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Don LaGreca
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Don LaGreca
This is the Han at Rosenberg podcast.
Alan Hahn
That sounds like heaven to me.
Don LaGreca
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.
Alan Hahn
Game time is brought to you by Tumbardu Irish Whiskey. Because when it's game time.
Michael Kay
It'S Dolly time. It's Dolly time.
Don LaGreca
Like when he holds it. Mets so much.
Alan Hahn
Dodgers just getting underway. Coverage on 880. And coming up later on tonight, we're going to be bringing you game one of the NBA Finals. Yankees also conclude their series with the guardians at 7:05 and the Liberty will visit the Mystics at 7:30. Tullamore Dew, the original triple distilled, triple blended and triple cast matured Irish whiskey. Be sure to grab a Tullamore Dew or try the new Tullamore Dew Honey. During today's action, glasses up to enjoying Tullamore do responsibly. So we got a really big show coming up at 4:30. We have got the Thursday rewind and Allen has told us it's very good. At five o' clock, Michael K. Is going to join us. Talk a little Yankees, little baseball. Yankees Guardians.
Don LaGreca
I thought that would be a good idea. Right. Catch up on the Yanks.
Michael Kay
Where are we at? Yeah, yeah, we've been, we've been, we've been a little knee deep in basketball.
Don LaGreca
So why not bring K in? Take the temperature of the Yankees, right?
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
The right way to take the temperature, of course.
Alan Hahn
The right way to take the temperature, of course.
Michael Kay
Oh, the correct way. Rectal.
Don LaGreca
Yes.
Michael Kay
Yeah. Well, you know how you feel, Don?
Alan Hahn
Well, you want the glass thermometer with the mercury.
Michael Kay
I think you stick that mercury right up there, right?
Alan Hahn
Jam it in.
Michael Kay
Jam it in.
Alan Hahn
That's the only action.
Michael Kay
Jam it up. Jam it up.
Don LaGreca
All right. All right, boys. All right.
Alan Hahn
It depends on the angle.
Don LaGreca
The point was made.
Alan Hahn
You started it. I, you know we're going to run with anything kindergarten.
Don LaGreca
Is that all I was saying was I thought K would be a perfect guy to bring in and get the temperature of where the Yankees are right now, Right?
Alan Hahn
Exactly. And we've got the end.
Don LaGreca
That's all I was saying. What was that?
Michael Kay
That sound was really terrifying. Oh, what did that come.
Alan Hahn
Is that Allen?
Michael Kay
Was that private? Were you with me?
Don LaGreca
That's Michael. Yeah.
Michael Kay
Let me hear it again. Oh, that is troubling.
Alan Hahn
What did you walk in on?
Michael Kay
I know. Wow.
Alan Hahn
Good for him.
Michael Kay
What could that have been? What do you think about it if.
Alan Hahn
He was getting his temperature taken? NBA Finals tonight at 8:30 like you dream about. And last night I thought we got a really good game one. Even Peter had the game on.
Michael Kay
I was in for a while.
Don LaGreca
What did he be for a while?
Michael Kay
I was back out.
Don LaGreca
Wait a second.
Michael Kay
I had to leave.
Alan Hahn
He's got a morning show man.
Michael Kay
No, no, I was doing a podcast.
Alan Hahn
Oh, well, you go.
Don LaGreca
You did a podcast?
Michael Kay
I had to do one last night. Been traveling. Cypher was in Australia and then he's leaving today. So last night at 10. We started at 10:05.
Don LaGreca
So all you missed was a remarkable comeback from down 31 and then an unreal overtime goal.
Michael Kay
So I get to three three.
Don LaGreca
Okay.
Michael Kay
Scanned a little bit during overtime and then there was still no goal scored. And then I had to go back.
Don LaGreca
To the late period.
Alan Hahn
It was like 30 seconds on the power play. McDavid with an unbelievable pass to dry, sidled over bark off stick and then dry saddle scores like under 30 seconds, by the way, the first overtime.
Don LaGreca
Perfect.
Michael Kay
So, I mean, that's a, that's a massive game for Edmonton to get from where it started.
Alan Hahn
Well, down 3:1 and the stat that.
Don LaGreca
I saw building was dead silent on that third goal.
Alan Hahn
It was dead, dead silent under Paul maurice. They were 32 and oh. In playoff games where they had a lead after the first or second period. Wow. So three one, they come back, they tie the game and. And Stuart Skinner, like he had given up three goals on eight shots. But I, I don't think he was. Any of the goals were bad.
Don LaGreca
He wasn't bad.
Alan Hahn
I thought that was an awful challenge by. Terrible block on the, on the first goal.
Don LaGreca
Who ever thought that was a good idea to challenge there? Then obviously because they lose the challenge that they give up a power play right after.
Alan Hahn
That's awful.
Don LaGreca
That was, that was just a bad time early in the game. Like that didn't make sense.
Alan Hahn
Just have faith in your team and their ability. It was only a 11 tie at that point, you know, so 1 then all of a sudden becomes 21 and 3 1. And it looked like that was going to be the bonehead play of the game. And then it turns out he gets saved by just amazing plays by Dry Seidel and by McDavid. So we'll see how the nation feels about a really good, I think, appetizer. Game one, Game two coming up tomorrow. So that should be a lot of fun.
Don LaGreca
I love this stat, don. So Connor McDavid now assisted on. On the. The overtime goal. 71st time that Dry Seidel and McDavid have factored in the same goal of their playoff careers together.
Alan Hahn
Wow.
Don LaGreca
It's the fourth most combination by a pair of teammates in NHL history. Can you name any of the other three?
Alan Hahn
So the four.
Don LaGreca
Fourth most. There's three others. They're all classic names.
Alan Hahn
All right, so.
Don LaGreca
And it's teammates. So get. Let me see if you can come up with. This is 71. The others are 85 or more. One of them is over 130.
Alan Hahn
Well, just because they won three cups. I'll go. Kane and Taves.
Don LaGreca
They're not on the list.
Alan Hahn
Not on the list. Gretzky, Curry.
Don LaGreca
Gretzky. Curry's number one. 132. Insane.
Alan Hahn
Is it Malkin and Crosby.
Don LaGreca
No, wait, wait.
Michael Kay
Can you start from the beginning one more time? Who do we have?
Don LaGreca
Pair of teammates.
Michael Kay
Yes.
Don LaGreca
Who have factored in the same goal.
Michael Kay
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
Together in their playoff career.
Michael Kay
Okay.
