Gregg Jefferies on on Pressure, Injuries & Growing Up a Met

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. They talk about Kenny’s craziest travel stretch (London to Vegas to Buffalo to Vegas), how he prepares when he’s bouncing between sports, the checklist he uses for every game, and why flights might be his most productive office. Kenny also shares stories from his early Mets years working with Howie Rose, memories from the 1986 World Series run, calling the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup, his path to Olympic hockey, and what it means to step into the TV role after the legendary Sam Rosen. Subscribe for more Amazin’ Conversations featuring Mets voices, legends, and unforgettable stories. Chapters 00:00 Kenny Albert does everything — when do you sleep?00:51 The craziest week: London to Vegas to Buffalo to Vegas01:55 How Kenny prepares when there’s no time02:36 The checklist: watching games, reading, notes, pressers04:21 Why flights are his best work time05:10 Jay’s Marv Albert stories and growing up around broadcasting06:51 Kenny’s Mets booth years with Howie Rose (1987–1990)08:58 Being there for the 1986 clincher10:20 All I ever wanted to do and parents meeting at Shea11:15 Family life with the travel grind12:10 Taking over Rangers TV after Sam Rosen13:35 Mets Cardinals 20-inning game story15:49 1994 Stanley Cup Finals and meeting his wife18:54 Olympics hockey and what it means19:47 Bucket list moments still to come20:35 Jay’s closing message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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 Open00:21 – Jay Intro01:10 – Lee Mazzilli on Growing Up in Brooklyn03:40 – Becoming “The Face of the Mets”06:15 – The Pressure and Fame of Late-70s Mets Baseball08:54 – Getting Traded & How It Changed Him12:20 – The Release That Led to Barry Bonds15:55 – Returning Home to the ’86 Mets18:40 – Almost Being Traded for Ray Knight21:10 – Why the ’86 Clubhouse Was Different24:05 – Mazzilli on His Dad: Love, Support & Zero Criticism27:25 – The Passing of His Brother & The Mazzilli Foundation30:50 – What the Hall of Fame Call Meant33:10 – Gratitude, Legacy & Final Thoughts Chapters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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 Story01:14 – Breaking the Tension in 199902:06 – Bobby on the Mets Hall of Fame03:12 – Playing & Coaching With Legends04:23 – Managing Through the Late 90s06:06 – Turning the Mets Around07:01 – Getting the Most Out of Players07:49 – Why Mets Fans Love Bobby V08:49 – Battling the Braves & Yankees09:12 – The Full Mustache Story (Again!)10:11 – Players Reacting to the Disguise11:14 – The 2000 Pennant Run12:21 – Robin Ventura’s Grand Slam Single13:18 – Japan Trip & Benny Agbayani14:17 – Leadership Through 9/1115:08 – September 11 Memories16:07 – The Team Giving Back17:21 – Mike Piazza’s 9/11 Home Run18:24 – The Ashes in the Bullpen Story19:14 – Final Thoughts & Mets Legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Jefferies opens up about his unique pool-drill training from his father, why “old-school baseball” still works, thoughts on Shohei Ohtani’s insane talent, his feelings about MLB’s new rules, and the emotional Shea Stadium ovation when he returned years later. This one’s part Mets history, part hitting masterclass, and all heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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