Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

Latest Episodes:

Why Darryl Strawberry Wants To See Pete Break His Home Run Record Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Mike Vaccaro Opens Up on Amputation, NY Sports History, and Boo Culture in NYC Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

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

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Andy Martino Talks Secret To Breaking Stories Like Pete Alonso and Juan Soto Signings Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

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

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The True Story Behind Sidd Finch, Baseball’s Biggest Hoax Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

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

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Honoring Rusty Staub & 40 Years of Answer the Call | Jay Horwitz with Lauren Profeta Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

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

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Tony Carullo Reflects on 51 Years with the Mets Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

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

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Daniel Murphy Talks Juan Soto, The 2025 Mets Lineup and his Relationship with David Wright Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

💣 Murph sounds off on:

⚾ His record-breaking 2015 playoff heroics – Six homers in six straight games!

🔥 The biggest moment from that magical run (and it’s NOT a home run!)

🎙️ His new career in broadcasting – Is he the next Mets voice?

🧢 Inside stories about David Wright, Juan Soto, Brett Baty & more!

👀 Could we ever see another pitcher dominate like Doc Gooden in ‘85?

If you’re a Mets fan, baseball lover, or just appreciate a great story, this exclusive interview is a must-watch! LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more insider access to your favorite Mets! 🚨🎧⚾

#Mets #DanielMurphy #MLB #2015Mets #JuanSoto #DavidWright #NYMets #Baseball #MetsPodcast #Postseason

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Carl Banks Talks St. John’s Basketball, Big East Tournament & More! Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Two-time Super Bowl Champion and New York Giants legend Carl Banks joins the Official Podcast of the New York Mets to talk all things St. John’s basketball, the Big East Tournament, and his iconic G-III Sports clothing brand! 📢🏀

Banks shares his thoughts on how far St. John's can go in the NCAA Tournament, the electric atmosphere at Madison Square Garden, and his deep ties to the Red Storm program. Plus, we get into his career in sports apparel, his time with the Giants, and some classic NFL talk! Don't miss this one!

🔹 Subscribe for more Mets content!

🔹 Like & Comment: How far do you think St. John’s will go?

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Dwight Gooden on His Mets Legacy, Gary Carter’s Impact & His Number Retirement Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Jay sits down with legendary pitcher Dwight "Doc" Gooden as he reflects on his incredible career, the impact of Gary Carter, his experience winning the 1985 Cy Young, and the emotional moment of having his number retired by the Mets.

Gooden shares behind-the-scenes stories from the 1986 championship season, his relationship with teammates, and his thoughts on the next generation of Mets pitchers. Don’t miss this in-depth conversation with one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history!

🔥 Topics Covered: 🔹 Facing adversity early in his career

🔹 How Gary Carter helped shape his game

🔹 The emotional moment of his number retirement

🔹 Memories from the 1986 Mets World Series run

🔹 Advice for young pitchers

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Bret & Kandace Saberhagen on Mets Years, Cy Young Wins & Giving Back Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Two-time Cy Young winner and World Series MVP Bret Saberhagen and his wife Kandace sit down with Jay Horwitz to discuss Bret’s time with the New York Mets (1992-1995), overcoming injuries, and how he transitioned from baseball to philanthropy. They share insights into SabeSwings, their foundation dedicated to helping children and families in need, and how they’re making a difference today.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Jay Horwitz welcomes Bret & Kandace Saberhagen

01:15 – How Bret ended up with the Mets & first impressions of New York

04:20 – Winning two Cy Young Awards & reflecting on his best seasons

07:45 – The highs and lows of his Mets tenure & dealing with injuries

12:00 – Life after baseball: How Bret transitioned into philanthropy

14:30 – The mission of SabeSwings & the impact they’re making

18:10 – How Mets fans can get involved with their charity work

20:20 – Fun Mets memories & rapid-fire Q&A

22:30 – Closing thoughts & final words from Bret & Kandace

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