Don LaGreca
All right. McDavid and Draisaitl is fourth most. Okay, so Don just gave you the number one pair, which was Gretzky, Yari, Curry.
Michael Kay
Let me. Lemieux and Jagger.
Don LaGreca
No, but that's a good guess. I would think that, too. They're not in the top.
Michael Kay
Is Lemieux not in it at all?
Alan Hahn
No, because it wouldn't be.
Don LaGreca
I'll give you a hint. I'll give you a hint. The number two is on the same team as number one.
Michael Kay
So Messi and Gretzky.
Alan Hahn
Oh, no, no, no. Gretzky and coffee.
Don LaGreca
No.
Michael Kay
Messi and Curry.
Don LaGreca
No, stay with Messi. Messier and you might not get it. Both.
Michael Kay
Well, you got to help me now.
Don LaGreca
Remember, Remember Messier and this player, I think were also teammates in New York.
Alan Hahn
Nichols. No, no.
Don LaGreca
Nichols traded for. Yeah, that's what Glenn Anderson.
Alan Hahn
Okay.
Michael Kay
Wow. That's.
Don LaGreca
Forget. It's not one you get. But Glenn Anderson scored a ton of goals.
Alan Hahn
I know, but in those days.
Don LaGreca
All right. The last pair. Near and dear to my heart.
Alan Hahn
So is that Bossy and Trachea.
Don LaGreca
Correct.
Michael Kay
There you go. Like you dream about.
Don LaGreca
That's pretty amazing. That you would think Lemieux and Jagger, you would think.
Alan Hahn
But it's two titles, you know. Or Crosby and Crosby, they play a ton as well.
Don LaGreca
Yeah. Still, that's saying a lot.
Michael Kay
Playoff goals factor.
Don LaGreca
Playoff goals, yes. McDavid Draisaitle. I mean they're still relatively young.
Alan Hahn
Oh, very young. But they kind of playoff is there.
Michael Kay
You don't, you don't mention. I don't know how often you mentioned this, Don. When you talk about just making you feel good with the old timey proper looking jerseys starting off the Stanley cup, seeing those blue Oilers jerseys, that's a sexy old school way. And from the conversation that we had last week about if you got an incredible Stanley cup final, could it compete with the NBA final, you would have to admit last night was as good a step one to getting there as.
Don LaGreca
You could have asked for. Completely agree.
Michael Kay
4, 3 and OT.
Alan Hahn
It's ABC versus TNT too. But still I think TNT's become like a destination for sports fans. I mean Kenny, Kenny did a great job. As usually does the goal.
Don LaGreca
Those three too. Eddie Bush. That's a good group. Those three. Solid.
Alan Hahn
And I love their studio stuff. I know a lot of people get rubbed. You know, the Bissonette rubs people the wrong way. I like that.
Don LaGreca
No, no, you need him. He's like the Barkley.
Alan Hahn
You need that Hanson. Carter's been a great guy. Got to know him working through MSG and all that. Lundquist is terrific.
Don LaGreca
And Gretzky, having Wayne Gretzky there is.
Alan Hahn
And Liam McHugh is very underrated. I think he's a terrific host as well. Also another stat too. Leon Drysel didn in the final last year and he had two goals in game one. So I think it's going to be a lot of fun. I think it's going to be a terrific series and I just loved, I just loved overtime.
Don LaGreca
It's what you wanted. I'm with Peter. Remember I've been pushing this whole idea of McDavid being the best player in the world on the biggest stage and have. I thought he was a beast early in this game. And it wasn't just on the offensive. Like he hit the post, I think twice. The way he moves with the puck is different. Like you don't have to know hockey to know that guy jumps off the screen when he's playing like that. But I also saw an urgency and back checking and urgency with me with him in the defensive zone that you don't often get from offensive stars. And I think it's sort of that did you learn something last year in the finals that you carried over. He actually did talk about it after the game.
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
I think Florida has closed out games extremely well. Obviously we were put ourselves in a tough spot. You know, I thought maybe with a little bit of luck, maybe the call goes different on the first one. They score in the power play and find a way to get one off the rush too. So put ourselves in a tough spot. I thought it was a massive goal from rv, massive timely and we just hung in there. And I think that that is experience as you said, you know, just knowing that you don't got to open it up, you know, we don't need to. We gotta hold them at three and find a way to get one. Unfortunately we did. It's like almost like you don't panic.
Alan Hahn
Yeah. And that was a big goal by Arvidson to tie that game up. And then Kapanen had a great chance at overtime where he splits the defense, beats Seth Jones, hits the post. That would have been a spectacular game winning goal. So fun. Game two coming up on Friday. It's Sam Bennett, two goals. He's a, he's available. I know a lot of Ranger fans want to see him come. He is just a great, just an antagonizing type of player. But he's got skill. They're loaded with the Panthers. They are loaded.
Don LaGreca
It really is insane how but I.
Alan Hahn
Will say they did look like they were sucking win late in that game. They dominated the early portion of overtime. But as overtime went on, you saw the Oilers had the legs as deep as overtime went. So they gave the stat the most. The Panthers have played the most games of any team in NHL history over the last three years. In the three year Spanish 309th game that they played over the last three years, it can catch up to you as it did with Tampa when they played Colorado the third time around. So especially with a high skilled team like Colorado was with McKinnon and Ranton. Remember Makar? So another reason why I think the Edmonton Oilers have an edge in this series. So. And I, and I just love the whole. And we're going to see an OKC tonight. Just all the fans outside the building.
Don LaGreca
Those are fun.
Alan Hahn
It just, it's really cool.
Don LaGreca
It adds to it. Game one winner. Peter, to answer your question, game one winner has gone on to win 10 of the last 13 Stanley Cups, including the last four consecutive. So winning game one is a big deal.
Alan Hahn
And in history I think it's like a little over 76% of the time. Okay, you Win when. But you know, all Edmonton did was hold serve.
Don LaGreca
Yeah, 76% is correct.
Alan Hahn
Yeah. So it's, it's going to be a lot of fun. And the thing you like about Edmonton and OKC and even Indiana to a certain extent is that like when you see the fans outside the building, that, that's, that's everything. Like I'm sure the Thunder everything to that community. Right. You know, from outside of college. What else do they have?
Don LaGreca
That's it.
Alan Hahn
Professionally. That's it. They've got the, you know, the Eskimos changed their name to, I think the Elms. I think they changed their name because it was politically incorrect. Eskimo.
Don LaGreca
Okay.
