Hour 2: The List & Richard

Summary

Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 2: The List & Richard

Introduction

In the April 9, 2025 episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a spirited discussion about New York's most disappointing sports seasons over the past 25 years. Balancing sharp analysis with their signature humor, the trio examines team performances across various sports, highlighting unmet expectations and significant downturns.

The List: Top 5 Most Disappointing New York Sports Seasons (Last 25 Years)

1. New York Rangers (2024-2025 Season)

• Expectation vs. Reality: The Rangers entered the 2024-2025 season with high expectations, buoyed by a strong previous performance. However, they faced a dramatic decline, failing to make the playoffs altogether.

• Key Points:

  • Performance Drop: From being one of the top teams, the Rangers slipped to the ninth spot in their conference.
  • Critical Moments: A crucial loss against the Islanders highlighted the team's faltering momentum.
  • Expert Insight: Alan Hahn emphasized, “We were asking for a president's trophy-winning team, not just making the playoffs.”

• Notable Quote:

  • Alan Hahn (09:04): “This is half the teams make the playoffs. We’re not asking you to lift the Empire State building here.”

2. New York Knicks (2013-2014 Season)

• Expectation vs. Reality: Coming off a 54-win season and Carmelo Anthony's stellar performance, the Knicks were poised for success. Instead, they finished below .500, missing the playoffs entirely.

• Key Points:

  • Injuries & Inconsistency: Injuries plagued the team, and they couldn't maintain their previous form.
  • Failed Trades: Decisions like not trading for key players such as Banyani contributed to their downfall.
  • Performance Highlight: Don Hahn reminisced about Marimello’s 62-point game, a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season.

• Notable Quote:

  • Don Hahn (02:00): “Marimello had the 62 point game that season, but the injuries were never looking right.”

3. New York Jets (2011 Season)

• Expectation vs. Reality: After back-to-back impressive seasons in 2009 and 2010, the Jets entered 2011 with high hopes but ended with an 8-8 record.

• Key Points:

  • Key Games: Significant losses, including a pivotal 99-yard touchdown by Victor Cruz, underscored the Jets' struggles.
  • Management Decisions: Criticism was directed at Woody Johnson for personnel decisions and the infamous Tim Tebow period.
  • Fan Sentiment: Peter Rosenberg highlighted fan frustrations, “I will blame Woody Johnson for that season.”

• Notable Quote:

  • Peter Rosenberg (06:33): “They fell flat on their face. They finished 75 and 87 in 2023, and then Buck shown the door and it’s all over.”

4. New York Mets (2023 Season)

• Expectation vs. Reality: Expected to build on recent successes, the Mets ultimately had a disappointing season, falling short despite significant investments.

• Key Points:

  • Team Performance: The team struggled with consistency, leading to a lackluster season outcome.
  • Management Choices: Critical analysis of managerial decisions that didn’t yield the expected results.
  • Historical Context: References to past seasons were used to juxtapose the current disappointment.

• Notable Quote:

  • Alan Hahn (04:06): “They fell flat in their face, though.”

5. New York Giants (2023 Season)

• Expectation vs. Reality: With a promising roster including Coach Dable and quarterback Daniel Jones, the Giants were expected to ascend but instead finished with a 6-11 record.

• Key Points:

  • Performance Issues: The team underperformed, particularly on defense, which had been a strong point in previous seasons.
  • Injuries & Team Dynamics: Struggles with team cohesion and injuries played a significant role.
  • Management Decisions: Questionable contract signings and player trades hampered the Giants' progress.

• Notable Quote:

  • Alan Hahn (07:46): “Franchise Saquon. So the expectations are, hey, we got ourselves a coach, we got ourselves a quarterback. Let’s have at it.”

Honorable Mentions & Debates

Beyond the top five, the hosts briefly touch upon other notable disappointments, including:

• 2020 Yankees: Despite a talented roster, the shortened COVID season saw the Yankees fall short of expectations.

  • Peter Rosenberg (13:48): “They had a good pitching staff, but Torres showed up out of shape, making it a maddening season.”

• 2018 Giants & 2007 Yankees: These seasons were mentioned as additional examples where high expectations were not met due to various factors like management decisions and player performances.

Insights and Conclusions

The discussion underscores the volatility of sports, where high expectations fueled by strong previous performances can lead to significant disappointments. The hosts emphasize that failing to meet these expectations often leaves a lasting impact on fan sentiment and team morale.

• Alan Hahn: “We're asking for a president's trophy-winning team, not just going to the conference final.”

• Don Hahn: “I told you guys that the double-old man pitching contracts were a huge mistake.”

