Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Don v Alan on Mets Attendance

Release Date: February 18, 2025
Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Episode Title: Hour 3: Don v Alan on Mets Attendance

1. Introduction to the Discussion

The third episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast centers around a spirited debate between Don LaGreca and Alan Hahn concerning the New York Mets' attendance figures. Peter Rosenberg moderates the conversation, providing insights and interjecting when necessary. The discussion delves into the impact of Mets owner Steve Cohen's investments, comparisons with the New York Yankees, and the broader implications for fan engagement.

2. Steve Cohen's Ownership and Investments

Steve Cohen's Financial Commitment: Don LaGreca initiates the conversation by highlighting Steve Cohen's significant financial investments in the Mets franchise since his purchase. He emphasizes Cohen's commitment both emotionally and financially, contrasting it with previous ownerships.

Don LaGreca [03:26]: "So he is invested not just emotionally, but financially. But financially, yes. In a Met franchise that you could argue has never really been invested like this in a long time."

Key Moves Under Cohen: Peter Rosenberg outlines Cohen's pivotal decisions, including high-profile player acquisitions and strengthening the minor league system.

Peter Rosenberg [02:05]: "Well, he went and gave Lindor a ton of money that people criticized up until this past season... he bought out Scherzer and Verlander and was able to help the minor league system."

3. Attendance Concerns and Recent Performance

Last Season's Low Attendance: The core of the debate revolves around the Mets' attendance standing last season, which ranked 18th. Don expresses concern over the low numbers despite the team’s mid-season performance.

Peter Rosenberg [05:16]: "The Mets last season finished 18th in attendance. That really bothered me."

Alan's Perspective on Attendance Lagging: Alan Hahn offers a more optimistic view, suggesting that attendance typically improves with team performance and expresses hope for higher turnout this season.

Alan Hahn [05:14]: "18Th in attendance when we're right in the middle of a pennant race... I'm really hopeful this year."

Don's Frustration with Owner's Ultimatum: Don criticizes Cohen for making demands on fans to boost attendance, feeling that it's an overreach from the owner.

Don LaGreca [03:26]: "I'm just asking for you to show the hell up."

4. Comparisons with the New York Yankees

Yankee Attendance and Consistency: A significant portion of the discussion compares the Mets' struggles with the Yankees' consistently high attendance, attributing it to the Yankees' perpetual competitiveness and star power.

Peter Rosenberg [06:57]: "The Yankees have not finished under .500 in over 30 years... they are always in a position to win."

Historical Context: Don brings historical context, recalling periods when the Yankees faced attendance issues contrasted with the Mets' successful fan turnout during their championship runs in the past.

Peter Rosenberg [07:16]: "Back in the 80s when you weren't that bad of a baseball team... they were drawn over 3 million fans."

Alan's Argument on Market Differences: Alan argues that certain markets have inherently higher attendance due to sustained team success, making direct comparisons challenging.

Alan Hahn [32:11]: "Baseball is... front-running when it comes to attendance. If you want good attendance, you have to be consistently good."

5. Fan Engagement and Expectations

Don's Call for Fan Investment: Don emphasizes the need for Mets fans to be more engaged and supportive, highlighting that real fan investment goes beyond social media interactions.

Don LaGreca [04:57]: "I gave you a team that you can cheer for... All I'm asking for you is show the hell up."

Peter's Defense of Fan Behavior: Peter Rosenberg counters by defending Mets fans, explaining that past disappointments have understandably led to skepticism and reduced attendance.

Peter Rosenberg [07:17]: "Met fans are a little dubious about their team every year because not every year they're good."

Economic Considerations: The hosts touch upon the financial aspects of attending games, discussing ticket pricing, parking costs, and the accessibility of games for average fans.

Peter Rosenberg [18:25]: "I could still go to $4 a ticket in the hundred section."

6. Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

Hope for Improvement: Both Don and Alan express cautious optimism for the Mets' future attendance, contingent on the team's performance and sustained investment.

Don LaGreca [37:15]: "I still feel like that's why you would almost grab onto the best of times."

Skepticism Remains: Despite investments, Peter remains skeptical about immediate improvements in attendance, citing the need for long-term consistency.

Peter Rosenberg [25:22]: "But let's see how it all works. Out."

Final Stance on Owner-Fan Relationship: The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the complex relationship between ownership decisions and fan support, highlighting the delicate balance required to foster a thriving fanbase.

Alan Hahn [31:26]: "If you build it, they will come. That's true though."

Notable Quotes

• Don LaGreca [03:26]: "So he is invested not just emotionally, but financially."
• Peter Rosenberg [07:17]: "Met fans are a little dubious about their team every year because not every year they're good."
• Alan Hahn [05:14]: "I'm really hopeful this year being a year when the fans come out."
• Don LaGreca [04:57]: "All I'm asking for you is show the hell up."
• Peter Rosenberg [06:57]: "The Yankees are always in a position to win."

Key Takeaways

• Ownership Impact: Steve Cohen's significant financial commitments have begun to reshape the Mets franchise, but results on attendance are still pending.

• Attendance as a Performance Indicator: There is a strong belief that team performance directly influences fan turnout, with consistent success being crucial for sustained attendance.

• Fan Loyalty and Engagement: The relationship between fans and the team is complex, influenced by historical performance, economic factors, and ownership strategies.

• Comparative Analysis: Comparing Mets attendance to the Yankees underscores the importance of consistent competitiveness and star power in maintaining high fan engagement.

• Future Prospects: While there is hope that recent investments will translate into better performance and higher attendance, skepticism remains until tangible results are observed.

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the factors affecting Mets attendance, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between ownership decisions, team performance, and fan behavior. Through lively debate and insightful perspectives, Don, Alan, and Peter shed light on the challenges and potential pathways for the Mets to enhance their presence in the hearts and stands of New York baseball fans.