Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

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

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