Meet at the Apple

Meet at the Apple with your hosts Vito Calise (@VitoFCalise) and Jonathan Baron (@JMB9191) every Monday and Thursday with exclusive access to the Mets! This is not your everyday baseball podcast; you can get the stats anywhere… Here you’ll get an inside look into the players you love to watch beyond the diamond highlighted by a weekly appearance by Mets manager, Carlos Mendoza!

Baseball
Sports
1
Mets 2025 Season Recap: What Went Wrong… and Wh...
We break down the Mets’ 2025 season: the spring-to-Fall injury cascade (Frankie Montas, Sean Manaea, Tylor Megill), short starts that gassed the bullpen, an offense that exploded on the wrong nights, and the knife-edge one-run record flip from 2024 to 2025. Then we pivot to why 2026 looks legit: Lindor + Soto (the 30-30 boys), Alvarez’s core-piece trajectory, Brett Baty’s step forward, and a wave of arms (Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong) plus fast-rising names like Jonathan Santucci, Zach Thornton, Will Watson, and more. We also talk minor-league titles (Binghamton/High-A) and how the Mets’ pitching lab + development investments are starting to show up on the mound.
52 min
2
Mets Make History at Wrigley | Lindor Joins 30–...
The Mets just made history at Wrigley: for the first time ever, three Mets hit 30+ HR in the same season—and Francisco Lindor joined the 30–30 club alongside Juan Soto.
44 min
3
How To Stay Positive After a Tough Mets Weekend...
WFAN’s Tommy Lugauer (aka Positive Tommy) joins Vito & Jonathan for a timely convo after a tough Nationals series.
63 min
4
Mets Are Built for October: Padres Series Takea...
The Mets take 2 of 3 from the Padres and head into the final home series vs. the Nationals with momentum. We hit the big takeaways: Jonah Tong’s bounce-back (8 K, 0 BB), the Clay Holmes–Sean Manaea piggyback “combo meal,” Nimmo’s game-breaking HR, and Pete Alonso’s heater. We also talk playoff DNA—aggressive baserunning, mixing/matching on the mound, and why this roster is a nightmare matchup in a short series. Plus: NL landscape, schedule vibes, and a quick Nats preview. Rate/review (5⭐ helps a ton!) and we’ll see you at Citi for the last home weekend. Presented by PC Richard & Son.
36 min
5
Inside Mets Alumni Game w/ Ella Franco: Piazza ...
Mets legend John Franco’s daughter Ella Franco jumps on Meet at the Apple to unpack a special Alumni Day at Citi Field—Piazza’s BP moonshots, deGrom’s return weekend vibes, Beltrán dugout stories—and why Nolan McLean looks built for October. We also hit Brandon Sproat’s surge, Pete Alonso’s walk-off déjà vu, and why Ryne Stanek’s “get-back” outing matters down the stretch.
50 min
6
Why Mike Tyson Loved the ’86 Mets and Davey Joh...
Live from PC Richard & Son in Astoria, Queens — Vito Calise & Jonathan Baron sit down with Mets Hall of Famer and longtime PR chief Jay Horwitz for an absolute masterclass in Mets lore.
31 min
7
Mets Make a Statement in Detroit: Soto Slam, Pe...
The Mets took 2 of 3 from the Tigers and it felt BIG. We count down the Top 5 moments: Juan Soto’s thunderous grand slam, Luis Torrens’s game-changer, Pete Alonso vs. Chris Paddack, and the broadcast love-fest for Nolan McLean. Plus: Reds/Phillies look-ahead, “don’t-get-swept” math, and a full Jeff McNeil interview—clubhouse vibes, center-field reps, the Brett Baty hug, and his fantasy-football “front office.
43 min
8
“We’ve Got Years of Winning Coming” Carlos Mend...
Two big interviews this week: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza on the September stretch, clubhouse energy around the call-ups, and the hitting group’s impact — plus Mark Vientos on the Little League Classic homer, choosing his WBC team, routines, opposite-field power, and why Mets fans should be hyped for the young core (Jonah Tong, Nolan McLean, Jett Williams & more).
39 min
9
Citi Field Is STILL A "House of Horrors" for Ph...
The Mets complete a thrilling sweep of the Phillies at Citi Field! Vito Calise and Jonathan Baron break down all the action, including Nolan McLean’s dominant outing, Edwin Díaz’s shutdown performance, Brandon Nimmo’s walk-off, and Mark Vientos’ clutch hitting.
57 min
10
Is Nolan McLean EXACTLY What The Mets NEEDED?!
Nolan McClain’s first two MLB starts = 2 wins, 15+ Ks, 0 BBs on Saturday… and the Mets take 2 of 3 in Atlanta.
31 min
11
Is Francisco Lindor Going To Lead The Mets To T...
Francisco Lindor is scorching—nine-game hit streak, .500 AVG, 1.400+ OPS—and when he’s hot, the Mets are hot. But after a maddening set in D.C. (late swings, one-run pain, bullpen stress), it’s straight into Atlanta for a season-defining weekend.
40 min
12
How Excited is David Wright for Nolan McLean & ...
David Wright joins Meet at the Apple to unpack ’07 vs ’08, the Delgado Hall of Fame debate, Johan’s 2008 heroics, and the chemistry that built the mid-2000s Mets core. Then we count down Mets–Mariners Top 5: Jonah Tong’s AAA debut, Lindor/Soto going back-to-back, Manaea’s booth moment, Vientos’ opposite-field dagger, and Nolan McLean’s electric debut.
54 min
13
Is Jonah Tong an ELITE Prospect?! | Jonah Tong ...
