Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary: Hour 3 - Peter's Message

Release Date: June 26, 2025

Hosts:

• Don Hahn: ESPN New York and New Jersey’s voice.
• Peter Rosenberg: Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality.

1. Mets vs Braves Series Recap (00:28 - 07:10)

The episode kicks off with a passionate discussion about the New York Mets' performance as they close out their series against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. Don Hahn praises the recent improvement, highlighting Max Freed's role in ending the team's losing streak.

Notable Quote:

• Don Hahn [01:37]: "I mean, what's the record for most multi home run games of all time?"

Peter Rosenberg delves into Juan Soto’s impressive statistics, noting his 27 multi-home run games, making him the youngest player to reach such a milestone in baseball history.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg [05:09]: "Juan Soto is playing to the back of his baseball card."

2. Juan Soto: Player Performance vs Team Success (07:10 - 22:44)

The hosts engage in a deeper analysis of Juan Soto's contributions to the Mets. While acknowledging his outstanding individual performance, they debate the balance between individual accolades and overall team success. Don emphasizes that, for a fan, the team's victories are paramount, regardless of individual performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [05:27]: "All he cares about is that the team hasn't been able to win."
• Peter Rosenberg [09:45]: "I want to see my team win a championship. That's all that matters."

Peter argues that while Soto’s home runs are impressive, baseball is a team sport where collective effort leads to victories. They discuss how Soto's performance should ultimately contribute to the Mets' playoff aspirations.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg [07:10]: "Soto is not going to put up the gaudy numbers of 60 home runs and drive at 130 RBIs but he's going to get on base all the time."

3. Parenting and Technology: Navigating Smartphone Access for Kids (22:44 - 19:55)

Transitioning from sports, the conversation shifts to personal topics, specifically the challenges of deciding when to grant children access to smartphones. Don and Peter share their perspectives on balancing technological engagement with healthy development.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [12:00]: "If I don't think they're ready, they're not ready."
• Peter Rosenberg [15:04]: "They do a terrific job managing it, but there's a certain age where these things aren't going to work anymore."

They discuss strategies like introducing smartwatches for younger children and setting usage restrictions to ensure responsible device usage.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg [17:39]: "When the kids are around fourth grade, there's this gizmo watch... it can only call or text."

4. Callers Discuss Knicks Coaching Situation (19:55 - 48:55)

Several listeners call in to share their opinions on the New York Knicks' recent coaching changes. The primary discussion revolves around the potential appointment of Rick Brunson as the next head coach, sparking a debate about his suitability and experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Caller [34:23]: "I've heard when they fire a coach, they don't just settle for the first available option."
• Don Hahn [34:32]: "I will say your phone's about to hang up, but I don't agree with choosing Rick Brunson."

Don expresses skepticism about the Knicks' possible choices, emphasizing the need for experienced and respected coaching candidates over less seasoned options.

Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg [36:08]: "We fired a guy that took you to the conference finals for the first time in 25 years. Fair."

Another caller, Sam from New Jersey, suggests alternative candidates like Mike Brown, James Borrego, or Taylor Jenkins, highlighting the necessity for coaches with proven track records.

Notable Quote:

• Caller Sam [38:05]: "It's going to be either Mike Brown, James Borrego, or Taylor Jenkins."

5. Event Announcements and Community Engagement (48:55 - 49:37)

The episode concludes with announcements about upcoming events and shout-outs to listeners' contributions, fostering a sense of community among the audience.

Notable Quote:

• Don Hahn [46:10]: "We're grateful to everybody who's on this initial run of our journey. Our first Beach Bash in the new era."

Key Takeaways:

• Team vs Individual Performance: While individual player achievements like Juan Soto’s are noteworthy, the primary focus remains on the team's overall success.
• Responsible Parenting: Hosts emphasize the importance of timely and controlled introduction of technology to children to promote healthy development.
• Coaching Decisions: The Knicks’ potential coaching hires are critically analyzed, with a consensus leaning towards experienced candidates over less proven options.
• Community Focus: The podcast fosters strong listener engagement through event promotions and active participation.

Conclusion:

In "Hour 3: Peter's Message," Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg provide an insightful blend of sports analysis and personal topics, underscored by engaging listener interactions. The episode highlights the intricate balance between celebrating individual talents and prioritizing team victories, while also addressing contemporary parenting challenges in the digital age.

For more insights and discussions, subscribe to the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast on ESPN New York, 880 ESPN New York app, or your preferred podcast platform.