Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 3 – Yankees & Team USA

Date: February 18, 2026

Episode Overview

This high-energy hour of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast sees the trio bounce from lively New Jersey music debates to reflections on Yankees history, generational shifts in sports fandom, and live reactions to Team USA’s Olympic men’s hockey game. The episode illustrates the intersection of sports history, shifting cultural touchstones, and fervent real-time sports emotions—all underpinned with classic New York wit and banter.

Main Topics & Discussion Points

1. New Jersey's Musical Icon: Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi?

(02:02—07:11)

Nancy’s Perspective: Peter shares his wife Nancy’s decisive take: “Sinatra left New Jersey. Bon Jovi left New Jersey. Springsteen has never, ever left New Jersey… It’s gotta be Bruce.” (02:11)
- Nancy's lack of fandom for any of the big three is humorously noted, but her Jersey loyalty to Springsteen’s roots is clear.
Generational Debate:
- Alan and Peter mull over who each generation associates with New Jersey:
  - Older fans: Sinatra
  - 1980s: Bon Jovi
  - Longevity and loyalty: Springsteen.
- Alan: “Long hair and glammy rock vibes is what makes people associate Bon Jovi with Jersey.” (05:24)
- Don: “From the outside looking in, what would you associate with Jersey? Not what Jerseyites associate.” (05:50)
Parallels to Billy Joel/Long Island:
- Don: “What Bruce Springsteen is to Jersey, Billy Joel is to Long Island.” (06:33)
YouTube Poll: Listeners vote on who’s most “Jersey.”

2. Younger Generations' View on Yankees' Legacy

(07:42—14:52; 44:07—47:26)

Caller Jimmy (07:51): A 33-year-old says Bon Jovi feels “more Jersey” to his crowd than Bruce, reflecting generational shifts in cultural icons.
Modern Yankees' Reputation:
- Don laments, “The edge has been lost.” (09:19)
- Peter: “That edge has been lost… They’re like everybody else, and that’s the way baseball designed it, with revenue sharing.” (09:35)
- Don: “That’s why the Canadiens aren’t the juggernaut they used to be… Cowboys aren’t the juggernaut.” (10:10)
Disconnect with History:
- Peter tells the anecdote of Don Mattingly supposedly believing Babe Ruth was fictional (11:49, returned to at 44:07 after confirmation in Kevin Baker’s book).
- Don: “Today’s athletes just don’t look at history the same way.” (12:48)
- Allen: “The farther away you get from those legends, the less real it feels for the current guys.” (13:41)
- Peter: “All generations become focused on themselves. The modern times for a lot of these guys are, hey, the Yankees are really good, but the Dodgers are really good too.” (15:00)
Caller Steve (46:47): Reflects on how Steinbrenner revived Yankees’ history for marketing and fan engagement, especially via Old Timers Day and keeping legends visible.

3. The Mythos of the Yankees

(09:35—15:59; 49:42—51:47)

Maintaining Standards:
- Discussion of how the Yankees’ mystique has faded amid league parity, revenue sharing, and economic changes: “It’s harder to win… but now look at sports: salary cap, revenue sharing, hedge fund owners… Just to hold any team to the standards of the past is unfair.” (49:42)
Changing Nature of Fandom:
- Don: “It’s the Yankees always adjusting to the times and eventually getting it right again, being the quote, unquote Yankees.” (50:55)
- Peter (on possible future ownership changes): “There’s gonna come a time when somebody else comes in and they will spend, and it’ll be like, ‘See, there they are, the Yankees.’” (51:47)

4. Yankees’ Current Mentality & Management

(18:34—19:52)

Cashman vs Hal Steinbrenner:
- Allen: “There’s also the argument that they’re losers because they seem okay with mediocrity… Cashman having a loser’s mentality.” (18:48)
- Peter: “I think that’s a Hal thing, not a Brian thing… I think Hal, where he’s like, ‘Dude, I’m winning. Look, I’m generating a lot of income.’ He wants to win, but I don’t think he looks at it as a failed season when they’re in the black, the building’s full, and the ratings are high.” (19:05)
- Don: “At some point, because of the brand and the history, you gotta win one and you gotta go for it… That’s the difference.” (19:52)

5. Live: Team USA Hockey Quarterfinal (US vs. Sweden)

(24:26—40:18)

