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Don Hahn
This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
That sounds like heaven to me.
Don Hahn
Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers, Don on Roseburg.
Peter Rosenberg
Take you up until 7 o'. Clock. Yankees getting underway in about 30 minutes over at the stadium, bringing out the broom against the Seattle Mariners.
Don Hahn
And the Mets getting the surgery today on the elbow. So it's official.
Peter Rosenberg
So that will knock him out the rest of this season and happen next, which stinks. Three three Mets O's in the bottom of the fifth inning. Mets trying to take that series and split the double header after blowing a 1 nothing lead in the 8th inning earlier this afternoon. How about this stat? I just. Michael always brings up ratings and especially when the yes network does. Well, I can't explain this. I don't know if he saw this. Austin Karp had this earlier today. Mets Yankees rivalry getting hotter. Three Subway Series games from July 4th through the 6th. All the games are on SNY. And yes, right averaged 356,000 viewers on SNY, 70% over the YES Network during the series.
Don Hahn
70.
Peter Rosenberg
SNY was 154% better among adults 25 to 54 and 166% better among adults 18 to 34. How is that?
Don Hahn
This doesn't make sense.
Peter Rosenberg
It doesn't make sense at all.
Don Hahn
Right, well, how else are you consuming it? Well, are you telling me that Yankee fans aren't watching now or there's more.
Peter Rosenberg
Mets Fans Also, the July 4th game on the MLB Network was their highest game.
Don Hahn
That's around the country, though.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, but you're not getting New York, so why give me the numbers so dramatically high?
Don Hahn
Give me the numbers again.
Peter Rosenberg
Okay. SNY, SN. This is the tweet. So 365,000 viewers on SNY. 70% higher than the yes network got for the series. Same games. 70% doesn't make sense. So, like, why would they watch yes and y over? Yes.
Don Hahn
Well, be careful. You ask that question. Were most people listening to it on radio?
Peter Rosenberg
I don't know. Now. I don't know. Normally I would think yes does better than sny. There are more Yankee fans than Met fans. But if you want to tell me. Oh, it's Soto. You know, maybe I'll watch you. I just. I wonder what was going on that. That few people watch the game on. Yes.
Don Hahn
Well, let's hear from Yankee fans on this. I need to know.
Peter Rosenberg
I'm just. I'm just curious. What am I. I just need to know what I'm missing. I don't I don't know why that would be the case. I saw those numbers and I'm like, something. Something must be off. Is. Is. Yes. Not on some place that we're not aware of. Like, I was just blown up. So it's not me hanging on the rim. I'm generally confused. Like, I would think the SNY broadcast would be up considering they got Soto.
Don Hahn
And this number doesn't make sense.
Peter Rosenberg
No, it doesn't make any sense.
Don Hahn
70% higher.
Peter Rosenberg
It's 356,000 people watching on SNY is pretty significant. So.
Don Hahn
So they.
Peter Rosenberg
So it was like 100,000 watched on Yankees.
Don Hahn
Yes. Got to like 110,000.
Peter Rosenberg
That's crazy.
Don Hahn
If I'm. If I'm ranging versus 365, 110,000 Yankee fans would only watch it on TV. For the rest of them listening on the radio because they had better things to do.
Peter Rosenberg
I just listen, I told you I didn't consume a second on television. I had to. I had to listen to the games on Friday and Saturday and Sunday because we went to Wild West City. I was watching on like on your mobile mlb.
Don Hahn
I had. See, And I don't know how they track that on the Gotham app. Like, who's watching?
Peter Rosenberg
I wasn't watching on the Gotham app. I was just checking you were doing that.
Don Hahn
I had it on radio, I think July 4th it was on radio. July 5th it was on TV.
Peter Rosenberg
Now is that like.
Don Hahn
But it was on TV. We weren't like, it was on in the house and it was on by the pool. But it wasn't like. Well, I wasn't like locked in on. But it was on instead of the radio.
Peter Rosenberg
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.
Don Hahn
Over the. Over the weekend?
