Transcript

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Don Hahn (0:30)

This is the Don Han at Rosenberg Podcast.

Don Rosenberg (0:34)

That sounds like heaven to me.

Don Hahn (0:36)

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8:80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers.

Don Rosenberg (0:44)

5:04 in the big city. It is 5 o', clock. Don on and Rosenberg with you until 7. Then it's going to be Ty Butler filling in for Dan Grassa. I don't know if you saw this, guys. And Alan, this is kind of close to home for you. The Long Island Ducks have signed Trevor Bauer to a contract and he's going to be their pitcher for opening day.

Alan Hahn (1:03)

They do this, the Ducks have done this over the years, is they brought in a lot of big names, you know, obviously guys looking for second chances or trying to make comebacks. This has been a part of Long Island Ducks history out there and they fill that stadium.

Don Rosenberg (1:21)

Well, I remember the Long Island Ducks coming to Somerset to take on the Patriots when they were in the same league. And then the Patriots became part of the Yankee organization and went to Double A. But I remember, you know, the Newark Bears and the Long Island Ducks and the amazing thing is, and the Patriots did it a little bit too, is they would, as you said, to sign some of these guys just to try to get some fans. The Newark Bears were big on it. They'd bring in Jose Canseco and Ricky Henderson. And it would be amazing to just watch these guys in a tiny ballpark, you know, play. Some of them were on rehab, some of them were trying to make comebacks, and some of them just wanted to get a money grab. And now you've got Trevor Bauer back. And the reason I bring it up is not just because of the local angle with him signing with the Docs, is he never got another chance ever. And from what we can tell from the incidents back In June of 2021, pretty heinous domestic violence allegations, things like that. Nothing. He was never arrested for anything. But the fact that a guy who, I believe he won a Cy Young Award, I think it was during the COVID season.

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode Summary

Hour 3: Trevor Bauer and Chicken Dishes
April 2, 2026

Overview

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg centers on two main threads: the controversial return of Trevor Bauer to New York baseball via the Long Island Ducks and a passionate, comedic debate about the merits and pitfalls of classic American-Chinese chicken dishes. The hosts and callers tackle both topics with the show's signature blend of candor, humor, and spirited New York attitude.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trevor Bauer’s Long Island Ducks Signing

[00:44–18:35]

Background & Reaction

Hosts react to news that Trevor Bauer has signed with the Long Island Ducks, highlighting the tradition of Ducks recruiting fallen MLB stars or those seeking a comeback.
Don Rosenberg notes the Ducks’ history of signing "big names" to boost attendance and recounts seeing similar signings with the Newark Bears and Somerset Patriots.

Bauer’s Lack of Second Chances

Don and Alan express shock that Bauer, a former Cy Young winner, never received another shot in MLB after domestic violence allegations from 2021, especially in a sport that is often forgiving of controversial figures.
- Don Rosenberg [02:40]: “You see some of the vile human beings that get second chances in sports—nobody touched [Bauer].”
The hosts speculate whether MLB teams know something about Bauer beyond public knowledge or if the behavior, though apparently consensual and not criminal, was simply “so immoral and disgusting” it was a dealbreaker even in a win-at-all-costs league.
- Peter Rosenberg [03:33]: “They, you know, MLB did the work, they did the due diligence... maybe went beyond the pale of that and said, ‘you know what, he hasn't been charged for those things, but we know there’s other stuff out there. We’re not getting near it.’”

On Double Standards in Sports

Alan and Peter highlight the hypocrisy, citing many athletes (e.g., Ray Rice, Chris Brown, Aroldis Chapman, Domingo Germán) who were accused or convicted of violent or immoral acts but returned to play, while Bauer remains blackballed.
- Peter Rosenberg [12:22]: “When there’s photo evidence and people can’t suspend disbelief... it’s impossible.”
- Alan Hahn [19:56]: “I’ve always felt the popularity of somebody is ultimately what decides how we feel about them.”
The crew discusses how image and perceived value to a team outweigh all other considerations—unless the scandal is too graphic or the player is no longer “worth the squeeze.”

Callers Weigh In

Jeff from Patchogue refuses to attend Ducks games:
- Jeff [10:23]: “There is no way I can go to a game and root for someone like him [Bauer]... probably one of the worst domestic abusers to come into baseball.”
Brian from Milburn raises a double standard about revered players, mentioning Lawrence Taylor's much-publicized issues post-career.

