Meet at the Apple

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

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Nolan McClean’s first two MLB starts = 2 wins, 15+ Ks, 0 BBs on Saturday… and the Mets take 2 of 3 in Atlanta. We break down the Top 5 Moments from Mets-Braves—Juan Soto & Francisco Lindor’s double steal, Clay Holmes’ efficient gem, Starling Marte’s hose + HR, McLean’s seven dominant innings, and Mark Vientos going full Swaggy V with HRs in three straight plate appearances. We also talk Brett Baty’s August heater and defensive versatility, Tyrone Taylor’s highlight catch, and a massive homestand ahead: Phillies in, Marlins after, and Nolan’s first Citi Field start vs PHI. Plus theme nights (Pokémon GO, GKR Night, Sesame Street, Queens Culture, Fireworks, Blippi) and our Sept 8live pod at PC Richard & Son Astoria with giveaways (Mr. & Mrs. Met, bobbleheads, more). Rate & review—helps a ton—and DM us if you want into the Meet at the Apple Fantasy Football league!

Chapters

00:00 Nolan McClean announces himself (sinker/sweeper, 7 IP, 7 K, 0 BB)

01:20 Series vibes: two blowouts + a dogfight, still a big road win

02:10 Swaggy V is back: 5 HR in ~a week; lineup cooking with Lindor/Soto hot

04:06 Top-5 countdown intro (presented by PC Richard & Son)

04:30 #5 Lindor & Soto pull off the double steal (power + speed)

05:15 #4 Clay Holmes goes 6.1, 2 ER—rotation feeds off McLean’s jolt

06:24 #3 Starling Marte: OF laser at the plate + later HR (don’t run on him)

07:20 #2 McClean joins Harvey territory: 15+ Ks in first two Mets starts

10:10 #1 Mark Vientos: three straight PA HRs span + key 2-run shot in G3

11:55 Brett Baty’s August surge & legit 2B/3B versatility

15:24 Tyrone Taylor’s run-saving grab & bottom-order impact weekend

17:47 Wild Card watch: Reds/D-backs looming; circle Sept 5–7 at CIN

19:07 Homestand hype: Phillies first—perfect weather & scoreboard-watching

21:03 This week’s theme nights + Friday fireworks (Aug 29)

22:40 Pitching slate: Kodai Senga Monday, McLean Wednesday vs PHI

23:22 Sept 8 LIVE at PC Richard & Son Astoria—time & giveaways

24:22 Respect to Zack Wheeler (TOS surgery news)

25:43 Mets-Phillies rivalry stakes & approach: one pitch at a time

29:14 CTA: rate/review + Fantasy Football league invites

30:27 Sponsor read: PC Richard & Son (since 1909)

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Francisco Lindor is scorching—nine-game hit streak, .500 AVG, 1.400+ OPS—and when he’s hot, the Mets are hot. But after a maddening set in D.C. (late swings, one-run pain, bullpen stress), it’s straight into Atlanta for a season-defining weekend. We hit Alvarez’s injury, Peterson’s gem, Kodai Senga’s uneven start, Baty/Vientos/Marte bright spots, the injury pile, bullpen asks, and why that Reds series (Sept 5–7) looms huge. Plus: Nolan McLean buzz, live show details, and our fantasy league idea. Let’s reset and believe.

Subscribe & drop your ATL series prediction ⬇️

#Chapters
00:00 Lindor’s heater + tone-setter
01:05 Alvarez update & mood swing
02:00 Game 1 positives: Vientos/Baty, Peterson gem
03:18 Where it unraveled: Senga start & late chances
04:20 Three-run cushion… gone: the finale sting
05:00 Standings reality & Reds series circle
06:00 The 2016 vibes & “dogfight” frame
07:00 Injury pile tally (pitchers & bats)
09:10 NL chaos: why there’s still a path
10:05 Braves preview: matchups, what it takes
11:10 Baty’s August, Lindor leadoff HR record
12:00 Vientos/Marte uptick & two-out hitting
13:15 Bullpen asks & starters past 6?
14:10 Nolan McLean excitement (expectations)
15:20 Weekend reset: times, atmosphere, vibes
16:30 Fantasy league idea (join in comments)
17:40 PC Richard LIVE SHOW (Sept 8) prizes
19:00 Final rally: Believe & enjoy the weekend

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Subscribe for more Mets interviews, series recaps, and clubhouse stories.

00:00 Young call-ups & clubhouse energy (Nolan McLean spark)

00:34 Welcome David Wright

01:11 ’07 vs ’08 — which “got away”?

