Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

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

David Wright joins Jay Horwitz for a special Amazin’ Conversation ahead of the 2025 Battle of the Badges at Citi Field — the annual showdown between New York’s police and firefighters. Wright opens up about: How Tom Seaver inspired one of his most memorable on-field moments Why honoring first responders means so much to him and his family The fierce competitiveness (and trash talk) at Battle of the Badges His reflections on his jersey retirement day and the bond with Mets fans The lasting friendships from his 15-year career in Queens 🎟 Battle of the Badges — August 17 at Citi FieldProceeds benefit charities chosen by NYPD & FDNY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Mets first baseman Ike Davis sits down with Jay Horwitz for an unforgettable Amazin’ Conversations episode — diving deep into his career highs, crushing injuries, and life after baseball. Ike opens up about battling Valley Fever, his ankle injury with David Wright, playing first base during Johan Santana’s historic no-hitter, and hitting big home runs for R.A. Dickey’s 20-win season. He shares behind-the-scenes stories of playing with Jose Reyes and David Wright, reflects on his 2014 trade from the Mets, and reveals what he’s doing now in commercial real estate. Plus — an unbelievable childhood encounter with Joe DiMaggio you have to hear. 📌 Topics Covered: Valley Fever diagnosis & recovery The David Wright collision that changed his career Memories of Johan Santana’s no-hitter Hitting for R.A. Dickey’s Cy Young season Playing with Jose Reyes & David Wright Why leaving the Mets wasn’t easy Life after baseball & his real estate career Meeting Joe DiMaggio as a kid Timestamps 00:00 Battling Valley Fever during Spring Training02:20 Helping snap Jay Horwitz’s broken ankle back into place02:52 The collision with David Wright that ended his 2011 season03:49 Understanding microfractures & lingering pain04:15 Rookie success & breakout power numbers05:06 Valley Fever explained & long-term effects06:56 Playing first base during Johan Santana’s no-hitter08:10 Hitting home runs for R.A. Dickey’s 20-win season09:30 Playing alongside Jose Reyes & David Wright10:47 Diving into the photo pit three times in one week11:26 The famous upside-down bobblehead12:20 Injuries and the reality of a shortened career13:58 Being traded from the Mets in 201415:08 Staying healthy with the Pirates & battling injuries in Oakland15:51 Thoughts on Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance17:04 Best baseball legend he met through his father — Joe DiMaggio story19:08 Lee Brice connection & celebrity friends20:18 Life after baseball: starting a real estate business with his brother21:43 Why the Mets will always be special to him22:53 Early days of social media & how it affected players23:53 Ike’s memories of Jay Horwitz & Mets alumni connections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two of the most memorable managers in Mets history—Terry Collins and Bobby Valentine—sit down with Jay Horwitz for a no-holds-barred conversation about their wildest moments in Queens. From the infamous “our asses are in the jackpot” rant to Ricky Henderson myths, World Series heartbreak, and managing generational talent like David Wright and Jacob deGrom, this episode is packed with stories fans have never heard before. 💬 They reflect on: Getting fired and rehired Matt Harvey’s defiance and dominance Ruben Tejada’s injury The power of analytics and grit Legendary postseason performances This is Mets history raw, real, and unforgettable. 🔔 Subscribe for more Amazin’ Conversations and Mets legends. #Mets #BobbyValentine #TerryCollins #MLB #CitiField #OurAssesInTheJackpot #DavidWright #JacobdeGrom #MattHarvey #NewYorkMets #BaseballPodcast ⏱️ Timestamps (HH:MM Format) 00:00 - Bobby & Terry reflect on their first firings01:44 - Terry on hiding players and stocking the clubhouse03:06 - Ricky Henderson story gets twisted in the press05:17 - Terry's childhood dream to reach the World Series07:34 - Loudest moments in Citi Field history08:32 - Matt Harvey’s emotional plea to pitch Game 510:59 - Press conference antics and “winning pretty at Yankee Stadium”12:18 - Bobby’s reaction to Terry’s “jackpot” ejection14:06 - The Tejada injury and fallout from the Chase Utley slide15:56 - How the