Todd Zeile on 9/11, The 9/21 Game & How Baseball Helped Heal America

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. They open up about: The mentality that defined the ’86 Mets Why St. Louis was the real rival The Game 6 NLCS battle vs. Houston Gary Carter’s leadership What was going through their minds in the 10th inning of the World Series And how Mookie’s legendary at-bat changed everything This is Mets history straight from the clubhouse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. From the silent bus ride over the George Washington Bridge… to the first sporting event back in NYC… to the decision to defy MLB and wear NYPD and FDNY hats… Todd shares powerful behind-the-scenes memories of how baseball became part of the healing process. He also discusses his upcoming documentary project on how baseball changed America following 9/11, and why the events of 2001 remain the most meaningful part of his legacy. This is more than baseball. This is New York. This is never forget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. From life at the ballpark to life in the vineyard, Annie reveals the human side of one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. This special episode of Amazin’ Conversations offers a rare and intimate look at Tom Seaver beyond the mound. 0:00 Introduction 0:52 Why the Seaver family decided to auction personal items 2:07 Annie reacts to overwhelming fan support after Tom’s passing 3:19 Growing up around baseball and listening to games 5:11 Jay shares his first interaction with Tom Seaver 6:21 Annie describes Tom Seaver as a father 7:42 Tom Seaver’s passion for his vineyard 9:10 Annie reflects on Tom’s life after baseball 10:14 Tom Seaver’s humility and love for people 11:55 Growing up traveling with Tom Seaver 13:03 Annie remembers Tom’s teammates and friendships 15:04 Tom Seaver’s relationship with his legacy and memorabilia 16:13 Annie explains why sharing his items with fans matters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Swan shares unforgettable stories about playing alongside Bobby Valentine and Lee Mazzilli, the pressures of being a local star in New York, and his deep friendship with Tom Seaver. From wild clubhouse memories and road-trip stories to battling injuries, reinventing life after baseball, and finding joy through unexpected hobbies, this is a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation about the human side of the Mets’ history. This episode is a reminder that not every legacy is defined by championships — some are defined by character, resilience, and the people you shared the uniform with. Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 Craig Swan joins Amazin’ Conversations01:00 First impressions of joining the Mets in 198002:30 Pitching well on bad teams and the frustration of wins04:45 Memories of Lee Mazzilli and being a hometown star06:40 Family, fans, and playing in front of sparse crowds08:10 Bobby Valentine stories from college to coaching10:15 Bobby Valentine’s baseball mind and future success12:00 Getting released as the Mets were turning the corner13:40 Battling injuries and knowing the end was near15:00 The Dodgers game fueled by a ruined vegetable garden16:45 Friendship with Tom Seaver on and off the field18:40 Life after baseball and new passions20:00 Health battles, perspective, and staying active Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Horwitz reflects on his first WBC run, the pride of playing for his heritage, and why he immediately jumped at the chance to return. He also dives into his MLB journey, battling through injury, adjusting to new teams, and how big league experience has changed his confidence on and off the field. From clubhouse chemistry and international competition to identity, responsibility, and playing for something bigger than yourself, this is a thoughtful and personal conversation with one of baseball’s most grounded young players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Cuddyer reflects on Bo taking batting practice with the Rockies at just 15 years old, the approach-based hitting philosophy taught by Dante Bichette, and why that foundation shows up so clearly in Bo’s game today. He also explains why Bo is uniquely prepared to handle New York, media pressure, and positional adjustments at the Major League level. Plus, Cuddyer discusses his own career, winning a batting title, his time with the Mets, family life after baseball, and what makes great hitters and great teammates. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Intro00:40 Michael Cuddyer on watching Bo Bichette at 15 years old02:20 Dante Bichette’s approach-based hitting philosophy04:00 Bo growing up in a Major League clubhouse05:20 Adjusting to new defensive positions07:00 Handling New York pressure and media scrutiny08:40 Bo’s makeup and maturity10:00 Cuddyer’s post-playing career and family life12:00 Mets memories and staying connected to the game14:00 Final thoughts on Bo Bichette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Davidoff discusses his new book 101 Lessons from the Dugout, including how David Wright became involved by writing the foreword, why the book resonates far beyond the field, and how baseball terminology mirrors real-life decision making. The conversation also dives into Ken’s decades covering the Mets and Yankees, memorable human-interest stories, relationships with iconic figures like Bobby Valentine, Ron Hunt, and Jesse Orosco, and why those behind-the-scenes stories matter more than ever in today’s media landscape. A thoughtful, nostalgic, and insightful episode about baseball, people, and perspective. 00:00 – Opening memories & first Mets game covered00:44 – Ken Davidoff’s journalism career and teaching01:06 – 101 Lessons from the Dugout and David Wright’s foreword02:40 – Turning baseball terminology into life lessons03:50 – David Wright as a coach and father05:12 – Decades working together and human-interest storytelling06:17 – Ron Hunt, Shea Stadium seats, and fundraising efforts07:58 – Rusty Staub, community impact, and meaningful stories09:01 – Bobby Valentine, Subway Series memories, and interleague play11:13 – Mets writers dinners and staying connected to the game12:14 – The 1986 Mets and unforgettable personalities14:09 – Why this book is different and what baseball teaches us16:34 – Book release details and future plans ⏱️ Timestamps Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices