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.