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
How Will The Mets Bounce Back After Subway Seri...
The Yankees take 2 of 3, Vito and Jon break down everything from the Bronx: The Mets offense, Diaz’s epic save against Judge, and Juan Soto embracing full-on villain mode vs upset Bronx baseball fans. Plus: McNeil’s resurgence, defensive mistakes, a rant about Yankee Stadium beer lines, and a reminder of just how far this Mets team has come from 2024. They also preview a tough stretch ahead (Boston, LA) and explain why this series felt different than Subway Series of the past. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a 5-star review to help the show grow! 00:00 - Subway Series Reaction: Sloppy or Competitive? 04:30 - Defense, Walks, and Mets Beating Themselves 08:00 - Lindor’s Almost HR, Soto’s Troll Game, Judge Gets Clamped 13:00 - Diaz’s Statement Save & Bullpen Breakout 17:00 - McNeil’s Return, Overreactions 21:00 - Revisiting 2024 Panic & What’s Actually Changed 29:00 - Edwin Diaz Then vs Now: A Year Makes a Difference 33:00 - AL Power Rankings, Red Sox/Dodgers Look Ahead 37:00 - Yankee Stadium Rant, Chicken Tender Redemption 42:00 - Final Takeaways & Why This Mets Team Feels Different
49 min
2
Biggest Subway Series of ALL TIME?! | Interview...
The Mets take another series — this time from the Pirates — but all eyes now shift to the most anticipated Subway Series in years. Brett Baty’s opposite-field power is real, and Clay Holmes joins the show for a masterclass on pitch evolution, weather warfare, and life as a Met. We break down the Pirates series, look ahead to the showdown in the Bronx, and dive deep into how Clay is mastering the changeup and adapting to his new role. Plus: is this a golden age for Mets baseball?
70 min
3
Why Nobody Wants To Play The Mets Right Now | B...
Another statement series at Citi Field. The Mets take two of three from the first-place Cubs, powered by Brandon Nimmo's Mother's Day blast, Brett Baty's two-homer night, and dominant outings from Griffin Canning and Clay Holmes. We break down the Mets' elite two-strike hitting, rising young core, and whether this is now the deepest lineup in baseball. Plus: a can't-miss full sit-down with Brandon Nimmo on his 9-RBI game, locker room vibes, Pete Alonso’s evolution, Acuña’s spark, and the gorilla debate that’s taken over the clubhouse.
69 min
4
Do The Mets Have THREE 30 HOME RUN HITTERS?! | ...
Juan Soto is HEATING UP! The Mets take 2 of 3 from the Diamondbacks behind a two-homer game from Soto, a big bounce back from Francisco Lindor, and a gritty start by Kodai Senga. Vito and Jon recap all the top moments—including clutch defense, big swings, and the possibility of three Mets hitting 30+ home runs. Plus: shoutouts to Francisco Alvarez, Tyrone Taylor’s defensive wizardry, Griffin Canning’s emergence, injury updates, and why this might be the deepest Mets team in years. Stick around for the hilarious push to get Mrs. Met into the Mascot Hall of Fame. 📢 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and tag us while you listen!
48 min
5
Jeremy Hefner Breaks Down The Truth Behind The ...
How did the Mets get to a point where they have the best run prevention staff in baseball? Pitching coach Jeremy Hefner joins the show to explain how the Mets' philosophy, tech-infused pitching lab, and "next man up" culture have transformed their staff. We dive into how the lab actually works, how they’re using biomechanics, the secret sauce behind Reed Garrett’s rise, Clay Holmes’ transition to starter, Tyler Megill’s evolution, and much more. Plus, Jeremy drops his favorite Mets uniform combo of all time. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your favorite Mets pitching moment in the comments!
