Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

Before every iconic call from Mike Breen, Gary Cohen, Marv Albert, Ian Eagle and so many others, there's someone making sure they have every statistic, trend and historical nugget at their fingertips. Jay Horwitz sits down with longtime sports statistician David Fried to discuss an incredible career spanning nearly four decades. From his days as a Mets intern in 1988 to becoming one of the most respected statisticians in sports broadcasting, David shares stories about working alongside legendary announcers, preparing for NBA Finals, NFL broadcasts, Mets games and much more. David also reflects on unforgettable moments with the Knicks, working with Gary Cohen from home, the evolution of sports analytics, and why great broadcasting is all about preparation. If you love the Mets, Knicks, broadcasting or behind-the-scenes sports stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 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

Jesse Orosco joins Amazin’ Conversations to reflect on one of the most iconic teams in baseball history and one of the longest careers the game has ever seen. Orosco looks back on what made the 1986 Mets different, the intelligence and confidence of that clubhouse, the pressure moments of the postseason, and the grind of pitching deep into October. He also shares memories of Game 7, Davey Johnson’s leadership, Gary Carter’s impact, and the bond that made that team unforgettable more than 40 years later. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why the ’86 Mets were different01:26 – Reflecting on 40 years in baseball02:22 – Longevity and pitching longer than expected03:13 – Thinking about career legacy and records04:11 – The grind and pressure of postseason pitching05:18 – Trusting teammates in big moments06:55 – Facing the Red Sox and World Series pressure07:26 – The RBI single in Game 708:07 – Giving the final out baseball to Steven McDonald09:09 – Davey Johnson’s leadership style09:58 – Remembering Gary Carter11:04 – Pitchers playing the outfield and team confidence12:02 – Why you’ll never see baseball played that way again13:02 – Why that Mets team still resonates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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