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 covered
00:44 – Ken Davidoff’s journalism career and teaching
01:06 – 101 Lessons from the Dugout and David Wright’s foreword
02:40 – Turning baseball terminology into life lessons
03:50 – David Wright as a coach and father
05:12 – Decades working together and human-interest storytelling
06:17 – Ron Hunt, Shea Stadium seats, and fundraising efforts
07:58 – Rusty Staub, community impact, and meaningful stories
09:01 – Bobby Valentine, Subway Series memories, and interleague play
11:13 – Mets writers dinners and staying connected to the game
12:14 – The 1986 Mets and unforgettable personalities
14:09 – Why this book is different and what baseball teaches us
16:34 – Book release details and future plans

⏱️ Timestamps

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