Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

Mets PR Legend of 40 years and current V.P. of alumni relations and team historian, Jay Horwitz, talks to some of the most interesting people he can find.

Amazin’ Conversations is a weekly opportunity for listeners to not only hear stories from Mets alumni you would never get anywhere else, but interviews with some incredible people outside the world of baseball.

Sports
Baseball
1
The Secrets Behind Citi Field’s Best Food with ...
Jay Horwitz sits down with Mets Executive Chef Jason to go behind the scenes of the Citi Field food program — from how new menu items are created to what makes Mets food the best in sports. Chef Jason breaks down the full process, from brainstorming ideas a year in advance to working with local vendors and building out a menu that feeds 40,000 fans every night. They dive into the newest food items at Citi Field, including the cookie and cream egg roll, bulgogi spring rolls, French dip sandwich, cheesecake desserts, and more. Plus, the story behind Mookie Wilson’s food stand, the Taste of Queens initiative, and how local restaurants get featured in the ballpark. You’ll also hear how fan feedback shapes the menu, how Citi Field continues to evolve its food offerings, and what it takes to maintain a championship-level food program year after year.
26 min
2
Bobby Valentine & Lee Mazzilli’s Incredible Met...
On a special edition of Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz, Mets legends Bobby Valentine and Lee Mazzilli sit down ahead of their induction into the Mets Hall of Fame.
28 min
3
9/11, Baseball & Healing NYC | Terry Collins Ge...
On this special edition of Amazin’ Conversations, we reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through powerful stories of sacrifice, resilience, and healing. Jay Horwitz is joined by Stephen Siller Jr, and former Mets manager Terry Collins to discuss the legacy of first responders, the impact of the Tunnels to Towers foundation, and how baseball helped bring New York City back together after tragedy. From deeply personal stories of loss to the incredible mission of building mortgage-free homes for families of fallen heroes, this episode highlights why we must never forget. We also dive into the upcoming documentary “Never Forget: How Baseball Helped Heal New York City” and the role the Mets and MLB played in uniting a city — and a country
19 min
4
Darryl Strawberry on Davey Johnson, Faith, and ...
Mets legend Darryl Strawberry joins the show to reflect on the legacy of the 1986 Mets, the leadership of Davey Johnson, and the powerful personal journey that shaped his life after baseball. Strawberry opens up about his near-death experiences, the role his wife played in saving his life multiple times, and how faith transformed his purpose beyond the game. He also shares stories about helping former teammates, his work in ministry, and his upcoming book Another Life. Plus, Strawberry gives his thoughts on the current Mets roster and what it takes for a team to truly become leaders in the clubhouse. This conversation goes far beyond baseball — it’s about redemption, resilience, and finding purpose after the spotlight. 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to like, subscribe, and share with fellow Mets fans.
24 min
5
Mookie & Teufel Relive 1986 Mets Magic
Two legends. One unforgettable team. In this special conversation, Mookie Wilson and Tim Teufel look back on the iconic 1986 World Champion New York Mets — 40 years later. From Davey Johnson’s bold “We’re going to dominate” speech… to the Cardinals rivalry… to the fights, the swagger, the Houston NLCS war… and the miracle of Game 6 — this is the inside story of one of the most unforgettable teams in baseball history.
26 min
6
Remembering Shannon Forde | A Mets Legacy
Today we honor and remember Shannon Forde — a beloved member of the Mets family whose impact extended far beyond the press box. Shannon wasn’t just the Director of Public Relations for the Mets. She was a connector, a storyteller, a trusted voice inside the clubhouse, and someone who made everyone feel seen. From players and executives to media members and fans, Shannon’s presence shaped the culture of the organization in ways that still resonate today. In this special tribute episode, we reflect on: • Shannon’s journey with the Mets • The relationships she built across the organization • Her leadership and professionalism • Personal memories that define her legacy • The lasting impact she continues to have on the Mets family This is more than a remembrance. It’s a celebration of a life that meant so much to so many.