Mets top pitching prospect Jonah Tong joins Meet at the Apple ahead of his AAA Syracuse debut to break down the changeup grip that finally clicked (horseshoe between the fingers), the velocity jump to 99 mph, and why his 12–6 curve popped at the Futures Game.
62 min
14
Inside Promotions of Jett Williams, Jonah Tong,...
The Mets’ future just got even brighter. Four top prospects – Jett Williams, Jonah Tong, Ryan Clifford, and Carson Benge – all got the call up to Triple-A, while AJ Ewing heads to Double-A. We break down what these promotions mean, who could make an impact in Queens sooner than expected, and why Jonah Tong’s dominance is must-watch.
50 min
15
Mets Post-Sweep Therapy Session w/ Jordan Simpson
The Mets just got swept by the Guardians at home — and yes, it was brutal. But this isn’t the place for sky-is-falling rants. Vito Calise and Jon Baron are joined by Mets Twitter mainstay Jordan Simpson to break down the latest series and remind fans: the season’s not over.
40 min
16
David Stearns on Bold Trades & Mets Deadline Se...
The Mets’ trade deadline was 🔥 — and we’ve got the inside story straight from the man who pulled the trigger. David Stearns joins Meet at the Apple to break down the Mets’ trade deadline strategy, why top prospects stayed put, and how the new-look bullpen is built for October.
49 min
17
Inside the Mets 2025 Draft: Mets VP of Amateur ...
Kris Gross, Mets VP of Amateur Scouting, joins us for a deep dive into the 2025 Draft — and no detail gets left out. From threading the bonus pool needle down to $5, to breaking down top picks like Mitch Voit, Antonio Jimenez, Peter Costello, and more, Gross offers unmatched insight into how the Mets build their farm system.
33 min
18
The Mets Are HOT: Sweep Giants, Win 7th Straigh...
The Mets are ROLLING! Vito and Jon break down a 7-game win streak, highlight key moments from the Giants sweep, and dive into bullpen dominance, young stars like Ronnie Mauricio, and Soto’s clutch bomb. Plus, WWE’s Michael Cole joins the show to talk Mets fandom, hating the Yankees, watching every game during Raw, and more.
74 min
19
Are Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty and The Young...
The Mets sweep the Angels at Citi Field behind a massive return from Francisco Alvarez, clutch home runs from Brett Baty and Pete Alonso, and a bounce-back week from Francisco Lindor. Vito and Jon break down the vibes, the homegrown impact, and Edwin Diaz’s historic milestone. Plus, we sit down with 2025 first-round pick Mitch Voit for his first official Mets interview!
44 min
20
David Wright’s Top 5 Greatest Career Moments?!
David Wright's number is officially retired—and emotions ran high at Citi Field. In this special Meet at the Apple, presented by PC Richard & Son, Vito Calise and Jon Baron blind-rank the top 5 David Wright moments of all time, from walk-offs against Mariano Rivera to World Series home runs. Hear personal memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and reflections on how Wright impacted a generation of Mets fans and employees. The guys also recap the Mets-Reds series, discuss Sean Manaea’s return to form, Juan Soto’s near-homer, Brett Baty’s breakout at home, and David Peterson’s incredible Citi Field stat. PLUS: A hilarious tangent on baseball swing-offs, a Sesame Street night preview, and why Mr. Met needs to meet Oscar the Grouch.
55 min
21
Are Jett Williams and Brandon Sproat Must Watch...
Two of the Mets' most electric prospects join us from spring training in Port St. Lucie. First up is Jett Williams, who opens up about his 2025 goal board, aiming for 70 stolen bases, recovering from injury, and what he's learning from Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Brett Baty. Then, Brandon Sproat joins us to talk about throwing to Francisco Alvarez, bouncing back from Triple-A struggles, growing the most talked-about mustache in camp, and how he's staying mentally locked in on his MLB dream. These interviews were recorded in March, but they're even more relevant now—especially with both prospects making noise in the system. If you're excited about the future of the New York Mets, this is a must-listen.
34 min
22
Juan Soto’s Fountain Blast, Sean Manaea's Retur...
The Mets take 2 of 3 in Kansas City and head into the All-Star break with momentum. Vito and Jon break down a wild series full of fireworks (literally), Juan Soto moonshots, Edwin Diaz dominance, and a massive moment for Mark Vientos. They also dive into the deepening Mets rotation, Francisco Alvarez's Triple-A tear, Jonah Tong’s Futures Game showing, and why Brandon Nimmo deserves more love. Plus, an interview with Sean Manaea taped at Spring Training rounds out the show.
50 min
23
Ronny Mauricio Interview | Is Ronny Mauricio Se...
The Mets dropped both games of a tough doubleheader, but Ronny Mauricio is heating up—and looking like a force at third base. Vito and Jon break down the highs and lows of the series, how the Mets' power-only offense is costing them wins, and why Ronny's rise is a major bright spot.
42 min
24
Carlos Mendoza Reacts To Subway Series Win
The Mets took the Subway Series by storm! Vito Calise and Jonathan Baron sit down with manager Carlos Mendoza to dive deep into the big lineup changes that sparked the offenseand break down the most electric moments of the series. Plus, what makes this team such a power threat heading into the second half, and why Mendoza has quickly earned the clubhouse’s trust.
51 min
25
Did Carlos Mendoza Work Lineup Magic Again?!
Carlos Mendoza made a key lineup change during the Brewers series — and it paid off. We break down what worked, count down the top five moments from the series, preview the upcoming Subway Series, and welcome a special guest to the show.
38 min