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah. Makes no sense. Now, the other thing I thought of maybe is Yankee fans two to one when it comes to New York. Do Yankee. I would think Yankee fans skew older. So did the older fans because it was July 4th weekend, they had plans and they weren't in front of the tv where maybe the younger audience made sure they were in front of the T. But just to see that drastic a number, like, did somebody not turn something on like that? Listen, I'm not going to bother K because he's already in his coverage. I would love to hear. Is there any logic to that whatsoever? What Am I missing? 1-800-919377 I am not going to play the game. I'M not going to jump on. Oh, that's a no. I'm, I'm. I'm generally.
Don Hahn
Come on. We understand that the population of the Yankee fan base is a lot larger than the Met one, so. So logic tells you they just should have a higher draw of viewers.
Peter Rosenberg
Now what I also want to find out, maybe Jacob or Anthony could check it out. What was the discrepancy in numbers when they played last month at Yankee Stadium? Yeah, because Matt's got a theory in New Jersey. You're on ESPN New York. What do you got, Matt?
C
A little bit more. For the longest time, you know.
D
Yes.
C
It was dropped from YouTube, TV, dropped from Fubo, dropped from Hulu, but I think SNY is now, too. I do think, though, you know, I'm a Yankee fan.
D
We had the radio broadcast on in my pool party.
C
We pretty much had it on every.
D
Day during the weekend, but.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, me too.
C
I don't know if it has something.
D
To do with the streaming numbers, but, you know, in the summertime, baseball to me is always a radio sport.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, but like a weekend, it's a radio sport from that.
Don Hahn
Fans too.
Peter Rosenberg
July 4th was also a holiday for Met fans.
Don Hahn
The three days those were afternoon games, the series at the stadium, national tv, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes. You wouldn't know. You would know.
Don Hahn
So you don't have. You don't have. Yes. Or SNY for any of those games.
Peter Rosenberg
So that's why.
Don Hahn
And they were all in a night.
Peter Rosenberg
Right. So people are now saying, well, maybe, maybe the Mets because of Soto have become more 70%. No way.
Don Hahn
Come on. We can't not. Not that.
Peter Rosenberg
I do think it's. I do think the audience for the Mets has grown because of Soto and the team's coming off a good year where the Yankees going to the World Series doesn't happen all the time. But them being good is different than when the Mets are good.
Don Hahn
If you're against 70%, like, you got the game on.
Peter Rosenberg
And then. But. But what? I. What I saw the, the, you know. 154%, 166% for the younger audience. That just tells me that I guess the Mets fans skew younger and they're more apt to watch.
Don Hahn
What's the younger audience again? Give me the age group.
Peter Rosenberg
The. The gate was it. There was 25 to 54 was like the 154%. 18 to 54 was like 160, by the way.
Don Hahn
Anybody 18 to 25 on 4th of July in the middle of the afternoon.
Peter Rosenberg
Stop it.
Don Hahn
Handful of them. That's not, that's not a legit.
Peter Rosenberg
I, I just, I'm. I just don't know. And it can't be the streaming. And by the way, yes is on Fubo, so it's not. But it, it just doesn't explain. Those are monstrous numbers.
Don Hahn
It doesn't make sense.
Peter Rosenberg
It, it just, it's pretty incredible. 1-800-919-3776. Marco's got a pretty good point from Charlotte. You're on ESPN New York. What's up?
C
Hey, Donnie Allen. I was actually signing it up to your ENN segment and talk about two things that you were talking in there. One is dnd in the morning. This morning they were talking about the Robo empire and how they were actually looking forward to it and see what it, what it can do. To be honest, I think that robo empire cannot substitute Empire altogether. I think that there is a, there is a technical aspect as well for the pitchers where they can, they know where the strike zone can change a little bit for the umpire. And what I will suggest is going to look into tennis almost. And the eagle eye.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes. Yeah, that's what it's going to be. This is going to be instantaneous.
C
Listen to this idea. And if, and if I'm crazy, you give to the, to the manager two challenges per inning. Per inning, you, per inning, you cannot carry them over. But if you challenge them and you, and you lose the challenge, you lose one.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't want any more challenges. We have the technology. The thing about the eye in tennis is it's instantaneous.
Don Hahn
That's right.
Peter Rosenberg
I don't have to go look at a replay. It's indisputable. You see it immediately. There's still a job for the home plate umpire. He's got to be there for check swings. He's got to be there whether the ball was foul tipped. He's got to be there for plays at home plate, fair or foul. So he still has something to do. Yeah, but I don't understand. I think it's perfect. We have the technology. No more do we have to worry about different umpires and balls out the strike zone and screw it up.