Tense Game: The show pivots into live reactions as Team USA faces Sweden in the Olympic quarterfinals.
- Don details the pressure: “We have not beaten the Swedes in the Olympics since, like, 1960.” (32:09)
- Allen: “There’s meddling on the line!” (32:43)
Hockey Overtime Discussion:
- The hosts discuss the drama and quirks of 3-on-3 overtime vs. shootouts:
  - Don: “Who wants to see the shootout? It doesn’t represent the game as much.” (34:48)
  - Allen: “I don’t want to see games end in a skills competition… this is a skills competition, but it’s still hockey.” (35:35)
- Live play-by-play (as much as they can permit with broadcast rules) and mounting excitement as Team USA advances:
  - Peter: “Quinn Hughes… in overtime! The US advance.” (36:09)
  - Allen: “USA! USA! Nice shot between the circles. 6:33 left in overtime.” (36:12)
Impactful Moment:
- Peter: “I just could not look away.” (36:36)
- Allen: “We couldn’t. We were captivated.” (36:42)
Postgame Reflection:
- Allen: “So the US goes to the semis, and they’re guaranteed at least a shot at a medal…” (39:44)
- Peter: “Because if they lose in the next round, they can still win bronze…” (39:47)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On New Jersey icons:
“Sinatra left New Jersey. Bon Jovi left New Jersey. Springsteen has never, ever left New Jersey… It’s gotta be Bruce.” — Peter’s wife Nancy (02:11)
On Yankees’ mystique:
“The edge has been lost... They’re like everybody else, and that’s the way baseball designed it, with revenue sharing.” — Peter (09:35)
On the disconnect with history:
“Today’s athletes just don’t look at history the same way.” — Don (12:48)
“The farther you get from those legends, the less real they feel for the current guys.” — Allen (13:41)
On shootouts in hockey:
“Who wants to see how exciting this is? Who wants to see the shootout? It doesn't represent the game as much.” — Don (34:33)
On the Olympics drama:
“Quinn Hughes…in overtime! The US advance.” — Peter (36:09)
“USA! USA!” — Allen (36:12)
On Yankees future:
“It’s the Yankees always adjusting to the times and eventually getting it right again… Eventually it will come back around and they will be that.” — Don (50:55)

Key Timestamps

02:02: New Jersey music debate—Springsteen vs. Sinatra vs. Bon Jovi
07:51: Caller Jimmy on generational music ties, Yankees, and Jersey identity
09:35: Discussion on the Yankees’ faded edge and reputation in MLB
11:49; 44:07: Don Mattingly/Babe Ruth “urban legend” story
12:48—15:59: How younger generations relate differently to team legacies in all sports
18:48—19:52: Yankees’ approach: “winning in the black” versus “championships at all costs”
24:26—40:18: Live, play-by-play style coverage and analysis of Team USA Olympic hockey vs. Sweden culminating in an OT win
36:09: Quinn Hughes’ winning goal in overtime – live reaction
39:44: Implications for Team USA’s medal chances
46:47: Caller Steve on Yankees’ history, Steinbrenner, and legend marketing
49:42: Parity and the Yankees’ challenge in the modern era
50:55: Don’s view on the cyclical nature of Yankees' dominance

Tone & Style Notes

Dynamic, conversational, lots of friendly ribbing and laughter
Deeply knowledgeable about sports, with lived New York/New Jersey experience
Real-time emotional reactions during the hockey game—at times distracted but authentic
Calls and off-air anecdotes give authenticity and community feel

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode is a prime example of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg at their best: serious debate, generational perspective, nostalgia for legendary sports eras, and in-the-moment analysis. The show balances insightful takes (on both music and sports), fun audience interaction (from calls to live polls), and organic, must-listen radio when the game is on the line.

While some inside jokes and references reward longtime listeners, newcomers will appreciate how accessible the personalities and discussions are—especially the exploration of why sports legends, whether Springsteen or the 1990s Yankees, matter differently to each generation.

Summary Table: Major Segments & Timestamps

| Topic | Time (approx) | |------------------------------------------|-----------------| | NJ Music Debate: Bruce, Bon Jovi, Sinatra| 02:02 – 07:11 | | Generational Shifts in Yankees Fandom | 07:51 – 15:59 | | Urban Legend: Don Mattingly & Babe Ruth | 11:49 & 44:07 | | Yankees' Brand vs. Business Mentality | 18:34 – 19:52 | | Live Team USA Hockey Game Coverage | 24:26 – 40:18 | | Overtime Heroics & Celebration | 36:09 – 36:42 | | Legacy & Parity in Modern Sports | 46:47 – 51:47 |

Skip the ads and catch all the laughs, lived-in sports wisdom, and heart-stopping Olympic hockey.