28 min
6
Is Luis Torrens The Most Elite Defensive Catche...
he Mets dropped two heartbreakers to the Diamondbacks, but don’t get it twisted—this team is showing fight every single night. Vito and Jon break down the most electric moments from the series, including Brandon Waddell’s emotional Citi Field debut, Juan Soto’s long-awaited Citi Field home runs, and another Acuña basepath masterclass. Then stay tuned for an exclusive interview with Luis Torrens, where he opens up about his relationship with Carlos Mendoza, his elite caught-stealing rate, and why he feels right at home in Queens. 💥 Luis Torrens on joining the Mets after the Yankees trade 🎯 Torrens breaks down pitch-calling, the bullpen, and Edwin Díaz’s entrance 📈 Is Juan Soto about to go on a tear? 🧠 Mets base running strategy decoded 💡 Acuña = new José Reyes? 🌐 Brought to you by PC Richard & Son Timestamps: 00:00 - Series Intro + Luis Torrens tease 00:39 - Why this Diamondbacks series was better than it looked 02:00 - Mets fight in every game, even in losses 03:20 - Defensive highlights 04:10 - Lindor owns the Dbacks, Alonso chasing Mets HR history 05:00 - Waddell’s breakout moment at Citi Field 07:00 - Brandon Waddell’s road back to the majors 08:30 - Analyzing Waddell’s slider and bullpen impact 10:16 - THAT’S ELECTRIC: Juan Soto’s Citi Field home run explosion 11:40 - Soto’s elite at-bats and exit velo trends 13:20 - Bottom of the Mets lineup showing up 14:54 - Jeff McNeil continues hot return, bat talk 16:18 – AUCTION!!! Pete Alonso GAME USED JERSEY!! 18:00 - Luisangel Acuña is must-watch baseball 20:10 - Aggressive baserunning philosophy across the team 22:00 - Mets April success despite back-to-back losses 24:55 - Upcoming homestand: Cubs, Pirates, Dodgers 26:12 - Rotation depth & starters shine vs Dbacks 27:06 - Cardinals rematch preview + weather watch 31:06 - Luis Torrens Interview Begins 33:37 - His favorite moment: the London double play 35:46 - On preparing for pressure and why it pays off 36:45 - The art of throwing out baserunners 38:30 - Breaking down the entire rotation 41:00 - Bullpen chemistry + planning with Hefner 42:00 - What it’s like catching Edwin Díaz 42:30 - Venezuelan connection with Alvy, Acuña, Buetow 43:05 - Dugout celebrations and “bat waving” potential 44:42 - Life as a dad, future soccer coach? 45:36 - PC Richard & Son plug + auction announcement
45 min
7
Do the Mets Have the Best Lineup in Baseball?! ...
The bats are HOT and the vibes are even HOTTER 🔥⚾ In this episode of Meet at the Apple presented by PC Richard & Son, Vito Calise and Jonathon Baron break down a wild weekend of Mets baseball and ask the big question: Do the Mets have the best lineup in MLB right now? We cover Francisco Lindor's fast start, Brandon Nimmo's historic 9-RBI game, the incredible depth of the Mets' pitching staff, Francisco Alvarez’s leadership, and more. Plus, a ridiculous fan-driven segment: Which Mets would you want in a 100-person battle against a gorilla? 🦍😂 Also discussed: The Mets’ ERA dominance Tylor Megill’s electric performance Griffin Canning’s growth Kodai Senga’s Cy Young campaign Why Brooklyn is STACKED right now Why Brandon Nimmo deserves a standing ovation at Citi Field 🎧 Subscribe, Rate, and Review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! 📲 Tag us on socials if you’re listening!
49 min
8
Griffin Canning on Jeremy Hefner, The Mets Pitc...