Don Hahn
And I think the game will go faster that way too.
Peter Rosenberg
And they've. Dave used it in the minor league.
Don Hahn
I don't think you need to just. And just. I'm just what he's saying and I get it. It's the idea of the challenge. And in tennis you can challenge if you think the ball was in or out on the line, whatever it is, you immediately Challenge. They put it up on the board and everybody knows, and we keep it moving. Right. And I think what he's saying is, is you get one, you get two per inning. Now, per inning doesn't mean half inning, doesn't mean when you're at the plate, it means the whole inning. So I could either challenge one that my pitcher threw or I could challenge one that my hitter didn't swing at. Right?
Peter Rosenberg
Right.
Don Hahn
So that's the inning. I don't mind that. And then if you get it wrong, you lose it. So now you only get one per inning, and if you lose one more now, you're done.
Peter Rosenberg
But I.
Don Hahn
So that's not so bad. But I don't think there are a lot of missed calls.
Peter Rosenberg
All right, But. But they're going to be instantaneous. So we have the technology. It's not like the umpire's got to wander over to the dugout, put on the headset, Chelsea looks at the replay, and you delete. Things are fine.
Don Hahn
So you just want every pitch to.
Peter Rosenberg
Be called and just have that. That's how you determine whether it's a strike or not. Why not? We have the technology. It instantaneous.
Don Hahn
All right. Because it does take the human element out a little bit. Oh, you want it gone. So you want balls and strikes to now be absolutes in the sport.
Peter Rosenberg
No longer we have the technology to do it. So why have the different strike zones in this umpire? This. They're showing you the box. Fans get apoplectic when it's an inch out of the box. That he blew the call. Now that's all gone.
Don Hahn
All right, so we're taking.
Peter Rosenberg
And you can't even get in the arguments because if you argue balls and strikes, you're automatically ejected. So.
Don Hahn
So what do we do with the computer?
Peter Rosenberg
All right, so.
Don Hahn
So the umpire then's going to have a buzzer or. Or he'll have the pitch come.
Peter Rosenberg
Yes.
Don Hahn
And if it's a strike, he'll hear in his ear, strike. And he'll put his fist up.
Peter Rosenberg
That's it.
Don Hahn
And if he hears ball, he'll just say, ball.
Peter Rosenberg
That's it.
Don Hahn
And that's it.
Peter Rosenberg
The only.
Don Hahn
And now we don't need replay. We don't need challenges. We don't need review. We just keep it moving.
Peter Rosenberg
The only thing that concerns me is if there's some sort of a glitch, if it's not working for some reason. Well, if it's not working, you get both sides to agree, and the umpire will call the balls and strikes until the technology' Similar to what happens if somebody, if a head coach in the NFL's headset doesn't work, they shut off the headset on the other side of the field.
Don Hahn
So there's no hand signals.
Peter Rosenberg
So I don't see the problem. Here's Aaron Boone earlier today talking about having the electronic strike zone in the All Star Game. Remember, he's managing the American League fine.
E
Like, good idea, I think. I think it'll be good and a good test, another test run on a big stage to kind of see it play out. Like, I like the dramatic effect of it in the building, which I think will be cool. Again, I don't know what if and when and what the final iteration will be, you know, moving forward, you know, when we get into next year for real games. But I like that you continue to test these things, you know, whether it be in the minor leagues or in a showcase game like this. Like, you know, I think those are all good things for the game and allow you to collect more information.
Don Hahn
Now, there is, there is an exciting thing I will say Don about it is what they're doing now. Again, I'm with you. If you can go all the way to. We don't even need the challenge because we're just going to make sure every single pitch is called properly, or at least the computer is going to do it for us, that's fine. But in the meantime, if this is what they're doing, there is kind of an exciting thing about it because of what we said. Again, I'll never forget at the US Tennis center, when they call for the replay, the crowd, the minute the ball's in here, everybody's like kind of watching and like watching, watching. And when it hits the line and then they, they turn the screen 3D and then you can see where it hits and everybody just reacts to it. It's kind of fun. So that'll be what you get in baseball.
