Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary Episode: Hour 2: Why, Baseball? | Release Date: March 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into the perplexing scheduling decisions made by Major League Baseball (MLB) concerning the 2025 season's opening games. The discussion centers around MLB's strategic move to inaugurate the season with games in Japan, resulting in inconvenient viewing times for American fans. This decision has sparked frustration among listeners, especially those heavily invested in fantasy baseball.

MLB’s Opening Day in Japan: A Controversial Move

Peter Rosenberg kicks off the primary discussion by expressing bewilderment over MLB's decision to start the 2025 season in Japan. He highlights the clash between traditional American baseball enthusiasm and the new international scheduling.

Peter Rosenberg [00:28]: "Major League Baseball's 2025 season started today. The Cubs played the Dodgers in Japan to open up the 2025 season... it's flat out stupid."

He criticizes the timing, pointing out that opening day games are scheduled at 6:00 AM and 3:00 AM Eastern Time, making it nearly impossible for US fans to engage meaningfully with these pivotal games.

Peter Rosenberg [04:14]: "If you're a die-hard baseball fan like K K new... the Dodgers and Cubs start in the regular season at 6 o'clock in the morning east coast time and nobody know about it is flat out stupid."

Impact on American Fans and Fantasy Baseball

The hosts discuss the adverse effects of this scheduling on American fans, particularly those involved in fantasy baseball leagues. The inconvenient game times disrupt the traditional excitement and engagement associated with opening day.

Peter Rosenberg [04:27]: "Major League Baseball's got to do to cultivate their younger Audience here in the United States... nobody know about it is flat out stupid."

Jace contributes by highlighting issues such as the inability to draft key players like Shohei Ohtani effectively due to the mismatch in game schedules.

Peter Rosenberg [04:23]: "I've talked to people who are in fantasy sports that they could draft Ohtani and not have Ohtani's stats count because their draft or they have Ohtani, but their draft isn't until after this game."

Comparisons with NFL’s International Strategy

A significant portion of the conversation contrasts MLB's international approach with that of the NFL, which has successfully managed games abroad without alienating its core audience.

Peter Rosenberg [05:03]: "What drives a lot of interest in sports, Peter? You know what people get excited about besides gambling? But what's gambling? A jace when you talk about sex, Peter? Sex, yes. Major, no. It's fantasy baseball."

Peter lauds the NFL for hosting games in locations like London and Mexico City with more fan-friendly times, suggesting that MLB could adopt similar strategies to better serve American fans while expanding internationally.

Peter Rosenberg [05:47]: "What do you think makes football brilliant? They play their games in London, in Brazil, in Barcelona, in New Mexico, in Mexico City... They'll play in Europe at 9:30. And everybody loves it."

Listener Feedback and Host Banter

The episode features multiple listener calls and banter among the hosts, though much of it veers into side topics like voice technology and personal anecdotes. However, the core discussion remains focused on the detrimental effects of MLB's scheduling decisions on American fandom and engagement.

Caller [04:05]: "You think that?"

Peter Rosenberg [04:06]: "Not the fantasy baseball."

Prospects for Future MLB Scheduling

The hosts explore potential solutions and future implications if MLB continues on its current path. Peter suggests that MLB needs to prioritize the American fanbase to maintain its status as the national pastime.

Peter Rosenberg [07:03]: "I don't think it's good for baseball. As you said, it's not the national pastime anymore. It's been gobbled up by football in a lot of markets in this country."

Jace and Michael further discuss the logistical challenges and cultural impacts, emphasizing the need for MLB to balance international growth with domestic fan satisfaction.

Michael [10:03]: "The time difference is a big deal because it's just so hard to coordinate with Japan... baseball is big in Japan."

Football and Baseball Dynamics

A segment of the conversation shifts briefly to the New York Giants and their quarterback strategies, illustrating the interconnectedness of sports management decisions and their broader impacts on team success and fan loyalty.

Peter Rosenberg [10:21]: "And I'm not in favor of tanking, you know that, but I want to know that the guys that are in charge of the franchise are also thinking about the future of the franchise, not thinking about their own futures."

Conclusion: The Future of MLB and Fan Engagement

In wrapping up, the hosts reiterate their concerns about MLB's direction. They advocate for scheduling that respects the American audience's preferences while still exploring international opportunities. The episode underscores the importance of maintaining the cultural essence of baseball in America to retain its passionate fanbase.

Peter Rosenberg [22:03]: "It's a money grab. That's what I'm saying is that if anybody put any thought into it, they would say, I don't think we should do this to our fans."

Peter Rosenberg [31:43]: "And if you call it, I don't think it ends up being worth it. At the end of the day. I'm sure it's big bucks, but what's the end game?"

Notable Quotes

• Peter Rosenberg [04:14]: "If you're a die-hard baseball fan like K K new... the Dodgers and Cubs start in the regular season at 6 o'clock in the morning east coast time and nobody know about it is flat out stupid."

• Peter Rosenberg [05:03]: "What drives a lot of interest in sports... it's fantasy baseball."

• Peter Rosenberg [07:03]: "I don't think it's good for baseball. As you said, it's not the national pastime anymore."

• Michael [10:03]: "The time difference is a big deal because it's just so hard to coordinate with Japan... baseball is big in Japan."

• Peter Rosenberg [22:03]: "It's a money grab. That's what I'm saying..."

Final Thoughts

The Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast episode "Hour 2: Why, Baseball?" offers a critical examination of MLB's recent scheduling choices, highlighting significant tensions between international ambitions and domestic fan expectations. Through engaging dialogue and listener interactions, the hosts articulate a passionate plea for MLB to reconsider its strategies to preserve the sport's cherished traditions and ensure its continued relevance in the American sports landscape.