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.

  1. 3D AGO

    Ken Davidoff on David Wright, Journalism, and Life Lessons from Baseball

    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

    18 min

  2. JAN 14

    Jesse Orosco on the ’86 Mets, Game 7 Pressure, and a Career Like No Other

    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

    19 min

  3. JAN 6

    Chris Carrino on Broadcasting, Perseverance, and Purpose | Amazin’ Conversations

    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

    31 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    Kenny Albert on Calling EVERY Sport, Crazy Travel Weeks, and the Rangers’ Next Era

    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

    23 min

  5. 12/05/2025

    Jeff Kent on Barry Bonds, the ’93 Mets & His Hall of Fame Case

    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

    28 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    From Brooklyn to the Mets Hall of Fame: Lee Mazzilli Reflects

    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

    34 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    The Mets Fan Running St. Johns w. Matt Abdelmassih

    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

    25 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    Carlos Beltrán on Mets Legacy, Hall of Fame & Giving Back to Puerto Rico

    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

    19 min
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4.7
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About

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.

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