Peter Rosenberg
But in a 132 game, in the 8th inning, on the 01 pitch, is it 02 or 1 1? I don't think people are going to be that excited about it. And again, we don't have to be overly dramatic, but let's see how it plays out. I might have a completely different opinion on Monday, right? Or the Monday after the All Star Game or the Wednesday after the All Star Game. After it's over, I might look at it and go, you know what? This was ridiculous. Or I absolutely loved it. Let's see how it's actually executed. I didn't see a lot of it in the in spring training, I didn't see a lot of it in the minor leagues when they tested it out. This will be a chance on a grand stage to see how it works.
Don Hahn
Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
I didn't listen to anything you just said.
Don Hahn
Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you can. Your podcast.
Peter Rosenberg
The lanthrax among the living. 1-800-919-3776. Take capital. Seven o'. Clock. Got the show tomorrow at three. We'll have fraud alert Friday. ENN take up until seven o' clock tomorrow. Recap. Yankees, Mets, Mets now down five three. They can't get swept in this double header, I'm telling you, man. Well they can. They probably will. They certainly can. They probably both had issues.
Don Hahn
Yeah. But offense, you just again you. Three runs.
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah.
Don Hahn
And two of them scored in the first inning. So it's really been kind of quiet since then, right?
Peter Rosenberg
Yeah, yeah, you're right. You had the two run was that first inning and you had the one run in the fourth and that's been it. I mean so you got an rba, you got a double header. I mean we'll see that. Listen, it's only the bottom of the sixth inning. There's still plenty of time here. But they don't score another run.
Don Hahn
You have one hit after your number four, so basically five through nine, one hit. So all of your offenses come in.
Peter Rosenberg
The top four when you're playing in a hitters park Canada Yards against the lousy baseball team and you might score four runs in a double header and remember they came back and won in 10 innings back on Tuesday and they scored four of their seven runs in the eighth. So it's really been, you know, a bit of a struggle for them offensively here and then they can end up following up that great. You know, take two out of three from, from the Yankees and all that and then just to have a dud here in Baltimore for three with a strikeout. So he did have two hits in the first game, but so far nothing in game two. Let's go to Jonathan in la. You're on ESPN New York. What's up?
C
Hi guys.
Peter Rosenberg
Hi. Great seeing the other day.
C
Yeah, great thing you guys too. And thank you guys so much. I got a lot of feedback from my, my family members and friends, like how the hell do you got in there? I'm like, man, I call in every day, I listen every day. Those are really great people. You guys. Thanks again so much. My, my son Even when we got home, he told his mom, mommy, the guy from the radio station was really tall. I'm like, like Alan. Yeah. Thanks again, fellas.
Peter Rosenberg
No problem.
C
Thank you, guys. Now the, regarding the first, the Yankees, the first place. I'm not worried about that once again. And, and it goes with, with Aaron Judge and the MVP race. I'm not as worried at that too. With Cal Riley, I mean, he's, he's hitting dingers. I mean, pretty, pretty good right now. Now, question for you guys. He's going to be in the Home Run Derby. Do you think that's going to affect him? You think him in the second half. Usually it affects players. You think that's going to slow him down and then since Judge ain't going to be in it, you think he'll just take over at the moment? Here's my only thing about that.
Don Hahn
Didn't Alonzo do it his rookie year?
Peter Rosenberg
Yes.
Don Hahn
And what did he finish with that season?
Peter Rosenberg
50. Yeah, but David Wright, Dave. David Wright was sucking in the second half. Here's why. I think if I had to bet Jonathan that it will hurt him. He's a catcher. He's already hit more home runs this season than he did all of last season. So he's already in rarefied air. So that tells me he's not going to have as great a second half. But he's a catcher. So if there's anybody who potentially can get worn down, it's probably him. Listen, Judge is the better player. Judge likely is going to win the MVP. But if he ends up hitting 50 plus home runs, has more RBI than Judge and is a catcher, I think there will be people that will vote for him. Plus there might be a little Judge fatigue because he's already got a couple of MVPs. Probably should have three if not for the Altuve steal back in 2017. But if I had to bet, if there's somebody that probably could use the break, it'd be a catcher. But I give him credit for doing it, man.
Don Hahn
It's fun. It is. First of all, for his profile, it's good because not everybody knows who he is. These people still don't know he is even though he's had a great half a season and he's definitely up for mvp. This is another way to just showcase who you are and some personality. And by the way, if you get the right guy throwing you pitches, I mean, he hits it a mile.