02:10 Johan’s knee, three-days’ rest & rotation context

03:19 The 2005 “turning point” team (Pedro, Beltrán, Jacobs)

05:13 Building a core: friendships → winning baseball

06:23 Carlos Delgado = Hall of Famer? Leadership & hitting lessons

07:52 Blind-ranking Wright moments (bare-hander, Citi HR, 2015 return, WS HR, Mo walk-off)

09:23 Why the Mo walk-off was the “I made it” moment

09:38 Yankees respect vs true NL East rivalries

10:45 Post-interview reset

11:49 Little League Classic weekend vibes

15:14 Top 5 — #5 Jonah Tong dominates AAA debut

16:59 Top 5 — #4 Lindor/Soto go back-to-back vs Castillo

17:56 Top 5 — #3 Manaea’s booth cameo & jokes

19:20 Top 5 — #2 Vientos’ opposite-field three-run HR off Kirby

20:37 Top 5 — #1 Nolan McLean’s dazzling debut (& behind-the-back DP)

22:34 McLean’s two-way past and why pitching won out

23:46 Clubhouse celebration lore (postgame “bath”)

25:05 Fans showed up — crowd energy at Citi

26:02 Big homestand → Phillies looming

27:26 Manfred chat & realignment fan-fic

28:08 Alvarez status + NL catcher OPS context since July 21

30:23 “Big Dumper” scouting report (comic relief)

31:57 Bullpen spotlight: Gregory Soto’s run, usage with McLean starts

35:09 On to Washington — keep the edge

38:26 Bonus: The Gilded Age chat with Ben Ahlers

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LIVE SHOW with Giveaways and MORE: P.C. Richard and Son in Astoria, Queens Monday September 8thMets top pitching prospect Jonah Tong joins Meet at the Apple ahead of his AAA Syracuse debut to break down the changeup grip that finally clicked (horseshoe between the fingers), the velocity jump to 99 mph, and why his 12–6 curve popped at the Futures Game. He talks about moving up with Jett Williams, Ryan Clifford, and Carson Benge, what he learned in the weight room, advice for the AA→AAA leap (“be me”), and repping Team Canada one day. Plus: Tim Lincecum inspo, “Canadian Cannon” nickname, Smash Bros vs. Sean Manaea, and more.Key moments:The grip tweak & why his cambio now tunnels and kills vert (10–11 mph off) Hitting 99 on the board before the call-up Futures Game curve he keeps rewatching Promoted with Jett, Clifford, Benge; culture in Bingo “Be me” advice for AAA & pitch mix (slider/change) Lincecum tapes with dad; “Canadian Cannon” shirts WBC Canada interest & the “eh” Bowman auto If you’re new here, we’re the official Mets podcast giving you the stories behind the box score. Subscribe for more interviews with the future of Flushing.Chapters (00:00 format)00:00 Mets–Braves series vibes, schedule gauntlet, Alonso HR record talk10:05 Alonso breaks the franchise HR mark, memories & milestones18:22 Why Jonah Tong is special to us + intro to the interview 20:53 Jonah joins: growth from 2023 PSL to AAA now 22:19 Velocity spike day, “saw 98… hit 99” story 24:55 Strength work, movement quality 26:14 Moving up with Jett/Clifford/Benge; Bingo culture 28:31 Deep Mets arm group: Sproat, McLean, Santucci, Thornton, Wenninger 30:11 Lincecum influence & nicknames (“Canadian Cannon”) 33:07 The AA→AAA jump & best advice: “Be me” 34:51 Futures Game curveball; slider/change progress 36:23 The changeup grip (horseshoe), selling 10–11 mph off 38:52 Team Canada & the “eh” auto; South Park bit 46:08 Rehab week: Winker/Raley, Smash Bros vs. Manaea 55:20 Uncle Jonah & sign-off; why the org future is bright

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The Mets’ future just got even brighter. Four top prospects – Jett Williams, Jonah Tong, Ryan Clifford, and Carson Benge – all got the call up to Triple-A, while AJ Ewing heads to Double-A. We break down what these promotions mean, who could make an impact in Queens sooner than expected, and why Jonah Tong’s dominance is must-watch. Plus, we talk Mets-Brewers, David Stearns’ Milwaukee ties, playoff odds, Juan Soto’s postseason potential, and why Citi Field vibes might just need a reset. Then, Islanders’ first overall pick Matt Schaefer joins the show for a fun, wide-ranging interview about New York food, chirping, and representing the orange and blue.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Mets promote top prospects – Williams, Tong, Clifford, Benge, Ewing
01:19 Mets-Brewers recap & blown leads frustration
03:08 Starling Marte’s base running mastery & Lindor’s rare error
05:16 Mets playoff odds & NL landscape
06:12 Brewers’ hot streak & MLB season ups/downs
07:20 Why Juan Soto changes everything in October
08:48 Soto’s 30-30 watch & Antoine Richardson’s base stealing magic
10:54 Braves preview & basepath aggression
11:49 American Family Field: Mets’ regular-season nightmare
12:45 Changing the vibes – superstitions & routines
16:59 Brewers fan takes foul ball from kid
18:43 Deep dive on the prospect promotions & Future of Flushing impact
20:04 Why Jett Williams could be a star
22:07 Ryan Clifford’s power surge & young core chemistry
24:02 Mets’ farm system depth & dynasty potential
26:00 Syracuse Mets dream lineup
27:20 Carson Benge’s elite bat & athleticism
27:42 Other rising prospects – Leon Pena, Jonathan Kentucky
28:37 Jonah Tong’s strikeout dominance & Triple-A debut
30:48 Why the Double-A to Triple-A jump is so hard
33:12 Kevin Parada’s resurgence & catcher depth
34:52 Patience with new Triple-A arrivals
36:13 Triple-A veteran hitters vs. young arms challenge
37:20 Fun with Syracuse team name ideas
38:06 Interview – Islanders #1 pick Matt Schaefer
46:40 Wrapping up with PC Richard & Son ad read
48:53 Braves series preview & Mariners ahead