Alan Hahn
Um, but, but that's cfl. I've talked to Canadian fans that they, they still love the NFL more than they do the CFL up there. But it's the community like that, that's.
Don LaGreca
Yeah.
Alan Hahn
The Oilers are everything to Edmonton.
Don LaGreca
Yes.
Alan Hahn
The Thunder everything to okc.
Don LaGreca
Yeah.
Alan Hahn
The Pacers are probably, the Colts are there. So like I said to a lesser extent, but it's such a basketball town. Like you just, you love it for those. It's a basketball state because listen, no, in New York, like as big as the Rangers are in the Stanley Cup Final or even the Knicks, there are going to be a segment of people that don't care.
Don LaGreca
There's still always something else going on.
Alan Hahn
And in Miami there's a ton of people that probably don't care other than the die hard hockey fans. But in those communities, man, in Edmonton and okc, that they're, they're, they're shutting down for this. So you're going to, that, that's going to jump through the screen I think tonight for them playing. And it jumped through the screen last night, Edmonton.
Don LaGreca
Oh, it did for sure. That's the whole idea is you want to do that to the, to the Thunders, you just want to, you want to have a high tempo game and see if you can outlast them.
Michael Kay
40 SEPTA buses in Philadelphia damaged by massive fire. What's a SEPTA bus? Is SEPTA like the local?
Don LaGreca
It's an acronym.
Michael Kay
It's like that's transportation. It's like their local.
Don LaGreca
Yeah, yeah, got it. What is it? It's like Metro, Metro Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority.
Alan Hahn
There you go. Bang. See, we worked it out.
Michael Kay
It all comes together here.
Alan Hahn
Kaylin in Philadelphia. Hopefully she's not close to the fire. You're on ESPN New York. How are you? Hello, Kaylin.
Michael Kay
Oh yeah, that's me. There you go. How you doing, pal?
Don LaGreca
Good.
Michael Kay
How Are you guys? Yeah. And the highs game one last night, Stanley cup finals, that was unbelievable. McDavid is just a fantastic player. I want to ask, I guess Don and Alan, specifically, you guys.
Alan Hahn
Do you.
Michael Kay
Take ball rips before the game or after the first period? I don't. I'm a student. It's very crazy up here right now.
Alan Hahn
It's very fluid.
Michael Kay
Good for you, man.
Alan Hahn
I continue.
Michael Kay
I'm sorry, go ahead. Question. I was going to ask just, you guys have obviously watched a ton of unbelievable talents in your day. Where does McDavid rank accolades aside? Because obviously the old timers have got him laughed there. But amongst the guys like Crosby and Messier and Gretzky and all those guys, where is he ranked amongst people you guys have ever won?
Alan Hahn
Well, we'll call me a prisoner of the moment.
Michael Kay
You, prisoner of the moment.
Alan Hahn
Gretzky wasn't particularly fast. He wasn't strong. He was just exceptionally smart. He can anticipate where the puck was going to go. He had great hand eye coordination, but he never impressed me as an athlete. He just knew how to do it so well. He was a great skater, but again, he was never the fastest guy. Nobody ever wanted to use him in shootouts, remember, because that wasn't his forte. Although it was stupid not to use him in the 98 Olympics. McDavid's got it all, man. Like, even Crosby, Crosby is not as big. He's so skilled and his timing's terrific. But McDavid just seems like a higher skilled player than I think I've ever really seen. Now, I'm not saying he's the greatest player, Allen, but you know what I'm saying, like, he's so fast, but could do things at a speed. I've never seen anybody do that before.
Don LaGreca
That's it to me, like I've said this before, he reminds me now, I've been watching hockey since the mid-70s, like that's the main sport. That and baseball are the two sports my parents watched the most. So as a little kid, that's all that was ever on tv. So I just, I see him as a combination of a lot of the greats all put into one. Because if you think about it, the size of Lemieux, size and power of a guy like Mario Lemieux, right? The speed of a Federoff, the, you know, the hockey sense of a Wayne Gretzky, just. But the calm. See, Wayne Gretzky, you forget he had hockey sense. Always knew where the puck was going, always in the right place right there. But he Also, never, ever got nervous. He never panicked. He was just so calm, like, as if he just. He was so fluent in the sport. It was as if he just always knew what was going to happen. He was so in control on the ice, so he didn't have to have all the other accolades. Like, I think he's got the hands of a Sidney Crosby. You know, he's got the Gordie Howe power when it comes to physicality. Even though he doesn't play a physical, nasty game, he does have the size and strength. He's not a big guy who plays small. Like, there's just so much to it that you put it all together and you get this. The ultimate player. He's like what LeBron James in his prime was in the NBA. The perfect player.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, he really is. And I think that if he played in the late 70s, early 80s, he probably would still be a great player. He would be putting up.
Don LaGreca
What you say about his speed, though, people need to understand it. Those who don't know the sport that well just understand what he does at top speed. Most players can't do. Because once you are into a move, a lot of times you're slowing down. You'll see them start to turn, put the brakes on the edges start to turn a little bit to slow down. But because you're trying to get your hands right to do whatever you want to do, he never slows down. He gets almost faster once he gets into his move. That's why that one backhand off the. Off the crossbar he made like, it was an insane. How does he get the puck in that spot against defense with the goal? Like, all of it just is happening at top speed.
Alan Hahn
If you're.
Michael Kay
If you're.
Alan Hahn
If you don't know the game of hockey, if you're watching it for the first time, just watch. When you watch McDavid, just picture in your mind a place on the ice that you don't think it's possible he can get to from where he is. And then watch him get there. Yes, because that's why he's so difficult to defend. Like, oh, he's gonna get cut off here and burst the speed to go by. He'll be in the corner, and all of a sudden, how did he get to the point? Like, how did he get there?
Don LaGreca
Yeah, and his hands are so good that he. Have you ever seen him just fumble the puck? Have you ever seen him fumble it enough?
Alan Hahn
Everybody fumbles. If it does happen, you're like, it never happens. If I'm calling a game and that happens. I double check that I'm that it's him.
Don LaGreca
It's the right number.
Alan Hahn
Yeah, you know, 97 is the 93. There's 91 with Ken, there's a few 90s on the teams. It's like oh maybe, maybe that was Nugent Hopkins and no, no, it was him.
Michael Kay
Wow.
Alan Hahn
I can't believe it.
Michael Kay
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Peter Rosenberg
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Michael Kay
Race the rudders.
Don LaGreca
Race the sails.