Peter Rosenberg
No, he does. But you know, and again, again, I can't fault Judge because he's, he's done it. But don't give me a home run derby if the two guys that are battling for the American League crown aren't in a home run derby. You already don't have Alonzo in the National League. And again, I can't blame him. He's done it.
Don Hahn
Slam dunk contest.
Peter Rosenberg
If you want to have the best home run hitters possible, there's a few you're going to give give a break to. But I mean, come on, let's close it out with Richard of Manhattan. Man, go for it. What do you got, Don?
D
Allen. Allen. Who's going to win the NBA Rookie of the Year flag or the field?
Don Hahn
Ooh, flag on that team. They're going to win. He's going to be a part of it. I think he'll win it.
D
Don, you looked great in the post. That picture of you was perfect. They did a nice write up on you. That was great. Yeah. Did you see the full page New York Times? Thibodeau giving a thank you to the fans and the coaching.
Don Hahn
Oh, yes.
D
Oh, what a classy guy. Yep. Totally different than Aaron Rodgers. Aaron Rodgers wouldn't even take the high road. When he left and thanked New York. They gave him everything he wanted. And at the end he got screwed a little bit, but he didn't take the high road. No good. No good. As far as Judge. Judge leads the league in batting average, runs scored, hits and walks. He's second in Hobby Eyes by one to Raleigh. And he's second in homers by two to Raleigh. Come on, give me a break, Don. Did you see Alex Del Vecchio, 93? He was the Detroit. Detroit Red Wings. Vic Hatfield. It was Gordie Howe and Del Vecchio. Bobby Orr and Esposito. Bobby Hull and Stan Makita. That guy was a tough guy. 93. To live that long, to take that many hits he took to the head. Fellas, that's unbelievable. And you know you're talking about ties in the all star game. In 62, I believe it was. But from 59 to 62 or 60, they played two all star games a year, so I guess they didn't worry so much about that. Another thing, fellas. When was the last time the Detroit Tigers had the best record in baseball at the all star game?
Peter Rosenberg
Probably 84, but we're not sure of that.
D
In 84, we're not sure. You'd have to look that up, fellas. I got two more quickies. I'll be fast. Two beautiful women died. I'll give you them quickly Cornelia Konuchin. Gunelja Knudsen was The most famous TV star in 1965. 64, 66, 67. She uttered the most seven famous words. Famous seven. Take it off. Take it all off. She was the Noxzema girl with a shaving commercial. She did the commercial later on with Joe Namath. Watch Joe Namath get creamed. She was a Swedish model and she just passed away. 84. She actually lived across the street from me on 84 Street. Her husband.
Don Hahn
Ah, there you go.
D
And she moved to Sweden. One more quickie. A lady named Amara Goodai passed away. 95 years old. She was the second most famous pinup during the Korean War. She was 95 years old. Now, what happened to her? She was married to Richard Long, who was the professor nanny. And the professor, he didn't want her working, so she didn't work for a period of 20 years. Clint. She needed health insurance in the late 60s. Clint Eastwood brought her back. They were good friends. She's Clint Eastwood's age, so she did a lot of movies with Clint Eastwood. She did Sudden Impact. At the end of Sudden Impact, she was the girl. Clint Eastwood goes in the diner and shoots up three guys. One of the guys has a gun to Mara's head and he entered. I uttered the famous words, go ahead, make my day. And it was Mary Koday who was the actor. I love you. That was always a pleasure.
Peter Rosenberg
Take care. Goodbye, everybody. Six three.
Don Hahn
The Mets are down. 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. Hear more of Don Allen and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.
Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Ratings & Robo Umps
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Hosts:
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:
Game Performance:
Ratings Discrepancy:
Discussion Points:
Community Engagement:
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:
Hosts' Perspectives:
Manager’s Opinion – Aaron Boone:
Future Implications:
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:
Hosts' Analysis:
Additional Discussions:
The podcast includes brief segments where listeners share personal anecdotes and memories, adding a personal touch to the show.
Key Highlights:
Listener Stories:
Tributes:
The episode wraps up with the hosts summarizing ongoing games and teasing future topics.
Key Highlights:
Game Recap:
Show Promotion:
Notable Quotes:
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.