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 3 – Yankees & Team USA

Date: February 18, 2026

Episode Overview

Main Topics & Discussion Points

1. New Jersey's Musical Icon: Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi?

(02:02—07:11)

Nancy’s Perspective: Peter shares his wife Nancy’s decisive take: “Sinatra left New Jersey. Bon Jovi left New Jersey. Springsteen has never, ever left New Jersey… It’s gotta be Bruce.” (02:11)
- Nancy's lack of fandom for any of the big three is humorously noted, but her Jersey loyalty to Springsteen’s roots is clear.
Generational Debate:
- Alan and Peter mull over who each generation associates with New Jersey:
  - Older fans: Sinatra
  - 1980s: Bon Jovi
  - Longevity and loyalty: Springsteen.
- Alan: “Long hair and glammy rock vibes is what makes people associate Bon Jovi with Jersey.” (05:24)
- Don: “From the outside looking in, what would you associate with Jersey? Not what Jerseyites associate.” (05:50)
Parallels to Billy Joel/Long Island:
- Don: “What Bruce Springsteen is to Jersey, Billy Joel is to Long Island.” (06:33)
YouTube Poll: Listeners vote on who’s most “Jersey.”

2. Younger Generations' View on Yankees' Legacy

(07:42—14:52; 44:07—47:26)

Caller Jimmy (07:51): A 33-year-old says Bon Jovi feels “more Jersey” to his crowd than Bruce, reflecting generational shifts in cultural icons.
Modern Yankees' Reputation:
- Don laments, “The edge has been lost.” (09:19)
- Peter: “That edge has been lost… They’re like everybody else, and that’s the way baseball designed it, with revenue sharing.” (09:35)
- Don: “That’s why the Canadiens aren’t the juggernaut they used to be… Cowboys aren’t the juggernaut.” (10:10)
Disconnect with History:
- Peter tells the anecdote of Don Mattingly supposedly believing Babe Ruth was fictional (11:49, returned to at 44:07 after confirmation in Kevin Baker’s book).
- Don: “Today’s athletes just don’t look at history the same way.” (12:48)
- Allen: “The farther away you get from those legends, the less real it feels for the current guys.” (13:41)
- Peter: “All generations become focused on themselves. The modern times for a lot of these guys are, hey, the Yankees are really good, but the Dodgers are really good too.” (15:00)
Caller Steve (46:47): Reflects on how Steinbrenner revived Yankees’ history for marketing and fan engagement, especially via Old Timers Day and keeping legends visible.

3. The Mythos of the Yankees

(09:35—15:59; 49:42—51:47)

Maintaining Standards:
- Discussion of how the Yankees’ mystique has faded amid league parity, revenue sharing, and economic changes: “It’s harder to win… but now look at sports: salary cap, revenue sharing, hedge fund owners… Just to hold any team to the standards of the past is unfair.” (49:42)
Changing Nature of Fandom:
- Don: “It’s the Yankees always adjusting to the times and eventually getting it right again, being the quote, unquote Yankees.” (50:55)
- Peter (on possible future ownership changes): “There’s gonna come a time when somebody else comes in and they will spend, and it’ll be like, ‘See, there they are, the Yankees.’” (51:47)

4. Yankees’ Current Mentality & Management

(18:34—19:52)

Cashman vs Hal Steinbrenner:
- Allen: “There’s also the argument that they’re losers because they seem okay with mediocrity… Cashman having a loser’s mentality.” (18:48)
- Peter: “I think that’s a Hal thing, not a Brian thing… I think Hal, where he’s like, ‘Dude, I’m winning. Look, I’m generating a lot of income.’ He wants to win, but I don’t think he looks at it as a failed season when they’re in the black, the building’s full, and the ratings are high.” (19:05)
- Don: “At some point, because of the brand and the history, you gotta win one and you gotta go for it… That’s the difference.” (19:52)

5. Live: Team USA Hockey Quarterfinal (US vs. Sweden)

(24:26—40:18)

Tense Game: The show pivots into live reactions as Team USA faces Sweden in the Olympic quarterfinals.
- Don details the pressure: “We have not beaten the Swedes in the Olympics since, like, 1960.” (32:09)
- Allen: “There’s meddling on the line!” (32:43)
Hockey Overtime Discussion:
- The hosts discuss the drama and quirks of 3-on-3 overtime vs. shootouts:
  - Don: “Who wants to see the shootout? It doesn’t represent the game as much.” (34:48)
  - Allen: “I don’t want to see games end in a skills competition… this is a skills competition, but it’s still hockey.” (35:35)
- Live play-by-play (as much as they can permit with broadcast rules) and mounting excitement as Team USA advances:
  - Peter: “Quinn Hughes… in overtime! The US advance.” (36:09)
  - Allen: “USA! USA! Nice shot between the circles. 6:33 left in overtime.” (36:12)
Impactful Moment:
- Peter: “I just could not look away.” (36:36)
- Allen: “We couldn’t. We were captivated.” (36:42)
Postgame Reflection:
- Allen: “So the US goes to the semis, and they’re guaranteed at least a shot at a medal…” (39:44)
- Peter: “Because if they lose in the next round, they can still win bronze…” (39:47)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On New Jersey icons:
“Sinatra left New Jersey. Bon Jovi left New Jersey. Springsteen has never, ever left New Jersey… It’s gotta be Bruce.” — Peter’s wife Nancy (02:11)
On Yankees’ mystique:
“The edge has been lost... They’re like everybody else, and that’s the way baseball designed it, with revenue sharing.” — Peter (09:35)
On the disconnect with history:
“Today’s athletes just don’t look at history the same way.” — Don (12:48)
“The farther you get from those legends, the less real they feel for the current guys.” — Allen (13:41)
On shootouts in hockey:
“Who wants to see how exciting this is? Who wants to see the shootout? It doesn't represent the game as much.” — Don (34:33)
On the Olympics drama:
“Quinn Hughes…in overtime! The US advance.” — Peter (36:09)
“USA! USA!” — Allen (36:12)
On Yankees future:
“It’s the Yankees always adjusting to the times and eventually getting it right again… Eventually it will come back around and they will be that.” — Don (50:55)

Key Timestamps

02:02: New Jersey music debate—Springsteen vs. Sinatra vs. Bon Jovi
07:51: Caller Jimmy on generational music ties, Yankees, and Jersey identity
09:35: Discussion on the Yankees’ faded edge and reputation in MLB
11:49; 44:07: Don Mattingly/Babe Ruth “urban legend” story
12:48—15:59: How younger generations relate differently to team legacies in all sports
18:48—19:52: Yankees’ approach: “winning in the black” versus “championships at all costs”
24:26—40:18: Live, play-by-play style coverage and analysis of Team USA Olympic hockey vs. Sweden culminating in an OT win
36:09: Quinn Hughes’ winning goal in overtime – live reaction
39:44: Implications for Team USA’s medal chances
46:47: Caller Steve on Yankees’ history, Steinbrenner, and legend marketing
49:42: Parity and the Yankees’ challenge in the modern era
50:55: Don’s view on the cyclical nature of Yankees' dominance

Tone & Style Notes

Dynamic, conversational, lots of friendly ribbing and laughter
Deeply knowledgeable about sports, with lived New York/New Jersey experience
Real-time emotional reactions during the hockey game—at times distracted but authentic
Calls and off-air anecdotes give authenticity and community feel

For Listeners Who Missed It

Summary Table: Major Segments & Timestamps

Skip the ads and catch all the laughs, lived-in sports wisdom, and heart-stopping Olympic hockey.

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Hour 3: Yankees & Team USA

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Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 3 – Yankees & Team USA

Episode Overview

Main Topics & Discussion Points

1. New Jersey's Musical Icon: Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi?

2. Younger Generations' View on Yankees' Legacy

3. The Mythos of the Yankees

4. Yankees’ Current Mentality & Management

5. Live: Team USA Hockey Quarterfinal (US vs. Sweden)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Tone & Style Notes

For Listeners Who Missed It

Summary Table: Major Segments & Timestamps

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 3 – Yankees & Team USA

Episode Overview

Main Topics & Discussion Points

1. New Jersey's Musical Icon: Springsteen, Sinatra, or Bon Jovi?

2. Younger Generations' View on Yankees' Legacy

3. The Mythos of the Yankees

4. Yankees’ Current Mentality & Management

5. Live: Team USA Hockey Quarterfinal (US vs. Sweden)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Tone & Style Notes

For Listeners Who Missed It

Summary Table: Major Segments & Timestamps