Alan Hahn
Race the sails. Captain, an unidentified ship is approaching.
Don LaGreca
Over. Roger.
Alan Hahn
Wait.
Don LaGreca
Is that an enterprise sales solution? Reach sales professionals, not professional sailors. With LinkedIn ads, you can target the right people by industry, job title, and more.
Alan Hahn
We'll even give you a $100 credit.
Don LaGreca
On your next campaign. Get started today at LinkedIn.com results, terms and conditions apply. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Michael Kay
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Don LaGreca
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Alan Hahn
The time continuum has been disrupted, creating an alternate 1985. This is. Hey, Doc, are you telling me you built a time machine?
Don LaGreca
The Thursday rewrite. All right, Donny, this is one for you, baby.
Alan Hahn
Oh, nice. I love it.
Don LaGreca
And I'm curious to see. Can I keep Peter awake for this one?
Alan Hahn
Whoa.
Don LaGreca
Yeah.
Alan Hahn
Oh, more.
Don LaGreca
Because this. No, it's baseball.
Alan Hahn
Uh.
Michael Kay
Oh, and I know, but here's the thing. Don will tell you. Don't be the first one to tell you. I will surprise you. It's all about what this is, Don. It could be a random one from the 80s and you see, I'm all in. But it could be something from the 70s, and you see me nod off.
Alan Hahn
You never know. Like, you randomly can be completely engaged.
Michael Kay
It's just.
Alan Hahn
Let's see.
Michael Kay
Let me. I'll tell you. I'll find the appropriate sound effect to play to give you my answer.
Alan Hahn
All right, that's good.
Don LaGreca
Oh, man. Now you're gonna put pressure on me. All right, well, this. This all started with, let's see, I was trying to figure out. Give me something historical this week that might, you know, jog the brain into saying, we can change the headline of this. Okay, so this week, here we go in baseball. Give you a twib note. It was actually. It's. It's. It was Tuesday. Okay, Tuesday, exactly. 1958. Already? I said 1958.
Alan Hahn
What. What could have happened? Hey, Skip, you'll see, all right, here.
Don LaGreca
We referendum in la, allowed the city to sell Chavez Ravine to the Dodgers. Okay? Now, they had already moved out to la. Yes, they played at the LA Coliseum for the year, but they needed a stadium.
Michael Kay
Sure they did.
Don LaGreca
The whole idea was, is that they went to LA because they were promised a stadium. Now, why would they promise. Why didn't they stay in Brooklyn? Because Robert Moses decided he was going to fathead the whole thing and say you should. You should play in a stadium in Queens that we're going to build because we're putting all these great highways out there.
Alan Hahn
Who's Robert Moses?
Don LaGreca
You don't want to be in Brooklyn, by the way. That's unbelievable. Who's Robert Moses?
Alan Hahn
But I was being sarcastic. There's some. Because I know Robert Moses, of course.
Michael Kay
Who is the. That's a great drop.
Alan Hahn
But I forget. I forgot about that. It was gonna be a dome, too.
Don LaGreca
I'm getting to it. Okay, so the headline we rewrite is this. The Dodgers stay in Brooklyn.
Michael Kay
Dodgers stay in Brooklyn.
Don LaGreca
What if they stayed in Brooklyn? What. What if. There's a great Reddit about this, by the way, that I. I was reading through on the train today and it was really jogging my mind. So what if the LA thing just didn't come through? If it didn't happen? Because again, o' Malley didn't want to leave. All he wanted was a new stadium. Ebbets Field was old and decrepit and it wasn't working. The Giants were always going to move. Polo Grounds was a mess. Nobody cared about the Giants. They were the third team anyway. And they went out to San Francisco because, you know, all the league knew, if you're sending one team out to California, you're going to need two. Just proximity. So the Giants were more than happy to move out there. But if the Dodgers stayed in Brooklyn, as you said, they build this new fangled stadium with a dome on it, and the Dodger Dome now becomes what the Astrodome became. The eighth wonder of the world.
Michael Kay
Wow.
Don LaGreca
The Dodgers never need to leave. So what happens is, if you want to get really deep into the weeds, let's just say that Robert Moses is not meddling with city stuff. Because as you know, like the whole. Was it the FDR Highway Commission that they started all we put him on that, get him the hell out of New York. He's not in the way anymore. And we realize how important it is to give a stadium to the beloved Brooklyn Dodgers. You build this thing called the Dodger Dome. The Dodger Dome, not only is the eighth wonder of the world, everybody wants to see it. The Astrodome now becomes. They're stealing from the Dodger Dome. The Dodger Dome also gives you the opportunity to host what, Final Fours. All kinds of great stuff happens there, right? So the Dodgers now are a great success.
Alan Hahn
Great.
Don LaGreca
Nobody has to believe that anything changes when it comes to their success as a franchise. They go on to win the world Series. They do. They have all the players. They do, right? Lasorda, Garvey, all. The whole thing, it all happens. Kirk Gibson, all of it still happens. Vin Scully never asked to leave. The Mets never happened.
Alan Hahn
Never happened.
Don LaGreca
And all the things that we learned about the Mets never happened.
Alan Hahn
Never happened.
Don LaGreca
Instead you have the Dodgers and the Yankees in the same town, which you still have today. NL team, American League team. And it exists. Coexist quite well. So who's to say that you wouldn't have had a subway series in 77 and 78 and 81.
Alan Hahn
Think about it being all happening right here in New York.
Don LaGreca
And the Dodgers never happened. And the Giants never moved to San Francisco. Let's say they moved to like Minnesota.
Alan Hahn
They would have moved to Minnesota because that was the plan. Because they were hemorrhaging money.
Don LaGreca
So with that in mind, like that's the thing if LA was out there, but o' Malley used it as leverage. And without Robert Moses in the way, because we find some other place to put him, we rewrite the headline. Robert Moses is not in the way anymore. We give him some federal job where he's helping them build highways. So he's the only guy that was meddling and got in the way of the Dodger Dome. The Dodgers never leave. The Mets never happen.
Alan Hahn
Never happened.
Don LaGreca
And the Dodger history when it comes to whatever their teams were over the years in la, you could argue it'd be the same franchise. Nothing changed.
Alan Hahn
Nothing would have changed. Everything would have probably stayed the same.
Don LaGreca
But instead you have a dome in.
Alan Hahn
New York, in Brooklyn. Well, get ready for this. So if they built it multi purpose, as you said, would you be smart?
Don LaGreca
Well, it's Astrodome.