The trio also reflects on the broader implications of management decisions, player performances, and unforeseen circumstances like injuries, all contributing to the unpredictability of sports outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a candid and insightful exploration of New York's sports landscape, celebrating the highs while critically examining the lows. Through engaging dialogue and incisive analysis, the hosts provide a comprehensive overview of what made these seasons particularly disappointing, offering listeners both nostalgia and lessons for future seasons.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alan Hahn (01:36): “I'm not talking about like a way a season end disappointingly… I'm talking about expectations are through the roof.”

• Don Hahn (04:18): “If the Denver Nuggets don't consider Buck Showalter, they're a joke.”

• Peter Rosenberg (10:09): “That game last night that set hockey back. You talk about the stars unlacing their skates…”

• Alan Hahn (24:18): “That is an epic fall.”

• Don Hahn (32:34): “You know how big a Richard is in the business…”

This episode serves as a compelling reflection on the unpredictabilities of sports and the relentless pursuit of excellence, despite the inevitable setbacks that teams face.

Transcript

[Don Hahn]

McDonald's meets the Minecraft universe with one of six collectibles and your choice of a Big Mac or 10 piece McNuggets with spicy nether flame sauce. Now available with a Minecraft movie meal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

At participating McDonald's for a limited time. A Minecraft movie only in theaters. This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Alan]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

[Nate]

You just made it to this buddy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is is the list with Don Hahn and Rosenberg.

[Alan]

It's time for the list here on Don Hahn and Rosenberg. I've decided to limit this to the last 25 years. Boys, tell me what you think. You know, the Rangers are going through one of if not the most disappointing seasons I can remember them ever having considering the expectations. So I said you know what, let's. Why don't we have a list of the top five most disappointing seasons over the last 25 years in New York sports. Now let me disclaimer all of this guys. I'm not talking about like a way a season end disappointingly like the social home run by the dodgers in the 88 playoffs knocking the Mets out or the Flipper Anderson play for the Giants. Because those weren't disappointing seasons. It was a disappointing end to the season. I'm talking about expectations are through the roof. The team was great the year before. They're progressing towards being a really good team.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Alan]

And then it just bottoming out and not even making the playoffs. So at number five right after Allen's hard here, the 1314 Knicks, they won 54 games the year before. Carmelo Anthony's on fire. They lose to the Pacers in the second round. Hope springs eternal. They're going to take the next step the next year. They finish under.500.

[Don Hahn]

No, it's all about you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Marimello had the 62 point game that.

[Don Hahn]

Season but every that was. He set the garden record at the time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes. Like the injuries that happened but they never looked right. It just, it was yeah that coming off of that 13 season you just had this feel like you know Melo was like the true star in New York and you know like they were there and they always felt like they could take on the heat. As good as the heat were, they just felt like build this thing a Tyson Chandler, you know you got some legit. You gotta get dudes. Amari Stoudemar. Hey, just. They just never picked up where they left off yet. JR Smith, you had a monster like you had Guys. And it just. They wouldn't make the trade for Banyani. What a mistake.

[Don Hahn]

That was your question, Don.

[Alan]

Yes. Well, I'm telling you this. We're in the midst of our list, which is brought to you by bet365 now. Yes.

[Don Hahn]

Did you choose any very modern teams?

[Alan]

Oh, yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, let's see.

[Don Hahn]

I. I wonder, can I make a. Is he not doing the guest thing? I'm throwing anything out there.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Why don't I make the list and then you can then jump in with some things that if he doesn't say, excuse me. You know what I mean? Like, what are we doing here?

[Alan]

The answer's no.

[Don Hahn]

I guess Ali has spoken.

[Alan]

I got spoken to.

[Don Hahn]

I wonder. I just wonder if you're gonna. I wonder how bad a recent felt.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know what I felt? Just did. Will you let your brother talk?

[Alan]

You really talk.

[Don Hahn]

You really did. I just wonder whether there'll be a very recent football team that makes it here. But. But maybe not. Maybe you. Maybe your expectation for that team wasn't very high. So them sinking low didn't really do it.

[Alan]

Hold your water.

[Don Hahn]

Okay, for a little bit.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hold your water.

[Don Hahn]

Hold your water because water boy.

[Alan]

At 4, I've got the 23 Mets. Buck Showalter, manager, 22. They went 101 games.

[Don Hahn]

Kidding me. Like you dream about.

[Alan]

Oh, listen, there's finally gonna get his championship here.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fell flat in their face, though.

[Alan]

They fell flat on their face. They finished 75 and 87 in 2023. And then Buck shown the door and it's all over.

[Don Hahn]

By the way, I personally believe that if. If the Denver Nuggets don't consider Buck Showalter. They're a joke. I want to see them do the right thing. Buck Showalter should be coaching again.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Seriously. The year before, right? Scherzer, Verlander.

[Alan]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And. And if I'm not mistaken, that was the wild card series that they couldn't even get out of that. Right.

[Alan]

Was that they lost in. They. They lost to the Padres at all three of the wild card games at home.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. And nothing.

[Don Hahn]

By the way, I. I just want to say, I don't know if we remember it. History doesn't tend to remember my takes on the show. I, I told you. I told you guys that the, the double old man pitching contracts were a huge mistake.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Boy, we went on a limb on that one.

[Don Hahn]

Well, now, hold on. They didn't get completely. At the time. They did not get eviscerated for that. But like, I just absolutely knew down.

[Alan]

At the End of the season, it's right up. He doesn't have many of them, but thank you. He. When. When he hits them, they're like 500ft.

[Don Hahn]

Because the Scherzer one I was all.

[Alan]

Over, you know, Pat Shermer is going to be awful.

[Don Hahn]

I've nailed some of them. No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Was it.

[Don Hahn]

No, no Judge.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You're like Stanton.

[Alan]

No, it was Joe Judge. No, you said Sherman.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You called out no Joe Judge.

[Alan]

Because Michael was like, he's going to the hall of Fame. So you disagreed with that. But the Shermer you were on from the opening press conference, was he the.

[Don Hahn]

One of the outfit?

[Alan]

No, that was McAfee. Listen, when you get.

[Don Hahn]

I can't keep track of all the.

[Alan]

Bad coaching press conferences, coaches.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's a list we could do, by the way. But that's a. That Met one's a good one because there was this anticipation. The new owner comes in, you start throwing money around and they fell flat on their face. And it felt like, see even with the new owners, same old Mets. Right? That was a very disappointing.

[Alan]

And just so you know, I didn't go like, you know, Rogers jets or Favre Jets. I'm just talking about this team with not a lot of changes, you know, being great one year and they're going to take the next step and don't. So just so when I get criticized for leaving off certain teams. But speaking of the Jets, I got them in number three. The 2011 jets back to back championship games in 09 and 2010. And the progress was there, was there. Sexy Rex 9 and 7, 11 and 5.

[Don Hahn]

Here we go.

[Alan]

Oh, they're primed. Man's gonna go 14 and 2 and they finish 8. Nate. Of course, the Victor Cruz 99 yard touchdown. Tim Tebow going crazy. 2011 jets finished 8 and 8. Huge disappointment. I've got them at number three.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I will blame Woody Johnson for that season because number one, Rex got out of control by then and was starting to really. He was fat handing a lot of the personnel decisions. The draft now suddenly was a disaster. And the Tebow thing.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Alan]

Not like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like what are we doing? The Tebow thing. You could tell. All right, now it was officially a circus. And then. Yeah. And then the Giant thing. I mean you think about it. You had. Bart always tells a story about. He told. He was telling Cromartie like to move to a certain place because of Cruz and his speed. He's like, just move it. He's like, I got it, Bart, I got. And he's telling him he's Like I told him. No, no. And sure enough, 99 yards to the.

[Alan]

House and you can make the case the jets still have not recovered. I made the playoffs.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I mean, yeah, it's legitimate.

[Alan]

Absolute disaster. Number two, the 23 giant.

[Don Hahn]

There we go. See, that's what I was, that's what I was hinting at.

[Alan]

Now you say, all right, why don. Why don't 9, 7 and 1 and 22. Peter, we knew that they kind of did it with mirrors. But, but, but, you know, Dable's coach of the year, they give Daniel Jones a contract, right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Franchise Saquon.

[Alan]

So the expectations are, hey, we got ourselves a coach, we got ourselves a quarterback. Let's have at it. They go 6 and 11, lights out. And they have not recovered either.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And that's a reeling. Wasn't that also the. Because remember, winks defense is why they won that playoff game on the road. And wasn't that the. That's when he and Dable just suddenly started having major issues.

[Alan]

Yeah. And then the absolute embarrassment in Philadelphia and it just, it's. They've really not recovered since.

[Don Hahn]

And I again, one of the great.

[Alan]

Takes of mine and listen, it's recency bias and I can have at it, but you know, I got this year's Rangers team as number one.

[Don Hahn]

There you go, number one.