Notable Quote

“If Jeffrey Dahmer could throw a hundred mile an hour fastballs... they would say, ‘well, he just has an eating disorder.’”
— Alan Hahn, [07:11]

2. Exploring Chinese-American Chicken Dishes

[29:54–36:44]

“General, Sesame, and Orange”

A lighthearted, spirited debate about favorite Chinese takeout chicken dishes: General Tso’s, Sesame, Orange, and Sweet & Sour.
The hosts joke about the dishes as if they’re family members (“Uncle Sesame,” “Cousin Orange,” etc.) and how each makes them feel guilty but satisfied.
- Peter Rosenberg [31:11]: “It’s fried breading covered in sugar sauce that we lay on top of rice... I feel like such a slop, a pig.”

Sweet & Sour’s Role and Grand Marnier Shrimp

Sweet & Sour chicken is dubbed the “gateway drug.”
Discussion of the infamous Grand Marnier Shrimp and elaborate, expensive meals at Chun Li—nostalgia about food-based camaraderie and work friendships.

Personal Food Habits

Don and Peter share stories about their kids’ quirky eating habits (multiple hot dogs a day, etc.), with concern about dietary habits and childhood teasing.

3. Ballpark Food, Yankees Opening Day, and Novelty Eats

[41:42–44:53]

Funky Ballpark Burgers

Conversation shifts to the Yankees’ new peanut butter and bacon jelly burger—hosts are decisively not on board.
- Caller/Guest [42:17]: “Double beef patty, cheddar cheese, miso peanut butter sauce, bacon jelly... would you try that?”
- Peter Rosenberg [42:17]: “No, no, I’m good.”
They discuss how ballparks lean into outlandish, expensive food items (“just throw it all on between two pieces of bread”) to attract attention as baseball battles with declining attendance.

Classic Ballpark Experience

The group doubles down that a hot dog and popcorn are all anyone truly needs at the stadium, riffing on how old food pairings fit the ballgame vibe best.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Don Rosenberg [02:54]: “General managers and owners... they'd sign Saddam Hussein if it meant them to win a World Series.”
Alan Hahn [19:56]: “The popularity of somebody is ultimately what decides how we feel about them.”
Peter Rosenberg [31:11]: “All of them [General Tso, Sesame, Orange Chicken] make me feel like such a... as Ray would say, such a slop. A pig.”
Don Rosenberg [16:01]: “Oh, yeah, [Bauer] was a nozzle. He’s a nozzle for sure.”
Peter Rosenberg [12:22]: “When there’s photo evidence [of domestic violence], people can’t suspend disbelief... it’s impossible.”
Alan Hahn [07:11]: “If Jeffrey Dahmer could throw a hundred mile an hour fastballs... they would say, ‘well, he just has an eating disorder.’”

Fun Sidebars & Off-Topic Chatter

Yacht Rock Debate
([25:04–29:51])
Tangentially, the crew debates whether Christopher Cross’s “Sailing” is the ultimate yacht rock song, and Alan jokingly suggests Don should write a parody called “I Like To Win.”
Childhood Food Choices
Peter and Don recall “Ari Lippman ordering a hot dog at El Torito” and Don’s son Marco’s two-hot-dogs-per-meal phase.
Ballpark Hot Takes
The hosts lambaste over-the-top stadium foods, calling for a return to simplicity (“buy me some peanuts and a peanut butter jelly bacon burger” mocked as a lost lyric).

Caller Highlights

Jeff (Patchogue): Refuses to see Bauer play, citing the nature and length of his suspension and the MLB’s usual leniency with others.
Brian (Milburn): Notes hypocrisy in how fame allows some stars to outlive scandals (Lawrence Taylor discussed).
Claude (Queens) [38:57]: Shifts the mood to food, praising shrimp with lobster sauce, then shares annoyance about “that guy” who asks for big favors late in the week.

Timestamps for Key Segments

Trevor Bauer/Ducks Breaking News: [00:44–09:00]
Bauer & Double Standards in Sports: [09:00–19:56]
Parenting, Athlete Behavior: [13:44–15:35]
Chinese Chicken Dishes Segment: [29:54–36:44]
Ballpark Food & Yankees’ Burger Debate: [41:42–44:53]
Yacht Rock / Christopher Cross Debate: [25:04–29:51]

Conclusion

Hour 3 of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg deftly weaves between the social, ethical, and personal—moving from a thoughtful, sometimes biting own on the state of American sports and scandal, to the lightness of food debates and nostalgic riffs on music and family. The hosts’ chemistry and signature New York sensibility make even the tough topics brisk, bracing, and entertaining for sports fans and casual listeners alike.