Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast Summary
Episode: Hour 4: Last Call Crew
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Description: ESPN New York and New Jersey's Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into New York sports and beyond, offering their insights and opinions on the latest happenings.
1. Redefining the All-Star Game Format
The trio begins their discussion by exploring a listener’s suggestion for revamping the All-Star Game format using a points system similar to hockey. The caller, Harold from New Jersey, proposes tallying points based on various in-game achievements to determine the winning team.
Key Points:
- Points System Proposal: Harold suggests assigning points for actions like home runs and wins to decide the game's outcome.
- Don’s Perspective: Don reflects on the feasibility of implementing a points system in baseball, considering the sport's traditionalist base. He states, “It's about going to a point system like they have in hockey” (02:00).
- Peter’s Insight: Peter argues that while the idea is entertaining, it might complicate the game unnecessarily: “it becomes too complicated for something that isn't that big of an issue in the sport” (02:33).
Notable Quote:
Don Hahn (00:22): "What we choose to challenge, we challenge completely."
2. Generational Perspectives on Athlete Workload and Injuries
The conversation shifts to differing views across generations regarding athlete workloads and injury management. An older caller, Jose from the Lower East Side, expresses frustration over players not exerting themselves as much as in the past, attributing declining game interest to this trend.
Key Points:
- Older vs. Younger Fans: Jose represents a view that values hard-nosed play, contrasting with younger fans who prioritize player health.
- Injury Prevention: Don and Peter discuss how modern practices like pitch counts aim to prevent injuries but may dampen the competitive spirit.
- Changing Expectations: Peter highlights the shift in fan expectations, noting, “the next generation doesn't feel the same” about overworking athletes (12:24).
Notable Quote:
Don Hahn (13:31): "Cal Ripken's record is the one record in sports that will never, ever, ever, ever."
3. NHL Schedule Changes and Impact on Rivalries
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the recent NHL schedule adjustments, particularly how teams like the Rangers and Devils now play fewer games against key rivals.
Key Points:
- Reduction in Rivalry Games: Don criticizes the shift from four to three games within the division, emphasizing the loss of traditional rivalries: “Why not take away from the Atlantic, right?” (17:18).
- Geographical Considerations: The addition of teams like Vegas and Seattle necessitated scheduling compromises, leading to fewer matchups against longstanding Eastern rivals.
- Fan Reactions: The hosts discuss the negative reception from fans who value intense, rival-driven matchups and fear that the diluted schedule diminishes the league's competitive edge.
Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg (17:19): "It's not easy to do these skits. But these are things that, when you look it over, you can't have them only playing each other three times in March."
4. All-Star Game Participant Controversies
The hosts address controversies surrounding player participation in the All-Star Game, particularly focusing on stars like Judge and Ohtani opting out or leaving early.
Key Points:
- Player Availability Issues: Don questions the decision-making process behind announcing participants, especially when key players are unavailable due to personal reasons: “It's not great for Davis to announce. Oh, by the way, and Judge isn't participating...” (10:07).
- Fan Discontent: Both Don and Peter express frustration over fans missing out on seeing marquee players, highlighting how their absence affects the game's appeal.
- Historical Context: Pat O’Keefe shares anecdotes about past instances where player withdrawals were unexpected, emphasizing the impact on the viewing experience.
Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg (23:30): "Pat, can you really excuse those guys for not even being in the building though? Like, come on, this face is a league. You need to be there."
5. Future of the NBA and International Expansion
During a segment with guest Pat O'Keefe, the discussion shifts to the potential expansion of the NBA into Europe, evaluating its viability and impact.
Key Points:
- European League Competitiveness: Pat argues that European leagues like Spain’s ACB are already highly competitive, posing challenges for NBA expansion: “It seems like the European League, everything they say, including college, is the second most competitive league in the world” (21:46).
- Brand Integration Issues: The hosts consider the difficulty of merging established European soccer brands with NBA basketball teams, noting existing robust basketball structures in Europe.
- Market Saturation: There's consensus that introducing an NBA Europe league might not significantly boost NBA’s global footprint due to the strong presence and fan loyalty of existing leagues.
Notable Quote:
Pat O'Keefe (21:06): "So I feel like it's already in good shape."
6. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Topics
As the episode nears its end, the hosts briefly discuss upcoming shows and tease future topics, including the "Thursday rewrite" and the second half of the sports season.
Key Points:
- Upcoming Segments: Don mentions the next show’s schedule and shifts focus to the latter half of the season, encouraging listeners to stay tuned.
- Podcast Promotion: The hosts remind listeners to subscribe and catch the show on various platforms for more in-depth discussions.
Notable Quote:
Peter Rosenberg (24:21): "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."
Conclusion
Hour 4: Last Call Crew of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast delivers engaging discussions on current sports topics, blending listener interactions with expert analysis. From revisiting game formats and generational views on athlete health to scrutinizing league scheduling and expansion efforts, the hosts provide a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of the sports landscape. With their blend of humor and insight, Don, Hahn, and Peter ensure that both longtime fans and newcomers find value in their conversations.
Transcript Reference
The timestamps mentioned above correspond to the provided transcript sections. Non-content segments, such as advertisements and introductions, have been excluded to focus solely on the substantive discussions.