Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

Latest Episodes:

The Mets Fan Running St. Johns w. Matt Abdelmassih Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Carlos Beltrán on Mets Legacy, Hall of Fame & Giving Back to Puerto Rico Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Bobby Valentine Tells The True Story Behind His Famous Disguise Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Bobby Valentine joins Jay Horwitz for an emotional and wide-ranging Amazin’ Conversations — covering everything from the legendary mustache disguise in 1999 to his induction into the Mets Hall of Fame with Carlos Beltrán and Lee Mazzilli. Bobby reflects on his playing and managing career with the Mets, his bond with the fans, the 2000 National League pennant run, and unforgettable moments like Robin Ventura’s Grand Slam Single.

Bobby and Jay also revisit the 9/11 season, sharing powerful stories about the team’s role in healing the city, Mike Piazza’s iconic homer, the work players did behind the scenes, and the fans who inspired them.

This is the full Bobby V story — baseball, leadership, heart, and the moments that shaped Mets history.

00:00 – The Mustache Disguise Story
01:14 – Breaking the Tension in 1999
02:06 – Bobby on the Mets Hall of Fame
03:12 – Playing & Coaching With Legends
04:23 – Managing Through the Late 90s
06:06 – Turning the Mets Around
07:01 – Getting the Most Out of Players
07:49 – Why Mets Fans Love Bobby V
08:49 – Battling the Braves & Yankees
09:12 – The Full Mustache Story (Again!)
10:11 – Players Reacting to the Disguise
11:14 – The 2000 Pennant Run
12:21 – Robin Ventura’s Grand Slam Single
13:18 – Japan Trip & Benny Agbayani
14:17 – Leadership Through 9/11
15:08 – September 11 Memories
16:07 – The Team Giving Back
17:21 – Mike Piazza’s 9/11 Home Run
18:24 – The Ashes in the Bullpen Story
19:14 – Final Thoughts & Mets Legacy

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Gregg Jefferies on on Pressure, Injuries & Growing Up a Met Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Two-time All-Star Gregg Jefferies joins Jay Horwitz to talk about breaking into a championship Mets clubhouse as a 17-year-old phenom, replacing Wally Backman, the hamstring injury that ended his career early, and why he turned down MLB coaching and broadcasting jobs to be with family.

Jefferies opens up about his unique pool-drill training from his father, why “old-school baseball” still works, thoughts on Shohei Ohtani’s insane talent, his feelings about MLB’s new rules, and the emotional Shea Stadium ovation when he returned years later.

This one’s part Mets history, part hitting masterclass, and all heart.

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The TRUE STORY Behind the Roger McDowell’s Hotfoot Prank Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Roger McDowell and co-author Doug Feldmann join Jay Horwitz to unpack HOTFOOT — from the Mets’ legendary prank wars (including the infamous Bill Robinson hotfoot) to the pressure of NLCS Game 6 in Houston, Davey Johnson’s player-first leadership, and the wild Cincinnati brawl that had relievers playing the outfield. It’s the ’86 Mets through stories, strategy, and pure clubhouse chaos — told by the guys who lived it.

TimeStamps

00:00 HOTFOOT origins & picking targets (Bill Robinson + TV director)
02:21 Why the title “HOTFOOT” & the timing of the book
03:26 How McDowell & Feldmann teamed up (after ’87 Cardinals research)
08:00 NLCS Game 6: five shutout innings to save the season
10:49 Five pitchers over 16 innings — unheard of today
13:09 “Dominant from Day 1”: targets on backs but a team of roles
14:24 Davey Johnson: the original analytics mind & player’s manager
16:31 1985 trust moment: post-surgery Roger goes 127 IP out of the pen
17:15 Doc Gooden precedent: Davey vs. front office on trusting the room
18:31 Teammate tales: Kevin Mitchell’s suit story in San Diego
19:56 Bullpen roles with Orosco & Sisk — why it worked
22:17 Sid Fernandez lesson: pulling him mid-AB to reinforce command
27:04 Cincinnati ’86 brawl: relievers in the outfield & Pete Rose protest
29:40 Keith Hernandez’s defense — instinct and anticipation masterclass
33:18 The cover, the fire & the “serious between the lines” Roger McDowell

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Robin Ventura on Mets Prospects Carson Benge & Nolan McLean Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

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

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Zuby Ejiofor on Rick Pitino, St. John’s Rise & His Citi Field First Pitch! | Amazin’ Conversations Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Carlos Delgado on Why Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic at Citi Field Is Bigger Than Baseball Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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

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Jon Matlack on Pressure Starts, 1973 Run & Advice for Mets Rookies Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

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.

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“Davey Johnson was Analytics Before Analytics” w/ Darryl Strawberry Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

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.

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