Robin Ventura on Mets Prospects Carson Benge & Nolan McLean

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. TimeStamps 00:00 HOTFOOT origins & picking targets (Bill Robinson + TV director)02:21 Why the title “HOTFOOT” & the timing of the book03:26 How McDowell & Feldmann teamed up (after ’87 Cardinals research)08:00 NLCS Game 6: five shutout innings to save the season10:49 Five pitchers over 16 innings — unheard of today13:09 “Dominant from Day 1”: targets on backs but a team of roles14:24 Davey Johnson: the original analytics mind & player’s manager16:31 1985 trust moment: post-surgery Roger goes 127 IP out of the pen17:15 Doc Gooden precedent: Davey vs. front office on trusting the room18:31 Teammate tales: Kevin Mitchell’s suit story in San Diego19:56 Bullpen roles with Orosco & Sisk — why it worked22:17 Sid Fernandez lesson: pulling him mid-AB to reinforce command27:04 Cincinnati ’86 brawl: relievers in the outfield & Pete Rose protest29:40 Keith Hernandez’s defense — instinct and anticipation masterclass33:18 The cover, the fire & the “serious between the lines” Roger McDowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Ventura shares what he saw early in McLean’s development, why his breakout isn’t a fluke, and how Benge’s all-around athleticism reminds him of classic Mets stars. The two also look back on Robin’s Mets career — the 2000 pennant run, the Grand Slam Single, and the team’s connection to New York after 9/11. 🎙️ Hosted by Jay Horwitz 📺 Amazin’ Conversations – the official Mets alumni podcast ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Jay welcomes Robin Ventura 00:48 – Ventura on Nolan McLean’s “not a fluke” breakout 02:05 – Carson Benge’s contact and speed stand out at OSU 03:55 – Two-way background and why Benge stayed in the lineup 05:40 – McLean’s spin, slider, and command development 08:20 – The buzz around McLean’s starts in New York 09:55 – How both players feed off each other’s drive 11:10 – Benge & McLean’s “Butch and Sundance” friendship 12:55 – Looking back on the 2000 Mets 14:25 – The “Grand Slam Single” and what it meant 16:20 – Remembering 9/11 and the Mets’ community moments 18:45 – Robin on watching McLean and Benge reach the majors Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Zuby opens up about his relationship with Coach Pitino, how he’s grown into a leader on and off the court, and why this 2025 Red Storm team is ready to make noise in the Big East and beyond. They also discuss the MSG home-court atmosphere, St. John’s return to national prominence, and Zuby’s viral Tonight Show appearance alongside his teammates. 💥 Whether you’re a Mets fan, a St. John’s alum, or just love New York sports, this crossover between Queens legends is one you don’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. He talks about teaming up with Carlos Beltrán on the bench, Mets bullpen coach José Rosado, and why he’s managing Puerto Rico like it’s the World Baseball Classic. Delgado also opens up on 25 years of his Extra Bases Foundation, rebuilding Puerto Rico after hurricanes, mentoring the next generation of players, and what it means to still hold the PR home run record. Oh — and he tells the story behind that 9-RBI night at Yankee Stadium. 🔥 Puerto Rico vs. Dominican Republic — Live at Citi Field! Don’t miss one of the most electric nights of baseball this fall as Team Puerto Rico and Team Dominican Republic face off in a celebration of culture, music, and competition at Citi Field. ⚾ Date: Friday, November 15, 2025 📍 Location: Citi Field, Queens, NY 🎶 Expect live music, island vibes, and an atmosphere that feels more like a block party than an exhibition game — until that first pitch drops. Featuring legends like Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltrán, and José Rosado, this event brings Caribbean pride straight to New York. Come early, wear your colors, and be ready to feel the energy that only PR vs. DR can bring. 🎟️ Tickets available now at Mets.com/PRvsDR ⏱️ Timestamps (00:00 Format) 00:00 – Cold open + PR vs DR hype 01:25 – Why this game is more than baseball 03:05 – Beltrán joins Delgado’s staff for Puerto Rico 04:40 – Why Citi Field will feel like winter ball 06:10 – How the roster comes together (permits, winter leagues, timing) 08:15 – Extra Bases Foundation: 25 years of impact 10:45 – Rebuilding Puerto Rico after hurricanes Maria & Fiona 12:05 – Mentoring the next generation of players 13:45 – WBC connection & pride in Puerto Rican baseball 14:00 – “I let it fly”: The 9-RBI night at Yankee Stadium 16:25 – Why 473 HRs still matter to him 17:50 – Scouting and treating this like a real competition 18:50 – Delgado’s management style: “Suggestions, not orders” 20:00 – Jay & Carlos close with some playful UConn–St. John’s banter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mets legend Jon Matlack joins Jay Horwitz to revisit the 1973 pennant race, his NLCS Game 2 two-hit shutout in Cincinnati, and the emotions around the World Series. Matlack shares what he learned from Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman, how to handle New York pressure, and practical advice