16 min
7
Todd Zeile on 9/11, The 9/21 Game & How Basebal...
Todd Zeile joins the show to reflect on one of the most emotional moments in New York sports history — the Mets’ return to Shea Stadium after 9/11.
22 min
8
Annie Seaver on Tom Seaver’s Legacy, Fatherhood...
Annie Seaver joins Jay Horwitz for a deeply personal conversation about her father, Mets legend Tom Seaver. She shares emotional memories of growing up with Tom Seaver, what he was like as a father, the overwhelming love Mets fans showed after his passing, and why the Seaver family chose to share pieces of his legacy with fans.
16 min
9
Craig Swan Opens Up on Pain, Perseverance, and ...
Former New York Mets pitcher Craig Swan joins Amazin’ Conversations to reflect on his career, the reality of pitching on struggling teams, and the friendships that defined his time in baseball.
20 min
10
Spencer Horwitz on Representing Team Israel, WB...
In this episode, Spencer Horwitz joins the show to talk about what it means to represent Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic and why the experience goes far beyond baseball.
11 min
11
Michael Cuddyer: “I Watched Bo Bichette Hit Lik...
Former MLB batting champion Michael Cuddyer joins Amazin’ Conversations to share incredible firsthand stories about watching Bo Bichette grow up inside a Major League clubhouse.
14 min
12
Ken Davidoff on David Wright, Journalism, and L...
On this episode of Amazin’ Conversations, Jay Horwitz sits down with longtime baseball writer and author Ken Davidoff for a wide-ranging conversation about journalism, storytelling, and the life lessons that baseball can teach.
17 min
13
Jesse Orosco on the ’86 Mets, Game 7 Pressure, ...
Jesse Orosco joins Amazin’ Conversations to reflect on one of the most iconic teams in baseball history and one of the longest careers the game has ever seen.
17 min
14
Chris Carrino on Broadcasting, Perseverance, an...
In this episode of Amazin’ Conversations, Jay Horwitz sits down with longtime broadcaster Chris Carrino for a powerful and deeply personal conversation.
30 min
15
Kenny Albert on Calling EVERY Sport, Crazy Trav...
Kenny Albert joins Jay Horwitz for a special edition of Amazin’ Conversations — and if you’ve ever wondered how one broadcaster can call the NFL, NHL, MLB, and more, Kenny lays it all out.
21 min
16
Jeff Kent on Barry Bonds, the ’93 Mets & His Ha...
Jeff Kent sits down with Jay Horwitz for an honest, funny and emotional conversation about his entire baseball journey – from chaotic days with the early-90s Mets to becoming an MVP with the Giants.
26 min
17
From Brooklyn to the Mets Hall of Fame: Lee Maz...
Lee Mazzilli joins Jay Horwitz for a powerful, emotional, and funny conversation on his journey from a kid in Brooklyn to becoming a Mets Hall of Famer. Mazzilli opens up about being the face of the franchise in the late 1970s, the trade that shocked baseball, the improbable reunion with the ’86 Mets, and the unbelievable moment when his release opened the door for Barry Bonds.
32 min
18
The Mets Fan Running St. Johns w. Matt Abdelmassih
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.
23 min
19
Carlos Beltrán on Mets Legacy, Hall of Fame & G...
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.
18 min
20
Bobby Valentine Tells The True Story Behind His...
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.
20 min
21
Gregg Jefferies on on Pressure, Injuries & Grow...
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.
23 min
22
The TRUE STORY Behind the Roger McDowell’s Hotf...
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.
34 min
23
Robin Ventura on Mets Prospects Carson Benge & ...
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.
20 min
24
Zuby Ejiofor on Rick Pitino, St. John’s Rise & ...
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.
14 min
25
Carlos Delgado on Why Puerto Rico vs Dominican ...
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.
21 min