Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Ratings & Robo Umps

Release Date: July 10, 2025

Hosts:

• Don Hahn – ESPN New York broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg – Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality

1. Yankees-Mets Rivalry and TV Ratings Confusion

The episode kicks off with Don Hahn and Peter Rosenberg delving into the heated rivalry between the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. They discuss recent performances, injuries, and the surprising TV ratings disparity observed during their series.

Key Highlights:

• Injury Update:

  • Don Hahn [00:25]: "Mets getting the surgery today on the elbow. So it's official."
  • The Mets' player undergoing elbow surgery will miss the remainder of the season, impacting their performance.

• Game Performance:

  • Peter Rosenberg [00:14]: "Yankees getting underway in about 30 minutes over at the stadium, bringing out the broom against the Seattle Mariners."
  • The Yankees are set to sweep the Mariners in the upcoming game.

• Ratings Discrepancy:

  • Peter Rosenberg [00:30]: "Michael always brings up ratings and especially when the yes network does... SNY was 154% better among adults 25 to 54 and 166% better among adults 18 to 34."
  • The team is perplexed by the Statistics New York (SNY) network outperforming the YES Network by substantial margins during the Subway Series.

• Discussion Points:

  • Don Hahn [01:21]: "70."
  • They express confusion over how SNY could outperform YES Network so significantly, questioning viewing habits and possible data inaccuracies.

• Community Engagement:

  • Peter Rosenberg [04:24]: "I'm just, I'm really curious if anybody has any idea is that that's what's average or is that the average over the whole."
  • The hosts reach out to their audience and colleagues for insights into the rating anomalies.

2. Exploring the Robo Umpires Debate

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the evolving role of technology in baseball officiating, specifically the introduction of robo umpires.

Key Highlights:

• Caller Input – Matt from New Jersey:

  • Matt [05:42]: "Robo umpire cannot substitute Empire altogether... think going into tennis almost. And the eagle eye."
  • Matt advocates for integrating technology similar to tennis’ instant replay to enhance umpire decisions.

• Hosts' Perspectives:

  • Peter Rosenberg [09:06]: "I don't have to go look at a replay. It's indisputable."
  • Don Hahn [10:18]: "So that's not so bad."
  • Both hosts express optimism about robo umpires speeding up the game and reducing human error, while acknowledging potential technical glitches.

• Manager’s Opinion – Aaron Boone:

  • Aaron Boone [11:04]: "I like that you continue to test these things... allow you to collect more information."
  • The Yankees manager supports the trial of electronic strike zones in high-profile games like the All-Star Game as a testing ground.

• Future Implications:

  • Peter Rosenberg [10:40]: "No more do we have to worry about different umpires and balls out the strike zone and screw it up."
  • Don Hahn [11:25]: "We just keep it moving."
  • The discussion concludes with both hosts envisioning a more streamlined and fair game through technology, though cautiously awaiting its full implementation.

3. Caller Interaction and Player Performance Discussion

Towards the latter part of the episode, the hosts interact with listeners, focusing on player performances and their implications for awards and team standings.

Key Highlights:

• Home Run Derby Impact – Caller Jonathan from LA:

  • Jonathan [15:42]: "Cal Riley is going to be in the Home Run Derby. Do you think that's going to affect him?"
  • Jonathan questions whether participation in the Home Run Derby will impact Riley's performance in the latter half of the season.

• Hosts' Analysis:

  • Peter Rosenberg [17:15]: "He's a catcher. He's already hit more home runs this season than he did all of last season."
  • Don Hahn [18:04]: "He did it his rookie year... If you get the right guy throwing you pitches, I mean, he hits it a mile."
  • They debate the potential fatigue versus confidence boost Riley might experience, noting his impressive home run tally and the broader implications for MVP races.

• Additional Discussions:

  • The conversation touches upon historic player performances, comparisons with legends, and the significance of maintaining player health amidst high-profile events.

4. Brief Segments and Listener Stories

The podcast includes brief segments where listeners share personal anecdotes and memories, adding a personal touch to the show.

Key Highlights:

• Listener Stories:

  • Don Hahn [18:40]: "You did a nice write up on you. That was great."
  • Matt [20:17]: Reflects on legendary players and shares nostalgic memories about iconic sports figures and moments.

• Tributes:

  • The hosts pay homage to notable personalities in sports history, celebrating their contributions and reflecting on their legacies.

5. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Shows

The episode wraps up with the hosts summarizing ongoing games and teasing future topics.

Key Highlights:

• Game Recap:

  • Don Hahn [14:21]: "The Mets are down. Thanks for listening..."
  • A brief recap of the current games, emphasizing the Mets' struggle and Yankees' performance.

• Show Promotion:

  • Peter Rosenberg [22:05]: "Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you can."
  • Encouragement for listeners to subscribe and tune into future episodes for more sports insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Don Hahn [02:02]: "Give me the numbers again."
• Peter Rosenberg [09:06]: "I don't have to go look at a replay. It's indisputable."
• Aaron Boone [11:04]: "I like that you continue to test these things... allow you to collect more information."
• Don Hahn [18:04]: "He did it his rookie year... If you get the right guy throwing you pitches, I mean, he hits it a mile."

Conclusion:

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the hosts navigate through the intricacies of the Yankees-Mets rivalry, dissect bewildering TV ratings, and engage in a forward-thinking conversation about the integration of robo umpires in baseball. Their interactive dialogue, enriched with listener contributions and expert opinions, offers listeners a comprehensive and engaging take on current sports dynamics and technological advancements in the game.

Whether you're a dedicated baseball fan puzzled by shifting viewership patterns or intrigued by the future of officiating in sports, this episode provides valuable insights and lively discussion that keeps you informed and entertained.