Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 4: Ty Butler

Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction

In the fourth hour of the "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" podcast, host Alan Hahn, legendary ESPN New York broadcaster Don La Greca, and outspoken Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality Peter Rosenberg dive deep into the current state of New York sports, with a particular focus on Major League Baseball's New York Mets and New York Yankees. The episode is anchored by guest Ty Butler, who brings his passionate insights and analysis to the table.

Mets' Performance and Fan Sentiment

Ty Butler opens the discussion by addressing the struggling New York Mets, who have lost eight of their last nine games as of August 8th. He expresses significant concern over the team's performance, emphasizing the high expectations set by recent acquisitions like Soto:

“It's August 8th and your team has lost eight of nine games. So if you're not panicking now, when would you be panicking?” ([00:50])

Butler critiques the Mets' offensive inconsistencies, particularly their struggles with runners in scoring position despite having star players like Alonzo Lindor and Soto. He underscores the frustration among fans who expected a championship-contending team rather than one teetering on the edge of missing the playoffs.

Anthony, a passionate Yankees fan, echoes similar frustration but shifts the focus to the Yankees, highlighting a culture of entitlement and lack of appreciation for team efforts:

“We've just become the most miserable, arrogant, entitled group of fans in all of sports.” ([18:15])

Anthony laments the unrealistic expectations placed on the Yankees, given the increasing parity in MLB, contrasting it with the dominance and relative invincibility the Yankees once enjoyed.

Yankees' Struggles and Accountability

Turning to the New York Yankees, Ty Butler criticizes the team's recent underperformance, especially following their World Series appearance. He argues that the Yankees are no longer able to rely on past glories to secure their position and must face consequences for missing the playoffs:

“If they missed the playoffs, there's got to be some type of change that happens.” ([08:50])

Butler is particularly critical of manager Aaron Boone and the coaching staff, highlighting repeated failures such as poor fundamentals and defensive blunders:

“There is no bigger indictment of Boone and his coaching staff than that itself.” ([19:57])

He advocates for significant organizational changes, pushing back against the notion that Boone’s World Series appearance should shield the Yankees from criticism:

“We have to see something significant happen. I don't care that they got to the World Series last year.” ([08:50])

Peter Rosenberg supports the call for accountability, suggesting that without making the playoffs, drastic measures would be necessary to compel the organization to act:

“I think something drastic has to happen.” ([14:18])

Listener Calls and Diverse Perspectives

Throughout the episode, callers share their perspectives, adding depth to the discussion:

1. Dave from the Car:

   • Peter Rosenberg reflects on the possibility that the Yankees might need to make playoff appearances to trigger organizational changes.

2. Jacob:

   • Challenges the theory regarding Jordan Renan's absence, advocating for Jordan's professionalism and expressing skepticism over conspiracy theories:

     “I think there's something more to this. You don't just accidentally show up for a morning show four hours before your actual show.” ([26:12])

3. Jordan Renan Conspiracy Theory:

   • Ty Butler presents a controversial theory suggesting that Jordan Renan deliberately missed his scheduled show to boost his career by switching to a more favorable morning drive slot:

     “My conspiracy theory is this. Jordan Renan made a very calculated career decision.” ([22:50])

   • Jacob and others debate the plausibility, weighing in on the lack of communication and possible motives behind Renan’s actions.

Organizational Accountability and Managerial Decisions

Ty Butler emphasizes the need for the Yankees' front office, particularly GM Brian Cashman, to take responsibility for the team's shortcomings. He disputes the notion that managerial changes alone can rectify the team's issues, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul:

“If our goal is to win a championship, you brought Boone in here. So to replace Girardi, he did not win a championship. That in itself is a failure.” ([14:02])

This sentiment is echoed by Peter Rosenberg, who supports the idea that without making the playoffs, the Yankees won't feel compelled to implement necessary changes:

“I think something drastic has to happen.” ([14:18])

Concluding Insights

As the episode nears its end, Ty Butler reiterates the necessity for accountability within the Yankees organization, emphasizing that past successes should not shield the team from necessary critiques and changes:

“You got to rejigger this thing. Let's go to Anthony and Dobbs Ferry.” ([15:36])

The conversation underscores a broader theme of accountability in sports organizations, reflecting the shifting dynamics in MLB and the challenges teams like the Yankees and Mets face in meeting heightened expectations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ty Butler:
  “It's August 8th and your team has lost eight of nine games. So if you're not panicking now, when would you be panicking?” ([00:50])

• Anthony:
  “We've just become the most miserable, arrogant, entitled group of fans in all of sports.” ([18:15])

• Ty Butler:
  “If they missed the playoffs, there's got to be some type of change that happens.” ([08:50])

• Ty Butler:
  “There is no bigger indictment of Boone and his coaching staff than that itself.” ([19:57])

• Ty Butler:
  “My conspiracy theory is this. Jordan Renan made a very calculated career decision.” ([22:50])

Final Thoughts

Hour 4 of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" delivers a passionate and incisive analysis of New York's baseball teams, blending expert opinions with listener interactions to paint a comprehensive picture of the current sports landscape. The episode highlights the growing demand for accountability and strategic overhauls within storied franchises, reflecting broader trends in competitive sports.

For listeners who missed the episode, the discussion offers valuable insights into the challenges and expectations facing the Yankees and Mets, underscored by Ty Butler's fervent call for organizational responsibility and change.

Stay Connected:

• Podcast: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Listen Live: Weekday afternoons at 3 PM on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.