[Alan]

Well, I'm going to tell you why, because you're talking legit expectations. They went, they won two games against the Stanley cup champion Florida Panthers in the conference final. You got Peter Laviolette and all he has done is take teams to the finals. Right. You know, he did it. Kept one in one in Carolina, went to the finals of Philadelphia, went to the finals in Nashville. I mean, you've got yourself believing that this Rangers team, we were having conversations, guys, on the air, on the K show. They were talking about in the morning that the New York Rangers were going to be the team that was going to be the next champion in New York.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan]

Who's going to win the next championship? New York Mets, Yankees, Jets?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who you trust?

[Alan]

Oh, it's going to be the Rangers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan]

And now they're not going to make the playoffs. Not a disappointing season. And getting bounced in the first round like they did after they went to the conference final in 22. This team is not making the playoffs.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Out with a whimper.

[Alan]

And I don't know if you could feel comfortable if they're going to win another game the way things are going right now. So, hey, I know it's happening right now. Wait a minute, Dondu. Let's see how it ages. Listen, unless they all of a sudden just make a miracle comeback and make the playoffs knowing they're not making the playoffs after looking like they were going to win a championship. And this is not making the playoffs in baseball or football. I mean this is half the teams make the playoffs. We're not asking you to lift the Empire State building here. We're asking a president's trophy winning team not just going to the conference final. They were the best team in the regular season. Fast forward a year later and now a team that's not even going to make the playoffs. And guys, there's a chance that the Islanders and the Blue Jackets could pass them and they could finish in sixth in the division. It's not out of the realm of possibility. Although that Islander lost Dear. If that game was more meaningful, that could have killed people.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That game last night that set hockey back. You talk about the stars unlacing their skates and letting the Canucks do what they did. That 62 lead that was gone in a moment. But that game in Nashville, Nashville stinks. Stinks.

[Alan]

And the Islanders need the game. And they got a two goal lead with less than five to play.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And they were getting every call, they were getting everything going their way and they still just gave away the game.

[Alan]

And they still could pass the Rangers in the standings. And they play tomorrow, so there's a possibility of that. So I got the rangers there, number one. So the last 25 years, most disappointing regular season. Do it again after great seasons. The 14 Knicks, 23 Mets, 11 Jets, 23 Giants and the 24, 25 Rangers.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So. So Peter, anybody missing that? You now Don, you said the last 25 years. So we're only doing this century.

[Alan]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

We're not going to like the 90, the 94 Islanders or any of those teams like that.

[Alan]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I have a team that I would throw in there. I don't know if it would bump anyone like who, who you taking out? But I want to mention it but Peter, you. You were going to ask, so is there a team?

[Don Hahn]

No, no, it was the 23 giants. That was the three. Because. Because people at least thought they won a playoff game, they're heading in the right direction. Then of course they fell completely in the toilet. So no, that was the one I had on my mind.

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[Peter Rosenberg]

I want to throw out the 2020 Yankees.

[Don Hahn]

I knew there'd be a Yankee one from Alan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, I have to. This is remember now, this is the COVID shortened season. They all come back August and they play the short season and all that stuff, right? It wasn't like this team was a bunch of bumps. This was still off the team that went to the LLCs the year before once again couldn't get past the Astros right? Now I know it's just a weird year and all that stuff, but you're still loaded. Lemayhue was the best hitter in the sport. He was still, you know, DJ LeMayhue was still alive. You know, Glaber, Gary Sanchez. He was still hoping that they turn into something. Judge was judge, as always. You had Garrett Cole, for God's sakes. Tanaka was still like. Like, this was a good team that had won the division the year before, got to the lcs, and now all of a sudden you can't beat Kevin Cash and the Tampa Bay Rays, who found a way to not only beat you in the division series, but then they go on to the World Series because they beat the Astros. What you could never do that was, for me, as a Yankees fan, a maddening season. I think more maddening than the 82 and 80.

[Alan]

But. But do you let it slide because it was the COVID 60 game season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You have to. I get it. But for me as a fan, it's still one of those. Show up as a professional and be ready to go like some of these other teams were, because the Dodgers got the cheap World Series out of it. But I. It was. Wait a second. You're losing to it right now. Again. He ended up having. They had Charlie Morton, they had Blake Snell, who was the other guy. They had a third guy. I'm thinking, I can't. Glass now was on that was one of the starters there. Like, they had a good pitching staff. I get it. But Torres showed up. He was so out of shape, it made me angry. Like, as if he wasn't expecting to ever play. Like, there were things about that team when they showed up to play that was not professional. And it bothered me. That team bothered.

[Alan]

You know, another team that I thought about was the 2018 Giants.

[Don Hahn]

Remind me of 17.

