Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – “Hour 2: MLB ASG & Talk About It Tuesday”
Podcast Information:
- Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
- Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
- Episode: Hour 2: MLB ASG & Talk About It Tuesday
- Release Date: July 15, 2025
- Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, longtime sportswriter and New York Knick broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg discuss New York sports and beyond.
1. MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby Discussion
Timestamp: 1:00 – 12:00
The episode kicks off with Don Hahn sharing his impressions of the recent MLB Home Run Derby, highlighting Cal Raleigh's standout performance. Don notes, “He was just hitting bombs. They all were, but he obviously won the day” (02:04), emphasizing Raleigh's ability to captivate fans with his powerful swings.
Alan Rosenberg concurs, appreciating the initial excitement brought by players like O'Neill and Cruz: “He put on a show that got the party started... That's what I love about this event” (01:55). The discussion shifts to how the Home Run Derby serves as a platform for introducing emerging talent to a broader audience, especially younger fans who consume baseball differently today.
Don elaborates on the significance of these events in modern baseball: “You need to have these events for regional sports because unlike basketball and football... they have to consume nothing other than the team that they follow” (03:12). This underscores the role of marquee events in maintaining and growing the sport’s fanbase amidst changing consumption habits.
2. Modern Sports Consumption and Virality
Timestamp: 12:00 – 25:00
A significant portion of the conversation centers on how sports, particularly baseball, are adapting to the digital age. Don criticizes the shift towards virality over traditional metrics of player merit: “It's no longer about... who's viral and how can we go viral too” (07:11). He argues that events like the All-Star Game are now more about creating shareable moments rather than honoring the sport's best based on performance and dedication.
Alan adds, “This is now about being in the algorithm,” highlighting the tension between authentic sports celebration and the demands of social media-driven visibility (07:11). The hosts debate the implications of this shift, questioning whether it undermines the integrity of the sport and alienates long-time fans who value traditional aspects of the game.
3. The Role of All-Star Events in Cultivating Fans
Timestamp: 25:00 – 35:00
Don emphasizes the necessity of All-Star events in introducing players to a wider audience: “When you got a chance to catch lightning in a bottle as a commissioner, don't you... let's put him in the game again” (07:11). He advocates for leveraging these moments to boost player recognition and engage new fans, despite any shortcomings in standard performance metrics.
Alan counters by reflecting on generational differences in sports fandom, stressing the importance of balancing appeals to both older and younger audiences: “You can't just say to people, 'get over it,' because your generation's not being served anymore” (11:19). This highlights the challenge of maintaining traditional fan loyalty while attracting a new, digitally-savvy audience.
4. Overemphasis on Player Physiques and Personalities
Timestamp: 35:00 – 45:00
A humorous yet critical segment ensues as Alan and Don discuss the overfocus on Cal Raleigh's physique during broadcasts. Alan remarks, “The guy's hitting home runs, and all you want to talk about is the guy's ass” (15:37), expressing frustration over media distractions from athletic performance.
Don agrees, advocating for better broadcast content: “If you're hammering the same thing, then just do a better broadcast” (16:14). This segment underscores the tension between entertainment-driven commentary and pure sports analysis, questioning what truly enhances the viewer's experience.
5. Audience Interaction and Callers’ Perspectives
Timestamp: 45:00 – 55:00
Listeners contribute their viewpoints through calls, enriching the discussion on the MLB All-Star Game and broader sports dynamics. One caller reminisces about the nostalgia of traditional All-Star events: “I remember when I was a kid... it felt like an event” (43:05). This reflects a longing for the past structure of sports events that fostered communal excitement.
Another caller expresses concern about baseball's future, comparing it to the NHL’s dwindling casual fanbase: “I feel like baseball is gonna turn into one of those sports like the NHL where you don't really have a casual fan” (45:08). These interactions highlight the diverse perspectives among the fanbase regarding the evolution of sports consumption.
6. Let’s Talk About It Tuesday Segment
Timestamp: 55:00 – End
Transitioning into “Let’s Talk About It Tuesday,” the hosts delve into a humorous and personal discussion about balancing sports fandom with personal relationships. Alan shares a relatable scenario where his wife tests his dedication to her over a game victory, sparking a light-hearted debate on priorities and personal life.
Don adds his own anecdotes, emphasizing the importance of family while maintaining his passion for sports: “I'm a human being that loves my family” (30:31). This segment adds a personal touch to the podcast, showcasing the hosts' ability to intertwine humor with genuine reflections on modern life challenges.
7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode wraps up with Don and Alan reaffirming the need for baseball to adapt to changing viewer habits by creating engaging and viral moments through events like the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. They emphasize the importance of reaching out to younger audiences without alienating long-time fans, striving to maintain baseball's status as a beloved pastime in a highly competitive entertainment landscape.
Don concludes, “Baseball used to be king... now basketball is threatening baseball as our national pastime” (31:03), urging the sport to innovate and resonate with the digital generation to secure its future.
Notable Quotes:
- Don Hahn: “It's no longer about... who's viral and how can we go viral too” (07:11)
- Alan Rosenberg: “This is how All Star weekends for all these sports has become” (09:15)
- Don Hahn: “Baseball used to be king. And then slowly football has taken over everything and consumed it like a monster” (13:19)
- Alan Rosenberg: “Touching on how do you sell the game” (10:44)
Final Remarks: This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg provides a deep dive into the current state of Major League Baseball's All-Star events, the impact of modern media consumption on sports, and the delicate balance between engaging new fans and retaining traditional ones. Through insightful discussions and listener interactions, the hosts offer a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of sports entertainment.