Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary

Episode: Hour 4: Last Call Crew
Release Date: April 11, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Platform: 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app

Introduction to Fraud Alert Friday

The episode kicks off with a segment on Fraud Alert Friday, where Peter Rosenberg introduces the topic by addressing listener concerns about potential fraud in the sports world.

• Peter Rosenberg ([00:58]): "Between I was fighting obesity, you were losing the… That's gotta be the best one."

• Don Hahn ([03:43]): "I was just going to ask him, what would he do? Would he root for Soto to do well when he plays the Yankees or then it would make him a fraud."

The hosts delve into what constitutes fraudulent behavior among sports fans, particularly focusing on the ethical dilemmas of rooting for players who may compete against one's favorite team.

Debate: Top 10 New York City Athletes

A spirited debate unfolds as the hosts discuss a Top 10 New York City Athletes list sent by a listener named Anthony.

• Don Hahn ([07:24]): "Top 10 New York City athletes. All right, I'm with you now."

• Alan Hahn ([10:00]): "Sabrina is a career Liberty player, but that's not what it's about. It was supposed to be top. I'm putting Stewie ahead of Sabrina, and I'm not having Sauce at six."

Key Points:

• Don Hahn criticizes the inclusion of athletes like Karl Anthony Towns and Malik Neighbors, arguing they may not represent New York City as strongly as others.

• Peter Rosenberg supports players like Brianna Stewart over Sabrina, emphasizing their impact and popularity among fans.

• Alan Hahn highlights the depth of athletic talent in New York City, suggesting the list could be much longer.

Notable Quote:

• Don Hahn ([08:02]): "Juan Soto is better than Jalen Brunson is a basketball player."

Listener Calls and Community Interaction

The episode features several listener interactions, adding a personal touch and community feel.

1. Ed from Babylon ([01:48]):

   • Alan Hahn ([02:53]): Shares personal feelings about trading Juan Soto and his ongoing support despite his move to the Mets.

2. Sam Diaz ([05:19]):

   • Alan Hahn ([05:28]): Discusses a controversial incident involving his daughter, clarifying misunderstandings with humor.

3. Fake Richard from Manhattan ([11:02]):

   • Alan Hahn ([11:05]): Presents unconventional opinions on various topics, including chicken tenders and baseball game formats.

4. Esther in Edison ([16:46]):

   • Alan Hahn ([16:48]): Engages in a discussion about the significance of quarterbacks in football, emphasizing the need for a well-rounded team.

5. Spike in St. Pete ([30:12]):

   • Alan Hahn ([32:13]): Offers insights into NBA player performances and coaching strategies, particularly praising Jayson Tatum and criticizing Tom Thibodeau's coaching of the Knicks.

6. Griffin in Connecticut ([35:52]):

   • Alan Hahn ([35:59]): Critiques Griffin for repetitive and unoriginal commentary, urging for more original thoughts.

Sports Analysis and Opinions

The hosts provide in-depth analysis and share their strong opinions on various sports topics:

• Quarterback Importance in Football:

  • Alan Hahn ([18:29]–[19:03]): Argues against the notion that securing a quarterback is the sole determining factor in a team's success, highlighting the importance of a complete team structure.

  • Don Hahn ([20:28]–[21:07]): While acknowledging the role of the quarterback, Don emphasizes that an elite quarterback elevates the entire team, from the offensive line to the receivers.

  • Notable Quote:

    • Don Hahn ([21:07]): "There's always exceptions to every rule. I think Philadelphia falls in that category."

• NBA Coaching Strategies:

  • Alan Hahn ([32:13]–[35:20]): Critiques Tom Thibodeau's coaching of the Knicks, praising Jayson Tatum's performance and the Celtics' strategic advantages.

  • Peter Rosenberg ([35:20]–[35:52]): Commends Joe Mazzulla's coaching of the Celtics, highlighting their championship-winning strategies.

  • Notable Quote:

    • Alan Hahn ([35:52]): "Jason Tatum's the third best player in The NBA behind SGA and Jokic."

• Major League Baseball Scheduling Issues:

  • Alan Hahn ([35:52]–[38:22]): Criticizes MLB's scheduling decisions, particularly the inconvenience of playing the San Francisco Giants in New York during unfavorable weather conditions.

Personal Anecdotes and Banter

The hosts intersperse the episode with personal stories and light-hearted banter, enhancing the show's engaging and relatable atmosphere.

• Peter Rosenberg ([40:16]): Shares a humorous story about taking a date to a James Taylor concert, highlighting generational differences in musical tastes.

• Don Hahn ([40:23]): Clarifies a past event involving a non-billionaire Steve Cohen and a James Taylor concert at the Apollo.

• Alan Hahn ([35:52]–[36:08]): Rips Major League Baseball's scheduling while interacting with Griffin, demonstrating the show's blend of humor and criticism.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the rich discussions and community interactions:

• Alan Hahn ([35:59]–[39:17]): Summarizes key points from listener calls, reiterates support for passionate sports analysis, and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive team structures in sports.

• Peter Rosenberg ([39:21]–[46:47]): Continues engaging with listeners, shares additional anecdotes, and maintains the show's dynamic and humorous tone.

Final Notable Quote:

• Peter Rosenberg ([46:55]): "Hear more of Don, Allen, and Peter."

Key Takeaways

• Fraud Alert Friday: Explores the ethics of sports fandom and rooting for players across teams.

• Top 10 NYC Athletes Debate: Highlights differing opinions on who truly represents New York City's athletic prowess.

• Listener Engagement: Showcases a strong connection with the audience through varied and personal listener calls.

• In-Depth Sports Analysis: Provides thoughtful critiques and praise of sports strategies, player performances, and coaching decisions.

• Personal Stories: Adds relatability and humor, making the discussion more engaging.

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a comprehensive look into sports fandom, athlete evaluations, and the intricate dynamics of team performances, all delivered with the hosts' signature humor and insightful commentary.