[Alan]

Well, 17, they were three and 13. Okay.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan]

But they draft Barkley two. Why? Because we want to get Eli into the ring.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan]

They signed Solder to the largest contract ever given to a left tackle. And they win five games.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan]

They did not do that to win five games. They did that because they thought, let's get Eli out of the ring. And all they did was get two more wins out of it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So is that the year his streak ended?

[Alan]

Yeah, at the end of that. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's when then Jerry Reese decided, I'm gonna start Geno Smith.

[Alan]

We're gonna put into this thing in Oakland. You talk about late in the season.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's. You know what that should be. That should be an honorable mention as well.

[Alan]

It's an honorable mention. And the reason I said 2000, because then he's really getting the weeds. But we were, we were talking about the 79 Yankees. They came off the back to back championships. And then was it Cliff Johnson gets to a fight with. With Goose Gossage in the bathroom while one of them was at the urinal.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Imagine that.

[Alan]

So. So they're rolling around in the bathroom when one was in mid pee.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan]

So that's really wanting to go after somebody. Peter, if I really want to fight you, I'm gonna wait till you're done.

[Don Hahn]

No, no.

[Alan]

Right. If I'm jumping you while it's happening. No, I'm mad.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Listen, zip up.

[Don Hahn]

No, no, no, no, no. Don't zip up. That's how you know that means someone has said something about a family member. It's your wife or your daughter. There's no zip up.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No. There's no zip.

[Don Hahn]

No. You're going head first into the urine.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It must have been person.

[Alan]

There's not only flopping, there's pee. It's just everything.

[Don Hahn]

No, there's a lot talk about undercarriage.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Is there?

[Alan]

They're talking about flopping, undercarriage. It was all over the bathroom that day. So there was a couple of. You mentioned The Islanders in 94 get swept by the Rangers after making that miracle run to the conference final.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Fan will know, right? That 93 team was full of that old Islander magic and it was special. Was Al Arbor and everything was great. And then they go into 94. Now the Rangers own the town and they sweep you. You have Ron Hextall, they've got Glenn Healey, the guy that was part of your magic the year ago. They let Tom Fitzgerald go, which I've. I've said for a million times. Brad Delgarno, they should not have signed him. It's. Fitzgerald was the heart and soul on that team. He was so good. He's GM of the Devils, by the way. But. But it's like, like that. That for an Islander fan, if you look at the beginning of the end, the real end, it was that off season between 93 and 94.

[Alan]

No, you brought up Tommy Fitzgerald, the guy that he replaced. Ray Shiro passed today. Yeah, died. Apparently he. He diagnosed with an illness. It was quick. He didn't want anybody to know. Ray Shearer was a general manager in Pittsburgh for the Penguins when they won. And then general manager of the Devils and his dad, Fred Shiro was the coach of the back to back championships in Philadelphia. And he was the head coach of the 79 Rangers. So rest in peace, Ray Shero. But that is the List brought to you by bet365. Whatever your moment, it's never ordinary at bet365.

[Don Hahn]

It's like you dream about it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I really love that list because there's a lot of different ways we can kick this around. Does anybody. I'm sure we're getting calls on this.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, we do. We have calls right now. 1-800-919-3776. Yes.

[Alan]

Don and Nate. Nate wants to throw in the 2007 Yankees. That was the midges game in Cleveland. At least you made the playoffs. But I get it's a higher standard for the Yankees. But that was the beginning of the end, right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

That was it for Joe Torre Chamberlain.

[Alan]

Let go at the end of the season. So that 07 getting a chance there. And then somebody saying about the 2122 Knicks made the playoffs year before, then completely collapsed in February again.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Another they bring in Evan who was not a fit. It just like the barnyard. It's a. That's a. Actually that's an excellent one. Although the. The 13 to 14. That's because they had had that run of making the playoffs three years in a row. They have mellow there. Yeah, but. But that's not a bad one. That's a good honorable mention.

[Don Hahn]

Well, I gotta. I know Don could care less about the. The Masters, but today's the day where they're just messing around. They're out there with their families.

[Alan]

If you were a pro golf.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. Like look right now. Look, there's beautiful Brooksie and his beautiful family.

[Alan]

Yeah. Because come Thursday they would set their families on fire to win this.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They send them home. You're not even staying in the home with your family.

[Don Hahn]

But can you imagine if what you ever like Don just put aside your hatred for the sport. I can't imagine a better thing in your life that you've dreamed about. Like you dreamed about being in the sport. Being at the point where you're hanging out at the Masters with your family. They're all wearing their little outfits. Look, Brooks Koepka's baby's wearing a little mini caddy outfit. That's what you dream of.

[Alan]

If your father's that good at golf, he doesn't love you.

