Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 3: David Wright Joins the Show
Release Date: January 9, 2025
1. Concert Conversations: Billy Joel & Rod Stewart at Yankee Stadium
The episode kicks off with Don LaGreca and Peter Rosenberg delving into the upcoming concert featuring Billy Joel and Rod Stewart at Yankee Stadium on July 18th. Don expresses mixed feelings about the pairing, stating, "I'm way bigger a fan of Billy Joel than Rod, but I... Them together does nothing for me" (01:08). He elaborates on his preference for experiencing these artists in more intimate venues, like the Garden or arena settings, rather than a sprawling stadium environment. Don reminisces about attending Paul McCartney's show at the same stadium, highlighting how McCartney's performance was enhanced by the venue's outdoor acoustics, unlike what he anticipates for Joel and Stewart.
2. Rangers Ruminations: Coaching Changes and Roster Concerns
Caller Raph initiates a deep dive into the New York Rangers' recent coaching decisions, particularly questioning the firing of Gerard Gallant. He argues, "I didn't think they should have fired him. At best, Laviolette was a lateral move" (04:33), expressing dissatisfaction with the management's direction. Raph contends that the core issue lies within the Rangers' roster rather than coaching strategies, emphasizing that talented players like Zibanejad and Kreider are not being optimally utilized.
Don LaGreca counters by aligning with Raph's perspective, acknowledging that the roster possesses substantial talent but hasn't translated it effectively on the ice. He mentions, "They have a lot of really good players and certainly I think should be playing better than they are right now" (05:59). The discussion further touches on specific players like Matt Rempe, where Don critiques Rempe's limited playtime and his inability to consistently contribute beyond short shifts, ultimately questioning whether such additions can genuinely rectify the Rangers' performance issues.
3. Knicks Knockdown: Performance and Player Utilization
Caller Javi shifts the focus to the New York Knicks, commending the team’s recent victory while critiquing the bench performance. He points out, "instead, their bench gives up the lead... it really wasn't super impressive" (10:02). The conversation explores the balance between resting starters and maintaining game momentum, with Don lamenting missed opportunities for strategic player rotations to secure wins more convincingly.
The hosts also discuss player contributions, highlighting how certain bench players have either bolstered the team or failed to meet expectations, impacting the Knicks' overall performance dynamics.
4. Engaging with the Audience: Music and More
Throughout the episode, the hosts interact with various callers, enriching the conversation with diverse viewpoints:
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Caller Javi draws parallels between the show's dynamic and the Judgment Night soundtrack, specifically referencing a mashup of Donna and Rosenberg, which resonates with Peter: "My favorite soundtrack albums of all time... my favorite soundtrack albums of all time" (10:54). Javi also introduces the Wolf Pack song, a creative contribution that sparks lighthearted banter about the show's musical themes.
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Caller Moose discusses the New York Giants' quarterback prospects, emphasizing trust in the organization's process. He asserts, "John Mara and John Marisink show progress... we're competing" (15:01), prompting a discussion on the future trajectory of the Giants under potential quarterback drafts.
5. Special Segment: David Wright's Number Retirement
The highlight of the episode is the heartfelt conversation with David Wright, a legendary New York Metropolitans player, whose number five is set to be retired on July 19th at Citi Field. David shares profound reflections on his career, his connection with the Mets, and personal anecdotes:
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Career Highlights and Memories: David recounts his favorite moments, including playing in the 2015 World Series and hitting pivotal home runs that symbolized his dedication and love for the game. He mentions, "to be able to represent National League Baseball in the World Series for me was a dream come true" (25:10).
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Relationships and Rivalries: Discussing his camaraderie with Jose Reyes, David highlights the importance of staying united as a team, saying, "We felt like, you know, Jose and I can remember we were in the minor leagues... we never thought that that would come to fruition" (30:25).
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Legacy and Reflections: David expresses humility and gratitude towards the Mets organization and fans, emphasizing his blue-collar work ethic and the fulfillment he found in his career. He reflects, "I truly think that I maximized my potential on the baseball field" (32:03).
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Thoughts on Current Mets and Future Players: David offers insights into current players like Pete Alonso, advocating for loyalty and the significance of homegrown talent: "fan base... love to rally around their homegrown guys. And Pete is certainly one of those" (33:40).
The conversation concludes with heartfelt congratulations and well-wishes for David's upcoming honor, underscoring his lasting impact on the Mets and their fans.
6. Creative Contributions: Music Submissions and Promotions
The episode also features Caller Doug, a professional bass player, who showcases his musical talents by presenting a theme song tailored for the show. His composition incorporates references to the hosts and their affiliations, aiming to capture the essence of the podcast. Don and Peter engage enthusiastically with Doug’s creativity, appreciating his effort and encouraging continued collaboration.
Doug shares stories of his interactions with the hosts, including a touching exchange with Peter during a challenging time, highlighting the supportive community fostered by the podcast.
7. Concluding Remarks and Upcoming Events
As the episode wraps up, Don and Peter promote the upcoming retirement ceremony for David Wright's number five and tease future discussions on college football playoffs and other sports events. They also encourage listeners to engage with the show through various platforms and participate in ongoing creative projects.
Notable Quotes:
- Don LaGreca: "Everything they touched her. It's gonna work fine." (02:17)
- David Wright: "It truly was some sort of dream come true, because this never even crossed my mind." (23:55)
- Don LaGreca: "When you put together the College Football Playoff... This is what you want." (41:12)
Timestamp Reference:
Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and indicate where notable quotes and discussions occur within the episode.