Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode: Hour 3: Rewrites Release Date: July 17, 2025

In the third episode titled "Rewrites" of the ESPN New York and New Jersey podcast Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into the intriguing concept of how replay technology could have altered pivotal moments in sports history. The discussion is rich with analytical insights, memorable anecdotes, and engaging listener interactions, making it a compelling listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

1. Introduction to Replay and Historical Moments

The episode kicks off with the hosts exploring the transformative impact of replay technology on sports. They ponder how modern-day replays could have changed the outcomes of some of the most memorable plays in history.

Don Hahn opens the conversation with an enthusiastic tone:

"We're just talking about how much things might change in history if replay was always a part of sports."
[00:30]

Peter Rosenberg adds a light-hearted touch:

"Podcast that sounds like heaven to me."
[00:18]

2. The 1955 World Series: Jackie Robinson’s Historic Play

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the legendary moment when Jackie Robinson stole home in Game One of the 1955 World Series. The hosts analyze whether the umpire’s call was accurate and how replay could have provided clarity.

Don Hahn recounts the play with vivid imagery:

"If you showed people from this era a replay of that clarity, would they not think they were looking into a time machine or something?"
[02:00]

Peter Rosenberg delves deeper into the umpire’s decision:

"Yogi's the type of guy that if he were safe, he wouldn't have gone ballistic."
[07:18]

They discuss the mechanics of the play, examining footage and debating the umpire's position and decision-making process. The conversation highlights the limitations of the time and the potential for replay to prevent such controversial calls.

3. Listener Contributions: Revisiting Iconic Plays

Throughout the episode, listeners contribute their thoughts on various plays across different sports that could have been influenced by replay technology. These segments enrich the discussion, offering diverse perspectives and deepening the analysis.

Listener Danny from Long Island shares his insights:

"The all-time greatest play in NFL history is the Immaculate Reception. That was the first one."
[14:56]

Chris from Brooklyn brings up the infamous 1972 Olympic basketball game:

"The 1972 gold medal game between USA and USSR. That was a farce."
[13:32]

These contributions underscore the pervasive impact of replay across multiple sports disciplines, from baseball and basketball to football.

4. Analyzing Other Sports Moments

The hosts extend their analysis beyond baseball, examining critical moments in the NFL and NBA.

• Tom from Bronx reminisces about a pivotal NFL playoff game:

  "The 1965 Western Conference NFL playoff game between Green Bay and the Colts."
  [09:12]

• Mark from Brooklyn discusses the "tuck rule" in NFL history:

  "The Patriots versus Raiders. The tuck rule was something nobody really understood at the time."
  [18:38]

• Andrew from Connecticut reflects on a crucial NBA playoff moment:

  "2004 Western Conference semifinals, Lakers and Spurs. Derek Fisher's four-second play."
  [46:33]

These discussions highlight how replay could have provided definitive outcomes, potentially altering the legacies of teams and players.

5. The Role of Technology in Modern Sports

A recurring theme is the evolution of technology in sports and its capacity to ensure fairness and accuracy. The hosts debate the balance between preserving the original spirit of the game and embracing technological advancements for better officiating.

Don Hahn emphasizes the importance of getting calls right:

"I've always believed in getting it right."
[34:07]

Peter Rosenberg contemplates the limitations and possibilities of applying modern AI to historical plays:

"With AI technology knowing the angle and the trajectory of the ball after it bounced off the defender, I wonder if they could reenact that to see if it did touch the ground."
[15:30]

6. Concluding Thoughts: The Impact of Rewrites on Sports Legacy

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on how replay technology not only affects individual games but also the broader narratives and histories of sports.

Peter Rosenberg muses:

"Galaraga is actually more famous for the blown call. It's actually in his benefit. He's more known."
[36:01]

Don Hahn concurs, highlighting the lasting impressions of these pivotal moments:

"We get too caught up in all that stuff though. They...we have to ignore that a foul happened on the play and they had to change the rule."
[34:58]

The conversation underscores the intricate relationship between memorable sports moments and the technologies that could have redefined them.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don Hahn: "If you showed people from this era a replay of that clarity, would they not think they were looking into a time machine or something?"
  [02:00]

• Peter Rosenberg: "Yogi's the type of guy that if he were safe, he wouldn't have gone ballistic."
  [07:18]

• Don Hahn: "I've always believed in getting it right."
  [34:07]

• Peter Rosenberg: "With AI technology knowing the angle and the trajectory of the ball after it bounced off the defender, I wonder if they could reenact that to see if it did touch the ground."
  [15:30]

• Peter Rosenberg: "Galaraga is actually more famous for the blown call. It's actually in his benefit. He's more known."
  [36:01]

Episode Highlights

• Deep Dive into Historical Plays: The hosts meticulously analyze key sports moments, questioning the decisions made and exploring how replay could have provided clarity.

• Engaging Listener Interactions: Listener calls enrich the discussion, bringing in personal anecdotes and diverse viewpoints on pivotal sports moments.

• Broad Sports Spectrum: From baseball and basketball to football, the episode covers a wide range of sports, highlighting the universal impact of replay technology.

• Technological Reflections: The conversation thoughtfully examines the role of modern technology, including AI, in reshaping sports officiating and historical narratives.

Conclusion

"Hour 3: Rewrites" offers a captivating exploration of how replay technology intersects with sports history. Through detailed analyses, engaging discussions, and listener contributions, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provide a nuanced perspective on the what-ifs of iconic sports moments. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this episode invites you to rethink the decisions that have shaped the games we love.

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