Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

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Mets PR Legend of 40 years and current V.P. of alumni relations and team historian, Jay Horwitz, talks to some of the most interesting people he can find. Amazin’ Conversations is a weekly opportunity for listeners to not only hear stories from Mets alumni you would never get anywhere else, but interviews with some incredible people outside the world of baseball.

3D AGO

Why David Cone Wasn’t Shocked Juan Soto Chose The Mets | Subway Series Preview

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

22 min
MAY 7

Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling Reflect on 20 Years In The Booth

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

22 min
APR 30

Why Darryl Strawberry Wants To See Pete Break His Home Run Record

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

19 min
APR 23

Mike Vaccaro Opens Up on Amputation, NY Sports History, and Boo Culture in NYC

Legendary NY Post columnist Mike Vaccaro joins the show to open up about the challenges of returning to work after a lower leg amputation, his deep connection to New York sports history, and the complicated nature of boos and fan expectations in the Big Apple. From his unforgettable first meeting with Tom Seaver to navigating his career through adversity, Vaccaro discusses the evolving role of the journalist, writing personal stories, and why Citi Field may be transforming into one of baseball’s greatest home field advantages. Subscribe for more in-depth Mets interviews, stories, and behind-the-scenes insights from the people who shape the game. #Mets #MikeVaccaro #TomSeaver #CitiField #MLB #Baseball #MeetAtTheApple #NewYorkMets #MetsPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 min
APR 15

Andy Martino Talks Secret To Breaking Stories Like Pete Alonso and Juan Soto Signings

Andy Martino joins Jay Horwitz for a special episode of Amazin’ Conversations to talk about what it really takes to break news in Major League Baseball. From cultivating authentic human relationships with players like Juan Soto and executives across front offices, to his journey from the Daily News to SNY insider coverage of the Mets and Yankees, Andy shares candid stories, media insights, and reflections on the evolution of baseball journalism. They dive into behind-the-scenes moments, including his connection to Shannon Forde’s legacy, covering David Wright’s career, and how Carlos Beltrán is helping shape today’s Mets. If you’ve ever wondered how the biggest Mets scoops get reported — this one’s for you. 🧠 Featuring insider takes on: Breaking the Pete Alonso story Balancing trust and reporting in the clubhouse Why Carlos Beltrán is the most underrated Met ever 📍Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment on your favorite Mets moment. #Mets #AndyMartino #MLBInsider #PeteAlonso #CarlosBeltran #CitiField #Yankees #MLBNews #JayHorwitz #BaseballMedia #MeetAtTheApple ⏱️ YouTube Timestamps (Chapters): 00:00 – Andy Martino on authentic relationships in baseball 01:01 – Why news isn’t always the priority 02:06 – Remembering Shannon Forde and Foley’s memories 03:16 – The human side of journalism 04:02 – Covering both Mets and Yankees: why just two teams 05:01 – Andy’s start at the Daily News & media evolution 06:12 – Leaving print for broadcast: SNY’s vision and Fred Wilpon’s role 07:20 – Breaking the Alonso signing and the job of being first 08:01 – Round-the-clock grind of MLB insider life 09:26 – Why focusing on Mets & Yankees keeps it manageable 10:05 – Martino’s mindset: don’t just be a news extractor 11:12 – Learning baseball from the players themselves 12:16 – Handling criticism & social media toxicity 13:10 – Interacting with Mets fans IRL vs online 13:34 – The collaborative joy of working in TV vs print 14:27 – Why writing is still his true passion 14:55 – How he got Brian Cashman to trust him for his book 16:05 – Unsung Yankees contributors recognized in the book 17:00 – On fair reporting and trust with PR staffs 18:15 – News is just a byproduct of relationships 19:00 – On competitive sourcing & beat reporting 20:15 – Terry Collins and the value of honest communication 20:37 – Carlos Beltrán's underappreciated Mets legacy 21:39 – How Beltrán is mentoring Lindor behind the scenes 22:54 – Watching David Wright evolve through his career 24:06 – A David Wright story that defines his character 25:06 – Why Martino still finds joy in his job 26:05 – Jay Horwitz gets his flowers from Martino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 min
APR 9

The True Story Behind Sidd Finch, Baseball’s Biggest Hoax

In this episode of Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz, we revisit one of the greatest hoaxes in sports history: the curious case of Sidd Finch. Jay is joined by Joe Berton — the man who became Sidd Finch — to reflect on the unforgettable 1985 Sports Illustrated April Fools’ story that convinced the baseball world a barefoot, French horn-playing pitcher could throw 168 mph. Joe shares never-before-heard stories from spring training, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and what it was like to live the legend. Whether you were there in ’85 or just hearing about Sidd for the first time, this is a Mets moment you won’t want to miss. 📌 Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: 40 years later, Sidd Finch still has legs 00:54 – The origin of the Sidd Finch April Fools’ story 01:50 – Getting cast as Sidd: French horn, Tibetan bowl & spring training 03:26 – Choosing jersey number 21 and keeping the mystery alive 04:14 – Inside the Mets clubhouse with the 1985 team 05:07 – Mel Stottlemyre’s hilarious involvement 06:20 – Posing for photos and improvising wild scenarios 07:55 – Convincing players and locals Sidd was real 09:05 – French horn antics with Kevin Mitchell & Jesse Orosco 10:06 – Trying not to get kicked out by Davey Johnson or Bobby Valentine 10:29 – Photoshoots at Harvard and on the beach 11:21 – George Plimpton’s reaction to the photos 11:55 – Hidden “Happy April Fools’ Day” Easter egg in the article 12:36 – The story hits and fools everyone, including Congress 13:28 – Mets GMs actually call the commissioner 14:03 – Fake retirement & Mets tribute at Shea Stadium 15:10 – How the hoax stayed good-natured and fun 16:09 – Building a friendship with George Plimpton 17:04 – Sidd’s unlikely place in New York Mets history 18:19 – Reflections on being a part of baseball lore 19:45 – From Sportsman of the Year to back to the classroom 20:40 – Closing: Welcome to Mets history forever Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 min
APR 1