In this episode of Meet at the Apple, presented by PC Richard & Son, Vito Calise and Jon Barron sit down with Mets starting pitcher Griffin Canning to discuss his breakout start to the 2025 season. Canning opens up about the team’s elite pitching culture, what it’s like working with Jeremy Hefner, his surprising offseason move from the Angels to the Mets, and how Pilates saved his career.   We also hear behind-the-scenes stories from spring training—including shark fishing with Clay Holmes, learning from Shohei Ohtani, and the vibe inside the Mets' clubhouse. Plus, we pitch Griffin some new strikeout-themed nicknames 👀   CHAPTERS   00:00 - What Makes the Mets Pitching Culture Special 01:06 - Griffin Canning on What’s Clicking This Season 01:42 - Adjusting Strategy: More Slider, More Strikeouts 02:25 - Pitching Backwards vs Cardinals? 03:10 - Blueprint for Success Heading Into Phillies Start 03:53 - The Mets Pitching Room Vibe 04:41 - Buying into the Jeremy Hefner Kool-Aid 05:39 - Adjusting to Life in New York 06:35 - Favorite New York Spots & Exploring Astoria 07:10 - What’s Shohei Ohtani Like Behind the Scenes? 08:06 - Griffin’s Pilates Journey After a Back Injury 09:32 - Learning to Move Better Through Pilates 10:13 - That Weird Offseason Braves Detour 11:08 - Why the Mets Were the Right Fit 11:50 - When He Dominated the Mets Last Season 12:05 - The “Can Man”? “Within Canning”? Nickname Ideas 13:01 - New K Counter Celebration Concept 13:52 - Mets Strikeout Traditions: From DoodleBob to DBZ 14:09 - Griffin’s Bond with Luis Torrens 15:16 - How He Controls the Running Game 16:09 - Shark Fishing with Clay Holmes
17 min
9
Jeff McNeil & Francisco Alvarez RETURN – Mets S...
Jeff McNeil & Francisco Alvarez RETURN – Mets Stars Talk Bat Changes, Soto, & Playoff Moments Jeff McNeil & Francisco Alvarez RETURN – Mets Stars Talk Bat Changes, Soto, & Playoff Moments Welcome back to Meet at the Apple, the official podcast of the New York Mets presented by PC Richard & Son! In this special episode, we drop not one but TWO exclusive interviews timed perfectly with the return of Jeff McNeil and Francisco Alvarez to the Mets lineup. 🗣️ McNeil opens up about his new bat and “Happy Jeff” resurgence. 🔥 Alvarez dishes on Juan Soto mind games, being a clubhouse leader, and why he got "The Best" tattoo.
30 min
10
When Did Citi Field Become The Phillies “House ...
The New York Mets just swept the Philadelphia Phillies and turned Citi Field into an absolute fortress. Vito Calise and Jonathan Baron break it all down in this electric new episode of Meet at the Apple, presented by PC Richard & Son.
38 min
11
Carlos Mendoza on Pete Alonso’s INSANE Start, A...
The Mets are RED HOT at Citi Field and Carlos Mendoza is here to break it all down with Vito Calise and Jonathan Baron on this week’s episode of Meet at the Apple, presented by PC Richard & Son. Mendoza shares insights on Pete Alonso’s explosive start, Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil’s looming returns, and why Luisangel Acuña’s versatility is changing the lineup calculus. Plus: How the Mets are keeping pitchers fresh, getting aggressive on the bases, and why Citi Field might be the toughest place to play in baseball right now. Subscribe for more exclusive interviews, game breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes stories from your favorite team in Queens!
12 min
12
Is Citi Field The Best Home Field Advantage In ...
