Detailed Summary of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" Podcast Episode: Hour 4: Auto Tarp & Calls

Release Date: July 15, 2025
Podcast Information:
Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
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 handsome New York Knicks broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg make up Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg. Covering New York, sports, and so much more.

1. Episode Kickoff and Event Announcements (00:30 - 03:05)

The episode begins with promotional segments, seamlessly transitioning into Don La Greca's introduction. Don announces upcoming ESPN New York events, notably the ESPNY Tee Up Golf Challenge scheduled for July 21st at Colonial Springs Golf Club in Farmingdale, NY. Presented by Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, the event emphasizes charity, supporting Madison Square Garden’s Garden of Dreams Foundation, which assists young people facing severe challenges (00:34).

Quote:
Don La Greca: “The ESPNY Tee It Up Golf Challenge is coming next week... It's an important foundation and a great partnership we have here at ESPN New York.” (00:52)

Additionally, Alan Rosenberg highlights the annual Mark Sasso Softball event on August 23rd at WAG Field, Hawthorne, New Jersey, confirming the participation of notable personalities like Marty Lyons and Chris Canty (02:01).

2. Host Banter and Personal Insights (03:05 - 04:09)

Don and Alan engage in light-hearted banter about Don’s potential return to golf after a 28-year hiatus since 1997. The conversation shifts to humorous exchanges about their dominant writing hands, revealing Alan as a left-handed writer unbeknownst to Don until recently (03:05).

Quote:
Don La Greca: “Every time I ask you for a pen, am I writing my right hand?” (03:12)
Alan Rosenberg: “No clue.” (03:12)

3. Discussion on Vince Coleman’s Tarp Incident (04:09 - 13:05)

The hosts delve into a historical sports incident involving Vince Coleman during the 1985 National League Championship Series (NLCS). A caller, Ed from New Jersey, criticizes Coleman for being injured by an automatic tarp during a workout, asserting that the incident has led to changes in tarp safety measures.

Quote:
Caller Ed: “I think Vince Coleman ruined it for everybody with the tarp... he wasn’t paying attention to the automatic tarp at Busch Stadium.” (04:12)
Alan Rosenberg: “They won't do it again. That was 40 years ago.” (04:26)

Don La Greca shares his perspective, mentioning the absence of video footage and references Ozzie Smith’s autobiography, which describes the incident in detail. The tarp, estimated to weigh around 1,200 pounds, tragically entangled Coleman’s leg, making it difficult to reverse without further injury (12:41).

Quote:
Don La Greca: “Ozzie Smith described the scene... the tarp rolled over his foot and started to go up his leg.” (12:23)
Alan Rosenberg: “That's unreal. They couldn't lift it.” (12:37)

4. Listener Calls: Quarterback Development Debate (08:40 - 22:17)

Caller 1: Eddie from Rockland (08:40 - 13:05)
Eddie raises a critical topic regarding the development of first-round quarterbacks in the NFL, specifically addressing the New York Giants' quarterback situation. He questions why newer quarterbacks like Jackson Dart aren't given opportunities earlier in the season, drawing comparisons to established players like Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes.

Quote:
Eddie: “Why can't we see if Jackson Dart week one has the spark or not instead of spoon feeding him until week 14?” (08:49)
Alan Rosenberg: “What’s wrong of him learning? Mahomes sat his entire rookie year.” (09:26)

The discussion intensifies as Don and Alan debate the merits and drawbacks of rushing a young quarterback into high-pressure scenarios. They explore the balance between player development and team performance, with Don advocating for a more patient approach to nurture the quarterback's potential without undue pressure.

Quote:
Don La Greca: “If you're going to develop a player, but you got to rush him to start even if he's not ready, maybe he needs a couple of weeks to get ready.” (10:16)
Alan Rosenberg: “I got no problem with that. He should not be forced to do anything he doesn't want to have to do.” (21:32)

Caller 2: Steph from New Brunswick (16:23 - 22:17)
A second caller, Steph, shares a heartfelt message about authenticity and happiness in sports, critiquing a golfer’s admission of unhappiness despite success. He emphasizes the importance of pursuing what genuinely brings joy, rather than succumbing to external pressures for success.

Quote:
Steph: “The sooner you can figure that out for yourself, the better you're going to be in the long run.” (16:34)
Don La Greca: “Sports is our escape from reality... if one of them doesn't really want to be here, it just kind of takes the wind out of your sails.” (19:28)

Alan and Don respond by affirming the importance of personal fulfillment over external rewards, echoing Steph’s sentiment that true happiness stems from doing what one loves without the constraints of sponsorships or public expectations.

5. Inspirational Listener Message and Host Reflections (15:37 - 23:54)

A standout moment occurs when Steph lauds the hosts for their genuine happiness and influence, urging them to prioritize personal satisfaction over maintaining appearances for sponsors. This deepens the conversation about authenticity in sports and media.

Quote:
Steph: “If you're really doing truly what you want, you're not worried about that stuff to begin with.” (17:00)
Alan Rosenberg: “If this was a press conference, him announcing his retirement, I'd applaud it.” (21:10)

The hosts reflect on their own journeys, with Alan sharing personal milestones such as his 23rd anniversary working on the Michael K Show and expressing gratitude towards listeners like Steph who inspire them to remain true to their passions (23:30).

Quote:
Alan Rosenberg: “Today is my 23rd anniversary. It all started becoming a full-time host 23 years ago today.” (23:30)

6. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Coverage (23:54 - End)

As the episode concludes, the hosts tease upcoming coverage of the All-Star Game from Atlanta, assuring listeners of comprehensive ESPN New York coverage. They invite listeners to tune in the following day at 3 PM for more engaging discussions and sports analysis.

Quote:
Don La Greca: “Hear more of Don, Alan, and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN New York.” (23:54)
Alan Rosenberg: “Talk to you again tomorrow at 3 right here on ESPN York.” (23:54)

Key Takeaways:

• Charity and Community Engagement: The hosts emphasize their commitment to community events and charitable foundations, highlighting the ESPNY Tee Up Golf Challenge and the Mark Sasso Softball event as key initiatives supporting local causes.

• Historical Sports Incidents: A deep dive into Vince Coleman’s unfortunate tarp incident during the 1985 NLCS underscores the importance of safety measures in sports facilities.

• Player Development vs. Team Performance: The debate over quarterback development reflects broader themes in sports about nurturing talent versus immediate results, resonating with listeners who are passionate about team strategies and player careers.

• Authenticity and Personal Fulfillment: Through listener interactions, the hosts explore the significance of authenticity in sports and media, encouraging individuals to pursue their true passions for long-term happiness and success.

• Engaged and Supportive Community: The heartfelt messages from listeners like Steph illustrate the strong connection between the hosts and their audience, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

1. Don La Greca on Charity:

   • “The ESPNY Tee It Up Golf Challenge is coming next week... It's an important foundation and a great partnership we have here at ESPN New York.” (00:52)

2. Alan on Quarterback Development:

   • “What’s wrong of him learning? Mahomes sat his entire rookie year.” (09:26)

3. Steph’s Inspirational Message:

   • “If you're really doing truly what you want, you're not worried about that stuff to begin with.” (17:00)

4. Alan on Personal Fulfillment:

   • “If this was a press conference, him announcing his retirement, I'd applaud it.” (21:10)

5. Alan’s Personal Milestone:

   • “Today is my 23rd anniversary. It all started becoming a full-time host 23 years ago today.” (23:30)

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a blend of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and heartfelt listener interactions, providing valuable insights into both the hosts' professional endeavors and personal philosophies. Whether discussing historical sports events, debating player development strategies, or reflecting on the importance of authenticity, the hosts deliver engaging and thoughtful content for their New York-based audience.