Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast – Episode: Hour 3: Yankees v Mets Concern
Release Date: June 16, 2025

In this engaging episode of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the current dynamics of New York's beloved baseball teams—the Yankees and the Mets. Balancing insightful analysis with lively banter, the trio navigates through recent performances, listener feedback, and broader sports narratives to provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing baseball season.

1. Celebrating Gage Wood's Historic Achievement

Timestamp: [00:37 – 01:23]

The episode begins on a high note as Don Hahn congratulates Gage Wood from Arkansas for pitching the first no-hitter in the College World Series since 1960. Highlighting the rarity and significance of this accomplishment, Don remarks:

“Gage Wood pitched the no-hitter in the College World Series. 117 pitches… he was literally unhittable.”
— Don Hahn [00:37]

Peter Rosenberg echoes this excitement, emphasizing Wood's near-perfect performance:

“He was literally unhittable. The only thing he did was hit a batter.”
— Peter Rosenberg [01:00]

2. Listener Feedback and Critical Responses

Timestamp: [02:00 – 04:16]

The discussion takes a turn as Steve Brzezinski addresses critical feedback from listeners regarding their commentary on college baseball. A particular listener, identified as TMKS Burner, expressed strong disapproval of their negative remarks about college athletes. Steve responds to the criticism while defending their perspective:

“How does someone who hates athletes so much work in sports? Seems like every day you tell us how much you hate baseball players.”
— Steve Brzezinski [02:00]

Don Hahn further elaborates on the delicate balance between critique and professionalism in sports commentary:

“It's the first thing that popped into your mind after the kid threw the no hitter.”
— Don Hahn [03:10]

3. NBA Finals Coverage and Broadcasting Decisions

Timestamp: [04:37 – 07:42]

Shifting gears, the hosts discuss the ongoing NBA Finals, particularly focusing on the broadcasting strategies and their impact on viewership ratings. Peter Rosenberg questions the recent decision by ABC to air the starting lineups for Game Five, a move not seen since 2013:

“Do the lineups matter that much?”
— Peter Rosenberg [05:36]

Don Hahn analyzes the potential reasons behind this change, linking it to the regionalization of the NBA and the absence of superstar players:

“The NBA has become a regional sport… you have Indiana versus Oklahoma City, what do you expect?”
— Don Hahn [07:24]

He further explores how market size and team popularity influence ratings, suggesting that without marquee matchups, national interest wanes.

4. Father's Day and Sports Programming Conflicts

Timestamp: [07:42 – 11:46]

The conversation naturally flows into discussing the scheduling conflicts between major sports finals and Father's Day celebrations. Don Hahn expresses disappointment over the lack of significant sports broadcasts on Father's Day:

“Nothing on Father's Day… they are not fighting each other to have a game on that.”
— Don Hahn [09:03]

The hosts share personal stories, blending humor with reflections on family dynamics and the role of sports in their lives. This segment underscores the challenges leagues face in balancing traditional holidays with high-stakes sporting events.

5. In-Depth Analysis of Yankees vs. Mets Performance

Timestamp: [11:46 – 32:06]

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the performances of the Yankees and Mets, two powerhouse teams vying for dominance in their respective leagues. Don Hahn raises concerns about the Mets' consistent struggle to hit with runners in scoring positions:

“The Mets don't have as much a margin for error…”
— Don Hahn [25:13]

Peter Rosenberg adds his apprehensions, pointing out the long-standing issues that plague the Mets:

“Seeing that is a bad sign for me… What kills them is not hitting with runners in scoring position.”
— Peter Rosenberg [19:57]

In contrast, Don offers a more optimistic view of the Yankees, acknowledging a recent downturn but emphasizing the team's depth and resilience:

“I'm not going to freak out about it… It’s not a fluke, it's a trend.”
— Don Hahn [27:01]

The discussion further explores upcoming schedules, with Peter noting the Mets face a tougher path ahead compared to the Yankees, who have a relatively easier lineup of opponents. This segment provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing both teams' standings and potential trajectories towards the postseason.

6. Listener Interactions and Future Topics

Timestamp: [33:00 – 44:00]

Engaging with their audience, the hosts entertain calls from listeners, addressing both feedback on their discussions and sharing light-hearted personal anecdotes. Topics range from celebrating Father's Day to brainstorming future episode content, such as top sitcoms with female leads. This interactive segment showcases the hosts' ability to blend serious sports analysis with relatable, everyday conversations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Don Hahn on Gage Wood:
  “He was literally unhittable.”
  [01:00]

• Steve Brzezinski Responding to Criticism:
  “How does someone who hates athletes so much work in sports? Seems like every day you tell us how much you hate baseball players.”
  [02:00]

• Peter Rosenberg on Mets' Hitting Issues:
  “What kills them is not hitting with runners in scoring position.”
  [19:57]

• Don Hahn on NBA Finals Ratings:
  “The NBA has become a regional sport… you have Indiana versus Oklahoma City, what do you expect?”
  [07:24]

Conclusion

In "Hour 3: Yankees v Mets Concern," Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offer a compelling blend of deep sports analysis and engaging dialogue. From celebrating remarkable individual achievements in college baseball to dissecting the intricate performances of New York's top MLB teams, the hosts provide listeners with valuable insights and thoughtful perspectives. Their ability to address listener feedback while maintaining a lively and relatable conversation makes this episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking both information and entertainment.

For those who missed the episode, "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe and stay tuned for more in-depth discussions every weekday afternoon on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.