Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Episode Summary: Hour 4: Alonso & Calls

Release Date: April 7, 2025

In "Hour 4: Alonso & Calls," hosts Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the current state and future of the New York Mets, with a particular focus on star first baseman Pete Alonso. The episode expertly balances sports analysis with engaging listener interactions, providing listeners with comprehensive insights into team dynamics, player contracts, and fan sentiments.

1. Introduction to the Mets' Current Season

Alan Hahn kicks off the discussion by addressing the ongoing Mets season, highlighting their upcoming series against the Marlins and the anticipation surrounding it.

• Alan [01:06]: "All right, 6:00 hour it is with Don McGurk and Peter Rosenberg. I'm Alan Hot 800 now. 193576 is the number. Last call crew and all will be coming up here, but so will Mets baseball at the bottom of the hour, pregame as they start a series with the Marlins."

2. Pete Alonso's Impact and Future with the Mets

The core of the episode centers on Pete Alonso's stellar performance and his potential long-term role with the Mets, especially in light of recent contract developments involving Vlad Guerrero.

• Alan [02:12]: "Who's hot? Pete Alonso. He is. He's gotten off to a great start."

• Alan [03:09]: "How much has that Guerrero contract suddenly changed the fortunes of Pete Alonso's future with the Mets?"

Peter Rosenberg and Alan Hahn explore the implications of Vlad Guerrero's half-billion-dollar contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, discussing how it impacts Alonso's standing within the Mets.

• Peter Rosenberg [03:24]: "The idea was, well, we don't need to sign Alonzo because we'll either be able to trade for Guerrero in 2025 or just sign him as a free agent when the season's over."

The conversation delves into the strategic decisions by Mets' management, specifically David Stearns and Scott Boras, regarding Alonso's contract and his potential as a "Forever Met."

• Alan [05:16]: "From the agent perspective, there's no way you want to tip off the Mets on that early."

• Peter Rosenberg [09:23]: "He's been great. And if the Mets win, then you're going to want to probably keep them because then he becomes a Forever Met."

3. Fan Sentiment and Player Popularity

The hosts discuss the strong connection between Alonso and the Mets' fanbase, emphasizing his popularity and the emotional investment fans have in his career.

• Alan [09:44]: "You saw when they introduced them on opening day that they introduced Lindor and they played My Girl and everybody, you know, they cheered. You know, they introduced Soto. Everybody was excited because it was Juan freaking Soto. Right. This is really a thing. But when Pete Alonso was introduced, they chanted his name."

• Peter Rosenberg [11:08]: "There's reason to keep him. Because I can totally read what they're thinking."

4. Comparisons to Legendary Players

The conversation transitions into comparing Pete Alonso to other legendary athletes, contemplating his potential legacy within the Mets organization.

• Alan [11:14]: "It's like Carmelo Anthony. You know, he started out as a Devin Dog, but everybody knows him as a."

• Peter Rosenberg [12:10]: "He's the guy. You would. All we ever ask is that it's genuine. And it just feels like that's him."

5. Listener Calls and Broader Sports Discussions

The second half of the episode features engaging caller interactions, expanding the discussion beyond baseball into hockey and basketball, particularly focusing on Aleksandr Ovechkin's standing in the NHL.

Caller Nestor from Arizona [14:26]: Asks about Ovechkin's ranking among all-time greats compared to legends like Gretzky and Orr.

• Peter Rosenberg [15:01]: "Gretzky's got more assists than anybody else has points. Okay? So Gretzky's won with a bullet nobody could touch."

• Alan [16:00]: "If Crosby is better, then that already knocks Ovi out of the top five."

Caller Joe from Newtown [19:28]: Expresses support for Alonso and discusses the potential strategies for the Mets' first base position.

• Alan [20:21]: "Does Alonzo see better pitches because they just pitched to Soto?"

6. Celebrating Listener Engagement

The episode concludes with a heartfelt birthday celebration for listener Griffin from Connecticut, showcasing the hosts' personable and interactive approach.

• Griffin [24:06]: "How old are we today, Griffin?"

• Alan [24:09]: "26 years old. Boy to go back to 26."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alan Hahn [03:09]: "He'll leave them no choice. He'll leave them no choice. He will be probably the cheapest option too short term for first base."

• Peter Rosenberg [09:44]: "There's reason to keep him. Because I can totally read what they're thinking."

• John Frenchy Fuqua [15:56]: "It's a big hit. But he doesn't."

• Alan Hahn [16:38]: "I wouldn't put Ovi as an overall better player. I still think you got to put Patrick Waugh."

• Peter Rosenberg [23:00]: "It's a one dimension, but it's a hell of a dimension."

Conclusion

In "Hour 4: Alonso & Calls," Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg provide an in-depth analysis of Pete Alonso's pivotal role in the New York Mets' current season and his potential future with the team. Through a blend of strategic insights, player comparisons, and enthusiastic listener interactions, the episode offers a rich and engaging exploration of sports dynamics, making it a must-listen for fans seeking a deeper understanding of their favorite teams and players.