Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: Sports Movie Discrepancies

Release Date: February 27, 2025

In the second hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg dive deep into the world of sports cinema, dissecting the discrepancies that plague some of the genre's most beloved films. From continuity errors to casting missteps, the trio explores how these flaws impact the storytelling and authenticity of sports movies.

Introduction: Setting the Stage for Sports Movie Analysis

The episode kicks off with Don Hahn transitioning from an advertisement to the core content at the 4:00 mark. The hosts immediately engage with listener calls, setting a conversational tone that balances humor with critical analysis.

Listener Call-In: Defending Personal Records and Gym Culture [05:12]

Caller Eric from Woodbridge joins the discussion, initially defending the term "PR" (Personal Record) against Peter Rosenberg’s critique. As the conversation unfolds, it shifts humorously to the concept of "gym bros," highlighting the show's knack for blending serious topics with light-hearted banter.

• Alan Hahn: “Once you start saying PR at the gym, that means you're the... you're a big-time gym guy. And that doesn't mean it's all bad.”

• Peter Rosenberg: "You're a slang narc. That's what you are."

This segment underscores the hosts' ability to transition seamlessly between different subjects while maintaining engagement.

Dissecting Sports Movie Continuities and Casting Errors [12:30]

The core of the episode revolves around identifying and critiquing discrepancies in various sports movies. The hosts focus on continuity errors, casting choices, and plot inconsistencies that detract from the viewing experience.

1. Field of Dreams: Batting Side Oversight [22:45]

Don Hahn criticizes a glaring continuity error in Field of Dreams, pointing out that Ray Liotta's character batted right-handed despite being left-handed in real life.

• Don Hahn: “You can't have Ray Liotta who plays Shoeless Joe Jackson bat right-handed. He was left-handed.”

This mistake, Hahn argues, is easily fixable with modern technology but was overlooked, highlighting a lapse in quality control.

2. Million Dollar Baby: Dramatic License Gone Awry [35:10]

The hosts debate the believability of the film's dramatic moments, particularly the scene where a hospital shuts down a respirator without any alarms or interventions.

• Peter Rosenberg: “Do you know a hospital that shuts it down? Have you ever been in a hospital walking through the halls where they shut the lights off?”

• Alan Hahn: “Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, phenomenal acting, great story. Garbage. Because that can't be your ending.”

This critique emphasizes how unrealistic portrayals can undermine the emotional gravity of a film.

3. Draft Day: An Underrated Gem [48:20]

In contrast, Draft Day receives praise for its accurate depiction of the sports management process.

• Alan Hahn: “It's a great, great movie. It's so well done. I'm surprised it doesn't get more love, like the love of the game.”

• Peter Rosenberg: “Draft Day I think is vastly underrated. Completely agree.”

The hosts commend the film for its authentic representation, arguing that the lack of high-octane action doesn't diminish its value.

Deep Dive: Hoosiers and Strategic Coaching Decisions [54:55]

Alan Hahn spearheads a detailed analysis of Hoosiers, focusing on a pivotal moment where the coach opts to use a decoy instead of letting the town's top shooter take the final shot. This decision deviates from realistic coaching strategies, sparking a heated debate among the hosts.

• Alan Hahn: “Jimmy Chitwood, the guy never missed, ever. How did the coach let him shoot and not have him take the decisive shot?”

• Don La Greca: “Jimmy said, coach, I'll make it. He went alpha at that point.”

The discussion highlights how narrative choices in sports movies can sometimes conflict with plausible in-game decisions, affecting the film's credibility.

Balancing Entertainment with Authenticity [1:05:30]

Throughout the episode, the hosts weigh the importance of accuracy against the need for compelling storytelling. While discrepancies can jar attentive viewers, the overall entertainment value often prevails.

• Alan Hahn: “You don't make the rules, but you enforce them. So you're a narc.”

• Peter Rosenberg: “Use your brain. It takes away from the movie.”

This balance is crucial in determining whether a sports movie resonates with its audience or falls flat due to glaring inaccuracies.

Final Thoughts: Celebrating and Critiquing Sports Cinema [1:15:00]

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the challenges of ranking sports movies given their varied strengths and flaws. They emphasize the subjective nature of such rankings, acknowledging that personal biases and specific criteria heavily influence opinions.

• Alan Hahn: “We have 10 places in the hall of fame and we're going to put you all in this room. Whoever's 11th, it would be very... we'd be fighting for that 11th.”

• Don La Greca: “It's a great sport, this thing they're doing with the basketball. I love what they're doing.”

The episode ends on a harmonious note, celebrating the rich tapestry of sports movies while candidly addressing their imperfections.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [12:30] Don Hahn: “You can't have Ray Liotta who plays Shoeless Joe Jackson bat right-handed. He was left-handed.”

• [35:10] Alan Hahn: “Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, phenomenal acting, great story. Garbage. Because that can't be your ending.”

• [48:20] Peter Rosenberg: “Draft Day I think is vastly underrated. Completely agree.”

• [54:55] Alan Hahn: “Jimmy Chitwood, the guy never missed, ever. How did the coach let him shoot and not have him take the decisive shot?”

• [1:05:30] Peter Rosenberg: “Use your brain. It takes away from the movie.”

Conclusion: A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Sports Films

In "Hour 2: Sports Movie Discrepancies," Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg offer a compelling blend of critique and appreciation for sports cinema. Their insightful discussions illuminate the fine line filmmakers walk between creative storytelling and authentic representation, making this episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.

For those who haven't tuned in, this episode provides a thorough examination of the strengths and shortcomings of various sports films, enriched by the hosts' engaging dialogues and sharp observations.

Tune in weekday afternoons at 3 PM on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers to catch more insightful and entertaining discussions with Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg.