Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

Twenty-five years after September 11, Bobby Valentine joins Jay Horwitz to remember how the 2001 Mets helped New York begin to heal. Valentine reflects on Shea Stadium becoming a relief center, visiting Ground Zero and firehouses, wearing first-responder caps and the uncertainty surrounding baseball’s return. He also takes us inside the Mets’ emotional first game back at Shea Stadium and Mike Piazza’s unforgettable home run, a moment that continues to live with him every day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former New York City Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano joins Jay Horwitz for a special edition of Amazin’ Conversations marking 25 years since September 11. Cassano recalls responding to the World Trade Center, working at Ground Zero, President George W. Bush’s memorable visit and his final interaction with FDNY Chaplain Father Mychal Judge. He also shares how the Mets supported New York’s firehouses and grieving families after the attacks, and explains why “never forget” must be demonstrated through actions, not just words. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retired Port Authority Police Officer Will Jimeno joins Jay Horwitz to share his extraordinary story of survival from September 11, 2001. Jimeno recalls arriving at the World Trade Center, surviving the collapse of the Twin Towers and spending 13 hours trapped beneath the rubble before being rescued. Will also discusses the long physical and emotional recovery that followed, the making of Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center and the support he received from the Mets while hospitalized. Twenty-five years later, his story remains a powerful reminder of courage, sacrifice and the importance of never giving up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre joins Jay Horwitz for a special edition of Amazin’ Conversations. Torre shares the story behind President George W. Bush’s unforgettable first pitch during the 2001 World Series, including the warning Derek Jeter gave him before he took the mound. He also opens up about growing up in a home affected by domestic violence, the mission of his Safe At Home Foundation and his remarkable journey from “Clueless Joe” to four-time World Series champion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mets captain David Wright joins Jay Horwitz to discuss returning to Citi Field for the annual Battle of the Badges between the NYPD and FDNY. Wright opens up about his growing Hall of Fame vote total, mentoring Bo Bichette during Spring Training and how much he misses talking baseball inside the clubhouse. He also shares stories about coaching his children, his lifelong commitment to first responders and why he proudly considers himself an honorary New Yorker. 00:00 David Wright joins the show00:31 Returning for the Battle of the Badges02:05 NYPD-FDNY baseball and elite trash talk03:47 Wright’s commitment to giving back06:38 Honoring New York’s first responders10:10 David corrects Jay’s Mets history10:52 His Hall of Fame chances12:27 Coaching his children14:29 Mentoring Bo Bichette in Spring Training17:21 Becoming an honorary New Yorker18:50 What fans can expect at Battle of the Badges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Horwitz talks with beloved Met Benny Agbayani about the amazing news of his son, Bruin, being traded to the Mets! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Forty years after helping lead the Mets to a World Series championship, Jesse Orosco joins Jay Horwitz to relive one of the greatest seasons in franchise history. Jesse reflects on the unforgettable 1986 postseason, the marathon NLCS against Houston, the World Series comeback against Boston, his iconic glove toss, and the emotional decision to give that glove to paralyzed NYPD officer Steve McDonald. He also shares what made the '86 Mets so special, memories of Davey Johnson and Gary Carter, and why he's excited to reunite with his teammates for the 40th anniversary celebration. Subscribe for more exclusive Mets interviews and behind-the-scenes stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ed Hearn joins Jay Horwitz for one of the most heartfelt conversations yet on Amazin' Conversations. The former 1986 World Series champion reflects on the upcoming 40th reunion, replacing Gary Carter during the championship season, the leadership that made the Mets special, and the unforgettable moments from the 1986 postseason. Most importantly, Ed opens up about his decades-long battle with kidney disease, multiple transplants, cancer, and the faith and perspective that have carried him through it all. This is a conversation about baseball—but even more, it's about resilience, gratitude, and never giving up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the 40th anniversary of the legendary 1986 Mets approaches, Keith Hernandez sits down with Jay Horwitz to relive one of the greatest teams in baseball history. Keith shares stories from the unforgettable postseason, Davey Johnson's leadership, Lenny Dykstra's legendary Game 6 at-bat, the personalities that made the team special, and why the 1986 Mets still hold such a unique place in New York sports. He also reflects on his Hall of Fame candidacy, Rusty Staub's influence, and the friendships that have lasted decades. If you love Mets history, this is one conversation you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Darryl Strawberry joins Jay Horwitz for one of his most personal interviews ever. The World Series champion reflects on his journey through addiction, recovery, faith and redemption, while sharing the powerful story of helping former teammate Lenny Dykstra find his way back. Darryl also discusses his new book Another Life, his prison ministry, visiting death row, the lasting bond of the 1986 Mets, and why helping others has become the greatest accomplishment of his life. From unforgettable baseball memories to deeply personal life lessons, this is a conversation about perseverance, purpose and second chances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the 40th anniversary of the legendary 1986 Mets approaches, Ron Darling joins Jay Horwitz to relive one of the greatest teams in baseball history. Darling shares stories about Davey Johnson's leadership, the unforgettable personalities that made the clubhouse special, the pressure of the postseason, the 1986 World Series, Gary Carter's impact, Dwight Gooden, Mel Stottlemyre, and why that Mets team remains unlike any other. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes stories that even longtime Mets fans may have never heard. Don't forget to subscribe for more exclusive Mets interviews and Amazin' Conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before every iconic call from Mike Breen, Gary Cohen, Marv Albert, Ian Eagle and so many others, there's someone making sure they have every statistic, trend and historical nugget at their fingertips. Jay Horwitz sits down with longtime sports statistician David Fried to discuss an incredible career spanning nearly four decades. From his days as a Mets intern in 1988 to becoming one of the most respected statisticians in sports broadcasting, David shares stories about working alongside legendary announcers, preparing for NBA Finals, NFL broadcasts, Mets games and much more. David also reflects on unforgettable moments with the Knicks, working with Gary Cohen from home, the evolution of sports analytics, and why great broadcasting is all about preparation. If you love the Mets, Knicks, broadcasting or behind-the-scenes sports stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Breen joins Jay Horwitz for a special edition of Amazin' Conversations to discuss the Knicks' championship run, Jalen Brunson's rise to superstardom, and what the title means to New York City. Mike reflects on some of the biggest moments from the Finals, the unforgettable atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, and why this Knicks team reminds many fans of the championship teams from the 1970s. He also shares stories about his lifelong Mets fandom, Tom Seaver, Bud Harrelson, and longtime Knicks PR legend Dennis D'Agostino. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Horwitz talks with Mets/St Johns Alumni John Franco, CJ Nitkowski and Frank Viola about the big things happening with St. Johns baseball program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mookie Wilson joins Jay Horwitz for a conversation that goes far beyond baseball. Mookie discusses the growth of Legacy Catering at Citi Field, the family recipes that inspired the business, and why keeping the Wilson family together remains the company's top priority. He also reflects on the 1986 Mets, the enduring bond shared by that championship team, and his unlikely friendship with Bill Buckner that developed after one of the most famous moments in baseball history. 00:00 Introduction and Legacy Catering at Citi Field01:12 The food behind Legacy Catering02:20 Building a family business together03:29 Growing the catering operation04:21 How Mets Fantasy Camp helped launch the business05:05 Honoring family through Legacy Catering06:23 Mookie's favorite desserts07:41 Getting repeat customers and growing the brand09:13 Being recognized as a chef10:00 Watching Game 6 over the years10:40 Mookie's friendship with Bill Buckner12:14 Bill Buckner and post-1986 appearances13:20 Watching the Red Sox finally win in 200413:40 Mookie on politics and leadership15:21 Looking ahead to the 1986 Mets reunion16:15 Remembering teammates and coaches no longer with us17:15 The toughness of the 1986 Mets18:24 Why the 1986 Mets remain so close today19:15 Final thoughts and Legacy Catering Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of New York Mets’ “Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz,” Jay sits down with former Mets General Manager and scouting director Joe McIlvaine to relive the glory years of Mets baseball. Joe shares incredible stories about drafting Dwight Gooden, building the legendary 1986 championship team, trading for Keith Hernandez and Gary Carter, and hiring Bobby Valentine as Mets manager. Joe also reflects on unforgettable postseason moments, the personalities that made the ’86 Mets iconic, and why that era remains one of the greatest stretches in franchise history. If you love Mets history, behind-the-scenes baseball stories, and never-before-heard memories from one of the architects of the franchise, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode of Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz, Jay sits down with Mets legend Cleon Jones to revisit the unforgettable 1973 “You Gotta Believe” season and explain why the current Mets can still turn things around. Cleon shares incredible stories about the origins of the famous Mets rallying cry, what it was really like playing alongside Willie Mays, and why the 1973 World Series loss to Oakland still stings decades later. He also opens up about his life after baseball and the incredible work he and his wife have done for over 50 years helping revitalize Africatown in Mobile, Alabama. A heartfelt, funny, and inspiring conversation with one of the most beloved players in Mets history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Murphy joins Jay Horwitz for a wide-ranging conversation about his evolving broadcasting career, his unforgettable run with the Mets, and why he still studies baseball history every single day. Murphy reflects on leaving the Mets after the 2015 season, the emotional return to Citi Field, working alongside Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling on SNY broadcasts, and the relationships that still mean the most to him from his playing days. He also dives into his love for baseball history, stories from the 2015 postseason run, fantasy football with David Wright, and why he believes this Mets team can still turn things around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Horwitz is joined by Marc Levine’s widow Stephanie to discuss Marc’s career and how meaningful his upcoming induction into the Mets Hall of Fame is Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carlos Delgado joins the show to reflect on the Hall of Fame career of Carlos Beltrán and what his induction means for Puerto Rico and baseball history. Delgado shares stories from his time with the New York Mets, including the unforgettable 2006 playoff run, the pressure of playing in New York, and what made Shea Stadium so special. He also opens up about his own Hall of Fame journey, falling just short in recent voting, and whether injuries kept him from reaching milestones like 500 home runs. Plus, Delgado discusses his legacy, consistency as a player, and the impact of his charitable work in Puerto Rico. A thoughtful, honest conversation about greatness, perspective, and what truly defines a Hall of Fame career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices