Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

On this episode of Amazin’ Conversations, Jay Horwitz sits down with longtime baseball writer and author Ken Davidoff for a wide-ranging conversation about journalism, storytelling, and the life lessons that baseball can teach. Davidoff discusses his new book 101 Lessons from the Dugout, including how David Wright became involved by writing the foreword, why the book resonates far beyond the field, and how baseball terminology mirrors real-life decision making. The conversation also dives into Ken’s decades covering the Mets and Yankees, memorable human-interest stories, relationships with iconic figures like Bobby Valentine, Ron Hunt, and Jesse Orosco, and why those behind-the-scenes stories matter more than ever in today’s media landscape. A thoughtful, nostalgic, and insightful episode about baseball, people, and perspective. 00:00 – Opening memories & first Mets game covered00:44 – Ken Davidoff’s journalism career and teaching01:06 – 101 Lessons from the Dugout and David Wright’s foreword02:40 – Turning baseball terminology into life lessons03:50 – David Wright as a coach and father05:12 – Decades working together and human-interest storytelling06:17 – Ron Hunt, Shea Stadium seats, and fundraising efforts07:58 – Rusty Staub, community impact, and meaningful stories09:01 – Bobby Valentine, Subway Series memories, and interleague play11:13 – Mets writers dinners and staying connected to the game12:14 – The 1986 Mets and unforgettable personalities14:09 – Why this book is different and what baseball teaches us16:34 – Book release details and future plans ⏱️ Timestamps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Orosco joins Amazin’ Conversations to reflect on one of the most iconic teams in baseball history and one of the longest careers the game has ever seen. Orosco looks back on what made the 1986 Mets different, the intelligence and confidence of that clubhouse, the pressure moments of the postseason, and the grind of pitching deep into October. He also shares memories of Game 7, Davey Johnson’s leadership, Gary Carter’s impact, and the bond that made that team unforgettable more than 40 years later. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why the ’86 Mets were different01:26 – Reflecting on 40 years in baseball02:22 – Longevity and pitching longer than expected03:13 – Thinking about career legacy and records04:11 – The grind and pressure of postseason pitching05:18 – Trusting teammates in big moments06:55 – Facing the Red Sox and World Series pressure07:26 – The RBI single in Game 708:07 – Giving the final out baseball to Steven McDonald09:09 – Davey Johnson’s leadership style09:58 – Remembering Gary Carter11:04 – Pitchers playing the outfield and team confidence12:02 – Why you’ll never see baseball played that way again13:02 – Why that Mets team still resonates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Amazin’ Conversations, Jay Horwitz sits down with longtime broadcaster Chris Carrino for a powerful and deeply personal conversation. Carrino opens up about discovering he had muscular dystrophy in his early 20s and the decision to keep pursuing a career in broadcasting despite the uncertainty ahead. He shares how the disease gradually impacted his life, why he ultimately chose to speak publicly about it, and how that led to the creation of the Chris Carrino Foundation to support muscular dystrophy research. The conversation also explores Carrino’s broadcasting journey, his Fordham roots, his love for baseball, basketball, and football, and the emotional moment when he embraced using a wheelchair and reclaimed the freedom to keep doing what he loves. Amazin’ Conversations delivers candid, story-driven interviews with the people who have shaped the game and the lives around it. 🔔 Subscribe for more exclusive Mets and baseball stories👍 Like if you enjoyed the episode💬 Comment your favorite moment below ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps (30-Minute Episode) 00:00 – Intro01:05 – Discovering his diagnosis in his early 20s04:20 – Choosing broadcasting despite the challenges07:30 – Hiding the disease and the emotional toll11:45 – The moment he decided to share his story15:10 – Transitioning to a wheelchair and finding freedom19:10 – Adapting life on the road as a broadcaster22:20 – Fordham, Marty Glickman, and broadcasting roots25:40 – The Chris Carrino Foundation and giving back28:45 – Final thoughts and message for listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kenny Albert joins Jay Horwitz for a special edition of Amazin’ Conversations — and if you’ve ever wondered how one broadcaster can call the NFL, NHL, MLB, and more, Kenny lays it all out. They talk about Kenny’s craziest