double play rule changed everything17:23 - Collins on his young aces: deGrom, Syndergaard, Harvey18:40 - Bobby vs. front office on pitching decisions20:06 - Addison Reed… and locker room awkwardness21:03 - The key to a great postseason team22:09 - World Series shortstop injuries and “what ifs”24:17 - Early impressions of Jacob deGrom25:20 - deGrom vs. Montero expectations27:05 - The Derek Bell trade and a surprise grand slam28:33 - Daniel Murphy’s postseason explosion30:52 - Emotional reflection on impact and relationships32:33 - The leadership David Wright brought upon his return36:13 - David Wright homers in first at-bat back39:03 - Closing thanks and lasting legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this emotional and wide-ranging conversation, Mets legend and Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre sits down with Jay Horwitz to reflect on his decades in baseball—and the people who shaped it. Torre opens up about managing David Wright in the WBC, his thoughts on Wright’s Hall of Fame case, and memories of Don Mattingly, Tom Seaver, and Gil Hodges. He also shares deeply personal stories about his childhood, revealing how his father’s abuse inspired the founding of his Safe At Home Foundation, which has helped thousands of children break the cycle of domestic violence. From managing the Mets to building a dynasty with the Yankees, to humorous tales with Arthur Richmond and commercials with Willie Randolph and Bobby Valentine, this is Joe Torre like you've never heard him. 🔗 Learn more: https://joetorre.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode of Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz, former Mets All-Star Daniel Murphy joins the show to share powerful and personal stories about David Wright ahead of Wright’s number retirement ceremony. From tales of clubhouse leadership and unspoken sacrifices to emotional comeback moments in 2015, Murphy honors the captain with insight, humor, and reverence. He also reflects on his own TV debut and how Wright continues to inspire him. A must-watch for Mets fans. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Daniel Murphy’s favorite David Wright quote00:50 – Stepping into the TV booth for Wright’s big day01:56 – First impressions of David in spring training03:21 – What kind of captain was David Wright?04:04 – How Wright helped deGrom and teammates with media05:57 – Watching Wright battle through injuries in 201507:39 – The night Wright told Terry Collins not to play him08:17 – Emotional return: Wright homers after DL stint08:41 – Cookie story: David greets team in full uniform09:46 – Murphy on Wright’s humility and team-first mindset10:34 – Golf outings, off-day memories, and family chats11:26 – “Door to door service”: Murphy’s lasting memory12:01 – Murphy on Wright’s World Series home run13:06 – Seeing #5 join Mets legends at Citi Field14:02 – Who’s coming back to honor David Wright15:13 – Murphy’s reaction to joining the broadcast booth15:55 – Reflecting on 10 years since the 2015 postseason16:42 – Will Murphy keep broadcasting?20:01 – Jay thanks Murph: “Nobody better to talk about David Wright” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz, longtime Mets bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello opens up about his unforgettable 25-year journey with the team — including the day David Wright tried to bribe Japanese immigration to save him! Rac shares hilarious pranks, Wright’s final moments as a player, behind-the-scenes Spring Training stories, and what made David such a unique leader. From catching bullpens to catching emotional moments, this is a must-listen for every Mets fan ahead of Wright’s jersey retirement. ➡️ Subscribe for more interviews with Mets legends and fan favorites. #DavidWright #Mets #MLB #AmazinConversations #NewYorkMets #CitiField #BaseballPodcast #JulioFranco #MetsHistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A year after the death of long-time beloved Mets photographer Marc Levine, we wanted to air his podcast that we released shortly before Marc’s untimely death. We miss you Marc   Marc Levine has been taking photos for Mets since the late '80s and behind every iconic Mets photo is someone snapping the shots and for so many of them, that guy is Marc Levine. Marc talks about some of the legendary photos he has taken like the Endy Chavez catch from 2006, the Johan picture after his no-hitter that became a shirt, the Darryl Strawberry and Keith Hernandez fight on his first day and many more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for an unfiltered, unforgettable conversation with New York Mets legend Jose Reyes, as he dives deep into his iconic MLB career, life after baseball, and the passion that fueled him from the Dominican Republic to Shea Stadium glory. 