Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Love The Winning

Release Date: March 10, 2025

Introduction

In the third episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," hosted by ESPN New York's Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, the trio delves deep into the current state of the New York Yankees, exploring team dynamics, fan expectations, and the broader landscape of Major League Baseball (MLB). The episode, titled "Love The Winning," provides an engaging analysis of the Yankees' prospects for the season amidst notable roster changes and shifting fan sentiments.

Yankees’ Season Outlook

Alan Hahn initiates the discussion by highlighting the absence of key players like Stanton and Cole, juxtaposed with the introduction of new talents such as Bellinger and Goldschmidt. He observes the general pessimism among Yankee fans, stating:

“My Yankee fan friends... they're like, this is going to be an awful season.”
[00:40]

Peter Rosenberg echoes these sentiments, noting that unlike previous seasons where fans could revel in the team's performance, the current climate is laden with skepticism. He remarks:

“I can't remember a season where the fans have just been this out on a team to where maybe you can actually sit back and enjoy yourself.”
[00:52]

Fan Expectations vs. Team Performance

The conversation pivots to the unrealistic expectations placed on the Yankees. Don Hahn critiques the brand's perceived invincibility, especially after the disappointing World Series appearance:

“After coming off last year... the brand has definitely taken a beating.”
[01:19]

Anthony Pusick, the producer, adds perspective on the team's resilience despite setbacks:

“At least they were winning so big in Game 5... you started dreaming.”
[02:39]

The trio discusses the delicate balance between holding high standards and acknowledging the team's current challenges. Don Hahn emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the season:

“I expect them to perform at a high level and win at a high level, because that's just how I am as a fan.”
[29:00]

Shifting Focus to Individual Performances

The hosts shift their focus to individual players, examining how emerging talents could influence the Yankees' success. Don Hahn highlights Dominguez's unexpected offensive prowess:

“Did not know Dominguez could have an epic offensive season...”
[01:19]

Peter Rosenberg underscores the importance of player development and the potential impact of injuries on the pitching rotation, expressing concerns about Garrett Cole's availability:

“Without Garrett Cole, and without Heel... I don't have a great amount of faith in Marcus.”
[05:54]

Expectations of Winning and Brand Identity

A heated exchange arises regarding the intrinsic link between being a Yankee fan and the expectation of winning. Peter Rosenberg challenges Don Hahn's perspective, arguing that fandom tied solely to success lacks depth:

“You don't love the team. You love the winning.”
[09:25]

Don Hahn defends his stance, asserting that the Yankees’ legacy naturally fosters high expectations:

“Because they're the Yankees, that's why.”
[06:22]

The discussion delves into whether such expectations constitute arrogance or a natural outcome of supporting a storied franchise. Peter Rosenberg contends:

“Why are you placing Yankee expectations on this team when it's not?”
[08:19]

Don Hahn maintains that maintaining high standards is inherent to the Yankees' identity:

“It is a standard of winning.”
[15:06]

Listener Engagement and Perspectives

The episode features calls from listeners, providing varied viewpoints on Yankees fandom and expectations. Corinne from Manasquan shares a more balanced perspective, emphasizing loyalty beyond just winning:

“If you're a die-hard fan... you've got to be with them whether they win or lose.”
[28:43]

However, Don Hahn clarifies his initial comments, reiterating his commitment to the team despite challenges:

“I will live through this year, whatever it's going to be, because that's what you do as a fan.”
[29:45]

Broader Reflections on Sports Fandom

Towards the episode's conclusion, Peter Rosenberg reflects on sports fandom across different New York teams, comparing die-hard Yankee fans to fans of teams with less consistent success:

“It's pretty easy to be a Die Hard Yankee fan when the team's good every year.”
[32:02]

Don Hahn acknowledges the relative nature of fandom, suggesting that dedication varies among supporters:

“It's all relative.”
[32:49]

Conclusion

"Hour 3: Love The Winning" offers a comprehensive exploration of the New York Yankees' current season expectations, the pressure of maintaining a winning legacy, and the nuanced relationship between team performance and fan loyalty. Through candid conversations and listener interactions, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg present a multifaceted view of what it means to support a storied franchise in today's competitive MLB landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Don Hahn on Yankees' World Series experience:

  “Getting to the World Series was like an exhale...”
  [01:19]

• Peter Rosenberg on the difficulty of maintaining high standards:

  “It's harder to win now than ever before.”
  [34:11]

• Anthony Pusick on fan loyalty:

  “You got to be with them whether they win or lose.”
  [28:43]

Note: Advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections have been excluded to focus solely on the episode's substantive discussions.