Alan Hahn
It's the Astrodome thing, then that's probably where the jets play instead of the Polo Grounds in Shea. They never moved to Giant Stadium. They're playing in a dome. So like, maybe Joe Namath puts up even bigger numbers because he's not playing in a crappy field at Shea.
Don LaGreca
And I see what you're doing. Take it.
Alan Hahn
Don't. Beautiful dome.
Don LaGreca
Take it, Don. I got the baton. I'm passing the baton. Take it. Run, run, run.
Alan Hahn
He's putting Drew Brees and Peyton Manning numbers up in the dome with seven of his home games in a dome. They never moved to Jersey. They're not in Jersey now. Think about it like they played. They played a Giant stadium, then they played at MetLife Stadium. They move the whole kit and caboodle from Hofstra to New Jersey. That never happens. They're always going to be playing in, I guess Queens or Brooklyn in the dome where the Dodgers play multi purpose. They never go to Jersey. They play in a dome. And once you play in a dome, you don't go back outside. So even when that stadium would become obsolete, just like the astronomer, and they would build something else, they'd have to build another dome and take the jets with them.
Don LaGreca
And maybe then they put it in Queensland, maybe because there's, you know, Brooklyn. I mean, think about this too. How different would Brooklyn look?
Michael Kay
Oh, that's another piece.
Don LaGreca
It could be completely different because it's. Remember it was a neighborhood around the neighborhood, loved the team, the players, lived in the neighborhood. It was a very communal kind of thing. When that team left Brooklyn, it was like that borough was gutted for a long time. Now Brooklyn's made an amazing comeback over.
Alan Hahn
The last, let's say.
Michael Kay
But it's not what it would have been but had it stayed.
Don LaGreca
But once that team left, it took the soul out of Brooklyn. What a lot of people say, it changed the borough and it has never been the same since. And so if you don't have that happen, hey, there's no Mets.
Michael Kay
What about Nets?
Don LaGreca
Everything's different now.
Michael Kay
Would the Nets ever go?
Don LaGreca
Would the Nets have ever moved there?
Alan Hahn
Who knows? I don't think they would because that's where the stadium was.
Don LaGreca
The stadium was literally right there. Yeah, yeah. So I'm just saying, like it's just one way to look at it. And it was all one guy. So the only thing we have to change in the headline is one guy doesn't exist anymore. We remove him, we find a way. Robert Moses, well, we don't kill him. We just take Robert Moses and push him into, you know, again, he's in charge of the interstates and the highways. That's what he was doing anyway. Just get him out of the city. Politics.
Alan Hahn
He made Levittown. Right. That was the whole idea of getting people out of the city, get them to the suburbs, redo all and that.
Don LaGreca
He was a big part of the, of suburban development though. And the highways were the building highways.
Alan Hahn
Get them all.
Don LaGreca
Motor Parkway and all the parkways. Why?
Alan Hahn
Because. Why am I going to build something in Brooklyn? I'm going to build it. You know, Queens is more of a metropolis now. I'm going to be moving things away from these areas. Yes. Because why was that all decrepit? Because that's what was happening. It was all old. He wanted everything new. Why am I going to build this beautiful huge stadium in that little area of Brooklyn now, I think now o'.
Don LaGreca
Malley and o' Malley had the option, could have said, all right, we'll take the new stadium in Queens, but they aren't the Brooklyn Dodgers that they play in Queens.
Alan Hahn
That was the problem. That's what he always said was, if I'm going to move out of Brooklyn, yeah, why not? I move. I have it all to myself. It was really as much as o' Malley was painted as the villain, it worked out very well for him and for baseball, Los Angeles, albeit, and they had to go out there. So now you extrapolate it out even further. So Bill Shea isn't bringing the Mets to Flushing because they already have their National League team of the Dodgers. So I don't know, they probably would have to expand out there. So now instead of the Dodgers, an established team, going out to Los Angeles, it's an expansion team. It could end up like the Florida Marlins. I mean, maybe they were terrible. Maybe baseball ends up not really connecting at all out in California because the Dodgers would be so bad as an expansion team.
Don LaGreca
Think about it.
Alan Hahn
If San Francisco moved to Minnesota, which was the plan.
Don LaGreca
Yep.
Alan Hahn
They would have had to put two expansion teams in California.
Don LaGreca
Right.
Alan Hahn
Instead of two established teams.
Don LaGreca
Right.
Alan Hahn
That you had, you know, Duke Schneider going out there, Sandy Koufax going out there. The Giants bring Willie Mays out there. If you've got two expansion teams with, with, with garbage players.
Don LaGreca
Sinatra's not going to those games and.
Alan Hahn
Nobody'S probably going to the games. I wondered if it even works in the first place.
Don LaGreca
And so as you watch the Mets today, or you watched them last night, or you watched the Yankees last week and you. The Dodger Stadium, and if you think about it too, right. I know Fenway and Wrigley are, you know, the, the, the old, the old established, historic stadiums that are still left. I look at Dodger Stadium as like, that's classic baseball. You know, like Wrigley and Fenway are, you know, that's. I know it's old school baseball, but there's something classic about Chavez Ravine and Dodger Stadium. It is something special about that place. And when you think about it, it might not have ever been if not for one man. And it was not o' Malley, it was Robert Moses.
Alan Hahn
Robert Moses.
Don LaGreca
You like that one?
Alan Hahn
I love that. That's a real.
Don LaGreca
Did I keep you awake?
Michael Kay
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
And The June of 1958 had you checked out?
Michael Kay
58 had me checked out, but I.
Don LaGreca
Had to give you the timeline.
Michael Kay
And then I came back. Then I left again. But then I came Back when did.
Don LaGreca
I lose you the second time Robert Moses.
Michael Kay
Well, no. Once we started speculating a little bit on like how it would have been affected the Jets.
Alan Hahn
Oh, I love that.
Don LaGreca
Wait, Don took the baton. I didn't even think about the football.
Michael Kay
No, no, not because it's a bad idea. It just started getting further away. I went. Now we're like. It's the point of the bit. It's the point of the bit.
Don LaGreca
Yeah.
Alan Hahn
People millions over things that Peter's not interested in.
Michael Kay
That's a great. By the way, there are people every day living great lives.
Don LaGreca
The Thursday. Thursday rewrite. I mean where would we be the. Would it. Would it be better off? Oh, having the Mets in the Mets history.
Michael Kay
And by the way, what are we doing? I frustrated. Here's where I can contribute. I apologize.