travel stretch (London to Vegas to Buffalo to Vegas), how he prepares when he’s bouncing between sports, the checklist he uses for every game, and why flights might be his most productive office. Kenny also shares stories from his early Mets years working with Howie Rose, memories from the 1986 World Series run, calling the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup, his path to Olympic hockey, and what it means to step into the TV role after the legendary Sam Rosen. Subscribe for more Amazin’ Conversations featuring Mets voices, legends, and unforgettable stories. Chapters 00:00 Kenny Albert does everything — when do you sleep?00:51 The craziest week: London to Vegas to Buffalo to Vegas01:55 How Kenny prepares when there’s no time02:36 The checklist: watching games, reading, notes, pressers04:21 Why flights are his best work time05:10 Jay’s Marv Albert stories and growing up around broadcasting06:51 Kenny’s Mets booth years with Howie Rose (1987–1990)08:58 Being there for the 1986 clincher10:20 All I ever wanted to do and parents meeting at Shea11:15 Family life with the travel grind12:10 Taking over Rangers TV after Sam Rosen13:35 Mets Cardinals 20-inning game story15:49 1994 Stanley Cup Finals and meeting his wife18:54 Olympics hockey and what it means19:47 Bucket list moments still to come20:35 Jay’s closing message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Kent sits down with Jay Horwitz for an honest, funny and emotional conversation about his entire baseball journey – from chaotic days with the early-90s Mets to becoming an MVP with the Giants. Kent opens up about playing on “the worst team money could buy,” his memories of Bobby Bonilla and the New York media, getting traded for David Cone, and how his career took off once he landed in San Francisco. He also gives a rare inside look at Barry Bonds as a teammate, why they butted heads, and what he really thinks about Bonds and the Hall of Fame. Jeff and Jay revisit the 2000 Mets–Giants NLDS, Bobby Jones’ one-hit shutout, and what it was like playing at Shea Stadium in October. Kent also shares personal stories: losing a family dog during a season in New York, giving back to women’s sports at Cal, watching his son Caden play in the Yankees system, and running a working Wagyu ranch in Texas. If you love 90s and 2000s baseball, Mets history, or just great storytelling, this is an Amazin’ conversation you don’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lee Mazzilli joins Jay Horwitz for a powerful, emotional, and funny conversation on his journey from a kid in Brooklyn to becoming a Mets Hall of Famer. Mazzilli opens up about being the face of the franchise in the late 1970s, the trade that shocked baseball, the improbable reunion with the ’86 Mets, and the unbelievable moment when his release opened the door for Barry Bonds. He also shares deeply personal stories about his father’s unwavering support, his brother’s legacy, and the family bond behind the Mazzilli Foundation. This is one of the most complete Mets stories we’ve ever told — legacy, loyalty, heartbreak, triumph, and a homecoming decades in the making. 00:00 – Cold Open00:21 – Jay Intro01:10 – Lee Mazzilli on Growing Up in Brooklyn03:40 – Becoming “The Face of the Mets”06:15 – The Pressure and Fame of Late-70s Mets Baseball08:54 – Getting Traded & How It Changed Him12:20 – The Release That Led to Barry Bonds15:55 – Returning Home to the ’86 Mets18:40 – Almost Being Traded for Ray Knight21:10 – Why the ’86 Clubhouse Was Different24:05 – Mazzilli on His Dad: Love, Support & Zero Criticism27:25 – The Passing of His Brother & The Mazzilli Foundation30:50 – What the Hall of Fame Call Meant33:10 – Gratitude, Legacy & Final Thoughts Chapters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Amazin’ Conversations, Jay Horwitz sits down with Saint John’s Basketball General Manager Matt Abdelmassih — a lifelong Mets fan who has helped rebuild the Red Storm into a national powerhouse alongside Hall of Famer Rick Pitino. Matt talks about naming his son Shea, growing up at Mets games, witnessing iconic moments like the Mike Piazza 9/11 home run, and how his career in college basketball mirrors lessons he learned from the Mets and his mentors. Jay and Matt also dive deep into:• Building a modern college basketball roster• How NIL + the transfer portal changed everything• What it’s really like working for Rick Pitino• The bond between Saint John’s and Mets legend John Franco• Handling pressure, expectations, and New York fans• How the Garden has come roaring back for St. John’s A must-watch for Mets fans, college hoops fans, and anyone fascinated by the new era of roster building. Let’s Go Mets. Let’s Go Johnnies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beltrán