🔥 In this exclusive interview:⚾ Reyes opens up about his first big league hit, the pressure of playing in New York, and memories of the 2006 postseason.🎤 He shares why learning English mattered so much to him—and why he challenges young Latino players to do the same.🚀 Plus: Stories of leading off with a home run, unforgettable cycles, cigars, whiskey, and life beyond the game. Whether you’re a die-hard Mets fan or love behind-the-scenes baseball stories, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and inspiration. 👉 Hit Subscribe for more in-depth interviews with baseball’s biggest names!💬 Drop a comment: What’s your favorite Jose Reyes moment? #JoseReyes #NewYorkMets #MLBLegends #BaseballInterviews #MetsHistory #SheaStadium #MetsPodcast #BaseballLife #DominicanRepublicBaseball #MLBStories #MetsFans 🕒 Timestamps 00:00 – Getting ready for 2025 alumni game01:02 – Learning English and doing interviews without an interpreter02:16 – Why players must learn English to succeed in MLB03:01 – Overcoming fear of speaking English publicly04:15 – Coming up with David Wright and early Mets memories05:13 – Favorite home runs and moments vs. Phillies and Cardinals06:03 – Reflecting on the 2006 postseason and Game 7 heartbreak07:00 – Reyes on striking out and the ups and downs of baseball07:37 – Wanting his daughter to see him play08:19 – Carlos Delgado memories and Hall of Fame thoughts08:58 – Broadcasting career and talking baseball on TV09:43 – Evaluating Juan Soto and the pressures of New York10:19 – The grind of switch-hitting in MLB11:08 – Retired life and rediscovering old memories12:19 – Clinching the playoffs and his first MLB hit13:05 – What it takes to play in New York as a homegrown Met13:34 – Spending time in the Dominican Republic14:40 – Celebrating teammates and staying connected15:00 – Cigar business and new product collaborations16:17 – Launching a whiskey brand and life after baseball17:07 – Staying busy to avoid boredom in retirement17:38 – Volleyball with his kids and reflecting on his legacy18:51 – Signing off with love and gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of David Wright’s jersey retirement at Citi Field, his father Rhon Wright and Keith Miller — longtime agent and former Met — join the show to reflect on the Captain’s career, character, and the moments that made him a Mets icon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Amazin’ Conversations, Jay sits down with Mets legend and longtime friend Mike Piazza. They discuss Mets memories, Soto’s introduction, and how Mike is preparing for the Alumni Classic Game this Fall.Send the Mets to the 2025 All-Star Game! Vote up to FIVE TIMES per day! 🗳️👉 https://bit.ly/43rNDDW Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After the announcement of a star-studded 2025 Alumni Classic Game at Citi Field this September, Jay sits down with fan-favorite alumni R.A. Dickey and Benny Agbayani. They reflect on memorable moments — from walk-off homers to unhittable knuckleballs — and share why this reunion means so much to them. The three-inning Alumni Classic Exhibition game will take place on September 13 before the Mets take on the Texas Rangers at Citi Field. Tickets are available online at mlb.com/mets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the third year in a row, Citi Field was name Best Stadium Food in America—and Mets Executive Chef Jason Eksterowicz joins Jay Horwitz to explain how it happened. From deep-fried Oreos to international egg rolls to secret grilled cheese pinwheels, Chef Jason breaks down the dynasty-level work going into every bite at Citi Field. He reveals the research process, the partnerships with Adam Richman and local Queens restaurants, the secrets behind fan-favorite dishes like the Pub Burger, Pig Beach turkey sandwich, and cinnamon bun egg rolls—and why they’re gunning for a FOUR-PEAT. Whether you're a Mets fan or a foodie, this one’s packed with flavor. 