Detailed Summary of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" Podcast – Episode: Hour 3: Michael Kay Joins the Show

Release Date: June 5, 2025

Hosts: Don Hahn, Peter Rosenberg, Rick DiPietro
Guest: Michael Kay

1. Welcoming Michael Kay [00:40 – 01:04]

Don Hahn introduces the episode, warmly welcoming Michael Kay, a renowned broadcaster for the Yankees and Guardians.

Don Hahn [00:40]:
"You hear him one to three right here on this fine radio station, ESPN New York. And of course, he does the Yankee games. He'll be on the call Yankees and Guardians tonight. And he's Michael K. And he's nice enough to join us here."

Michael responds enthusiastically, setting a friendly and collaborative tone for the episode.

2. Exclusive Event Invitations Discussion [01:04 – 02:38]

The hosts engage in a humorous discussion about the challenges of securing invites to exclusive parties, such as Michael Rubin’s white party.

Michael K [01:22]:
"Can I tell you how envious I was of you guys today? It was a great interview with Michael Rubin. I just said, boy, if I was there, I would really weasel my way into the white party."

Peter Rosenberg [02:25]:
"Is it really worth it, though? Is it really an invite if you had to [weasel your way in]?"

The conversation explores the social dynamics and perceptions surrounding high-profile networking events.

3. Yankees’ Pitching Performance Analysis [04:04 – 06:34]

Michael Kay offers a detailed analysis of Yankees pitcher Clark Schmidt’s performance, highlighting his consistency and reliability.

Michael K [04:37]:
"To me, Clark is enigmatic. Every time you look up, he gives up three runs in six innings, which is what every team wants. It's a quality start."

Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg discuss the Yankees' pitching strategies and potential threats from division rivals like Tampa Bay, Toronto, and Boston.

Don Hahn [05:22]:
"Five and a half is not a huge lead, but it does feel like the Yankees aren't going to have to worry about making the postseason."

4. MVP Debate: Aaron Judge vs. Shohei Ohtani [07:20 – 15:37]

A lively debate ensues about who deserves the MLB MVP title between Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, with a hypothetical comparison in an American League scenario.

Michael K [13:05]:
"In the history of baseball, Judge is now the second guy to have a .380 or more batting average and 20 more home runs for the first 60 team games. The other guy is Mickey Mantle."

Peter Rosenberg [14:22]:
"The numbers do say that [Aaron Judge] is the greatest right-handed hitter in the sport ever."

Michael Kay praises Judge’s exceptional performance, drawing comparisons to legendary players and emphasizing his statistical achievements.

5. Scheduling Conflicts Between Baseball and NBA Playoffs [15:37 – 19:16]

Don Hahn raises concerns about major baseball games, especially between the Yankees and Dodgers, clashing with NBA playoff schedules, reducing visibility for fans.

Don Hahn [15:37]:
"It just seems silly that tomorrow those matchups will be over until the postseason."

The hosts critique the network's scheduling choices, highlighting the frustration among fans and local broadcasters.

6. Breaking News: Aaron Rodgers Signs with Steelers [19:43 – 20:16]

Peter Rosenberg shares the exciting news that Aaron Rodgers has officially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Peter Rosenberg [19:43]:
"Our long national nightmare is finally over. Yes, Aaron Rodgers has a team."

Michael Kay expresses enthusiasm, anticipating more engaging content and discussions stemming from this major sports development.

7. On-Air Banter and Light-Hearted Moments [20:25 – 34:31]

The hosts engage in playful and humorous interactions, including mock scenarios about filling in for shows and teasing each other about name-dropping and on-air antics.

Don Hahn [25:50]:
"1, 2, 3, let's be a brawl at City Field."

These segments showcase the dynamic and entertaining chemistry among the hosts, adding levity to the conversation.

8. Conspiracy Theories and Coaching Changes in the Knicks [39:13 – 54:25]

Michael Kay introduces a speculative scenario regarding potential motivations behind coaching changes within the Knicks, sparking a deep dive into organizational dynamics and player-coach relationships.

Michael K [49:21]:
"I don't know what happened. Could Brunson have been the one pushing for the change? It's a crazy conspiracy theory."

Peter Rosenberg [40:36]:
"This is one of the craziest conspiracy theories I've ever seen."

The hosts critically analyze the plausibility of such theories, emphasizing the complexity of coaching decisions and player influences.

9. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events [54:25 – 37:17]

As the episode wraps up, the hosts promote upcoming events like the ESPN New York Beach Bash, sponsored giveaways, and recap recent sports highlights, including Mets' performance.

Don Hahn [37:10]:
"The ESPN New York Beach Bash is back Friday, June 27th at Bar A in Lake Como, New Jersey."

Peter Rosenberg and Rick DiPietro join in promoting the event, ensuring listeners are informed about future engagements.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [05:22]:
  "Five and a half is not a huge lead, but it does feel like the Yankees aren't going to have to worry about making the postseason."

• Michael K [13:05]:
  "In the history of baseball, Judge is now the second guy to have a .380 or more batting average and 20 more home runs for the first 60 team games."

• Peter Rosenberg [14:22]:
  "The numbers do say that [Aaron Judge] is the greatest right-handed hitter in the sport ever."

• Don Hahn [15:37]:
  "It just seems silly that tomorrow those matchups will be over until the postseason."

• Michael K [49:21]:
  "I don't know what happened. Could Brunson have been the one pushing for the change? It's a crazy conspiracy theory."

Conclusion:

In this engaging episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," the hosts and guest Michael Kay delve into comprehensive discussions surrounding Major League Baseball's Yankees, including pitching performances and MVP debates. They also navigate the complexities of media scheduling conflicts affecting sports broadcasts and share breaking news about Aaron Rodgers joining the Steelers. Interspersed with humor and personal anecdotes, the conversation provides insightful analysis and lively interactions, making it both informative and entertaining for listeners who may not have tuned in.