Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Torpedo Bats

Episode Information

• Title: Hour 3: Torpedo Bats
• Release Date: April 1, 2025
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Description: The first voice of ESPN New York and New Jersey legend Don La Greca, long-time sportswriter and New York Knick broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg dissect the latest in New York sports and beyond.

1. Introduction to the Torpedo Bat Controversy

The episode kicks off with the hosts diving straight into one of Major League Baseball's (MLB) hottest topics: the introduction of the "torpedo bat." Peter Rosenberg leads the charge, expressing skepticism and frustration over MLB's handling of the bat's implementation.

Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg [00:18]: "Why would Major League Baseball want to change the torpedo bat? Major League Baseball's been handed a gift, a legal gift... Baseball didn't have to go."

2. The Mechanics and Intent Behind the Torpedo Bat

Peter Rosenberg elaborates on MLB's motives, suggesting that the league is attempting to artificially inflate offensive statistics without transparent communication. He criticizes the organization's lack of proper management and foresight.

Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg [00:18]: "They found a legal form to increase the offense. Why in God's name would baseball want to change it? You know why? Because they don't know what they're doing. They're a poorly run organization."

Alan Hahn counters by arguing that enhancing offensive play is beneficial for the sport, especially given recent rule changes aimed at balancing pitching and defense.

Notable Quote:

Alan Hahn [01:18]: "But why is this version of the bat that now we're calling Torpedo bat? Why is there something bad with this? Well, I don't understand the bad connotation... If you're sick and tired of seeing... pitching became defense become too dominant. And we love seeing offense."

3. Comparisons to Other Sports: Evolution and Adaptation

Alan Hahn draws parallels between MLB's changes and alterations in other major sports leagues, such as the NBA's evolution in scoring and the NFL's transparency with rule changes. He emphasizes that sports naturally evolve over time, adapting to new trends and technologies.

Notable Quote:

Alan Hahn [01:18]: "It's adaptation. It is evolution. It's what you do in a sport. And it includes equipment, it includes bodies getting stronger, it includes changing dimensions of the court and the field."

4. Transparency Issues and MLB's Handling of the Torpedo Bat

Peter Rosenberg criticizes MLB for not being upfront about the torpedo bat, suggesting that the secrecy fosters suspicion and undermines trust among fans and players alike. He contrasts this with the NFL's approach to transparency in similar scenarios.

Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg [04:05]: "But the whole reason this is a controversy is because baseball made it so by not just being public with it once this bat became known... They'll probably screw it up."

5. Guest Insight: Aaron Leonard on Bat Usage

The hosts bring in insights from Aaron Leonard, an MIT-educated physics professor affiliated with MLB teams. Leonard reveals that several players have been using the torpedo bat since 2023 but chose not to publicize it until recently.

Notable Quote:

Aaron Leonard [10:09]: "A lot of players have used them over the years and they don't necessarily want to draw attention to themselves... it's just one of those things where, you know, if the players want to discuss something publicly, they can."

6. Impact on Player Performance and League Records

Discussion turns to the potential long-term effects of the torpedo bat on player statistics and league records. Peter Rosenberg posits that if the bat significantly alters gameplay, it could necessitate additional rule changes to maintain balance within the sport.

Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg [07:19]: "But I don't think it's gonna be that crazy... pitchers adjust. They're smart people... that's part of growing as a sport."

7. MLB’s Competitive Integrity and Public Perception

The conversation shifts to the broader implications for MLB's competitive integrity. The hosts debate whether the Yankees' prominent use of the bat could be perceived as an unfair advantage, especially given their historical dominance and national spotlight.

Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg [11:13]: "So yeah, it just happened to be the New York Yankees... If baseball got out in front of this, then none of this would have been a problem."

8. Potential Future Scenarios and League Adjustments

Looking ahead, the hosts speculate on how MLB might respond if the torpedo bat leads to unforeseen consequences, such as an overwhelming increase in home runs or extended game durations. They draw comparisons to other sports' adaptive rule changes in response to evolving gameplay dynamics.

Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg [07:32]: "If it gets a little crazy, then I think everybody would be in agreement and we gotta do something here."

9. Conclusion: The Path Forward for MLB

The episode wraps up with a consensus that while the torpedo bat presents exciting possibilities for offensive play, MLB must handle its introduction with greater transparency and preparedness to uphold the sport's integrity and fan trust.

Notable Quote:

Peter Rosenberg [19:11]: "But so, right, he's gonna still use it. So obviously it couldn't have hurt him that bat. But... if baseball kept it public from the start, there wouldn't be any controversy."

Additional Highlights:

• NCAA Tournament Discussion: The hosts briefly touch upon the NCAA basketball tournament's focus on high-seeded teams and the potential loss of "March Madness" excitement due to reduced unpredictability. However, this segment is secondary to the main discussion on baseball.

• Fan Interactions and Light Banter: Towards the end of the episode, the hosts engage in light-hearted conversations with callers and share personal anecdotes, providing a glimpse into their camaraderie and off-topic interests. These segments, while entertaining, are not the focus of the episode's main themes.

Final Thoughts

In "Hour 3: Torpedo Bats," Don, Hahn & Rosenberg deliver a compelling analysis of MLB's latest equipment changes, highlighting the tension between innovation and tradition. Through insightful dialogue and critical perspectives, the hosts encourage listeners to consider the broader implications of such changes on the sport's future.