Don LaGreca
What do you got?
Michael Kay
We use the back in time thing and it's cute. But just for the record, Paul Simon has a song from like 0607 that's pretty great called Rewrite. And that's the chorus could work beautifully for the rewrite.
Don LaGreca
I like that.
Michael Kay
Just a thought. Just something to build on.
Alan Hahn
Pete Alonso. Another home run. He's now 11 away from the wreck. The Mets record held by Daryl Strawberry raking. But he's hitting bombs opposite field like that. His home run seven hit. That was opposite. He opposite field again.
Don LaGreca
Freeman's reaction to it, if you will. Freeman even Freeman was just like damn. He just watched that thing go. Shook his head.
Michael Kay
Give Pete his flowers.
Alan Hahn
Pete.
Michael Kay
Pete deserves it all, man.
Don LaGreca
And right.
Alan Hahn
Pete Caliber sees me. I know Tony's gonna be in the conversation certainly with his start.
Don LaGreca
We gotta get him. I love talking to him. He's such a.
Michael Kay
You say get Alonzo, you should get.
Alan Hahn
A mat to get a mat.
Michael Kay
Why don't we get a nick? Why don't we get a nick at the same time?
Don LaGreca
We all know that we don't.
Michael Kay
But it's not like. It's not like we're the station for the Mets and the Knicks.
Don LaGreca
Can we get a Ranger on?
Michael Kay
No, not really. No.
Alan Hahn
Not one that's currently playing compared to the other teams. It's all they've. They've co host.
Don LaGreca
We can get a jet.
Alan Hahn
We can get a jet.
Don LaGreca
A jet. We just don't know which jet.
Alan Hahn
Now we get former Jets.
Don LaGreca
Oh yeah.
Michael Kay
Former jets out the Washington.
Alan Hahn
You want Namath at 5. We can bump Michael if you want. That's the kind of cache we have.
Don LaGreca
We can't bump Michael now. The thermometer is ready for him.
Alan Hahn
That's right? I'm wonderful. Enjoy that analogy. With a Venmo debit card, you can Venmo more than just your friends. You can use your balance in so many ways. You can Venmo everything. Need gas? You can Venmo this. How about snacks? You can Venmo that. Your favorite band's merch? You can Venmo this or their next show? You can Venmo that. Visit Venmo Me Debit to learn more. You can Venmo this or you can Venmo that. You can Venmo this so you can Venmo that. The Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp bank and a pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. Card may be used everywhere MasterCard is accepted. Venmo purchase restrictions apply. When you're on the go and it's time to refresh your energy, grab an ice cold Celsius where zero sugar, six, seven essential vitamins and proven ingredients meet pure refreshment. Unlike traditional energy drinks, each sip of Celsius is a perfect balance of flavor and function. So whether you're hitting the gym, the office, or your next adventure, grab a Celsius at your local retailer or visit Celsius.com to learn more. This episode is brought to you by Stay Farm. Knowing you could be saving money for the things you really want is a great feeling. Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with a personal price plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state.
Don LaGreca
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Michael Kay
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Don LaGreca
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.
Alan Hahn
That's fans. Get ready to roll. I don't think this song I love. I love Paul Simon, but I never heard this.
Michael Kay
It's recent, but it's one of the big songs for this album.
Alan Hahn
I know, but you want to. You want something hook that people know. I don't think people know this. I love Paul Simon, but he's saying.
Michael Kay
He's saying the whole.
Alan Hahn
I understand that I can have Jacob sing Rewrite. Rewrite. I love a rewrite. But that's. And play that.
Michael Kay
But that's basically what every intro to every radio bit in history has been. Except this is song by Paul Simon.
Alan Hahn
I understand.
Michael Kay
For Christ's sake, it's a radio bit written by Paul Simon, it doesn't need to be a song. People know.
Alan Hahn
I'm just telling you.
Michael Kay
But no, no, that's different. Then be a man. Then be a man and say you don't like it.
Alan Hahn
Don't say it's because an intro isn't.
Michael Kay
Just singing the stupid name over and over again.
Alan Hahn
Because it's not a known thing.
Michael Kay
But intros have to be a known thing.
Alan Hahn
Yes, at the back in time everybody knows Back to the Future.
Michael Kay
But that's not what every radio intro is. Is a known song. Yeah.
Don LaGreca
I also don't think it fits.
Michael Kay
You don't even hear it. Your headphones. Big greasy head of yours.
Alan Hahn
Wait a minute. He can go days and still look fantastic without shower like it was.
Don LaGreca
It's all right. I have nightmares though, because it's a little slow. Because for me, in my early sports writing days, once you heard the editor say rewrite, rewrite.
Michael Kay
Oh, you don't want that.
Don LaGreca
God.
Alan Hahn
Rut Row. Not good. Met fans get ready to roll with Dpiedro and rothenberg for the third annual pregame party. It all happens on Thursday, June 12th. Come join Rick Dave. They'll be at Publicans in Manhasset from 6 to 10am for the ultimate pregame party. Then ride the train with them to Manhassett Station to Citi Field. The fun keeps going in lot e starting at 11:30 right at the first pitch when the Mets take on the Nationals. It's all brought to you by Yingling Traditional lager. Legends stand the test of time. London Jewelers and Tullamore do. Because when it's game time, it's Tully time. Marte home run. 2 nothing. Mets, top of the third. K today said on the air if management gives him the day off, he will go with Rick and Dave to the remote and to Citi Field and to the game on the 12th. A little birdie told. Well, I think because he wants to challenge all the Met fans that hate him from afar and see if they've got the guts to hate him in person. That's what he was saying.
Don LaGreca
That's so.
Alan Hahn
It's a national thing. We could bring it up with Michael at 5. But a little birdie told me, I don't think that's going to happen.
Michael Kay
It won't.
Don LaGreca
Why? Yeah, I wouldn't do it.
Michael Kay
Now real quick. We were speaking off the air about fanatics fest. I asked Don, Michael Rubin was nice enough to say, if you guys want to come, I'll take care of you.
Don LaGreca
Great guy.
Michael Kay
So I asked Don, would you want to go? Said Would there be anyone of interest to Marco?
Alan Hahn
Yeah.
Michael Kay
And you asked about what major leaguers would be there, correct?
Alan Hahn
Yeah. Well, I mean, obviously there wouldn't be any. I don't think Mets or Yankees. Well, former Mets. What?
Michael Kay
Derek Jeter.
Alan Hahn
Okay, former.
