Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 3: Changed Calls
Release Date: April 21, 2025

In this compelling episode of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the contentious officiating decisions that shook a recent Yankees versus Rays game. The discussion navigates the intricacies of baseball's scoring system, the impact of umpire calls on game outcomes, and the broader implications for the sport's integrity.

1. The Controversial No-Hitter Call

The episode kicks off with Don La Greca recounting a pivotal moment from the Yankees' game against the Rays. Max Fried was on the verge of securing a no-hitter heading into the eighth inning. However, an error initially ruled in the sixth inning was later overturned to a hit, thereby nullifying Fried's no-hitter.

Don La Greca [02:41]: "It's the most bizarre thing. It's the only sport left where human error is still a real thing."

Peter Rosenberg echoes this sentiment, expressing frustration over the delayed decision.

Peter Rosenberg [01:39]: "What I hated was, how do you not, like, how do you not call it a hit?"

2. Reaction to Official Scorer Bill Matthews

The hosts critically examine the role of Bill Matthews, the official scorer responsible for altering the game's score in real-time.

Don La Greca [03:08]: "I am absolutely flabbergasted. Ladies and gentlemen, the official scorer here at Steinbrenner Field, a man by the name of Bill Matthews, has changed the Simpson E3 into a hit while the Yankees are in the dugout."

Peter criticizes Matthews' decision-making process, highlighting the inconsiderate timing of the call.

Peter Rosenberg [03:21]: "Just unfathomable. He has to give some pretty good answers because I can't believe that this just happened."

3. Implications for Max Fried and Game Integrity

Don and Peter explore how the altered call affected Max Fried's performance and the broader narrative of the game.

Don La Greca [07:20]: "If he gives up another hit and gets taken out of the game, I could just leave it the way that it is. Nobody."

Peter Rosenberg [07:53]: "Is a Yankees fan who wanted to see or hope to see history and didn't."

They discuss the psychological impact on Fried and question the consistency of officiating.

4. Aaron Judge's Questionable Home Run

Shifting focus, the conversation transitions to Aaron Judge's disputed home run during the same game. The hosts debate the ramifications of such calls on player legacies and record books.

Don La Greca [08:03]: "It's Aaron Judge, is that. Would it be that crazy to think that he might turn around and hit 72 home runs this year and then doesn't tie the record or break the record of Barry Bonds because of that."

Peter highlights the potential long-term effects on Judge's career statistics.

Peter Rosenberg [10:31]: "He put it on replay and whatever they did, whatever the replay. Now, if I'm not mistaken, the umpires are out of the replay decision, right?"

5. Broader Issues with Umpiring in Baseball

The hosts expand their critique to the overall state of umpiring in Major League Baseball, comparing it unfavorably to other sports where technology aids officiating.

Don La Greca [12:12]: "These umpires, I love getting on Manfred, cuz I think of the four commissioners, I think he's by far the worst."

Peter Rosenberg [14:01]: "It's, it's, it really is."

Don advocates for technological advancements, such as lasers, to improve the accuracy of calls.

Don La Greca [30:48]: "And then you'll have the technology to know if it hit it, and you'd be able to easily determine on what side it landed on."

6. The Impact on Team Performance and Fan Perception

Don and Peter discuss how these officiating decisions not only affect individual players but also influence team dynamics and fan trust.

Don La Greca [19:23]: "Speaking of Juan Soto era, the alternative of Juan Soto is Max free. Let's keep that in mind."

Peter Rosenberg [21:22]: "So how has this worked out so far for the Yankees? It's worked out quite well."

They touch upon the Yankees' strategies and player performances amidst the controversy.

7. Conclusion: The Need for Reform

Wrapping up, the hosts emphasize the necessity for immediate reforms in baseball's officiating protocols to preserve the sport's integrity and ensure fair play.

Don La Greca [36:10]: "Let’s get it right, man."

Peter Rosenberg [36:11]: "The home run drives me crazy. The Max Fried thing doesn't bother me. The only thing is, like, learn from it and don't ever wait."

Key Takeaways:

• Human Error in Baseball: Unlike other sports, baseball still heavily relies on human judgment for crucial calls, leading to contentious decisions that can alter game outcomes significantly.

• Impact on Players and Records: Decisions like the one affecting Max Fried and Aaron Judge not only influence individual performances but also have lasting effects on player legacies and historical records.

• Technological Integration: There is a strong call for integrating advanced technology, such as lasers, to assist umpires in making accurate and timely decisions.

• Fan Trust and Team Dynamics: Controversial calls undermine fan trust and can disrupt team morale, highlighting the urgent need for consistency and transparency in officiating.

Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg provide a thorough analysis of these issues, urging Major League Baseball to adopt measures that enhance the accuracy of in-game decisions and uphold the sport's fairness.

For more insightful discussions on New York sports and beyond, tune in to the next episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg on ESPN New York and New Jersey.