remembers iconic Mets moments like his three-homer game in Colorado, the over-the-shoulder catch on the hill in Houston, and a monster late-inning homer vs. the Phillies at Shea. He explains what it took to live up to a massive contract in New York, the pressure that comes with expectations, and why consistency was his obsession as a player. Now working in the Mets’ front office, Beltrán talks about mentoring the next wave of talent — including Francisco Álvarez, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña — and why he believes the future in Queens is “super bright.” He also dives into the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, his Roberto Clemente Award, and his new role as GM of Team Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic, with Francisco Lindor as his captain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bobby Valentine joins Jay Horwitz for an emotional and wide-ranging Amazin’ Conversations — covering everything from the legendary mustache disguise in 1999 to his induction into the Mets Hall of Fame with Carlos Beltrán and Lee Mazzilli. Bobby reflects on his playing and managing career with the Mets, his bond with the fans, the 2000 National League pennant run, and unforgettable moments like Robin Ventura’s Grand Slam Single. Bobby and Jay also revisit the 9/11 season, sharing powerful stories about the team’s role in healing the city, Mike Piazza’s iconic homer, the work players did behind the scenes, and the fans who inspired them. This is the full Bobby V story — baseball, leadership, heart, and the moments that shaped Mets history. 00:00 – The Mustache Disguise Story01:14 – Breaking the Tension in 199902:06 – Bobby on the Mets Hall of Fame03:12 – Playing & Coaching With Legends04:23 – Managing Through the Late 90s06:06 – Turning the Mets Around07:01 – Getting the Most Out of Players07:49 – Why Mets Fans Love Bobby V08:49 – Battling the Braves & Yankees09:12 – The Full Mustache Story (Again!)10:11 – Players Reacting to the Disguise11:14 – The 2000 Pennant Run12:21 – Robin Ventura’s Grand Slam Single13:18 – Japan Trip & Benny Agbayani14:17 – Leadership Through 9/1115:08 – September 11 Memories16:07 – The Team Giving Back17:21 – Mike Piazza’s 9/11 Home Run18:24 – The Ashes in the Bullpen Story19:14 – Final Thoughts & Mets Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two-time All-Star Gregg Jefferies joins Jay Horwitz to talk about breaking into a championship Mets clubhouse as a 17-year-old phenom, replacing Wally Backman, the hamstring injury that ended his career early, and why he turned down MLB coaching and broadcasting jobs to be with family. Jefferies opens up about his unique pool-drill training from his father, why “old-school baseball” still works, thoughts on Shohei Ohtani’s insane talent, his feelings about MLB’s new rules, and the emotional Shea Stadium ovation when he returned years later. This one’s part Mets history, part hitting masterclass, and all heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roger McDowell and co-author Doug Feldmann join Jay Horwitz to unpack HOTFOOT — from the Mets’ legendary prank wars (including the infamous Bill Robinson hotfoot) to the pressure of NLCS Game 6 in Houston, Davey Johnson’s player-first leadership, and the wild Cincinnati brawl that had relievers playing the outfield. It’s the ’86 Mets through stories, strategy, and pure clubhouse chaos — told by the guys who lived it. TimeStamps 00:00 HOTFOOT origins & picking targets (Bill Robinson + TV director)02:21 Why the title “HOTFOOT” & the timing of the book03:26 How McDowell & Feldmann teamed up (after ’87 Cardinals research)08:00 NLCS Game 6: five shutout innings to save the season10:49 Five pitchers over 16 innings — unheard of today13:09 “Dominant from Day 1”: targets on backs but a team of roles14:24 Davey Johnson: the original analytics mind & player’s manager16:31 1985 trust moment: post-surgery Roger goes 127 IP out of the pen17:15 Doc Gooden precedent: Davey vs. front office on trusting the room18:31 Teammate tales: Kevin Mitchell’s suit story in San Diego19:56 Bullpen roles with Orosco & Sisk — why it worked22:17 Sid Fernandez lesson: pulling him mid-AB to reinforce command27:04 Cincinnati ’86 brawl: relievers in the outfield & Pete Rose protest29:40 Keith Hernandez’s defense — instinct and anticipation masterclass33:18 The cover, the fire & the “serious between the lines” Roger McDowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz, Mets legend and Oklahoma State assistant Robin Ventura joins Jay to talk about the next wave of Mets talent — Carson Benge and Nolan McLean — and what made both players stand out in college. Ventura shares what he saw early in McLean’s development, why his breakout isn’t a fluke, and how Benge’s all-around athleticism reminds him of classic Mets stars. The two also look back on Robin’s Mets career — the 2000 pennant run, the Grand Slam Single, and the team’s connection to New York after 9/11. 