Michael Kay
Benny Agbayani. Alex Rodriguez. Alex Rodriguez.
Don LaGreca
Luis Oosterheisen.
Michael Kay
Cc. He's a golfer.
Don LaGreca
It's still so good.
Michael Kay
All right, current players. Current players. The Millster. He'll probably be there too. The Millster.
Don LaGreca
Russell Westbrook. Restbrook. Restbrook. Russell Westbrook. Zach Britton. The most effective quarterback was Tayshawn Hall.
Michael Kay
Any other names?
Don LaGreca
What's up?
Alan Hahn
All rise.
Michael Kay
Joey Bad.
Don LaGreca
Butt.
Michael Kay
Joey Bad. But Ed Hospital.
Alan Hahn
And Marty Lyons.
Michael Kay
That's a tough one. By the way, Sid Luckman. Yeah. This is. Wait, hold on. Is this our new commercial for Fanatics Fest? This is the Bad Fanatics Fest.
Don LaGreca
That's right.
Michael Kay
This is the Marty Lyons, Sid Pluckman, Benny Agbayani.
Alan Hahn
And Hospitar.
Michael Kay
As well.
Don LaGreca
Well, that would be amazing.
Michael Kay
That would be something.
Don LaGreca
Oh, that one's sad.
Michael Kay
Okay, current ballplayers. Let's do that. Cody bellinger. Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Don LaGreca
Yes.
Michael Kay
Yes, if you will. Max Freed.
Don LaGreca
Yankees off that day.
Alan Hahn
Freddie Kee.
Michael Kay
I guess so. Goldschmidt.
Don LaGreca
Wait, what day is this?
Michael Kay
It doesn't say what day. I just know that they're probably.
Don LaGreca
No, no. But when? It's a weekend. They're never off on a weekend. Wow. How are getting them to show up?
Michael Kay
Is it possible they have a Sunday night game?
Don LaGreca
Impressive.
Michael Kay
And this is a Sunday morning. They're coming in Sunday morning. Carlos Mendoza. Don.
Alan Hahn
Okay.
Don LaGreca
Ronaldo.
Michael Kay
Ronaldo. Mike. Mike Schmidt. Jorge Posada. Luke Weaver. Yeah, a lot of Yankees. Austin Wells. Billy Wagner will be there.
Don LaGreca
Yankees have an 11:35 game on the Sunday. All right, that's that. That's that.
Alan Hahn
Oh, the Pit.
Don LaGreca
They're playing the O's or the.
Alan Hahn
What is it?
Michael Kay
So what are they doing? They said all the Roku game. It doesn't make any sense. Who's his biggest football interest there? Marco. Is he into it?
Alan Hahn
No football yet.
Michael Kay
No football.
Alan Hahn
He. He likes it.
Don LaGreca
Who's there? Hockey wise. Give me some hockey.
Michael Kay
I'll give you some hockey.
Alan Hahn
Mike McDonald follows me on Twitter.
Michael Kay
No, no, I don't think he's there.
Don LaGreca
I heard the Hughes brothers.
Michael Kay
All the Hughes brothers.
Alan Hahn
Oh, he would. He would.
Michael Kay
Luke, Jack and the less talked about and I'm pretty sure not a real person garbage pail kid version of the other two.
Don LaGreca
No, Quinn Hughes is actually the.
Alan Hahn
I think the best.
Don LaGreca
Might be the best he's the best of the three.
Alan Hahn
Better than Joe.
Don LaGreca
Yeah, he's very.
Alan Hahn
He's def.
Don LaGreca
Better than Jack.
Alan Hahn
He might be. Well, he's healthier. That's part of it.
Don LaGreca
Norris Trophy guy, right?
Alan Hahn
Like, yeah, I think he's. Because he's a defenseman. I mean, it's at least debatable. Well, he made it seem like he was.
Don LaGreca
He plays the position. Jocelyn Lemieux, he's very Dolphins, if you think about it.
Michael Kay
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
Is he like Rocky Trachymatics? Right? You remember Rocky Trachier?
Alan Hahn
Oh, yeah. Wasn't he the first Brown pick of the Devils?
Don LaGreca
I think he played like Brett Lindros.
Michael Kay
Steve Troche, another Trot. Hank Lundquist there. Yammer Yager. Matt Rempe and Mike Richter. Very random.
Don LaGreca
Those are. Yeah. All right. Oh, oh. Rempe going to be around if the Quinn. If the Quinn. If the Hughes brothers and Matt Rempe are at this thing. Yeah. Gracie's definitely.
Michael Kay
She's interested.
Don LaGreca
Yeah. I have to take Gracie now.
Michael Kay
There you go. See, she's all set. Her all up for you. Weekly segment with Pat McAfee. McInally, you know what? Underrated.
Don LaGreca
These have been really good.
Alan Hahn
That was at a time where it was kind of acceptable that Michael didn't know the name.
Michael Kay
Oh, no, it was in that.
Alan Hahn
Now he's almost become Michael's boss.
Don LaGreca
He certainly is taking some money from him. Well done. Thank you.
Alan Hahn
Wow.
Michael Kay
That was. It's a little too real.
Alan Hahn
I was not expecting to enjoy that segment as much as I did.
Michael Kay
It just started as naming a few people at Fanatics Fest and then ended up with our horrifying bootleg version of Fanatics Fest. Some say it's even better.
Don LaGreca
ESPN New York Fanatics Fest.
Michael Kay
Yeah.
Don LaGreca
This is what we're gonna do. It's. We're not gonna have it at the Javits center, by the way.
Michael Kay
If we.
Don LaGreca
We're just gonna have it at a bodega down on Spring Street.
Michael Kay
By the way, if someone was listening, you know, someone who was a producer to the show, maybe someone who produces sound on the radio station. If we didn't tomorrow, when the show started, have a commercial for the fake fanatic, it would be disappointing. I need music.
Don LaGreca
You've heard of Fanatics Fest? Espn New York's Fest?
Michael Kay
Yeah. Even better.
Don LaGreca
Starring Ed Husbadon.
Michael Kay
Who needs Tom Brady and Travis Scott when you've got.
Alan Hahn
There's a couple of decent names.
Don LaGreca
Benny Agbayani.
Alan Hahn
Mike Modano could definitely pass.
Don LaGreca
Mike Madonna dressed up.
Michael Kay
Hold on. If Mike Modano was the headliner though. At a Fanatics fest in New York in 2025, Don would be among 12 people online who'd be there to talk.