The New York Mets just SWEPT the St. Louis Cardinals in a wild four-game series at Citi Field — and Meet at the Apple is here to break it all down! From Francisco Lindor’s iconic walk-off home run to Brandon Nimmo’s game-saving grab and Kodai Senga’s dominant start, Vito and Jon take you inside the biggest moments of the weekend. We’re talking Pete Alonso’s MVP-level production, Juan Soto starting to get HOT in a Mets uniform, the rise of Luisangel Acuña, elite Mets pitching, and whether Citi Field is officially a nightmare for opponents. Plus: The Wave Debate, prospect updates from Future Flushing, and a look ahead to a huge series against the Phillies. Don’t miss this jam-packed episode of the official podcast of the New York Mets — presented by PC Richard & Son. ⏱️ Timestamps / YouTube Chapters: 00:00 - Lindor’s Walk-Off: Cold Blooded 00:27 - Mets Sweep the Cardinals: A Statement Weekend 01:13 - Citi Field Is Rocking (In April!) 02:11 - Why This Feels Like a Pennant Race 03:07 - Star Power: Lindor, Soto, Alonso 04:35 - 🔥 Top 5 Moments of the Series 04:40 - #5: Lindor’s Leadoff HR in Game 4 05:47 - #4: Nimmo Robs a HR 07:06 - #3: Kodai Senga’s Ghost Fork Dominance 08:48 - #2: Mark Vientos Goes Deep (Twice) 09:59 - #1: Lindor’s Walk-Off Magic 12:18 - Is Lindor a Hall of Famer? 13:59 - The Great Citi Field Wave Debate 16:01 - Wave vs No-Wave: The Energy Argument 20:04 - Mets Pitching Is ELITE 21:58 - Griffin Canning and Clay Holmes Stand Out 25:03 - David Peterson’s Sneaky Greatness 27:44 - Bullpen Dominance: Minter, Diaz, Garrett 29:35 - Rotation Variety Is a Nightmare for Opponents 32:00 - Acuña Rising: Mets' Spark Plug 34:49 - Tyrone Taylor: Unsung Hero 35:30 - Juan Soto: The Ted Williams Swing 36:45 - Mets All-Stars? Lindor, Soto, Alonso, Acuña 38:44 - Future Flushing: Blade Tidwell, Sproat, Hammel 44:14 - Jett Williams Slugging, Marco Vargas Balling 47:07 - Chandler Marsh: Undrafted Gem 49:15 - Minor League Infield of the Future 50:56 - Preview: Phillies Series at Citi Field
52 min
13
Luisangel Acuña: CLUTCH KING?! Plus HOODIE SOTO...
The Mets just dropped a tough series to the Twins, but is it time to panic or are there real reasons to stay optimistic? Vito and Jon break down all the highs and lows from the road trip, discuss Luisangel Acuña’s breakout, and debate what’s next for the lineup and the pitching staff.
44 min
14
Are The Mets The Best Team in The National Leag...
The Mets just took another series and might be the best team in the National League?! We’ve got all the answers—and a full look at the red-hot Mets farm system.
47 min
15
What Will SPARK The Mets Offense Going into Sac...
The vibes are back in Queens! The crew is LIVE from Citi Field recapping a thrilling 5-1 homestand for the Mets. From big-time plays on the field to elite energy from the fans in the stands, this opening week had it all. We break down the top five moments from the Marlins series, Pete Alonso's red-hot bat, the impact of Juan Soto, and what to expect as the Mets head west. Plus, a loaded "Future of Flushing" update featuring rising stars in Brooklyn and Binghamton.
43 min
16
Carlos Mendoza Talks Pete Alonso, Bullpen Stren...
On this episode of Meet at the Apple, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza joins hosts Vito Calise and Jonathan Baron from Citi Field for a deep-dive conversation on the 2025 New York Mets. The trio reflects on the electric atmosphere of Opening Day, the emergence of key players like Pete Alonso and Luis Torrens, the strategy behind plate discipline, and the crucial role of the bullpen
18 min
17
The Mets SWEEP the Blue Jays! Are They About to...
In this episode of Meet at the Apple, Vito Calise and Jon Baron break down the Mets' electrifying sweep over the Toronto Blue Jays and ask the big question — are the Mets about to take off in 2025?
45 min
18
BIGGEST Home Opener EVER?! And THE TRUTH About ...
Opening Day is here, and the vibes are immaculate! Vito Calise and Jon Baron are LIVE from Citi Field to break down everything Mets fans need to know. From Pete Alonso’s red-hot start and game-winning grand slam to Hayden Senger’s first MLB hit and Luis Torrens becoming a defensive machine — we’ve got your top 5 Mets stories from the Marlins series. ⚾ We also dive into the dominant bullpen, Kodai Senga’s nasty ghost fork, and David Peterson’s strikeout clinic. Plus: Citi Field’s newest addition — the 5 Borough Mascot Race! We’re talking surprises, giveaways, magnetic schedules, and maybe even an upgraded Edwin Díaz entrance 👀 And stick around to the end for an exclusive interview with Victus Sports founder Jared Smith as he breaks down the viral torpedo bats that are changing MLB. What are they? Are they legal? And how can they help YOU hit bombs?
48 min
19
Designing Cleats for Pete Alonso, David Wright ...
Anthony De Lucia of Lucia Footwear Co. joins Vito Calise and Jon Baron for a deep dive into the art of custom cleats.
34 min
20
Will The Mets Ride Pitching Into The Postseason...
Three games into the season and Mets pitching is already turning heads. Vito and Jon break down an encouraging opening series in Houston — from Juan Soto’s first homer as a Met, to dominant bullpen performances, and breakout starts from Tyler Megill, Griffin Canning, and Clay Holmes. Plus, we show some love to Blade Tidwell, give props to @,MetsJr69 and talk about the vibes heading into the Marlins series. 🎧 Hosted by: Vito Calise (@VitoFCalise) & Jonathan Baron (@JMB9191) 📍 New episodes all season long — Subscribe so you never miss a pitch! Subscribe - https://linktr.ee/meetattheapple
52 min
21
2025 Season Preview | Are We Going To See One O...
Opening Day is here, Mets fans! Vito and Jon are back in studio for a special Meet at the Apple season preview. From breakout candidates to bold predictions, we're diving into the top five things we're most excited about for 2025.
40 min
22
Did Ryne Stanek and Sean Manea Help Get Pete Al...
Ryne Stanek joins the show to talk about why he chose to return to the Mets, the family atmosphere in the clubhouse, and how offseason training with teammates like Sean and Pete played a big part in “running it back.” Stanek also opens up about the biomechanical tweaks that helped him return to form on the mound — plus, we get into his not-so-subtle arrival in camp driving the “War Machine” and his impressive streak of postseason appearances. 🍎 Meet at the Apple – Presented by the New York Mets 🔔 Subscribe for more player interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from Citi Field. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Stanek on his first days with the Mets and early conversations about team culture 00:28 – Offseason training with Sean, Pete, and Vader builds offseason chemistry 01:10 – The “War Machine” car and pulling up in style 01:49 – Re-signing with the Mets: more than just baseball – it’s family 02:26 – How the Mets helped his family adjust to life in NYC 03:38 – Clubhouse vibes vs. on-field performance 04:32 – The Mets’ role in helping him rediscover his mechanics 06:00 – Biomechanics, training staff, and syncing everything up 07:15 – Stanek’s five straight postseason appearances 07:45 – Free agency realities and the behind-the-scenes friendships 09:39 – Life decisions and the weight of moving city to city 10:07 – Final thoughts and gratitude from Stanek
10 min
23
Luisangel Acuña Talks Call-Up, Juan Soto, Rona...
We sit down with Luisangel Acuña, one of the New York Mets’ most exciting young players, for an in-depth and personal interview at Spring Training. Luisangel opens up about his MLB debut, filling in for Francisco Lindor, being part of the blockbuster Max Scherzer trade, what it’s like being the brother of Ronald Acuña Jr., and his favorite moments in a Mets uniform so far.
9 min
24
AJ Minter on Why David Peterson and The Mets Tr...
9 min
25
Edwin Díaz on Mets Playoff Heroics, Juan Soto &...
9 min