Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

Jeff Kent on Barry Bonds, the ’93 Mets & His Hall of Fame Case

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. Kent opens up about playing on “the worst team money could buy,” his memories of Bobby Bonilla and the New York media, getting traded for David Cone, and how his career took off once he landed in San Francisco. He also gives a rare inside look at Barry Bonds as a teammate, why they butted heads, and what he really thinks about Bonds and the Hall of Fame. Jeff and Jay revisit the 2000 Mets–Giants NLDS, Bobby Jones’ one-hit shutout, and what it was like playing at Shea Stadium in October. Kent also shares personal stories: losing a family dog during a season in New York, giving back to women’s sports at Cal, watching his son Caden play in the Yankees system, and running a working Wagyu ranch in Texas. If you love 90s and 2000s baseball, Mets history, or just great storytelling, this is an Amazin’ conversation you don’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

From Brooklyn to the Mets Hall of Fame: Lee Mazzilli Reflects

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. He also shares deeply personal stories about his father’s unwavering support, his brother’s legacy, and the family bond behind the Mazzilli Foundation. This is one of the most complete Mets stories we’ve ever told — legacy, loyalty, heartbreak, triumph, and a homecoming decades in the making. 00:00 – Cold Open 00:21 – Jay Intro 01:10 – Lee Mazzilli on Growing Up in Brooklyn 03:40 – Becoming “The Face of the Mets” 06:15 – The Pressure and Fame of Late-70s Mets Baseball 08:54 – Getting Traded & How It Changed Him 12:20 – The Release That Led to Barry Bonds 15:55 – Returning Home to the ’86 Mets 18:40 – Almost Being Traded for Ray Knight 21:10 – Why the ’86 Clubhouse Was Different 24:05 – Mazzilli on His Dad: Love, Support & Zero Criticism 27:25 – The Passing of His Brother & The Mazzilli Foundation 30:50 – What the Hall of Fame Call Meant 33:10 – Gratitude, Legacy & Final Thoughts Chapters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

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. Matt talks about naming his son Shea, growing up at Mets games, witnessing iconic moments like the Mike Piazza 9/11 home run, and how his career in college basketball mirrors lessons he learned from the Mets and his mentors. Jay and Matt also dive deep into: • Building a modern college basketball roster • How NIL + the transfer portal changed everything • What it’s really like working for Rick Pitino • The bond between Saint John’s and Mets legend John Franco • Handling pressure, expectations, and New York fans • How the Garden has come roaring back for St. John’s A must-watch for Mets fans, college hoops fans, and anyone fascinated by the new era of roster building. Let’s Go Mets. Let’s Go Johnnies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Carlos Beltrán on Mets Legacy, Hall of Fame & Giving Back to Puerto Rico

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. Now working in the Mets’ front office, Beltrán talks about mentoring the next wave of talent — including Francisco Álvarez, Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio and Luisangel Acuña — and why he believes the future in Queens is “super bright.” He also dives into the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy, his Roberto Clemente Award, and his new role as GM of Team Puerto Rico for the World Baseball Classic, with Francisco Lindor as his captain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Bobby Valentine Tells The True Story Behind His Famous Disguise

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. Bobby and Jay also revisit the 9/11 season, sharing powerful stories about the team’s role in healing the city, Mike Piazza’s iconic homer, the work players did behind the scenes, and the fans who inspired them. This is the full Bobby V story — baseball, leadership, heart, and the moments that shaped Mets history. 00:00 – The Mustache Disguise Story 01:14 – Breaking the Tension in 1999 02:06 – Bobby on the Mets Hall of Fame 03:12 – Playing & Coaching With Legends 04:23 – Managing Through the Late 90s 06:06 – Turning the Mets Around 07:01 – Getting the Most Out of Players 07:49 – Why Mets Fans Love Bobby V 08:49 – Battling the Braves & Yankees 09:12 – The Full Mustache Story (Again!) 10:11 – Players Reacting to the Disguise 11:14 – The 2000 Pennant Run 12:21 – Robin Ventura’s Grand Slam Single 13:18 – Japan Trip & Benny Agbayani 14:17 – Leadership Through 9/11 15:08 – September 11 Memories 16:07 – The Team Giving Back 17:21 – Mike Piazza’s 9/11 Home Run 18:24 – The Ashes in the Bullpen Story 19:14 – Final Thoughts & Mets Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]