- 21 minutes 43 secondsElian Pena Talks His Biggest Influences, Takeaways From Early Struggles and Why He Thinks He’s The Best
Meet at the Apple presented by PC Richard & Son brings you inside the 2025 Mets Player Development Awards at Citi Field.
Vito Calise and Jon Baron sit down with two of the organization’s most exciting young talents — Elian Peña, the DSL Position Player of the Year, and Osiris Calvo, the DSL Pitcher of the Year.
Peña opens up about choosing the Mets, rebounding from early struggles, his family motivation, and why he believes he can “pass Rafael Devers.”
Calvo discusses his comeback from injury, modeling his game after Clayton Kershaw, and what makes the Mets’ Dominican Academy truly elite.Plus, Vito and Jon recap the awards, highlight the rising depth of the farm system, and shout out the staff driving the Mets’ player development success.
🔵 Presented by PC Richard & Son
⚾️ New episodes every week — subscribe for more Mets interviews and behind-the-scenes access.🕒 Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 – Elian Peña on comparisons to Rafael Devers
00:31 – Player Development Awards intro
01:48 – The “Trickle-Up” effect in the Mets farm
02:41 – Introducing Elian Peña interview
03:02 – Peña on signing with the Mets
03:52 – Why the Mets stood out to him
04:09 – “I can pass Rafael Devers”
04:25 – Breaking out after a slow start
05:17 – Learning from early struggles
06:06 – Off-field life: family & gaming
06:44 – Idolizing Carlos González
07:18 – Fans following his journey early
08:15 – His first big purchases after signing
08:38 – Coming stateside next season
08:58 – Off-season training goals
09:17 – Mets Academy’s support system
10:01 – Closing thoughts on Peña
10:20 – Recapping Peña’s meteoric rise
11:19 – Transition to Osiris Calvo
12:05 – The importance of education & English lessons
13:06 – Osiris Calvo joins the show
13:30 – Experience in New York
13:52 – Pitching success & focus
14:17 – Battling back from injury
14:49 – Life at the Mets Academy
15:13 – Pitch mix and mentality
15:35 – Growing up idolizing Manny Machado
16:00 – Bonds among prospects in the Dominican Academy
16:23 – Dreaming of Citi Field
17:15 – Outro / Review reminder
17:59 – Player development staff shoutouts
18:57 – Future of the Mets system
19:12 – PC Richard & Son ad read
19:35 – Closing: “Thanks for meeting us at the Apple”Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
12 November 2025, 11:00 am - 21 minutes 6 secondsNick Morabito on 49 Steals, a Ring in Bing, and the Mets’ Next Wave
Nick Morabito joins Meet at the Apple from the Arizona Fall League to talk about Binghamton’s championship season, stacking 49 steals (and why 50 slipped away), how the clubhouse kept rolling through big mid-season promotions, and why Mets fans should be very excited for 2026 and beyond.
We also hit AFL life (housemates, no dishwasher!), that “Morabito at Mirabito” commercial, and his day meeting big leaguers like Nimmo, Alvarez, Alonso & Mendoza.
Presented by PC Richard & Son.
Chapters + clip pulls below 👇 and make sure to subscribe for weekly episodes!🕒 CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome + setup; Nick joins from AFL (Arizona)
00:22 “That day at Citi”: meeting Nimmo, Alvarez, Alonso, Mendoza; windy Queens OF talk
01:37 Binghamton title ride: April → clinch 1st half → record → clinch 2nd → win in Erie
03:08 Morabito’s game: get on, steal, score; back-to-back impact seasons
03:51 Growth since 2023: “this game is really hard” & bouncing back from failure
05:18 Perfect Swings USA: uncle’s cage built the swing; lifelong routine
06:01 49 steals… not 50 (and the 59→60 story from 2024)
07:25 Coming up with Jacob Reimer; “hitting is contagious”
08:45 Replacing stars after promotions (Clifford, Jett, Tong, McLean) & still winning
10:35 AFL house life: close to field, lots of 2K, no dishwasher 😅
11:46 Playing behind Jonah Tong = “off day” in the OF; strikeout city
12:37 On the jump to Triple-A: advice from teammates
13:41 Why Mets fans should be excited: farm system “exploded” in 2025
14:59 AFL chemistry + learning from other orgs
16:00 “Morabito at Morabito” commercial, ESPN-style spots
17:00 Who should we have on next? (AJ Ewing, Jacob Reimer, DeAndre Smith… Chris)
17:44 Halloween costume ideas (DC “presidents” bit)
18:59 PC Richard & Son sponsor close + invite to a live in-store showLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
23 October 2025, 2:43 pm - 54 minutes 17 secondsMets 2025 Season Recap: What Went Wrong… and Why 2026 Can Be Special
We break down the Mets’ 2025 season: the spring-to-Fall injury cascade (Frankie Montas, Sean Manaea, Tylor Megill), short starts that gassed the bullpen, an offense that exploded on the wrong nights, and the knife-edge one-run record flip from 2024 to 2025. Then we pivot to why 2026 looks legit: Lindor + Soto (the 30-30 boys), Alvarez’s core-piece trajectory, Brett Baty’s step forward, and a wave of arms (Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong) plus fast-rising names like Jonathan Santucci, Zach Thornton, Will Watson, and more. We also talk minor-league titles (Binghamton/High-A) and how the Mets’ pitching lab + development investments are starting to show up on the mound.
Chapters below. Drop your biggest “if this one play went differently…” moment in the comments.00:00 Cold open + 5-star ask / Offseason vibe
00:40 “Frustrating” becomes the word of 2025
01:07 ’07 vs 2025: collapse vs slow burn
02:13 Game 162 sting & what this episode will (and won’t) be
03:16 Where it went wrong: injuries + short starts → bullpen strain
05:10 Spring injuries: Montas, Manaea; build-up never right
06:32 Megill’s underrated absence; rushing kids (Tong)
07:59 Bullpen dings: Reed Garrett, A.J. Minter; Brooks steps up
08:18 Offense paradox: big totals, wrong nights to go quiet
09:31 The six “shoulda” games (Aug–Sept)
11:37 0 walk-offs: ninth-inning almosts that never landed
12:25 The agony of one game short
13:49 Bring back Game 163? Why it matters
16:40 One-run game regression: 2024 vs 2025
20:08 Which losses hurt more? Blown leads vs late surrenders
20:51 Bad batted-ball luck examples (Alonso 162, etc.)
24:15 We’re not doing scapegoats—big-picture path ahead
26:10 Why 2026 can pop: Soto/Lindor locked, Alvarez core
27:35 Prospect rocket fuel: McLean, Sproat, Tong, Jack Winokur, Santucci, more
30:12 Winning in the minors (High-A & AA champs) → pipeline effects
31:11 Syracuse in ’26 could be stacked (Williams, Clifford, Benge, Morabito, Ewing)
36:04 Pitching silver linings: Clay Holmes stretch-out, David Peterson innings base
38:07 Expecting a Manaea bounce-back with a full build
38:30 Which kids break camp? McLean’s case, Sproat/Tong lessons
43:32 Inside the lab: why stuff jumps (McLean’s fastball shape)
46:16 Wrap: brutal year, but pieces are lining up
49:05 Thank yous + offseason programming + PC Richard & Son readTimeStamps
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
3 October 2025, 10:00 am - 46 minutes 37 secondsMets Make History at Wrigley | Lindor Joins 30–30, Diaz Dominates
The Mets just made history at Wrigley: for the first time ever, three Mets hit 30+ HR in the same season—and Francisco Lindor joined the 30–30 club alongside Juan Soto. We break down the Top 5 moments from Mets–Cubs, including Edwin Díaz’s 6-out masterpiece, Nolan McLean’s strikeout clinic, Brett Baty’s “Cub killer” turn, and Francisco Álvarez’s biggest swing yet. Then we look ahead to a high-stakes trip to Miami and why no one wants to see this team in October.
Hosted by Vito Calise & Jonathan Baron. Presented by PC Richard & Son.
👉 If you’re rocking with us: Like, subscribe, and drop a 5-star review on Apple/Spotify—it helps us book bigger guests and get deeper access.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
26 September 2025, 10:00 am - 1 hour 5 minutesHow To Stay Positive After a Tough Mets Weekend w/ "Positive Tommy” Lugauer
Welcome back to Meet at the Apple, presented by PC Richard & Son. WFAN’s Tommy Lugauer (aka Positive Tommy) joins Vito & Jonathan for a timely convo after a tough Nationals series: why staying positive matters, how Mets fans should read the playoff race, and why the organization’s process—from Stearns’ rotation strategy to the surging farm—sets up a long window. We also get into Soto, Yankees vs. Mets dynamics, Citi Field’s game-day experience, and some behind-the-scenes WFAN stories (group chats, callers, “always doing the show”).
If you enjoy it, drop a like and comment “LGM” to push this out to more Mets fans.