[Don Hahn]

My God. No, this isn't the same. No. But you know, Don is wrong. He's wrong.

[Peter Rosenberg]

He is not wrong, Peter. He is not wrong.

[Don Hahn]

No, he's absolutely wrong. No, don't. Let me tell you. Don is right when he's. Don, hear me out. If you hear me out, you'll actually agree with Me, Don is right when he's talking about amateurs. Regular people who work all week and then on the weekend play 36 holes and don't see their family. These people, they skipped the time with their family when there was no family. They were children. They went to college and by the time they're adults, they only work a season and a half a year for four days a week, five days a week.

[Alan]

You know, you're not wrong, but I still enjoyed what I said.

[Don Hahn]

No, no, it was a great line.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I found it to be hilarious.

[Don Hahn]

But Alan, you'll see when we get to summertime and Don just starts ripping men who go play golf on the weekend, that's when you're really getting into the true Don legreca. Essence. Sam from Somerset wants to weigh in on the disappointing New York teams. What's up, Sam?

[Alan]

Hey, Sam. Good evening, gentlemen. Good afternoon.

[Don Hahn]

Thank you for taking the call.

[Alan]

I hope all you guys are. Well, honestly, Don, that was a great list. The one that I was really thinking.

[Don Hahn]

That you would put up there, because I think is the team that was probably closest to a championship without actually it coming through. Was that the year Plax go shot himself? Because they were steamrolling everybody that year.

[Alan]

Wasn't that the year.

[Don Hahn]

That was the year Eli without Elite, without Eli.

[Alan]

Right. Well, that was. That was. Oh, yeah. No, it was after the championship. They won the championship in 07. They went 12 and 4. Here's why I left all those tight, because I could put the. I could have. I could expanded it to the 88 Mets, the social home run. They shouldn't have lost to the Dodgers.

[Don Hahn]

And I 25 year rule.

[Alan]

But here's, here's the thing, is that you still went 12 and 4. You still made the playoffs. It was a disappointing ending to the season. But I'm talking about disappointing seasons. I'm talking about teams that completely tank. Yeah, this Rangers.

[Don Hahn]

I see your point on it and it's very valid. The reason why I say that it still does qualify on your list is because the way the year was going, if that incident didn't happen, then maybe they would have lost.

[Alan]

How old are you, Sam?

[Don Hahn]

I'm 44.

[Alan]

Okay, so you probably remember 1989, the Flipper Anderson game. Same thing. 12 and 4 by home game in the playoffs and you lose in overtime on a bogus pass interference call. And the Flipper Anderson touchdown. That team had no business losing to the Rams. They cost themselves a Super Bowl. Now, the Giants did, too. And Plexigo, you know, shot himself and all that stuff. But that's literally a self inflicted.

[Don Hahn]

Over 25 years ago, right?

[Alan]

No, absolutely. But that. But see, that's why I kind of. But it's a great. It's a great. Why I toyed with a lot of different ones. But is it really a disappointing. It's a disappointing end to what was a great season. You went 12 and four. You had a buy. You were a one seed. You know, the Rangers. This isn't getting bounced in the first round, Allen. They're not going to make the playoffs.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that, that.

[Alan]

Yeah, that differently, doesn't it? Like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, it does.

[Alan]

Because.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because it can not even get a playoff series out of this.

[Alan]

Here's the thing. Yeah. Plaques. We don't know that. If plaques goes healthy, they beat the Eagles. I think they'd have an excellent chance to beat the Eagles. But it's football. Teams lose a game, right? We saw the Patriots lose a Super Bowl. If that's. If that's a best of seven series, the Giants probably lose to the Patriots in five games. All right. They won one game. All right. That's football in a playoff series. In hockey, yes. Sometimes, you know, President's trophy winners lose in the first round. That happens. But to not make the playoffs, 82 games to prove that you are one of the best teams in hockey after you did it the year before and you don't even make the playoffs. They might finish. Right now they're the ninth best team in the conference. That's an epic fall.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's from one.

[Alan]

From one in the league to now being ninth in your conference and whatever in the league. That's an epic, epic fall.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. There's no way around it. That is what they call in some worlds, Rapunzel.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It is the end. Right? Like this signals the end of that era, like emphatically. And that's why. That's what makes this so dramatic is making the playoffs and kind of fading out in the playoffs. It's all right. Like they put up a fight. They didn't have much left, but they put up a fight. They're not even putting up a fight.

[Alan]

Well, see, that's the thing is like that was a disappointing ending to what was overall a successful season. You're not blowing up the Giants after they lost to Philadelphia.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, right.