for today’s rookie arms — Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, and Jonah Tong — as they pitch in high-leverage spots. Plus: Willie Mays’ impact in the clubhouse and the story of Matlack returning to the mound just 10 days after a scary liner to the head. If you love Mets history, postseason mindset talk, and behind-the-scenes leadership, this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Darryl Strawberry sits down with Jay to remember the late Davey Johnson—his call-up story in 1983, the swagger that flipped the Mets from “Muts” to a 108-win juggernaut, the “we’re going to dominate” spring-training moment in ’86, and why Davey was a players’ manager who handled discipline in-house. Straw relives the Reds brawl game with Gary Carter at third and relievers in the outfield, the NLCS plane fine Davey “ripped up,” skipping a mandatory workout in Boston before the World Series, and Gary Carter’s clutch in Fenway. He also opens up about speaking at Davey’s funeral and his ongoing cancer advocacy. Mets history, leadership, culture, and the blueprint for winning—straight from Straw. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A candid conversation on how Shea Stadium became a relief hub in the 11 days between 9/11 and the emotional return to baseball on 9/21. Players and staff revisit loading trucks, housing volunteers, visiting Ground Zero, and the unity that defined New York—and the Mets—during that time. Includes details on the new 30-minute mini-doc “11 Days in September” and where to watch it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay sits down with Mets legend Edgardo “Fonzie” Alfonzo to talk mentoring Francisco Alvarez in Triple-A, what he looks for when roving the Mets’ minor leagues, and why the 1999–2000 infield clicked like no other.They also relive the Tokyo opener vs. the Cubs, the 10-run comeback vs. the Braves, Turk Wendell’s rubber arm, and that unforgettable night in Houston when Fonzie was unstoppable. 00:00 Mentoring Francisco Alvarez: rhythm, patience, approach02:16 Alumni Classic: seeing the guys, Jose Reyes still raking03:30 Roving the minors from AAA to the DR; Mendoza’s emphasis04:41 Prospect shoutouts: Jett Williams, Ryan Clifford, depth everywhere08:03 1999–2000 memories: Tokyo trip, Wild Card run, Subway Series09:44 Postseason approach & HRs vs. CIN/ARI; facing Randy Johnson11:19 Turk Wendell’s “give me the ball” era; Pat Mahomes’ versatility12:54 Rey Ordóñez made me better at 2B — communication & range15:20 Cookie Rojas, practice “games,” why the ’99 infield worked18:00 The legendary 6-for-6 night in Houston (three HRs)19:38 The 10-run 8th vs. the Braves; Mike Piazza moments21:12 Alumni Day details & message to fans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Met (and now longtime baseball exec) Jerry Dipoto sits down to riff on a jaw-dropping slate of Mets memories: a notorious 1995 St. Lucie prank, two years riding with John Franco, Todd Hundley’s record run, the San Diego outfield collision, Derek Bell’s clubhouse quirks, and Roger Clemens vs. Mike Piazza. He also reflects on staying loyal to his roots, early hires, fantasy-football GM days in the old Jets locker room, and growing up a Tom Seaver diehard. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Cold open: “Would you stop playing?” + spring-training chaos setup. 01:02 – St. Lucie ’95 prank: stretcher, birds on the chest, and scissors (yes, really). 02:48 – Life with John Franco: bullpen bond, 1,000+ games and Hall case. 03:58 – Prank wars: hotel “horse head,” ketchup, rats in the work bag, cut ties. 05:18 – The missing earrings saga (Mike “Hammond”), and a San Diego Beltrán collision recollection. 06:32 – 25 years as an exec: “Never forgot your roots,” early hires & loyalty. 10:05 – Growing up a Mets fan: Seaver jersey at home. 11:02 – Beefing up offense; quick notes on adding bats and young starters. 12:25 – Teammate shoutouts; “He hit .357 one year.” Hundley’s record season memories. 13:32 – Vance racks 200+ hits; late-season Bobby V memories. 15:04 – Reyes/Ordoñez/Fonzie era beginnings; opening-day recall. 17:03 – The first “fantasy-football GM”: stat packs in the Jets locker room. 21:28 – “We built by trades”: how philosophy formed. 21:36 – 1991 pack rip: Sandberg sighting and clubhouse card-talk. 24:02 – Derek Bell’s rotating jerseys & “Operation… everything.” 25:58 – Roger Clemens vs. Piazza: bat/ball, All-Star signs drama. 26:30 – Wrap: “Great friend, great memories.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wilmer Flores relives the night at Citi Field—finding out on his phone mid-game that he’d been traded, breaking down on the field, and the private words David Wright shared with him in the tunnel. He opens up about Jeff Wilpon telling him there was no deal, the next-day walk-off that made him a Mets legend, and why the love from Queens still follows him on every road trip. Plus: 2015 World Series takeaways (that Royals defense!), how Wright treated rookies, life now with family, and the story behind the name “Wilmer.” Mets fans, bring the tissues.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices