Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Last Call Crew
Episode Information:
- Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
- Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
- Episode: Hour 4: Last Call Crew
- Release Date: August 11, 2025
1. Opening Analysis: Yankees vs. Twins & Mets vs. Braves
The episode kicks off with Don La Greca providing a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming baseball games. He discusses the Yankees' matchup against the Minnesota Twins, highlighting the Twins' historical struggles against New York:
- Don La Greca [00:43]: “No Mets tonight, Yankees and Twins. We all know Twins have never been a threat in their best years against the Yankees.”
He expresses skepticism over the Yankees' ability to dominate the Twins, emphasizing potential fan reactions if the Yankees falter:
- Don La Greca [00:47]: “So, boy, if the Yankees struggle in this series against Minnesota, man, forget about it. People will be apoplectic.”
Additionally, Don analyzes the Mets' upcoming game against the Braves, noting the longstanding challenges the Mets face against this team:
- Don La Greca [00:55]: “But as we know, the Braves have been a major pain for the Mets for a long time.”
He wraps up this segment by setting the stage for an exciting week of baseball, anticipating strong performances from teams like the Mariners.
2. Social Media and Fan Base Criticism
A caller initiates a discussion on the negative aspects of social media within sports fandom, particularly targeting Yankees, Cowboys, and WWE fans for their constant complaints:
- Caller [02:05]: “Who has the worst fan base when it comes to, like, social media people? Because for me, it's like Yankees, Cowboys, and WWE fans because all they do is complain about everything.”
Don and Chris delve into the prevalence of criticism across various sports leagues:
- Don La Greca [02:54]: “Most of the commissioners get booed when they get introduced. I just think most fans are very cynical. They like to complain.”
Chris adds his perspective, noting that while WWE fans are generally supportive in person, online interactions reveal a more critical side:
- Chris Carlin [02:42]: “So much of the fan base is about being critical. Both critical of the product and critical of the company.”
3. Streaming Services and NFL Broadcasting Deals
The conversation shifts to the impact of streaming services on sports broadcasting, particularly focusing on the NFL's potential move to a pay-per-view model for marquee events like the Super Bowl:
- Caller [04:12]: “I just, I'm so done with social media because everybody complains about stuff going to streaming services and such.”
Don raises concerns about the financial implications for the NFL:
- Don La Greca [04:14]: “Because I still think you'll end up not making as much money as you're making now.”
Chris provides insights into existing deals, highlighting the UFC's partnership with CBS as an example:
- Chris Carlin [05:24]: “The Paramount deal is seven years annual, 1.1 billion.”
Don questions whether a pay-per-view model could match the revenue generated from traditional network broadcasting:
- Don La Greca [05:39]: “How much money do you think you'd make if they pay per view the Super Bowl?”
Chris reinforces the value of network television, suggesting that a shift to pay-per-view would reduce viewership and overall revenue:
- Chris Carlin [05:45]: “No, of course not. And thus is the value of network television.”
4. WWE's Partnership with ESPN/Disney and Content PG Rating
A caller brings up concerns regarding WWE's content following its deal with ESPN/Disney, questioning whether the programming will become more family-friendly:
- Caller [10:12]: “Now that WWE went with ESPN slash Disney, you think it's gonna get even more PG?”
Chris counters this assumption by comparing WWE's potential content changes to UFC's existing content, arguing that WWE will maintain its current level of edginess:
- Chris Carlin [11:04]: “WWE is never going to be as edgy as UFC has been the last many years.”
Don and Chris discuss the likelihood of content modification, ultimately agreeing that WWE will retain its signature style:
- Don La Greca [12:13]: “No, I think it'll be fine.”
5. Yankee Stadium: History and Naming Conventions
Richard from Manhattan engages in a detailed discussion about the nomenclature and history of Yankee Stadium, challenging the simplistic labeling of the stadium as merely "old" or "new":
- Caller [15:35]: “People refer to Yankee Stadium as the old Yankee Stadium, the new Yankee stadium, it's really three Yankee stadiums.”
Don and Chris explore the architectural and sociological aspects, debating whether the refurbished stadium qualifies as a new entity:
- Don La Greca [19:02]: “If you move the building, then it becomes the new building.”
Chris further differentiates between renovations and complete relocations, using examples like Madison Square Garden and TD Garden:
- Chris Carlin [19:39]: “Madison Square Garden is not a new building. If you move the building, it becomes the new one.”
6. Baseball Management Strategies: RBI and Double Plays
A caller poses a scenario about baseball management decisions, questioning the awarding of RBIs (Runs Batted In) when strategic plays, like double plays, prevent scoring in crucial situations:
- Caller [14:26]: “Are you happy? The next batter got the run in first. Are you happy?”
Don provides a nuanced response, explaining the circumstances under which an RBI should or shouldn't be awarded:
- Don La Greca [15:02]: “If it's 2:2, yes, I'm happy now.”
The discussion evolves into a broader debate about the integrity of statistical awards in specific game scenarios:
- Caller [15:46]: “Anytime you get a drop out of Richard in a phone call, it's a positive thing. And it's funny. I'm talking about pee. And then I mentioned dropping. Get it? It's all coming together.”
7. Concluding Remarks and Upcoming Segments
As the episode nears its end, Don summarizes the week's sports outlook, mentioning upcoming games and the preseason:
- Don La Greca [22:05]: “Pat O'Keefe is coming up next... enjoy the baseball, enjoy your day.”
Chris promotes upcoming events and segments, including FanDuel Futures Day:
- Chris Carlin [21:35]: “FanDuel Futures Day, a new holiday for football fans.”
The hosts wrap up with light-hearted banter about music and personal preferences, maintaining the show's engaging and personable tone.
Notable Quotes:
- Don La Greca [02:54]: “Most of the commissioners get booed when they get introduced. I just think most fans are very cynical. They like to complain.”
- Chris Carlin [05:24]: “The Paramount deal is seven years annual, 1.1 billion.”
- Chris Carlin [11:04]: “WWE is never going to be as edgy as UFC has been the last many years.”
- Don La Greca [15:02]: “If it's 2:2, yes, I'm happy now.”
This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers insightful discussions on current sports topics, ranging from fan behavior on social media to the financial intricacies of sports broadcasting deals. The hosts engage with callers to explore diverse viewpoints, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.