Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Dave's Fandom & Yankees Win

Release Date: August 6, 2025

Introduction

In the third hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a lively discussion centered around their colleague Dave Rothenberg's intense fandom, particularly his obsession with the New York Giants and football in general. The episode also covers recent performances of New York's baseball teams, interactions with passionate listeners, and personal anecdotes that add a humorous and relatable touch to the conversation.

Dave Rothenberg's Fandom

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted ribbing of Dave Rothenberg's fervent dedication to the Giants and football. Peter Rosenberg initiates the teasing by highlighting Dave's unwavering commitment:

Peter Rosenberg [03:04]: "Dave is like that for football. Like, he's, like, a freak lunatic. Doesn't know the difference between real and pretend."

This playful banter underscores Dave's reputation among his peers as someone who takes his sports fandom to an almost zealous level. The conversation explores how Dave's obsession impacts his personal life, including missing significant family events to watch football games:

Peter Rosenberg [04:19]: "He takes pride in looking like a cornball."

Dave Rothenberg [09:19]: "He'd miss it. He would miss it."

The hosts humorously speculate on Dave's priorities, suggesting that his dedication might extend to even the most critical moments, such as the birth of a child:

Peter Rosenberg [09:21]: "Would he miss birth of child?"

Dave Rothenberg [09:23]: "He'd miss it. He would miss it."

Despite the jest, the conversation reveals a deep respect for Dave's passion, balanced with affectionate criticism of his single-mindedness.

Yankees and Mets Performance Review

Transitioning from fandom, the hosts analyze the recent performances of New York's baseball teams. Dave Rothenberg provides an overview of a Yankees game where the team maintained a strong lead despite late inning struggles:

Dave Rothenberg [00:43]: "Yankees holding on to a 32 lead. Got into some trouble in that bottom of the seventh inning, but he escaped it. So they're still up by a run."

Conversely, the Mets' poor performance is highlighted, emphasizing their inability to capitalize on opportunities:

Dave Rothenberg [00:43]: "The Mets can't get out of their own way. Almost got no hit this afternoon, but they'll settle for scoring one run in that game."

This duality presents a bleak outlook for both New York's premier baseball teams, with Dave lamenting the recent downturn since the trade deadline:

Dave Rothenberg [00:43]: "The Yankees have yet to win a game since the trade deadline. The Mets have won one, but they've lost eight of nine."

Listener Interactions and Callers

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage with listeners who call in to share their thoughts and frustrations. A notable interaction involves Ty Butler, a dedicated listener who commends the hosts' coverage while also critiquing Peter Rosenberg's knowledge of baseball:

Ty Butler [46:10]: "You got this awesome sports job, talking about sports, and you don't make it a point to learn baseball."

Peter responds thoughtfully, acknowledging the feedback and promising to enhance his baseball insights:

Peter Rosenberg [47:38]: "I'll have my takes on everything happening and will be fully involved."

Another caller, Joe from Astoria, shares his frustrations with the Mets, attributing their poor performance to a self-imposed curse:

Ty Butler [31:36]: "I think the Mets are cursed. And I blame myself because I was born in '86 and that was the last year they won the World Series."

The hosts debate the validity of the curse theory versus the team's current struggles, offering a mix of humor and sports analysis.

Personal Anecdotes and Light-Hearted Moments

Amidst the sports discourse, the hosts share personal stories that humanize them and connect with the audience on a relatable level. Peter Rosenberg recounts the joy of hearing his baby's first sounds:

Peter Rosenberg [41:46]: "She seemed to be very excited. She wrote she was making new sounds like mama."

Dave Rothenberg joins in with his own experiences, emphasizing the importance of being present for family moments despite professional commitments:

Dave Rothenberg [40:30]: "You want to be present. You want to be there for it."

These moments of vulnerability and humor provide a balanced contrast to the otherwise intense sports discussions.

Upcoming Guest and Show Dynamics

As the episode progresses, anticipation builds for the upcoming guest appearance by Paul Heyman, a renowned wrestling personality. The hosts express both excitement and nervousness about the interaction:

Peter Rosenberg [27:38]: "He’s very popular."

Dave Rothenberg [27:37]: "I'm nervous about this because I'm sitting in a studio with two wrestling savants."

Peter ponders potential improvements to their show format, suggesting a more free-flowing conversation style inspired by podcast dynamics:

Peter Rosenberg [28:15]: "I think the interviews can sometimes feel very much like a radio interview, like very serious. Maybe we can learn from podcasts in terms of letting go and having a free-flowing conversation."

The hosts discuss the challenges of balancing structured interviews with spontaneous, engaging dialogue, especially when dealing with high-profile guests like Heyman.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

As the podcast nears its end, the hosts reflect on the challenges facing New York's sports teams and their own show schedule. They discuss the intricacies of balancing work commitments with personal lives, all while maintaining their signature humor and camaraderie.

In conclusion, "Hour 3: Dave's Fandom & Yankees Win" offers a rich tapestry of sports analysis, playful host dynamics, listener engagement, and personal stories. The episode effectively captures the essence of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" by blending insightful commentary with relatable humor, making it an engaging listen for both regular fans and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Rosenberg [03:04]: "Dave is like that for football. Like, he's, like, a freak lunatic. Doesn't know the difference between real and pretend."

• Dave Rothenberg [09:19]: "He'd miss it. He would miss it."

• Ty Butler [46:10]: "You got this awesome sports job, talking about sports, and you don't make it a point to learn baseball."

• Peter Rosenberg [47:38]: "I'll have my takes on everything happening and will be fully involved."

• Peter Rosenberg [41:46]: "She seemed to be very excited. She wrote she was making new sounds like mama."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and humorous exchanges from the podcast episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't tuned in.