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
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