Guest: Tommy Lugauer — WFAN’s Evan & Tiki
Presented by: PC Richard & SonLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
22 September 2025, 10:00 am - 38 minutes 8 secondsMets Are Built for October: Padres Series Takeaways + Nats Preview
The Mets take 2 of 3 from the Padres and head into the final home series vs. the Nationals with momentum. We hit the big takeaways: Jonah Tong’s bounce-back (8 K, 0 BB), the Clay Holmes–Sean Manaea piggyback “combo meal,” Nimmo’s game-breaking HR, and Pete Alonso’s heater.
We also talk playoff DNA—aggressive baserunning, mixing/matching on the mound, and why this roster is a nightmare matchup in a short series. Plus: NL landscape, schedule vibes, and a quick Nats preview.
Rate/review (5⭐ helps a ton!) and we’ll see you at Citi for the last home weekend. Presented by PC Richard & Son.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
19 September 2025, 10:00 am - 50 minutes 34 secondsInside Mets Alumni Game w/ Ella Franco: Piazza Moonshots, deGrom Return & McLean Hype
Mets legend John Franco’s daughter Ella Franco jumps on Meet at the Apple to unpack a special Alumni Day at Citi Field—Piazza’s BP moonshots, deGrom’s return weekend vibes, Beltrán dugout stories—and why Nolan McLean looks built for October. We also hit Brandon Sproat’s surge, Pete Alonso’s walk-off déjà vu, and why Ryne Stanek’s “get-back” outing matters down the stretch.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15 September 2025, 6:53 pm - 32 minutes 48 secondsWhy Mike Tyson Loved the ’86 Mets and Davey Johnson’s Gigantic Impact
Live from PC Richard & Son in Astoria, Queens — Vito Calise & Jonathan Baron sit down with Mets Hall of Famer and longtime PR chief Jay Horwitz for an absolute masterclass in Mets lore. Jay goes deep on the brawl culture of the 1986 Mets (Eric Davis vs. Ray Knight!), why Mike Tyson loved that team, and why “nobody fights anymore.” He shares never-before-told David Wright clubhouse stories (cookies, pranks, leadership), the 2015 comeback, the emotional 2018 farewell, and what made Davey Johnson “analytics before analytics.” We also preview the alumni game (managers, competitiveness, and a “point spread”), remember the Mets-Phillies rivalry of ’07–’08, and talk about ownership honoring franchise history.
Stick around for Jay’s takes on Brandon Nimmo’s leadership, scoreboard mishaps, classic card-pull stories (Howard Johnson, Terry Leach), and the enduring spirit of the Mets alumni family.
Presented by PC Richard & Son.
Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 The ’86 Mets “fight culture” & Eric Davis vs. Ray Knight
01:06 Live from PC Richard & Son — intro & why Jay is the September voice
01:28 Wright’s 2015 return HR & September memories
02:44 Old-school brawls vs. Phillies; Craig Jefferies chaos
03:37 “No punches at Citi Field” fact & Pete Alonso’s hockey take
04:10 Game 6 ’86 World Series: Mookie, Carter, and the comeback
04:43 Alumni game preview — star names, managers, competitiveness
05:12 Endy Chávez catch + the outfield plaque
06:29 Why this alumni game will get spicy; the “point spread”
07:35 Vito’s Mike Pelfrey jersey story
08:11 Jose Reyes moments & Asdrúbal Cabrera’s legendary bat flip
08:36 The ’07–’08 Mets-Phillies heat; the collapse & Glavine start
09:19 Marlins daggers & 162 scars
10:11 Citizens Bank HR binges & franchise records
10:27 David Wright’s cookies, uniform, and 2015 leadership
13:04 2018 Wright night: foul pop story, walk-off wait, Austin Jackson GW hit
14:03 Why Wright = Gary Carter DNA (community & class)
15:00 Wright’s binoculars prank on Jay
15:58 Spring training prank: stretcher, birdseed & ducks
17:00 Brandon Nimmo’s media leadership and the “front of locker” rule
18:24 Davey Johnson: bold tactics, relievers in the OF, analytics mindset
20:07 The ’84–’90 win run; “should’ve won more” honesty
20:49 Gooden & Strawberry redemption; ownership honoring history
22:47 Card game: Howard Johnson stories & ’86 40th anniversary tease
25:13 Terry Leach’s 11–1 season
26:05 The Scioscia HR & ’88 pain
27:08 Mike Tyson x Mets photo backstory
28:14 Scoreboard oops + lessons learned
