Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Last Call Crew

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 4: Last Call Crew
• Release Date: July 28, 2025
• Description: ESPN New York and New Jersey's Don La Greca, sportswriter Alan Hahn, and Hip Hop veteran Peter Rosenberg delve into New York sports and beyond, offering insights, discussions, and lively debates.

1. Yankees’ Broadcast Changes and On-Air Chemistry

Timestamp: [01:51] – [05:30]

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the New York Yankees’ recent changes in their radio broadcast team. Caller Cody from San Diego initiates the conversation by expressing concerns over Dave Sims taking over play-by-play duties from the long-time John Sterling.

• Peter Rosenberg highlights the challenge: “Dave has a different sound and personality. It’s a hard adjustment after 30 years with John Sterling” ([02:04]).

• Don Hahn adds context on the difficulty for Susan, the analyst, who has to adapt to multiple new play-by-play partners within a short period: “She’s worked with six or seven different people over the last year” ([04:04]).

The hosts agree that change is often met with resistance, especially when fans are accustomed to a particular style. They discuss the importance of chemistry in the broadcast booth and how the frequent changes have impacted Susan’s dynamic with the play-by-play commentators.

2. Chemistry in Broadcast Booths

Timestamp: [05:11] – [06:43]

Continuing the segment, Peter Rosenberg observes that Ricky Ricardo’s style might be more familiar to listeners: “Ricky has that same baritone flamboyance in his delivery” ([05:30]). However, Don Hahn emphasizes that Dave Sims' transition from television to radio requires an adjustment period: “He’s a great guy, but it’s an adjustment for a lot of people” ([06:14]).

The hosts conclude that while changes are challenging, listeners may grow accustomed to Dave Sims’ approach over time, especially as he settles into his role.

3. The Travis Cover Segment: A Lighthearted Interlude

Timestamp: [07:42] – [12:21]

The conversation shifts to a musical segment reminiscing about a previous episode where they featured Travis’s acoustic cover of Britney Spears' "Hit Me, Baby, One More Time."

• Janine from New Jersey shares her amusement: “When I first called in, I thought... if you would be happy about your team’s guy being paid the most” ([07:56]).

• The hosts engage in playful banter about the cover, with Peter Rosenberg describing it as “so bad. It’s good” ([10:26]).

Despite mixed feelings, Don Hahn acknowledges the humor and inclusivity of the segment: “At least one other person gets it” ([12:39]).

4. Player Salaries and Fan Perceptions

Timestamp: [07:42] – [09:57]

Caller Janine brings up the topic of player salaries, initially misunderstanding the hosts' discussion. This leads to a deeper dive into how fan perceptions of salaries can influence team dynamics.

• Peter Rosenberg explains the allure for players: “They want to be the highest paid... it sets the next standard” ([08:36]).

• Don Hahn concurs, noting that while fans discuss salaries, players are often focused on status and setting benchmarks for future contracts ([08:19]-[09:21]).

The discussion underscores the balance teams must maintain between salary negotiations and maintaining team chemistry, as well as how these negotiations affect fan sentiments.

5. Yankees vs. Mets: Current Season Insights

Timestamp: [13:06] – [21:15]

The hosts analyze the current season's dynamics between the Yankees and Mets, highlighting:

• Mets' Surge: The Mets have won seven straight games, sweeping the San Francisco Giants and taking over first place, with key performances from players like Alvarez and Mauricio ([14:54]-[16:06]).

• Yankees' Struggles: In contrast, the Yankees face anxiety with looming trade deadlines and injuries, particularly the recent injury to star Aaron Judge ([16:06]-[17:35]).

Peter Rosenberg reflects on his changing feelings towards team playstyles, noting, “I don’t like the way they play… I respect the hell out of them” ([14:57]). This sentiment captures the frustration fans may feel when a beloved team’s performance doesn’t align with expectations.

Don Hahn adds that the Yankees’ adherence to their established ways, despite the Blue Jays’ success with a more analytics-driven approach, is a source of frustration: “The Yankees seem to be built the way they want to build it and they’re very stubborn about it” ([14:57]).

6. Luka Doncic’s Appearance and Transformation

Timestamp: [16:37] – [17:44]

A unique segment covers Luka Doncic’s unexpected appearance at Yankee Stadium, discussing his transformation and its implications.

• Peter Rosenberg comments on Doncic’s physical change, noting his “svelte” appearance in Men's Health magazine and his enhanced diet this offseason ([16:37]).

• Don Hahn muses about the potential impact of Doncic’s changes: “Can it get better?... that could be something” ([17:38]).

This segment explores the interconnectedness of athletes across sports and how personal transformations can influence their professional trajectories.

7. Call from Danny Long Island: Mets’ Performance Highlights

Timestamp: [17:45] – [21:15]

Danny from Long Island calls in to discuss the Mets' recent games, praising Alonzo for his defensive prowess.

• Danny highlights Alonzo’s improved performance: “He’s really good at picking it at first” ([20:03]).

• Don Hahn agrees, emphasizing the importance of consistent defensive plays in tight games: “He’s fabulous” ([20:24]).

The conversation further explores the Mets' strategic plays and the significance of each series in solidifying their standing in the league.

Conclusion

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts delve into the evolving dynamics of sports broadcasting, player salaries, and team performances. From the Yankees' broadcast transitions and the Mets' impressive winning streak to Luka Doncic's surprising transformation, the trio provides insightful commentary backed by engaging discussions and listener interactions. The blend of in-depth analysis and lighthearted moments, such as the musical segment, offers a comprehensive view of the current sports landscape in New York and beyond.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg on Dave Sims' transition: “It is a different sound. It’s a different personality” ([02:04]).
• Don Hahn on Susan’s challenges: “She’s worked with six or seven different people over the last year” ([04:04]).
• Peter Rosenberg on player salaries: “They want to be the highest paid... it sets the next standard” ([08:36]).

For those who haven’t tuned in, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a vibrant mix of sports analysis, personal anecdotes, and candid conversations, making it a must-listen for New York sports enthusiasts.