[Alan]

But they might blow up this Rangers team because you wouldn't blow up the Rangers, Allen. If they finished, you know, second in the conference and lost in the first round. But even though that's what they did to Glamp. But you know what I mean. I just thought they're going to blow up this team as best as they can, by the way, because they've got restrictions with the cap and all that and then no movement clauses. But there's failing in the postseason because nothing's a given. But over 82 games. The cream should flow to the top here and for it not to. That's. That's the kind of epic fails I'm.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Talking taxact knows you probably don't need help filing taxes, but if you get stuck, we have live experts you can talk to. And who knows, you could hit it off and become long term tax friends. Staying up late at night talking about deductions, refunds, personal exemptions. Heck, you could even fall in love and create a little dependent of your own one day. Or they could just answer your filing questions. Tax Act.

[Don Hahn]

Let's get them over with. I was never really a runner the way I see running is a gift, especially when you have stage four cancer. I'm Ann. I'm running the Boston Marathon presented by bank of America.

[Alan]

I run for Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

[Don Hahn]

To give people like me a chance.

[Peter Rosenberg]

To thrive in life even with cancer.

[Alan]

Join bank of America and helping Anne's cause.

[Don Hahn]

Give if you can@b of a.com supportann.

[Alan]

What would you like the power to do?

[Don Hahn]

References to charitable organizations is not an endorsement by bank of America Corporation.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Copyright 2025 Spring Fest and Ego Days are here at Lowe's right now.

[Sam]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

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[Don Hahn]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts.

[Don Hahn]

Billy Ocean. Oh, it's Billy Ocean again.

[Alan]

This is the character.

[Peter Rosenberg]

This is the Caribbean.

[Don Hahn]

This is Caribbean Queen.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, no.

[Alan]

That'S what he calls it. And when I say he, I mean him.

[Don Hahn]

And when you say him, you mean me. Yes, I is I is I and he is him. Slim with the tilted brim.

[Alan]

I mean mine, you know.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know he uses the phrase just running my game in this. It's the first reference I've ever heard of anybody calling it that, you know.

[Alan]

Oh, it's a good call.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Reference of running game I've ever heard.

[Don Hahn]

You know what? That's interesting. And what is. And Caribbean Queen is what, 1983 or something? 84.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I paid standby.

[Don Hahn]

All right. In the well, while he looks that up. I told you guys, I. It's 84. I mentioned Ida can confirm. I mentioned. I love can confirm because it means you were beaten to the punch. But you're gonna get credit anyway. You're gonna take some.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's literally what that means.

[Alan]

This company invented that.

[Don Hahn]

Can confirm. I said I had a hankering for some dick and here he is.

[Alan]

Shouldn't be allowed to say that. Richard.

[Nate]

Hi. Hi, Don. Peter Allen. Don, the couple for you tonight. Let's hope Dallas fans do what the Ranger fans did 50 years ago. Jockerman is traded to Detroit. Two nights later, the fans were rooting for Detroit and Jockerman. That was unbelievable. I hope that happens tonight. I hope those Dallas fans do that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Luke, back in Dallas with the Lakers tonight. For anybody wondering, ESPN has it.

[Nate]

Cliff Johnson goose Gossage was Will Smith, Chris Rock. Fellas, that's that.

[Don Hahn]

Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. Say one more time.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, yeah, I get it.

[Nate]

But Johnson goose Gossage. That fight was the same as Will Smith.

[Don Hahn]

Chris and Chris Rock. Okay, got it. Minus the whole Oscars. Minus the Oscars.

[Nate]

All right, Don, a couple more for you here. Since Al Kaline retired about 50 years ago, in my mind, I don't think there's ever been an athlete who's been with the same team and will retire with the same team 20 years or longer. And we're going to have two guys in the National Hockey League, Sid Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, 20 years and longer and with the same team. And in the same vein. Your dad would love this one that I come up with. The New York Giants are the only team in the NFL who've had three quarterbacks stay on their team 14, 15 years and never go anywhere else. Charlie Connolly, Phil Simms and Eli Manning. Now you guys were talking about the trade. No fault of his own. Cat Townes Towns to me is Bob McAdoo. Now go back into Nick history. Alan. If Alan Bellamy was traded for the bush or the grittiness. But then we lost Shelton, thinking we'd get cute. And we got Marvin Webster no good. We lost the grittiness with Shelton. Later on, we made the right move. We traded Cartwright for Oakley and that was the gritty Oakley. Now, through no fault of his own, Towns came. But we lost three gritty players. Hartenstein, Defincenzo and Randle. That's a problem when you don't have that grittiness. Now what I'd love to see the NBA do institute this room. Peter, let me know if you think this is decent. With five seconds or less left in the game. Five seconds and you can make that variable anywhere from eight to five. A team when they're up by three can just signal to the referee foul. So we don't get into all this mish. And then they can put anyone they want on the line. So we don't get it. Because Tibbs was saying you can foul a guy and he can go up for the shot. And I agree. That's a pain in the neck to hear about stuff like that where they.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Go up to shoot the automatic foul. Like the automatic.