🎙️ Hosted by Jay Horwitz 📺 Amazin’ Conversations – the official Mets alumni podcast ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Jay welcomes Robin Ventura 00:48 – Ventura on Nolan McLean’s “not a fluke” breakout 02:05 – Carson Benge’s contact and speed stand out at OSU 03:55 – Two-way background and why Benge stayed in the lineup 05:40 – McLean’s spin, slider, and command development 08:20 – The buzz around McLean’s starts in New York 09:55 – How both players feed off each other’s drive 11:10 – Benge & McLean’s “Butch and Sundance” friendship 12:55 – Looking back on the 2000 Mets 14:25 – The “Grand Slam Single” and what it meant 16:20 – Remembering 9/11 and the Mets’ community moments 18:45 – Robin on watching McLean and Benge reach the majors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz, St. John’s standout Zuby Ejiofor joins Jay to talk about the program’s meteoric rise under Hall of Famer Rick Pitino, the energy of playing at Madison Square Garden, and what it meant to throw out the first pitch at Citi Field. Zuby opens up about his relationship with Coach Pitino, how he’s grown into a leader on and off the court, and why this 2025 Red Storm team is ready to make noise in the Big East and beyond. They also discuss the MSG home-court atmosphere, St. John’s return to national prominence, and Zuby’s viral Tonight Show appearance alongside his teammates. 💥 Whether you’re a Mets fan, a St. John’s alum, or just love New York sports, this crossover between Queens legends is one you don’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic is coming to Citi Field, and Carlos Delgado is taking it seriously. Delgado joins Jay Horwitz to break down why this matchup is so much more than a game — the energy, the culture, the bragging rights — and why once first pitch hits, everyone’s playing to win. He talks about teaming up with Carlos Beltrán on the bench, Mets bullpen coach José Rosado, and why he’s managing Puerto Rico like it’s the World Baseball Classic. Delgado also opens up on 25 years of his Extra Bases Foundation, rebuilding Puerto Rico after hurricanes, mentoring the next generation of players, and what it means to still hold the PR home run record. Oh — and he tells the story behind that 9-RBI night at Yankee Stadium. 🔥 Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic — Live at Citi Field! Don’t miss one of the most electric nights of baseball this fall as Team Puerto Rico and Team Dominican Republic face off in a celebration of culture, music, and competition at Citi Field. ⚾ Date: Friday, November 15, 2025 📍 Location: Citi Field, Queens, NY 🎶 Expect live music, island vibes, and an atmosphere that feels more like a block party than an exhibition game — until that first pitch drops. Featuring legends like Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltrán, and José Rosado, this event brings Caribbean pride straight to New York. Come early, wear your colors, and be ready to feel the energy that only PR vs. DR can bring. 🎟️ Tickets available now at Mets.com/PRvsDR ⏱️ Timestamps (00:00 Format) 00:00 – Cold open + PR vs DR hype 01:25 – Why this game is more than baseball 03:05 – Beltrán joins Delgado’s staff for Puerto Rico 04:40 – Why Citi Field will feel like winter ball 06:10 – How the roster comes together (permits, winter leagues, timing) 08:15 – Extra Bases Foundation: 25 years of impact 10:45 – Rebuilding Puerto Rico after hurricanes Maria & Fiona 12:05 – Mentoring the next generation of players 13:45 – WBC connection & pride in Puerto Rican baseball 14:00 – “I let it fly”: The 9-RBI night at Yankee Stadium 16:25 – Why 473 HRs still matter to him 17:50 – Scouting and treating this like a real competition 18:50 – Delgado’s management style: “Suggestions, not orders” 20:00 – Jay & Carlos close with some playful UConn–St. John’s banter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mets legend Jon Matlack joins Jay Horwitz to revisit the 1973 pennant race, his NLCS Game 2 two-hit shutout in Cincinnati, and the emotions around the World Series. Matlack shares what he learned from Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, how to handle New York pressure, and practical advice for today’s rookie arms — Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Jonah Tong — as they pitch in high-leverage spots. Plus: Willie Mays’ impact in the clubhouse and the story of Matlack returning to the mound just 10 days after a scary liner to the head. If you love Mets history, postseason mindset talk, and behind-the-scenes leadership, this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Darryl Strawberry sits down with Jay to remember the late Davey Johnson—his call-up story in 1983, the swagger that flipped the Mets from “Muts” to a 108-win juggernaut, the “we’re going to dominate” spring-training moment in ’86, and why Davey was a players’ manager who handled discipline in-house. Straw relives the Reds brawl game with Gary Carter at third and relievers in the outfield, the NLCS plane fine Davey “ripped up,” skipping a mandatory workout in Boston before the World Series, and Gary Carter’s clutch in Fenway. He also opens up about speaking at Davey’s funeral and his ongoing cancer advocacy. Mets history, leadership, culture, and the blueprint for winning—straight from Straw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A candid conversation on how Shea Stadium became a relief hub in the 11 days between 9/11 and the emotional return to baseball on 9/21. Players and staff revisit loading trucks, housing volunteers, visiting Ground Zero, and the unity that defined New York—and the Mets—during that time. Includes details on the new 30-minute mini-doc “11 Days in September” and where to watch it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay sits down with Mets legend Edgardo “Fonzie” Alfonzo to talk mentoring Francisco Alvarez in Triple-A, what he looks for when roving the Mets’ minor leagues, and why the 1999–2000 infield clicked like no other.They also relive the Tokyo opener vs. the Cubs, the 10-run comeback vs. the Braves, Turk Wendell’s rubber arm, and that unforgettable night in Houston when Fonzie was unstoppable. 00:00 Mentoring Francisco Alvarez: rhythm, patience, approach02:16 Alumni Classic: seeing the guys, Jose Reyes still raking03:30 Roving the minors from AAA to the DR; Mendoza’s emphasis04:41 Prospect shoutouts: Jett Williams, Ryan Clifford, depth everywhere08:03 1999–2000 memories: Tokyo trip, Wild Card run, Subway Series09:44 Postseason approach & HRs vs. CIN/ARI; facing Randy Johnson11:19 Turk Wendell’s “give me the ball” era; Pat Mahomes’ versatility12:54 Rey Ordóñez made me better at 2B — communication & range15:20 Cookie Rojas, practice “games,” why the ’99 infield worked18:00 The legendary 6-for-6 night in Houston (three HRs)19:38 The 10-run 8th vs. the Braves; Mike Piazza moments21:12 Alumni Day details & message to fans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Met (and now longtime baseball exec) Jerry Dipoto sits down to riff on a jaw-dropping slate of Mets memories: a notorious 1995 St. Lucie prank, two years riding with John Franco, Todd Hundley’s record run, the San Diego outfield collision, Derek Bell’s clubhouse quirks, and Roger Clemens vs. Mike Piazza. He also reflects on staying loyal to his roots, early hires, fantasy-football GM days in the old Jets locker room, and growing up a Tom Seaver diehard. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Cold open: “Would you stop playing?” + spring-training chaos setup. 01:02 – St. Lucie ’95 prank: stretcher, birds on the chest, and scissors (yes, really). 02:48 – Life with John Franco: bullpen bond, 1,000+ games and Hall case. 03:58 – Prank wars: hotel “horse head,” ketchup, rats in the work bag, cut ties. 05:18 – The missing earrings saga (Mike “Hammond”), and a San Diego Beltrán collision recollection. 06:32 – 25 years as an exec: “Never forgot your roots,” early hires & loyalty. 10:05 – Growing up a Mets fan: Seaver jersey at home. 11:02 – Beefing up offense; quick notes on adding bats and young starters. 12:25 – Teammate shoutouts; “He hit .357 one year.” Hundley’s record season memories. 13:32 – Vance racks 200+ hits; late-season Bobby V memories. 15:04 – Reyes/Ordoñez/Fonzie era beginnings; opening-day recall. 17:03 – The first “fantasy-football GM”: stat packs in the Jets locker room. 21:28 – “We built by trades”: how philosophy formed. 21:36 – 1991 pack rip: Sandberg sighting and clubhouse card-talk. 24:02 – Derek Bell’s rotating jerseys & “Operation… everything.” 25:58 – Roger Clemens vs. Piazza: bat/ball, All-Star signs drama. 26:30 – Wrap: “Great friend, great memories.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wilmer Flores relives the night at Citi Field—finding out on his phone mid-game that he’d been traded, breaking down on the field, and the private words David Wright shared with him in the tunnel. He opens up about Jeff Wilpon telling him there was no deal, the next-day walk-off that made him a Mets legend, and why the love from Queens still follows him on every road trip. Plus: 2015 World Series takeaways (that Royals defense!), how Wright treated rookies, life now with family, and the story behind the name “Wilmer.” Mets fans, bring the tissues.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices