Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 4: Last Call Crew
Release Date: June 2, 2025
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 New York Knick broadcaster Alan Hahn, and highly opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg discuss New York sports and more.
1. Season's Playoff Dynamics
Timestamp: [01:35] – [02:32]
The hosts kick off the discussion by delving into the rhythmic ebb and flow of the current sports playoffs season. Peter Rosenberg remarks on the intense period spanning hockey and basketball playoffs, highlighting the daily excitement and the eventual abrupt quietude as the Western Conference finals concluded swiftly.
Peter Rosenberg [01:35]: "This time of year we get that rhythm when April begins, especially when the playoffs start. It's hockey and basketball playoff games just every night, the baseball's in there as part of it all... but then it ended so quickly that you're right. Now it's gotten quiet."
Don Hahn echoes the sentiment, noting the upcoming rotation of games that will soon re-engage fans.
Don Hahn [02:13]: "It's going to be weird tonight. Like, go home. There's nothing until 10... and then you'll get at least a couple of games tomorrow."
2. Yankees’ Struggles on the Mound
Timestamp: [02:45] – [04:53]
A significant portion of the conversation centers on the New York Yankees' pitching woes. Tessa, a caller from West Caldwell, expresses concern over the Yankees' inability to perform consistently on the mound, especially during crucial playoff moments.
Tessa [02:57]: "The pitching just was terrible... especially 18 runs, like that's all pitching right there."
Howard from Boston adds his perspective, labeling the Yankees' pitching performance as "abysmal."
Howard [03:35]: "It was abysmal."
The discussion pivots to the potential impacts of these struggles on the Yankees' postseason prospects and the importance of stabilizing their pitching lineup.
3. Evaluating the Knicks’ Performance
Timestamp: [03:35] – [06:01]
Shifting focus to basketball, the hosts analyze the New York Knicks' recent games, emphasizing team dynamics and critical areas needing improvement. Tessa commends the Knicks for their overall performance but points out significant issues with turnovers and defensive transitions.
Tessa [03:54]: "The Knicks just got to clean up some stuff... their transitional defense was terrible with the fast break point. That was a killer."
Peter Rosenberg underscores the recurring problem of turnovers in the Knicks' second half performance, highlighting the necessity for strategic adjustments in the offseason.
Peter Rosenberg [04:53]: "That has been a problem second half of the season and into the playoffs... but I'm still going to say it again. This offseason is probably the most important of his career."
4. Spotlight on Anthony Towns
Timestamp: [06:01] – [08:45]
Peter Rosenberg shifts the conversation to Anthony Towns, focusing on his contractual situation and performance consistency. He emphasizes the critical nature of the upcoming offseason for Towns, who is seeking a long-term extension amid injury concerns and fluctuating performance.
Peter Rosenberg [04:53]: "You got two years left on your current deal... This offseason is probably the most important of his career because after his first year in New York, the team had good team success."
Don Hahn concurs, discussing Towns' playoff experience and the potential for improvement with continued effort.
Don Hahn [08:50]: "He’s been in the league 10 years, but only the last two years has he gotten the bulk of his playoff experience."
5. Fan Experiences and Arena Atmosphere
Timestamp: [08:45] – [12:33]
Listeners share their firsthand experiences at Knicks games, shedding light on fan behavior and arena dynamics. Howard recounts his visit to a game in Indianapolis, critiquing the fans' lack of support and the ineffective use of arena sound systems to encourage crowd engagement.
Howard [09:15]: "Nick fans are the worst fans I've ever been. They do tell DJ... and then they still had pump noise in. It was crazy."
Peter Rosenberg and Don Hahn discuss the contrast between different arenas' approaches to fan engagement, with particular focus on the overuse of promotional chants like "Defense."
Peter Rosenberg [12:15]: "When we're Orlando, they actually say defense. Whatever the can thing is. It's not just this... it's telling the crowd, this is what you're supposed to do during the game."
6. Advancements in Women's Professional Softball
Timestamp: [16:15] – [18:45]
The hosts shift to a positive development in women's sports as Danny introduces the MLB's support for a professional women's softball team. They discuss the implications of this move, the potential challenges related to field sizes, and the opportunities it presents for showcasing female athletes' talents.
Danny [17:36]: "MLB announced that they're going to support a professional women's softball team... it's very entertaining. It's baseball adjacent."
Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg express optimism about the league's prospects and its ability to attract audiences by utilizing major league venues.
Don Hahn [18:28]: "They figure it out for sure. So I think it'll be."
7. Light-Hearted Discussions: The Great Pizza Debate
Timestamp: [16:17] – [19:15]
Injecting some humor into the episode, callers engage in a spirited debate over the quality of New York versus North Carolina pizza. Danny humorously laments the lack of authentic New York-style pizza abroad, while other hosts and callers counter with their own experiences and preferences.
Danny [16:21]: "What's up, boys? Back from North Carolina? Great trip, everything is great except the pizza... they have no idea."
Caller [18:53]: "I'm not going to get into my thing... New York pizza is its own thing and it's amazing."
Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg join in the banter, highlighting the cultural significance of pizza in New York.
Don Hahn [19:06]: "That's like saying crusty cc... unless it's thin crust. I don't want it to be thin."
8. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events
Timestamp: [19:15] – [19:45]
As the episode winds down, the hosts tease upcoming sports events, including the NBA Finals, and encourage listeners to subscribe and stay tuned for future discussions.
Peter Rosenberg [19:45]: "Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know it's good."
This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers an insightful and entertaining exploration of current sports seasons, team performances, and fan experiences, interspersed with light-hearted debates and listener interactions. Whether you're a die-hard Knicks fan, a Yankees supporter, or simply love sports commentary, this episode provides valuable perspectives and engaging discussions.