[Nate]

Why not? Why not?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I feel like you take away, but you're taking away the game. Then. Now it's not a game anymore.

[Nate]

Now you want him fouled.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, I do.

[Nate]

But the other way is you're going to hit him and he's going to throw the ball up from 40ft. That to me is more of a farce, but.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well. But no, it isn't because he's. He's going to go up 40.

[Nate]

Don, come on. You know that that's a farce.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I like making it about the players playing the game instead of it being just, oh, that's true too.

[Nate]

But I don't know, it's just the thought because the reason they don't foul and that you can't argue against it. All tips has to say. I think he did say that was. Listen, you foul the guy and he goes up for the three and then you get a four point. I agree. Or get three shots. He'll come right. Once he knows you're going to foul him. See, that's the farce. They know that they should be foul. And in this guys, you know that the three point shot, it's almost automatic. Boys.

[Alan]

You know, I, I just. The thing with the walk is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Alan]

There's maybe the once in a billion years the ball's a little bit over the plate and they swing at it. But it's a waste of time. There is. There are times where you're able to kill extra seconds by avoiding being fouled.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes. Yeah. To just say, you know, to just yell out we're going to foul. And then the referee has to blow the whistle and stop the game. Like, I don't, I don't love that.

[Don Hahn]

You guys know I'm one of the biggest Richard guys in the business today for you to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

For you to do the. The wrap it up beat with him.

[Don Hahn]

Well, you. You know how big a Richard and when I say the business, I mean the industry. I'm a huge Richard guy.

[Alan]

Huge.

[Don Hahn]

Not. Not his best day. And I. I am a little Richard is. He's gotten very big on the solving sports. Like that's all he wants to do is like saw. I like more his random historical.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, but he's a thinker and he's thinking right now.

[Don Hahn]

No, I appreciate. We love Richard by the way. How could his name really be Al Kaline? I always as a kid just couldn't believe it. It's like.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Never heard of any other K lines in your life, right?

[Don Hahn]

No.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Never met a K line.

[Alan]

No. Have.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can't say I have.

[Don Hahn]

And then, and then, and then you meet him and his name's Bob. I mean it's like. I mean like Al Kaline. You just see it and you go, that's a word. It's crazy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Alkaline.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Alan]

How.

[Don Hahn]

How is it possible? There are a few of those in sports that you just go.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You measure that in your pocket.

[Don Hahn]

Milton Bradley.

[Alan]

How? How? Ben Gay.

[Don Hahn]

How.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Milton Bradley.

[Don Hahn]

No, Milton Bradley was insane. Like unless you were just doing it variant like and you were just. You made your kid's name a joke.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Coco Crisp.

[Alan]

Coco Crisp.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

But I knew a kid named Bornalooza.

[Alan]

No, I did.

[Don Hahn]

God is my witness.

[Alan]

Really?

[Don Hahn]

Borna. First name was Borna. How is that possible? How did your kids Gal at least.

[Alan]

Is a common this kid.

[Don Hahn]

I forget what country. Maybe Serbian or something. His name was Borna Lusa.

[Alan]

But even the like. But the Ben Gay really blew me away. He was. I think he was a Brown. He was a Cleveland Brown.

[Don Hahn]

He's Charger now.

[Alan]

Like you already have to overcome the last name. Right?

[Don Hahn]

Which at that time is tough.

[Alan]

Not that there should be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Who was the wide receiver in the Patriots? Jacoby. Jacoby Myers or something like that. Wouldn't. Wouldn't somebody that name like that.

[Alan]

But that could be a coincidence because maybe Jacoby Myers wasn't a thing when they named him Jacoby. Bengay goes back to like the late.

[Peter Rosenberg]

18 has been around forever.

[Don Hahn]

I don't even remember what Jacoby Myers is right now though.

[Alan]

But you know what Ben Gay is? You know what Milton Bradley is?

[Don Hahn]

That's the thing. And you know what alkaline is? And you know what Fanduel is?

[Alan]

Maybe not.

[Don Hahn]

You know what Fanduel is?

[Alan]

Oh yeah.

[Don Hahn]

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[Peter Rosenberg]

Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, but 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.