28:59 1969 In Memoriam mix-up & the Wikipedia warning
29:46 Jay’s alumni mission & keeping everyone in the Mets family
31:09 Jay’s pod: Amazin’ Conversations & upcoming Davey episodeLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
10 September 2025, 10:00 am - 44 minutes 25 secondsMets Make a Statement in Detroit: Soto Slam, Pete’s Payback, McLean Mania | Jeff McNeil Interview
The Mets took 2 of 3 from the Tigers and it felt BIG. We count down the Top 5 moments: Juan Soto’s thunderous grand slam, Luis Torrens’s game-changer, Pete Alonso vs. Chris Paddack, and the broadcast love-fest for Nolan McLean. Plus: Reds/Phillies look-ahead, “don’t-get-swept” math, and a full Jeff McNeil interview—clubhouse vibes, center-field reps, the Brett Baty hug, and his fantasy-football “front office.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
4 September 2025, 10:00 am - 40 minutes 37 seconds“We’ve Got Years of Winning Coming” Carlos Mendoza and Mark Vientos Talk Bright Mets Future
Two big interviews this week: Mets manager Carlos Mendoza on the September stretch, clubhouse energy around the call-ups, and the hitting group’s impact — plus Mark Vientos on the Little League Classic homer, choosing his WBC team, routines, opposite-field power, and why Mets fans should be hyped for the young core (Jonah Tong, Nolan McLean, Jett Williams & more).
We also plug our PC Richard & Son event in Astoria on Monday, Sept 8 @ 6 PM before Mets-Phillies — Mr. & Mrs. Met, tons of giveaways (signed hats/balls, bobbleheads), and fantasy league sign-ups!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2 September 2025, 10:00 am - 59 minutes 19 secondsCiti Field Is STILL A "House of Horrors" for Phillies | Brett Baty Interview
The Mets complete a thrilling sweep of the Phillies at Citi Field! Vito Calise and Jonathan Baron break down all the action, including Nolan McLean’s dominant outing, Edwin Díaz’s shutdown performance, Brandon Nimmo’s walk-off, and Mark Vientos’ clutch hitting.
Plus — we sit down with Brett Baty to talk about his growing friendship with Jeff McNeil, his engagement story, playing with Francisco Álvarez, Ronny Mauricio, and Mark Vientos, and his excitement about the Mets’ playoff push.
Presented by PC Richard & Son — the official sponsor of Meet at the Apple.
00:00 – Brett Baty on his friendship with Jeff McNeil
00:30 – Mets sweep recap intro
02:00 – Mets’ offense surging in August
03:10 – Nolan McLean looks like an ace
05:00 – Phillies postgame meltdowns
06:00 – Top 5 Mets vs Phillies moments countdown begins
06:20 – #5: The Parabolic Microphone incident
08:00 – #4: Edwin Díaz’s 5-out save with 4 Ks
10:50 – #3: Brandon Nimmo walk-off vs Jhoan Duran
13:00 – Brett Baty’s clutch at-bat sets up rally
14:10 – #2: Mark Vientos sparks Game 1 win with huge double
15:40 – Mets lineup depth with Ronny Mauricio and Francisco Álvarez
16:00 – #1: Nolan McLean’s Citi Field debut dominance
20:30 – Jonah Tong’s call-up and future rotation impact
23:30 – Energy at Citi Field feels like Harvey Days
24:00 – Brett Baty Interview begins
24:10 – More on his friendship with Jeff McNeil
25:00 – Engagement story and proposal details
27:00 – Fun TikTok stories with his fiancée
28:10 – Brett’s dad handing out signed cards to fans
29:00 – Success vs left-handed pitching this season
30:00 – Playing alongside Vientos, Mauricio & Álvarez again
31:00 – Embracing second base & versatility
32:00 – Impact of Antoine Richardson on baserunning
33:00 – Little League Classic memories
36:00 – The Parabolic Microphone game from a player’s perspective
39:00 – Growing alongside Francisco Álvarez
40:20 – Nolan McLean’s impact on the clubhouse
41:30 – Mets’ playoff push mindset
42:20 – Mets-Phillies rivalry feelings
43:10 – Lessons from last season’s playoff run
44:30 – Confidence in Mets roster depth
45:00 – NFL talk: Jets, fantasy football & predictions
52:00 – Closing thoughts + PC Richard & Son giveaway
55:00 – Mets wild card standings update
57:00 – Wrap-up + reminder to subscribe📌 Timestamps
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 August 2025, 10:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App