Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Episode: Hour 4: Yankees Win (Released March 27, 2025)

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into a variety of sports topics, blending insightful analysis with engaging banter. The primary focus revolves around the New York Yankees' performance, the New York Giants' quarterback dilemma, and a heated discussion on LeBron James' recent public confrontation with Stephen A. Smith. Additionally, listeners contribute to the conversation, offering their perspectives on ongoing sports narratives.

1. Giants Quarterback Situation: Russell Wilson vs. Jameis Winston

The episode opens with a deep dive into the New York Giants' quarterback landscape. The hosts analyze the potential rivalry and performance expectations between Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.

• Peter Rosenberg highlights Wilson’s leadership aspirations:
  “I expect to be a starter and come in here and be ready to rock and roll every day.” [01:16]

• Don La Greca expresses skepticism about Wilson's assuredness:
  “It just felt a little rehearsed, but they usually are. Right.” [02:05]

The discussion intensifies as they evaluate the likelihood of Wilson securing the starting position:

• Don asserts Wilson as the favorite but leaves room for Winston's competitiveness:
  “I just think there's a world where Winston can win this job. It's impossible.” [03:16]

• Peter counters by emphasizing Wilson's consistency and leadership:
  “I don't see. I think Wilson will be just fine. Enough.” [04:05]

The conversation underscores the complexity of the Giants' decision, weighing Wilson's experience against Winston's potential for growth and adaptation.

2. Caller Artie on Yankees Game Crowd

Listener Artie joins the discussion to express his disappointment with the Yankees' game crowd, particularly criticizing the lack of enthusiasm during critical moments.

• Artie laments:
  “This crowd at the end game is pathetic. ... I've been to like, 40 opening days, and ... it's something like it used to be.” [07:36]

• Don responds with a defense of the on-air observation:
  “We don't have volume, but it's an opening day crowd. The weather's cold.” [08:13]

This exchange highlights varying perspectives on fan engagement and enthusiasm at Yankees games.

3. LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith Dispute

A significant portion of the episode centers on the recent altercation between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith. Hosts dissect the implications of LeBron’s confrontation and its portrayal in the media.

• Caller Mac offers insights:
  “LeBron probably just had an issue when basically, Stephen A. saying, you're hurting your son. I think that's hard to hear as a dad.” [09:27]

• Don critiques the public nature of the dispute:
  “LeBron could have called him aside ... but he did it the way he did it, like, are you really offended, or is this your opportunity to kind of flex and get some promotion for yourself.” [11:16]

• Peter reflects on the media’s role and societal perceptions:
  “What is it about LeBron James that people have a tendency to sort of heap the worst ...” [13:43]

• Don compares the situation to past sports figures, emphasizing the evolution of fan and media reactions:
  “Back in the day, ... Michael Jordan shutting you down ... You don't think that the conspiracy theories we hear now wouldn't be brought up about his dad?” [14:09]

The hosts debate whether LeBron’s actions were a strategic move for publicity or a genuine expression of frustration, considering the broader context of athlete-media relationships.

4. Yankees' Performance and New Facial Hair Policy

Shifting focus back to baseball, the hosts discuss the Yankees' recent game where Devin Williams played a pivotal role in securing a win, amidst the backdrop of the team’s new facial hair policy.

• Don highlights Williams' performance:
  “Devin Williams ... threw like 37 pitches to get the save. He did give up a run ... but he struck out Christian Yelich to get the save.” [18:40]

• Peter humorously comments on the team's adherence to the facial hair policy:
  “The Yankees certainly took the new facial hair policy quite seriously. I mean, there are beards and mustaches everywhere.” [19:22]

• Don nostalgically references past Yankees with notable facial hair:
  “Mattingly had a mustache. Munson had a mustache. ... Look at Judge still clean shaven as can be.” [19:34]

The conversation touches upon the cultural and aesthetic shifts within the team, juxtaposing past and present player styles.

5. Listener Andrew on WWE Debut and Maryland Basketball

The discussion takes an entertaining turn with Andrew contacting the show to speculate on LeBron James potentially debuting in WWE and the prospects of Maryland basketball.

• Andrew muses:
  “Do you think that LeBron is getting ready for retirement and think about a WWE debut?” [17:46]

• Don responds with humor and support:
  “It's not a work in the sense, hey, let's get together and let's fake this. ... they both do realize what they can get out of it.” [18:40]

Additionally, the hosts anticipate reviewing Maryland basketball should the team advance further:

• Peter mentions:
  “If Maryland pulls off a miracle and wins tonight, expect a dose of Maryland basketball tomorrow.” [20:25]

This segment showcases the hosts' ability to seamlessly transition between serious analysis and light-hearted speculation.

6. Closing Remarks and Future Topics

As the episode wraps up, the hosts discuss upcoming sports events and tease future discussions, maintaining their trademark blend of information and camaraderie.

• Don and Peter conclude with plans to cover Maryland basketball's potential success and reflect on the day's highlights, including the Yankees' win and ongoing NFL narratives.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Rosenberg on leadership:
  “... it's a great winning culture and how do we continue to establish that and to really build on things that we do well...” [01:16]

• Don La Greca on Wilson and Winston's competition:
  “I just think there's a world where Winston can win this job. It's impossible.” [03:16]

• Don La Greca on LeBron vs. Stephen A.:
  “... why would I be playing the guy who's walking at the end of the year, let's have Winston play.” [04:43]

• Artie on Yankees' crowd:
  “This crowd at the end game is pathetic.” [07:36]

• Don La Greca on facial hair nostalgia:
  “Mattingly had a mustache. Munson had a mustache.” [19:34]

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports topics, enriched by listener interactions and the hosts' expert insights. Whether discussing the strategic decisions in football, the cultural shifts in baseball, or the personal challenges faced by star athletes, the trio delivers a balanced and engaging narrative for sports enthusiasts.