up. You have this one play that whether Tom, we know that's not the whole reason they lost that game, but it was glaring enough that it's just kind of a worst case scenario.

[Don]

But when you think about like those moments in history that I did, that top five last week, the Buckner play, the game was already tied. The way the Mets were playing in 86, they probably win that game in extra innings. So there's a lot of things Stanley has to be held culpable for. What happened there. McNamara, having Buckner in that game in the first place makes him a goat in that game. You go to the Gary Anderson miss, all right, they still had a chance to win the game in overtime and didn't. But history doesn't remember those things. Peter, he, because he's the biggest name and because it was the biggest gaffe, that's going to be what's remembered. And it'll continue to build until he wins. It's going to continue to build. So I hope for him that he's able to get up from it. But man, if he never wins, what a shame. It would be that that's what you remember him for. And that could happen. And I don't think it will because I think he's still young enough to do enough damage to not have it be that case. But from a Yankee fan perspective, where all you, all you ever read is, well, Michael brought up something where he thought the Judge was better than Ohtani. You brought that up, I guess, on Friday, right, Anthony? And so people were reacting to that on social media and everybody's like Walton, well, at least in the regular season, he is not in the postseason like it. And this is coming from Yankee fans a lot of times. So if he doesn't win, Peter, fast forward 25 years from now, is that the play we're going to remember about Aaron Judge? What a shame that would be.

[Peter]

That would be that Don. That's such a nightmare. I can't see that.

[Don]

I can't see it. I can't see it. He's too good.

[Peter]

But, I mean, even if they don't win, I can't see it being that way. Like, I still think. I still think your worst case would be, is he'd be Don Mattingly. I don't see a scenario which he's defined by a bad moment, given the career that he's had. I mean, given 62 and, you know.

[Don]

Everything else, and it's so unfair. But Yankee fans, we could do the whole show on this. It was game five. You. You were down three games to one. I think you lost to a better team. Like, it wasn't in Game 7. It wasn't like, if he caught that ball, they win the series.

[Peter]

But no, no, it was. All it did was it quelled the hopes. There was a moment. The way that game started, the way game five started, you went, all right, this is so dominant. They may be back. Like, hold on. And then the way they lost was so brutal that you're right. It made it seem like it was a closer series than it was just because it was so, so brutal.

[Don]

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[Peter]

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[Don]

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[Peter]

Anniversary and have to spend the next.

[Don]

20 years of your marriage making up for it. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary terms apply. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want.

[Peter]

Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. I assume this is because Don and I love New Jack Hustler, right?

[Don]

Oh, no. Well, yesterday was Ice T's birthday, so.

[Peter]

Oh, Ice T's birthday. He follows Don on it on Twitter.

[Don]

He does.

[Peter]

It's one of the great achievements in Don's life.

[Don]

It wasn't nothing.

[Peter]

Something you care about. Something means something. God. I'll tell you what, man, speaking of people that are just great, I mean, who lives a better life than Paul Rudd? Paul who then? Paul Rudd.

[Don]

Oh, that. He. He's amazing. The things he enters into. Excuse me.

[Peter]

I don't know everything about his life.

[Don]

That was a reach, but we got there. No, but like, this is the end. He did a cameo. Did a cameo last night on Saturday Night. I don't think of Paul Rudd when I think of Saturday Night Live. Yet there he is.

[Peter]

Well, he's been, He's. Over the last, over the last decade or so, he's become a kind of a fixture on snl. I feel like he's become a fixture in everything. That's kind of my.

[Don]

That's. That's my. Yeah, that's the overall point is that he finds a way because he is so relevant. It is pretty crazy because what is he known for?

[Peter]

Yeah. What is his number one thing?

[Don]

Yeah, what.

[Peter]

See, now, see, now you're talking. Because what is it that makes him famous?

[Don]

He was in Friends for a little bit, but that's. Because he. That, that's not it. And, and you know, what was the movie he did with Jason Siegel? Was it Best Man? Something? It just there was like he's been in, like, he's. Again, I'm a fan.

[Peter]

He was in this is 40.

[Don]

I love you, man. That's what it was.

[Peter]

I love you, man. This is 40.

[Don]

Yeah, he's.

[Peter]

He's fantastic in 40 year old virgin.

[Don]

But not a star. Like, I don't want to call him a character actor.

[Peter]

Natalie. Natalie's yelling friends. Don already said friends. Are you happy? We know, but it's not. That's not it. Because there's something more than these things he's become. I think he's just so handsome and charming that it's like the sum is greater than the parts.

[Don]

Well, listen, he's gotten some big roles. Ant man fairly recently and was the Ghostbusters reboot that came out or sequel, whatever you wanted to call it. But that, that's because of how famous he is. But like, what made him so famous? And I'm not using as an insult, like how. Who is this guy? It's just very odd that we can't really come up with the thing that.

[Peter]

That's what we're trying to say. This is not one of those people at all where you're going, why? Are they famous? No, he deserves to be famous. He's wonderful. But it is interesting. It's almost like the overall fame and love for him exceeds the projects that he's done. Maybe Richard Manhattan has a theory.

[Richard]

Hi, Don. Peter. Best Saturday night sketch was Bellucci. No. Cheap burger. Cheap burger, Cheap burger, cheap burger. No Coke, Pepsi. That was the greatest ever.

[Peter]

That's number one. Okay.