Don LaGreca
To more than 12.
Alan Hahn
But it wouldn't be a great sign.
Don LaGreca
Jesus, we wouldn't get 70,000 people for Madonna Fest. You don't think so?
Alan Hahn
That's a good one. I like that.
Michael Kay
Him, his brother Brad.
Alan Hahn
Listen, we're digging into Michael's time here. Michael, it's coming up next. Rock Ward.
Don LaGreca
Who's Spud Murray?
Michael Kay
Hold on. You gotta add. You gotta add. Spud Murray. Brock War. Are you familiar with the work of David Blow? We'd have a list.
Alan Hahn
There's quite an extensive list. I'm not saying there's a lot of quality there, but there's quantity.
Don LaGreca
We should do a fake commercial for sure.
Michael Kay
Oh, yeah, Luke Keakley. Wait, you bought Showalter?
Don LaGreca
You forgot also a headliner.
Michael Kay
Who's that?
Don LaGreca
Freddy Kichi.
Michael Kay
Oh, Freddy Kiki would be at ours.
Alan Hahn
Of course.
Michael Kay
This would be something.
Alan Hahn
I mean, a few of them have passed on, but we can still make it.
Michael Kay
Does it matter? For radio jokes?
Alan Hahn
It does not matter.
Don LaGreca
Thanks for listening to the Don Han and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.
Podcast Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
Episode: Hour 2: Stanley Cup & Thursday Rewrite
Release Date: June 5, 2025
In this engaging episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the thrilling conclusion of Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals, explore intriguing hypothetical scenarios in baseball history, and discuss upcoming events that excite New York sports fans. Skipping over the promotional segments, the trio delivers insightful commentary, lively banter, and expert analysis that captivates both avid sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
The episode kicks off with a comprehensive breakdown of last night's exhilarating Game One of the Stanley Cup Finals. Don LaGreca and Alan Hahn provide a play-by-play analysis, highlighting the dramatic turnaround and remarkable performances that defined the game.
Key Highlights:
Edmonton's Comeback: The Oilers showcased resilience by overcoming a 3-1 deficit to force overtime. Don remarks, “[...] it's as good a step one to getting there as you could have asked for” ([04:00] Don LaGreca).
Connor McDavid's Prowess: Both hosts laud McDavid's exceptional skills. Alan mentions, “McDavid just seems like a higher skilled player than I think I've ever really seen” ([14:07] Alan Hahn), while Don parallels McDavid to hockey legends, stating, “it's like putting a lot of the greats all put into one” ([16:13] Don LaGreca).
Historic Playoff Statistics: Don shares a fascinating stat, “Connor McDavid now assisted on the overtime goal. 71st time that Dry Seidel and McDavid have factored in the same goal of their playoff careers together” ([05:12] Don LaGreca), emphasizing the duo's synergy on the ice.
Notable Quotes:
Alan Hahn: “McDavid's got it all, man. Like, even Crosby, Crosby is not as big. He's so skilled and his timing's terrific” ([14:34] Alan Hahn).
Don LaGreca: “He's a beast early in this game. And it wasn't just on the offensive. I also saw an urgency and back checking and urgency with him in the defensive zone that you don't often get from offensive stars” ([08:42] Don LaGreca).
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Connor McDavid's standing among hockey greats. Don and Alan passionately debate his ranking, comparing his skills to legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
Insights:
Comparative Skills: Alan asserts, “Gretzky wasn't particularly fast. He wasn't strong. He was just exceptionally smart” ([14:32] Alan Hahn), contrasting this with McDavid's unparalleled speed and skill.
Ultimate Player: Don elaborates, “He's like what LeBron James in his prime was in the NBA. The perfect player” ([16:52] Don LaGreca), underscoring McDavid's comprehensive abilities on the ice.
Shifting gears, the hosts embark on a captivating alternate history segment titled "Thursday Rewrite." They hypothetically explore what the landscape of New York sports—and MLB in general—might look like if the Brooklyn Dodgers had remained in Brooklyn.
Discussion Points:
Dodger Dome Concept: Don envisions a “Dodger Dome” in Brooklyn, speculating its impact on other sports teams like the New York Jets. “[...] they never move to Jersey. They're always going to be playing in, I guess Queens or Brooklyn in the dome where the Dodgers play multi-purpose” ([27:14] Don LaGreca).
Impact on the Mets: The absence of the Mets is a central theme. Don posits, “The Mets never happened. Instead, you have the Dodgers and the Yankees in the same town, which you still have today” ([26:00] Don LaGreca).
Notable Quotes:
Alan Hahn: “But it wouldn't have been the same. Everything would have probably stayed the same” ([27:03] Alan Hahn).
Don LaGreca: “And the Dodger history when it comes to whatever their teams were over the years in LA, you could argue it'd be the same franchise. Nothing changed” ([27:11] Don LaGreca).
Towards the latter part of the episode, the hosts enthusiastically discuss the upcoming Fanatics Fest, a festival celebrating sports fandom. They humorously fantasize about the lineup, including both current and legendary athletes.
Highlights:
Imaginary Lineup: The trio jokingly suggests appearances by figures like Benny Agbayani, Alex Rodriguez, and even iconic sports personalities such as Joe Namath.
Engagement with Listeners: They encourage listeners to participate and imagine a vibrant, star-studded event that bridges past and present sports icons.
Notable Quotes:
Michael Kay: “We can get a jet. We just don't know which jet” ([34:28] Michael Kay), playfully referring to potential guest appearances.
Don LaGreca: “You've heard of Fanatics Fest? ESPN New York's Fest? Starring Ed Husbadon” ([44:10] Don LaGreca), injecting humor into the discussion.
Interwoven with the primary topics are lighter moments and humorous exchanges that showcase the hosts' camaraderie and chemistry.
Temperature Taking Joke: A playful segment where Michael Kay jokes about taking the Yankees' temperature “rectally” ([02:05] Michael Kay), leading to laughter and good-natured teasing among the hosts.
Listener Interaction: Don interacts with a listener named Kaylin from Philadelphia addressing local incidents, adding a community touch to the conversation ([13:12] Don LaGreca).
Don, Hahn & Rosenberg successfully blend in-depth sports analysis with entertaining banter, providing listeners with both information and amusement. From dissecting the intricacies of the Stanley Cup Finals to reimagining baseball history, the hosts deliver a multifaceted episode that resonates with New York's passionate sports community.
Final Thoughts:
Listeners can catch more of Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg weekday afternoons starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and their smart speakers.