Honoring Rusty Staub & 40 Years of Answer the Call | Jay Horwitz with Lauren Profeta

In this heartfelt episode of the New York Mets Official Podcast, Jay Horwitz sits down with Lauren Profeta, Executive Director of Answer the Call — the nonprofit started by Mets legend Rusty Staub that has supported the families of NYC's fallen first responders for over 40 years. Jay and Lauren share laughs, emotional stories, and the incredible legacy Rusty left behind — from barbecued ribs in the bullpen to his unwavering dedication to others. They also discuss the upcoming Answer the Call gala on May 28th at Citi Field, continuing Rusty’s mission and keeping his memory alive. Timestamps: 00:00 – Rusty Staub’s legendary ribs and a bullpen BBQ mishap 00:32 – Jay introduces Lauren Profeta and the legacy of Answer the Call 01:22 – 40 years of helping over 1,000 families and raising $180 million 02:42 – Who Answer the Call supports: Police, Fire, EMT families 04:08 – Rusty's passing, April 1st birthday, and the dinner tradition at Citi Field 05:28 – More classic Rusty rib stories & locker room humor 07:10 – Rusty’s multiple foundations and their lasting impact 07:55 – How the foundation finds families in need 08:11 – A touching story from a family Answer the Call helped 08:38 – Rusty’s role in the Mets’ 9/11 relief efforts 11:37 – Jay and Rusty’s jogging adventures in Montreal 12:19 – Continuing Rusty’s traditions at Citi Field 13:15 – Upcoming picnic and inclusive events 14:08 – Keith Hernandez carrying Rusty’s torch 14:42 – Rusty’s impact off the field and in the Mets offices 15:10 – Final thoughts on Rusty’s kindness and generosity 16:16 – How to get involved and support Answer the Call Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

18 min
MAR 25

Tony Carullo Reflects on 51 Years with the Mets

Join Jay Horwitz as he sits down with beloved Mets figure Tony Carullo for a heartwarming, hilarious, and history-packed episode of Amazing Conversations. With over 50 years of service, Tony has seen it all — from clubhouse pranks to World Series wins, iconic players, unforgettable moments, and now... a clubhouse named in his honor. Tony shares stories from his early days as a ball boy in 1969, the evolution of the game, what it was like behind the scenes during the 1986 World Series, and his bond with legends like Chipper Jones, David Wright, Terry Collins, John Franco, and more. #Mets #NewYorkMets #TonyCarullo #JayHorwitz #MetsPodcast #MLB #BaseballHistory #DavidWright #ChipperJones #TerryCollins #JohnFranco #MetsClubhouse #BaseballLegends #MetsHallOfFame #MLBPodcast #MetsNation #MetsFans 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Most imitated man in baseball? 00:23 – Everyone has a Tony Carullo impression 00:53 – 97 years of Mets service between Jay & Tony 01:50 – 2024 honors: Hall of Fame Award & Clubhouse naming 03:11 – Old Timers’ Day prank call to the Mets owner 04:09 – Tony’s start: From ball boy to clubhouse manager 06:49 – Taking over the clubhouse at 21 years old 07:34 – Feeding the teams: Hot dogs, pizza, and Chinese food 10:00 – Chipper Jones on missing Tony’s clubhouse 11:35 – Tony's Yankee roots 12:15 – When the Yankees played at Shea Stadium 13:02 – Pranks from Herb Norman 13:45 – Favorite Yankees & impressions of Billy Martin 15:53 – Remembering Lenny Luccari 17:21 – The infamous 1986 Game 6 behind-the-scenes 18:40 – Celebrating before the Series was over 19:39 – Managers Tony admired: Cox, Torre, and more 20:46 – Staying in the game post-retirement 21:10 – 51 years in one job — reflections 22:04 – Retirement life and becoming a golfer 22:54 – Favorite restaurants in St. Lucie 23:18 – Tony’s love for wine, ballet, and opera 24:24 – Emotions around the clubhouse dedication 25:22 – The grind of clubhouse life behind the curtain 26:36 – Classic clubhouse prank: lighting the chair 27:10 – John Franco’s epic pranks 28:13 – Why clubhouse jokes are part of the game 29:10 – Honoring Tony: Hall of Fame & clubhouse naming 29:57 – Final words and Tony’s well-earned recognition 30:29 – Goodbye from Jay & Tony Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

32 min

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4.7

out of 5

95 Ratings

Sound quality

May 9

Still can’t get past 88

Please adjust your audio. Advertising comes across strong, conversations are low.
Santa

12/23/2022

Deb4117

Just loved the interview with Santa, aka SC, aka Todd Zeile!!!!! Great job Jay!!!!
If these episodes are as good as Jay’s book,

10/30/2022

Sandy13407

…..Mr. Met, then I’ll be a regular listener.
Amazin’ podcast and interviews!

07/22/2021

Tayler Kaye

Always informative and an interesting listen - I feel like I’ve really gotten to know the players and some Mets history!