📍Subscribe for more Amazin’ Conversations and follow @mets for full episodes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Cuddyer joins Jay Horwitz to reflect on the career of David Wright ahead of Wright’s jersey retirement. From a fateful cafeteria moment in Virginia to their bond as Mets teammates, Cuddyer shares how Wright inspired his journey—and helped bring him to New York in 2015. They dive deep into the Home Run Derby at Citi Field, the 2015 postseason run, mentoring Michael Conforto, Daniel Murphy’s October dominance, and the legendary Championship Belt. Plus: why Cuddyer walked away from the game and how he stays involved in baseball today. An emotional, honest, and often hilarious look back at a pivotal friendship in Mets history. 🎧 Presented by the New York Mets. Subscribe and leave a review to support the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orel Hershiser joins Jay Horwitz for a rare deep dive into the year he spent as a New York Met — and the unforgettable moments that came before it. From earning his 200th career win in Flushing to outdueling the Mets in the legendary 1988 NLCS, Hershiser reflects on a career full of iconic moments and unlikely friendships. He opens up about what it meant to play behind Robin Ventura and Rey Ordoñez, why Bobby Valentine was one of the smartest minds he’s ever worked with, and the hilarious myth about John Olerud's helmet. Plus: tales from the Dodgers’ clubhouse, broadcasting with Vin Scully, and why Ricky Henderson was truly one of one. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Intro: Orel Hershiser’s Mets & Dodgers Legacy01:00 – Why He Signed with the Mets in ‘9902:15 – Bobby Valentine, Buck Showalter & a Smart Clubhouse03:00 – Remembering That 1999 Mets Team04:00 – Clinching the Wild Card: Brad Clontz’s Wild Pitch05:00 – Pitching Through Pain, Grit, and Adjustments06:30 – The Grand Slam Single Game from the Mound08:00 – Winning Career Game #200 as a Met09:15 – Flashback to 1988 NLCS: Breaking the Mets’ Hearts11:00 – Dodging Bulletin Board Material & Lasorda’s Pep Talks12:30 – Game 7 Heroics & Tommy’s Crazy Contingency Plan14:00 – Thoughts on Payroll, Competitive Balance & Steve Cohen15:30 – Shohei Ohtani Is a Fantasy16:45 – Best Infield Orel Ever Played Behind18:00 – The Olerud Helmet Story Was Fake?!19:00 – Ricky Henderson Talked in the 3rd Person20:00 – The Mercury Mets Game21:00 – Why That One Mets Year Meant So Much22:00 – Life Lessons from Vin Scully & Dodgers Legends23:30 – On Broadcasting with Joe Davis & ESPN24:30 – Orel’s Plans During the Dodgers-Mets Series25:00 – A Farewell to Jay from the Bulldog Himself Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz, former Mets and Yankees ace David Cone joins the show to reflect on his iconic career, from strikeout records with the Mets to World Series glory with the Yankees. Cone reveals the behind-the-scenes story of his shocking trade to Toronto, what made the 1988 Mets special, and why he believes the Juan Soto signing was no surprise. Jay and Cone talk about their decades-long friendship, Cone’s broadcasting evolution, and the bonds formed with Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling, and Rusty Staub. This is a must-listen for any Mets or Yankees fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz, we celebrate 20 years of Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling in the Mets broadcast booth. Jay sits down with the iconic GKR trio to talk about their early struggles, Fred Wilpon’s surprising advice, memories of Ralph Kiner, and the creativity of producer Greg Picker that helped turn them into the best booth in baseball. From broadcasting in bullpens to sending snacks via clothesline during COVID to Gary Cohen’s first day front row seat to a Mets team fight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this emotional and wide-ranging conversation, Mets legend Darryl Strawberry sits down with Jay Horwitz to talk about Pete Alonso breaking Mets home run records, his new book "Another Life", visiting death row inmates in Louisiana, and what it really means to find purpose after baseball. Darryl also shares inside stories from the 1986 World Series, Mike Tyson visiting the Mets, and why David Wright’s jersey retirement is so meaningful. Plus: advice for Juan Soto adjusting to New York and why the 1986 Mets are one of the most beloved teams in baseball history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices