Part 1: Gil Hodges Soul of a Champion

Are you feeling good about the Mets after their 3-3 West Coast trip? I bet you are, but Mike isn't feeling warm and fuzzy despite the team passing their first 2024 test. What should you be worried about? Listen to a special mid-week edition of the Talkin' Mets podcast. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mike rounds out the show by remembering Whitey Herzog and Jackie Robinson. Was the “White Rat” the first villain to live rent-free in Mets fan’s heads? Do we give enough credit to Jackie Robinson’s achievements on the field? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Citi Field should be the ultimate home field advantage. Why is it not? Was Shea Stadium a better baseball experience? Mike talks about his visit to Citi Field and gives his thoughts on the topic during the week the Mets celebrated Shea Stadium’s 60 birthday. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Mets took two of three from the Dodgers in dramatic fashion. The weekend was fun for many reasons, and this team is showing early signs of resiliency and heart. Is the sum greater than the parts? Are we about to go on a similar ride with this group as we did in 2022? Maybe, but Mike also discusses some early warning signs that should concern you. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mike rounds out the show with Mark Rosenman of Kiners Korner. Mark’s website, which includes a postgame “Zoom Room,” has become a popular destination for fans yearning for something similar to the Ralph Kiner postgame shows of the past.Hear Mark and Mike discuss Doc Gooden’s retirement ceremony, the atmosphere at Citi Field, and some of the ways Mark is bringing Mets fans a positive community experience.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Mets got some homegrown help this weekend as Jose Butto shined in a 6-inning//9 strikeout performance. Can Butto and perhaps Christian Scott give the Mets a homegrown flair to their rotation later this summer?The crowds at Citi Field were small but passionate. With their weekend performance, the Mets fans showed they could create a home-field advantage for the Amazin’s. Hear Mike’s thoughts on that and the ovation for Francisco Lindor. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Mets won four of six on the road. Hear Mike Silva's reaction to the Braves series and how the Mets stack up against the best team in the NL. What is his major concern about the club, even after a good road trip, and what secret weapon does he believe Carlos Mendoza may have? Listen to this and more on the latest Talkin' Mets. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Mike discusses Francisco Lindor’s historically bad start to round out the show. The conversation about fan behavior and how Mets fans can become tenth men on the field again wraps up the program. Are we at an inflection point after a group of fans attacked Lindor’s family on social media? Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The pitching epidemic took another turn for the worse with the news that Braves ace Spencer Strider might need Tommy John surgery. The Players Association blames the pitch clock, while the industry blames the hunt for velocity and spin rate. Both are wrong, and the solution might be costly in dollars and cents. Hear Mike’s suggestion on mitigating a problem that won’t be fixed quickly, easily, or cheaply. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The Mets have the blueprint for success: 5-6 innings from the starters, enough offense to put up a crooked number, and a bridge to Edwin Diaz. What can derail them? It’s in the details, and the margin of error is thinner than you think. Saturday’s loss can be an example of what can make 2024 a subpar season. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy