Podcast Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
Episode: Hour 2: Leaving Early & The List
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Hosts: Don, Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg
Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, long-time sportswriter and New York Knick broadcaster Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg discuss New York sports and beyond.

1. Introduction to the All Star Game Controversy

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the recent controversies surrounding Major League Baseball's All Star Game, specifically focusing on the practice of star players leaving early to rest. Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg delve into the implications of this trend, analyzing its impact on the integrity of the game and fan perceptions.

Notable Quote:

Don Hahn (09:48): "I'm more mad at baseball for it than I am judging Ohtani."

2. Commercial Critique and Player Responsibilities

The hosts critique a recent All Star Game commercial that features non-athletic actors mimicking baseball players, which has sparked backlash among baseball purists. They argue that such commercials disrupt the authenticity of the sport and alienate dedicated fans.

Notable Quotes:

Peter Rosenberg (03:04): "It felt so much like a Broadway rendition of baseball."

Don Hahn (05:24): "If that commercial was on during anything I watch, I wouldn't see it because I'd either flip the channel or fast forward through it."

3. Star Players Leaving Early: Judge and Ohtani

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, two of baseball's biggest stars, who reportedly left the All Star Game early. The hosts debate whether allowing such departures is fair, considering their contributions to the sport and the potential message it sends to fans and other players.

Key Points:

• Fairness and Obligations: Hahn questions the fairness of allowing star players to leave while others remain, suggesting it creates a double standard.

• Impact on Fans: There's concern that fans feel cheated when pivotal players are absent during key moments like the Home Run Derby.

• MLB Policies: The discussion highlights possible shortcomings in MLB's policies regarding player obligations during the All Star break.

Notable Quotes:

Peter Rosenberg (12:15): "The best home run hitter in the sport was not available when it came down to home runs to win the game."

Don Hahn (14:53): "Major League Baseball needs to put a stop to that. You either in or you're out."

4. Listener Feedback and Suggestions

The episode features several listener calls providing perspectives on the All Star Game and potential solutions to the ongoing issues.

Highlights:

• Felicia from Mississippi (40:56): Expresses frustration with the "swing off" concept and its applicability to regular-season games, drawing parallels with the NHL's shootout.

• Marvin from Long Island (47:37): Advocates for implementing a curfew rule for extended games to prevent overnight finishes, enhancing viewer experience and maintaining game integrity.

Notable Quotes:

Marvin (47:37): "Baseball is in an existential crisis. Fans skew older. I feel like this gets casual fans in."

Don Hahn (48:17): "I want to check this out. I want to see something that compels you."

5. Proposed Solutions for Enhancing the All Star Experience

Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg brainstorm potential methods to make the All Star Game more engaging and fair:

• Swing Off Incentives: Hahn suggests that if players are allowed to leave early, there should be corresponding incentives, such as participation in the Home Run Derby.

• Credit for Losses: Introducing a point system where losses in the swing-off have different weights, similar to the NHL's regulation and shootout losses, could provide a balanced approach.

• Enhanced Player Commitments: Proposing stricter enforcement of player commitments to the All Star Game, ensuring all selected players participate fully unless medically exempt.

Notable Quotes:

Don Hahn (17:30): "If you want to leave early, then you gotta be in the Home Run Derby."

Peter Rosenberg (22:48): "He didn't have to do media after Aaron Judge didn't. Apparently didn't have to do media after this game."

6. Transition to "The List" Segment: Celebrating Will Ferrell

Shifting gears, the hosts introduce "The List" segment, celebrating actor Will Ferrell's 58th birthday by ranking his top five movie characters. This segment provides a lighter, comedic break from the intense sports discussions.

Top Five Will Ferrell Movie Characters:

1. Ron Burgundy from Anchorman

   • Don Hahn (29:08): "Ron Burgundy was also an anchorman too. I'm in a glass case of emotion."

2. Buddy the Elf from Elf

   • Don Hahn (30:07): "Buddy the Elf. What's your favorite color?"

3. Frank "The Tank" from Old School

   • Peter Rosenberg (30:29): "Frank the Tank was a household name in comedy."

4. Ricky Bobby from Talladega Nights

   • Don Hahn (30:43): "Ricky Bobby: I wake up in the morning, I piss excellence."

5. Brennan from Stepbrothers

   • Don Hahn (29:07): "Brennan from Stepbrothers. They just become best friends."

Notable Quotes:

Don Hahn (31:45): "Buddy the Elf from Elf. What's your favorite color?"

Peter Rosenberg (34:24): "He's played Chaz in two different movies. Like Chaz in Wedding Crushers."

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with reflections on the discussed topics, reinforcing the need for MLB to address the concerns raised to maintain the sport's popularity and integrity. The hosts emphasize the importance of balancing player well-being with fan expectations.

Final Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg (49:53): "If you talk it out, maybe there's ways to make it work. I don't think there is, but the more you talk about it, the more you start to think maybe there is a way."

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a comprehensive exploration of significant issues facing Major League Baseball's All Star Game, blending in lighthearted segments to keep the conversation engaging and informative for enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.