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

Release Date: February 17, 2025

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.