[Richard]

In my opinion, St. John's gave us more thrills these last two weeks than the Giants and Jets combined the whole season. Now I will fix the NBA All Star game. Not the NBA, the NBA All Star game. I got three ways we can do it. And you can do 1, 2, 3. First year, next year, raise the basket to 11ft. Just for this one game. Everything the same. Make it 11ft. That's number one. Number two, I go with have two teams. No, east, west, two teams. One team, six, five and under. The second team, six, six and over. That's what that would it be the small guys versus the big guys. I'd love to see that. And the third way I would change it, I would make the game. No. Every shot has to be a three point shot. In other words, you're only defending from mid court to the three point line. That's only way you'll play defense is 20ft each way. So you have to play defense. That way no other shot can be taken inside the three point line. So every shot has to be a three point. I would watch all three of those games and just see what happens. I would think they're great. Now, Don, I got a hockey question for you.

[Peter]

All right. Sure.

[Richard]

The other night, Rua, five, three, losing. He pulls the goalie four and a half minutes to go in the game. And of course 10 seconds less later, the other team scores a goal. Six, three. Okay. Why can't this happen? I'm playing devil's advocate, Don. Rangers are playing islanders overtime. Scores 3, 3. Rangers are deep in the Islander territory in overtime. Or maybe even a face off deep in Islander territory. Why don't the Rangers pull the goalie so they get an extra man out in Islander territory and go for the shot. Why not? The worst that can happen. Islanders get an empty net goal and they get. The Rangers will get one point.

[Don]

They will not. You forfeit your one point if you pull the goaltender late in a tie game. In overtime.

[Richard]

In overtime.

[Don]

Yes. That, that's a, that's a little known rule that they don't know that. Yes.

[Richard]

What did you say, Don? Say it again.

[Don]

So, all right. So Rangers, Islanders tied at 3. Regular season overtime game right. 10 seconds left. Face off deep in the zone. Rangers pull the goaltender. Islanders score. Islanders score into the empty net. The Rangers would forfeit the point that they would earn with the overtime loss because they pulled the goaltender.

[Richard]

Oh, I didn't know that. How would I now?

[Don]

Maybe you'd still do that if you need like this is where it gets really interesting, I think late in the season. Like if you need two points, Peter, and. And you can't afford to lose the. You can't afford to have the game end in a tie or go to the shootout or whatever and you decide I'm going to pull the goaltender. It could be really interesting. But you do forfeit the point. The NHL put that in there. So that teams. Why should you be awarded the point when you're going for. You're going for the win? It's. You should have to sacrifice something if you're pulling the goaltender. So, so, so that is.

[Peter]

So basically what you said respectfully to Richard.

[Don]

Yes.

[Peter]

What you just said completely nullifies what he said.

[Don]

Yes. But. But I understand him not knowing that rule because it's a little known rule because why would you ever do it? Especially with the shootout now. But someone.

[Peter]

Can someone on our social media page please put up Richard's ideas to save the All Star Game? Because I don't know what's my favorite one. Is it make the basket 11ft? Is it the big guys versus little guys? Or is it every shot? At no point during Richard's call was there anything that resembled an interesting thought that could actually happen. I mean, respectfully.

[Don]

It's just trying too hard, bro. I don't even fault Richard because this always happens. We do it every year during some All Star game that's coming up. How can we make it more interesting? How can we get more people to watch? There is no answer. It's just like the LT drop. There is no answer. You're never gonna understand what LT said. You're never gonna fix the All Star Game unless you completely do away with it. Create something completely different. If you are trying to save and make the All Star Game interesting, the ship has sailed. Not gonna happen. It's over. So either just take the knee like the NFL did and not do it or just live with way the way that it is and just accept the fact that no one cares. Players don't care. But the sponsors still have to have it. You have it in a unique location so you can schmooze your sponsors and all that. Which is really the only reason you have it for. Anyway, listen, the building was still full, right?

[Peter]

Oh yeah, no people. I mean in the city, in the city in which it takes place, there's always a good time to be had.

[Don]

And listen, I'm sure it didn't do a great number, but it did something like. So it's, it's, it's never going to be what it was when we were kids. All right. It's just never going to be.

[Peter]

Ken. I will say this though, this is important. I truly believe Jacob and Anthony, that the phone click in that call was drop worthy from Richard.

[Richard]

Oh, I didn't know that.

[Peter]

Not only. No, no. And, and his Cheeburger. Cheeburger. There were multiple drops in there for Richard.

[Don]

I just want to say that I love what SNL did with Tom Hanks where you think it's going to be in a memoriam and they're going to go over all the people that died. They just all, all of the inappropriate skits that did.

[Peter]

That was so good, Good, good for.

[Don]

Them going there like. Cause you know what, no matter how you kind of fall on that whole subject, there are some things that just, just life, we evolve as people. What was funny in 1978 and completely appropriate. It's not appropriate now, but they still allowed you to honor the effort from back then.

[Peter]

Yeah, but it's such a great point by you, Don. There are people right now who could be screaming about anti white woke anti cancel culture. And even them in their quiet hours if they were to see some of those sketches would go, eh, it doesn't work. So no matter how you feel about it, some of those things just don't work anymore. But you can't actually get rid of them from your history. So the fact that they turned it into a funny thing was another one of the great things that SNL did last night. A great thing you're going to get right now is Don talking about Ramsey Mazda.

[Don]

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[Peter]

I don't want to know how the.

[Don]

Sausage is made, man.

[Peter]

I just want to know.

[Don]

It's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8.

[Peter]

80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app.

[Don]

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