Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Changing Extra Innings & Christmas

Release Date: July 16, 2025

In the third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into significant changes in Major League Baseball's All-Star Game, exploring the introduction of a "swing off" during extra innings and its broader implications for the sport. They also touch upon scheduling challenges surrounding major holidays and the potential impact on players and fans alike.

1. MLB All-Star Game Swing Off

Introduction of the Swing Off

Don and Peter initiate the discussion by addressing the recent changes to the MLB All-Star Game, specifically the implementation of a "swing off" to decide tied games after traditional extra innings. This new approach aims to expedite the conclusion of the exhibition match, making it more engaging for fans.

Player Participation Concerns

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the absence of two of baseball's biggest stars—Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani—during the conclusion of the All-Star Game. The hosts express disappointment over these players leaving the game before its official end, questioning the decision's impact on the sport's image.

• Don Hahn [06:21]: "Are you okay with the idea that both of them... were not there on the field or in the dugout watching the end of that game?"

• Peter Rosenberg [06:54]: "This ends up being what we're talking about instead of what was a really fun moment."

Historical Context and Comparisons

Peter draws parallels to a similar situation in 2008 when Alex Rodriguez exited an All-Star Game early, leading to significant backlash. He contrasts this with Derek Jeter’s reputation, suggesting that fan bias plays a role in how such actions are perceived.

• Peter Rosenberg [11:31]: "Maybe they will. Now. Remember Alex Rodriguez got killed in 2008 because... So it was easy to pick on him."

Implications for the Future

The hosts speculate on potential labor disputes within the WNBA, drawing connections between player awareness, league profitability, and the increasing visibility of women's basketball. Don highlights the significant media rights deal and league expansion plans, suggesting that the players' growing influence could lead to collective bargaining challenges.

• Don Hahn [02:54]: "A new $2.2 billion media rights deal... The league's going to expand to 18 teams by 2030."

2. Handling Extra Innings in Baseball

Current Challenges

Don and Peter discuss the complexities of managing extra innings in regular-season games, emphasizing the strain on pitchers and the disruption of game flow.

Proposed Solutions

Several ideas are floated to address prolonged games:

• 1-1 Count Start: Introducing a rule where at the start of extra innings, batters begin with a one-ball, one-strike count to expedite plate appearances.

  • Alan [14:55]: "Maybe they should start with a one in one count."

• Point System: Implementing a point-based system where teams earn points for runs, allowing games to conclude once a team reaches a predetermined point threshold.

  • Peter Rosenberg [15:09]: "After nine, we'll play two innings and just have a tie. We'll award a point and have a point system."

• Tiebreakers Based on Swing Off Wins: Utilizing the outcomes of swing offs as tiebreakers in league standings to provide additional context to team performances.

  • Peter Rosenberg [44:45]: "Next two wins in parentheses... you could put a number that signifies how many of those wins came in extra time."

Fan and Caller Feedback

Listeners express mixed feelings about the proposed changes. While some appreciate the efforts to make games more concise, others worry about preserving the traditional aspects of baseball.

• Caller [14:42]: "I like the swing off thing. That was great, especially since it was All Star game and, you know, it's entertaining."

3. Scheduling Around Major Holidays

Impact on Players and Fans

The hosts examine how scheduling games around holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas affects players' personal lives and fan engagement. They highlight the NFL's dominance during the holiday season as a challenge for other sports leagues.

• Peter Rosenberg [32:03]: "But NBA, you lose a lot of holiday season. How do they do Christmas, especially now that the NFL has commandeered it."

Potential Adjustments

Ideas are discussed to better accommodate holidays without sacrificing game schedules:

• Adjusting Game Times: Proposing later game start times to allow players and fans to partake in holiday activities.

  • Don Hahn [30:07]: Discusses the logistics of traveling and attending games during the holiday period.

• Alternative Holiday Celebrations: Playfully suggesting the NFL alter traditional holiday narratives to prioritize football games.

  • Peter Rosenberg [32:25]: "They're going to change everything... the whole world's going to be like, that's a good idea because it's football."

4. Listener Call-Ins and Perspectives

All-Star Game Experiences

Listeners share their memories and opinions on past All-Star Games, reminiscing about iconic moments and critiquing recent changes.

• Caller [19:23]: "I was more than a little disappointed when I saw him on the Mount... people had a hard time figuring out if someone was a human or a bird."

Suggestions for Improvement

Participants offer constructive feedback and creative suggestions to enhance the All-Star Game experience, emphasizing the need for preserving the sport's integrity while embracing innovation.

• Caller [44:04]: "As a casual baseball fan, I think the swing off would absolutely grab my attention."

5. Supporting Important Causes

Jimmy V Day and Cancer Research

In a heartfelt segment, Don Hahn spotlights Jimmy V Day, emphasizing the importance of supporting cancer research. He shares the inspirational legacy of Jim Valvano's 1993 speech and encourages listeners to contribute to the cause.

• Don Hahn [42:17]: "Today is Jimmy V Day... 100% of the donations go to cancer research."

6. Light-Hearted Music Discussion

Towards the episode's end, the hosts engage in a brief, playful exchange about classic rock music, specifically AC/DC, showcasing their diverse interests beyond sports.

• Peter Rosenberg [40:17]: "One of my favorite AC DC songs with Bon Scott as lead singer. You a fan?"

• Don Hahn [41:28]: "There are some songs I like and some songs I'm like, yeah, I'm good."

Conclusion

The hour concludes with Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg reflecting on the day's discussions, highlighting the balance between tradition and innovation in sports. They reiterate the importance of listener engagement and invite continued dialogue on upcoming episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [06:21]: "Are you okay with the idea that both of them... were not there on the field or in the dugout watching the end of that game?"

• Peter Rosenberg [32:03]: "But NBA, you lose a lot of holiday season. How do they do Christmas, especially now that the NFL has commandeered it."

• Don Hahn [42:17]: "Today is Jimmy V Day... 100% of the donations go to cancer research."

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of evolving practices in baseball's All-Star Game, the delicate interplay between player commitments and fan expectations, and the broader implications of sport scheduling around significant cultural events. Through insightful dialogue and listener interaction, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide a multifaceted perspective on the dynamic landscape of American sports.