Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 2: Misiorowski & The NFL Binge
Release Date: July 14, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg delve into the controversial selection of Jacob Mazeroski (referred to as Misiorowski) for the MLB All-Star Game. The discussion transitions into an extensive segment on the NFL, focusing on quarterback rankings and the New York Jets' recent developments. Throughout the episode, the hosts express their opinions on maintaining sports integrity versus embracing popular narratives.

Main Discussion: All-Star Game Selection Controversy

Selection of Jacob Mazeroski The core of the episode revolves around the surprising inclusion of Jacob Mazeroski in the MLB All-Star Game despite his limited performance metrics. Mazeroski boasts a commendable 4.12 ERA over five starts, including innings without allowing a hit. However, his selection has sparked debate about whether such early career achievements warrant All-Star recognition.

• Don Hahn expresses skepticism:

  [02:52] “Your thoughts?”

• Peter Rosenberg highlights the novelty of the situation:

  [03:03] “The story is he was here for a minute. I know, but it was a big minute.”

Debate Over Deservedness The hosts discuss whether Mazeroski deserves his spot or if his selection is a narrative-driven decision rather than based on merit.

• Rosenberg questions the selection criteria:

  [05:09] “Because it doesn't make sense. That's why.”

• Hahn emphasizes the importance of earned recognition:

  [13:02] “Take your hat off and say, guys, I appreciate it, but listen, I'll go. I'll go hang out, but I should not be in that game.”

Comparisons to Past Events

John Scott’s NHL All-Star Selection Rosenberg draws parallels between Mazeroski’s MLB selection and John Scott’s infamous NHL All-Star appearance. Scott, a minor league player with scant NHL experience, was fan-voted into the All-Star Game, leading to widespread mockery despite his underwhelming performance.

• Rosenberg recounts:

  [12:10] “He ended up playing 286 games. So whatever the number was, I think he ended up playing for one for Montreal after the All Star Game. And then his career was off.”

• Hahn reflects on the negative aftermath:

  [13:02] “He's gonna go to the mound now. He might have filthy stuff, but he…”

Implications for Sports Integrity The comparison underscores the tension between fan-driven selections and merit-based recognitions, raising concerns about the long-term impact on the sport’s credibility.

• Hahn states:

  [21:04] “Yeah.”

• Rosenberg adds:

  [21:17] “That's the problem with baseball. Everything is making it out of church, five appearances. Things are fun when they're stupid.”

Critique of All-Star Game’s Criteria

Shift to Popularity and Storylines The hosts critique the evolving criteria for All-Star selections, arguing that the process has shifted from honoring the best performers to celebrating popular or sensational stories.

• Rosenberg criticizes:

  [16:24] “... it's becoming. This All Star Game that's supposed to be so special. Whoever starts isn't so much any kind of credibility. It's how many fans voted for no. So it becomes a popularity contest.”

• Hahn underscores the loss of standards:

  [17:42] “What is this? It's. Again, what is it supposed to represent? These are the best that we have now. You're right. It's already a mockery because we've...”

Consequences for the Sport The dilution of selection criteria may lead to a devaluation of the All-Star Game’s prestige and the athletes' achievements.

• Rosenberg reflects:

  [23:00] “That's the problem with baseball. Everything is making it out of church, five appearances. Things are fun when they're stupid.”

NFL Binge: Jets and Quarterback Rankings

Focus on New York Jets Transitioning from MLB, the podcast shifts to NFL discussions, particularly focusing on the New York Jets' recent activities and quarterback situation.

• Rosenberg introduces the topic:

  [26:56] “Now, of course, Garrett Wilson went to Ohio State. Justin Fields went to Ohio State. So easy for them to be fans of each other.”

Garrett Wilson’s Contract and Team Dynamics The conversation highlights Garrett Wilson's four-year contract extension and explores the synergy between him and quarterback Justin Fields.

• Hahn remarks on the team’s tranquility:

  [35:02] “…there has been so much turmoil for the last two years with the jets...”

• Rosenberg discusses Wilson’s comfort:

  [30:06] “So he's comfortable now. Look, I'm not.”

Quarterback Rankings Debate A significant segment is dedicated to debating the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL, analyzing various players' performances and their standings.

• Hahn asks about ranking:

  [42:07] “So let's have fun, Don.”

• Rosenberg attempts to list and includes notable controversy over selections:

  [49:05] “But it makes sense. Show who's not in the top 10. That should be all right. You can't get mad that Geno Smith's not there...”

Quarterback Rankings Analysis

Top 10 Quarterbacks Discussion The hosts collaboratively compile a list of the top 10 quarterbacks, debating the inclusion and exclusion of various players based on recent performances and potential.

• Rosenberg lists key quarterbacks:

  [42:54] “Right, so I got, I want to get this right. Okay.”

• Hahn offers insights on team performance:

  [43:18] “All right, well, I'll tell you what.”

Exclusion of Prominent Players The analysis includes scrutiny of why certain high-profile quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert are ranked where they are, reflecting on their teams' dynamics and individual performances.

• Rosenberg expresses surprise:

  [46:37] “And I'll say this, I'll give him this. Allen, there's two honorable mentions. If you mention one of those three, I think I might give.”

• Hahn reacts to the rankings:

  [47:02] “He was unranked. Interesting, because I was thinking, all right, you got Stroud...”

Conclusions

Preservation of Sports Integrity Both hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining high standards in sports recognitions like All-Star selections to preserve the credibility and honor of athletic achievements.

• Hahn concludes:

  [19:44] “All right, I'm. I'm just telling you that the minute we start changing the standards. But what is you can never bring it back.”

Entertainment vs. Meritocracy The episode underscores the ongoing balance between making sports entertaining and ensuring that recognitions are earned based on merit rather than popularity or fleeting narratives.

• Rosenberg reflects:

  [23:54] “Often, you could have. You could debate that. The other receiving votes...”

• Hahn encapsulates the dilemma:

  [19:58] “I never said that made sense.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a robust discussion on the implications of selection processes in sports and transitions smoothly into an engaging segment on NFL quarterback rankings. The hosts balance their critique of current practices with an insightful analysis of player performances, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts interested in the intersection of merit and entertainment in modern athletics.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [05:09]:

  “Because it doesn't make sense. That's why.”

• Peter Rosenberg [13:02]:

  “Take your hat off and say, guys, I appreciate it, but listen, I'll go. I'll go hang out, but I should not be in that game.”

• Peter Rosenberg [16:24]:

  “... it's becoming. This All Star Game that's supposed to be so special. Whoever starts isn't so much any kind of credibility. It's how many fans voted for no. So it becomes a popularity contest.”

• Don Hahn [19:44]:

  “All right, I'm. I'm just telling you that the minute we start changing the standards. But what is you can never bring it back.”

• Peter Rosenberg [23:00]:

  “That's the problem with baseball. Everything is making it out of church, five appearances. Things are fun when they're stupid.”

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