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The Mets’ trade deadline was 🔥 — and we’ve got the inside story straight from the man who pulled the trigger. David Stearns joins Meet at the Apple to break down the Mets’ trade deadline strategy, why top prospects stayed put, and how the new-look bullpen is built for October. Then, we welcome two HUGE new additions — Ryan Helsley and Cedric Mullins — for their first Mets interviews. Helsley talks about his flamethrower mentality, pitching in high-leverage moments, and his epic Citi Field debut. Mullins opens up about joining the Mets, his legendary anime fandom, and how he plans to make an impact in Queens. This is your all-access deadline special.

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Kris Gross, Mets VP of Amateur Scouting, joins us for a deep dive into the 2025 Draft — and no detail gets left out. From threading the bonus pool needle down to $5, to breaking down top picks like Mitch Voit, Antonio Jimenez, Peter Costello, and more, Gross offers unmatched insight into how the Mets build their farm system.

We cover:

Plus, food in Port St. Lucie, the Cape Cod League, and the role Steve Cohen’s support plays in building a powerhouse pipeline.

🔔 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes Mets stories and prospect breakdowns!

#Mets #MLBDraft #MeetAtTheApple #MetsProspects #KrisGross #MitchVoit #AntonioJimenez

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The Mets are ROLLING! Vito and Jon break down a 7-game win streak, highlight key moments from the Giants sweep, and dive into bullpen dominance, young stars like Ronnie Mauricio, and Soto’s clutch bomb. Plus, WWE’s Michael Cole joins the show to talk Mets fandom, hating the Yankees, watching every game during Raw, and more.

Episode Highlights

💥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a 5-star review. The Mets are heating up — and so is this podcast.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Show Open, The Mets sweep the Giants & win 7 straight
01:00 - Shoutout to Mets fans in San Diego
02:00 - Bullpen dominance breakdown (Peterson, Diaz, Soto, Garrett)
07:15 - Importance of winning a close 2–1 nailbiter
09:00 - Pete Alonso’s defensive leap saves the win
10:00 - Giants sweep recap + playoff tiebreaker implications
10:55 - Top 5 moments vs. Giants intro
11:00 - #5: Edwin Díaz shuts the door on Matt Chapman
12:30 - #4: Vientos delivers clutch go-ahead double
13:40 - Mauricio’s place in the infield logjam
15:15 - #3: Juan Soto’s opposite-field bomb + Mr. Met in the ESPN booth
17:00 - Soto’s discipline, power, and rising average
18:30 - #2: Pete Alonso makes game-saving web gem on final out
20:00 - Mets defense and base running impact winning
21:00 - #1: Ronnie Mauricio’s splash hit ties game in epic fashion
22:20 - Trivia: All 5 Mets to hit McCovey Cove
23:30 - Juan Soto’s ring celebration was a shoutout to a friend
24:30 - State of the NL: parity and playoff chaos
25:30 - Why this deadline will come down to small, smart moves
27:00 - Internal help: Drew Gilbert, Rico Garcia, Nolan McLean
28:20 - Mets’ prospect depth = trade power
30:00 - Pablo Sanchez vs. Adam Driver: who sparked the streak?
31:20 - Mets fans at Comic-Con? Let's make it happen
32:15 - Petco Park preview + Padres series outlook
33:00 - Jose Iglesias reunion
33:45 - Upcoming Citi Field weekend: Mini Bat Day, Alvarez bobblehead
34:40 - PC Richard & Son ad read
36:00 - Michael Cole full interview begins
36:30 - Growing up at Shea: 50+ games a year
37:20 - His dad’s Dodger heartbreak & Mets conversion
38:00 - Reaction to the Juan Soto signing
39:10 - Michael Cole vs. Damian Priest on Mets/Yanks trash talk
40:00 - Subway Series dreams & the 2000 heartbreak
41:10 - Trade deadline hopes: another arm, maybe CF
42:15 - Why he loves Brett Baty & Ronnie Mauricio
43:00 - Michael Cole’s ideal roster outlook
43:50 - Magic number: what wins the NL East in 2025?
44:40 - Why he doesn’t want to give up top prospects
45:45 - “I watch every Mets game — even during Monday Night Raw”
46:30 - Cole’s Mets Slack group at WWE (McAfee, Orengo, Fitting)
47:10 - Baseball vs. wrestling: storytelling, heroes, heels
48:30 - Emotional investment: how Mets & WWE fans are the same
49:30 - Mets = babyfaces, Yankees = heels
50:10 - Top 3 all-time Mets heels according to Michael Cole
51:15 - Why Keith Hernandez was the OG heel
52:00 - How wrestlers and baseball legends become folklore
52:45 - Why real fandom means daily dedication
53:30 - Final thoughts: Mets optimism, trade deadline, and the beauty of the ride

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