Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

Latest Episodes:

11 Days in September: The Mets, Shea & 9/11 Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

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

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“Be Patient, Work the Count” — Fonzie’s Hitting Rules Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

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, approach
02:16 Alumni Classic: seeing the guys, Jose Reyes still raking
03:30 Roving the minors from AAA to the DR; Mendoza’s emphasis
04:41 Prospect shoutouts: Jett Williams, Ryan Clifford, depth everywhere
08:03 1999–2000 memories: Tokyo trip, Wild Card run, Subway Series
09:44 Postseason approach & HRs vs. CIN/ARI; facing Randy Johnson
11:19 Turk Wendell’s “give me the ball” era; Pat Mahomes’ versatility
12:54 Rey Ordóñez made me better at 2B — communication & range
15:20 Cookie Rojas, practice “games,” why the ’99 infield worked
18:00 The legendary 6-for-6 night in Houston (three HRs)
19:38 The 10-run 8th vs. the Braves; Mike Piazza moments
21:12 Alumni Day details & message to fans

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How Jerry Dipoto Went From MLB Player To President of Baseball Operations Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

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.”

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Wilmer Flores TELLS ALL About The Night He Didn't Get Traded Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

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.

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David Wright on Tom Seaver, Mets Memories & Honoring First Responders | Battle of the Badges Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

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 Field
Proceeds benefit charities chosen by NYPD & FDNY.

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Ike Davis Reveals What Really Happened With His Valley Fever Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

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 Training
02:20 Helping snap Jay Horwitz’s broken ankle back into place
02:52 The collision with David Wright that ended his 2011 season
03:49 Understanding microfractures & lingering pain
04:15 Rookie success & breakout power numbers
05:06 Valley Fever explained & long-term effects
06:56 Playing first base during Johan Santana’s no-hitter
08:10 Hitting home runs for R.A. Dickey’s 20-win season
09:30 Playing alongside Jose Reyes & David Wright
10:47 Diving into the photo pit three times in one week
11:26 The famous upside-down bobblehead
12:20 Injuries and the reality of a shortened career
13:58 Being traded from the Mets in 2014
15:08 Staying healthy with the Pirates & battling injuries in Oakland
15:51 Thoughts on Shohei Ohtani’s two-way dominance
17:04 Best baseball legend he met through his father — Joe DiMaggio story
19:08 Lee Brice connection & celebrity friends
20:18 Life after baseball: starting a real estate business with his brother
21:43 Why the Mets will always be special to him
22:53 Early days of social media & how it affected players
23:53 Ike’s memories of Jay Horwitz & Mets alumni connections

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Bobby Valentine and Terry Collins Trade Mets Manager Stories Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

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 firings
01:44 - Terry on hiding players and stocking the clubhouse
03:06 - Ricky Henderson story gets twisted in the press
05:17 - Terry's childhood dream to reach the World Series
07:34 - Loudest moments in Citi Field history
08:32 - Matt Harvey’s emotional plea to pitch Game 5
10:59 - Press conference antics and “winning pretty at Yankee Stadium”
12:18 - Bobby’s reaction to Terry’s “jackpot” ejection
14:06 - The Tejada injury and fallout from the Chase Utley slide
15:56 - How the double play rule changed everything
17:23 - Collins on his young aces: deGrom, Syndergaard, Harvey
18:40 - Bobby vs. front office on pitching decisions
20:06 - Addison Reed… and locker room awkwardness
21:03 - The key to a great postseason team
22:09 - World Series shortstop injuries and “what ifs”
24:17 - Early impressions of Jacob deGrom
25:20 - deGrom vs. Montero expectations
27:05 - The Derek Bell trade and a surprise grand slam
28:33 - Daniel Murphy’s postseason explosion
30:52 - Emotional reflection on impact and relationships
32:33 - The leadership David Wright brought upon his return
36:13 - David Wright homers in first at-bat back
39:03 - Closing thanks and lasting legacy

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Why Joe Torre Wouldn’t Be Surprised To See David Wright in Cooperstown Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

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

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Daniel Murphy Opens Up About David Wright: Captain, Teammate, Friend Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

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 quote
00:50 – Stepping into the TV booth for Wright’s big day
01:56 – First impressions of David in spring training
03:21 – What kind of captain was David Wright?
04:04 – How Wright helped deGrom and teammates with media
05:57 – Watching Wright battle through injuries in 2015
07:39 – The night Wright told Terry Collins not to play him
08:17 – Emotional return: Wright homers after DL stint
08:41 – Cookie story: David greets team in full uniform
09:46 – Murphy on Wright’s humility and team-first mindset
10:34 – Golf outings, off-day memories, and family chats
11:26 – “Door to door service”: Murphy’s lasting memory
12:01 – Murphy on Wright’s World Series home run
13:06 – Seeing #5 join Mets legends at Citi Field
14:02 – Who’s coming back to honor David Wright
15:13 – Murphy’s reaction to joining the broadcast booth
15:55 – Reflecting on 10 years since the 2015 postseason
16:42 – Will Murphy keep broadcasting?
20:01 – Jay thanks Murph: “Nobody better to talk about David Wright”

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David Wright's GREATEST PRANK?! And 28 Years of Mets Memories With Bullpen Catcher Dave Racaniello Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

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

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