National League Town (a Mets podcast)

Forty seasons have passed since 1986, and five since the groundbreaking docuseries Once Upon a Time in Queens aired on ESPN to tell the world about the year the lights stayed on Shea Stadium late into October. To commemorate both Met milestone anniversaries, director Nick Davis joins Jeff Hysen and Once Upon... contributor Greg Prince to recall the teamwork that made the dream — of presenting a monumental story of a monumental championship — work.

Jeff's guest canceled, so it's "Just Jeff", in 3 parts: 1) "Jeff's Brilliant Ideas" tells how to improve the dull All-Star Game (1:30); 2) it's the "NLT Mailbag" (4:15); and, 3) in honor of episode #250, we countdown the Top 10 episodes of our first 5 years (13:30). Join us!

Mark Simon (Sports Info Solutions) is here to discuss Carlos' firing, how "Run Prevention" is going, a move that should be made to improve the defense, and more. We then go back to 1986 to discuss Sid Fernandez's greatness. Jose Valentin, Charlie O'Brien, and Roy Staiger are also mentioned. Join us! #Mets #LGMYou can contribute to "The Kyra Fund" here: https://fundraise.gbmresearch.org/campaign/812889/donateYou can subscribe to "Like It Oughta Be: A 1986 Mets Rewatch Newsletter" here:https://1986-mets-rewatch.beehiiv.com/subscribe

On this "emergency episode", Jeff Cohen ("Baseball & BBQ") joins the show to discuss the firing of Carlos Mendoza. Was it the right move? Why now, and what's next? Join us! #Mets #LGM

First, Jeff looks at the Mets' week and why he "loathes" Freddy Peralta. Then, Joe Buccino is here (6:15) to discuss his new book, When Every Word Counts. We discuss how Carlos Mendoza, David Stearns, Steve Cohen, and Rob Manfred could improve their communication skills. Join us! #Mets #LGMYou can purchase Joe's book here: https://a.co/d/00emA0rO

Jeff Cohen is here ("Baseball & BBQ") to talk about the Braves' series and whether there is any reason for optimism. We discuss whether our host could beat Mark Vientos in a race, and our guest answers "What Can the Mets Do For You?" There is also a salute to the Knicks, a dig at Jeff Passan, and a mention of Bucc-ee's. Join us! #Mets #LGM

First, Jeff reviews an overall good week for the Mets (while ripping Stearns and Mendoza). Then, Devin Gordon ("So Many Ways to Lose") is here (8:00) to discuss being "Metsy", the different psychologies of Mets fans and Yankees fans, and whether the Mets can avoid being the #LOLMets. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Gregory Joseph joins the show from Seattle to review the Mets' good week and whether they can keep it going. We discuss Mendoza, Stearns, Peralta, Benge, Ewing, and more. Then, Gregory tells us about T-Mobile Park and a disgusting hot dog. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeff wonders what Steve Cohen is thinking. Then, Tim Brown is here to discuss his new book, "Nolan" (5:00). We discuss Nolan Ryan's career, including his time with the Mets, Robin Ventura, and how Texas formed his life.  Join us! #Mets #LGM

Michael Schur and Joe Posnanaski are here to talk about their new book "Big Fan", which is about the meaning of and search for fandom all over the world. Then, after Sunday's joyous win, Jeff reviews the latest Mets' news (36:05). Join us! #Mets #LGM You can learn about the "Big Fan" tour here: https://www.joeposnanski.com/p/announcing-the-big-fan-tour

Kevin Chapman is this week's guest co-host to discuss the latest Mets news. It's not easy talking about this team, but we have a good conversation. Plus, we open the NLT Mailbag, which includes a question from the UK. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeffrey Bellone ("Mets Fix") is here to discuss this mess of a Mets season.  Who deserves the most blame? How are the prospects doing? Is there any hope left? It's a pulchritudinous episode! Join us! #Mets #LGM

A four-part show! We start with the horrible weekend (and the horrible season), and then talk to Margaret Guervich, the author of Yasha's Amazin' Bar Mitzvah. From there, we talk to Andrew Geiger about his viral speech at his son's Bar Mitzvah. Then, Jeff holds himself accountable. Join us! #Mets #LGMMargaret Gurevich/"Yasha": 6:00Andrew Geiger/Bar Mitzvah Speech: 19:45 Jeff Holds Himself Accountable: 28:00

Mark Simon (of Sports Info Solutions) is here to discuss defense and how David Stearns' promise of "Run Prevention" is doing. We also discuss whether Francisco Lindor is still an elite defender, which Mets are underrated defensively, and Mark's newsletter, which is all about the '86 Mets. Join us! #Mets #LGMTo subscribe to Mark's free newsletter, "Like It Oughta Be: A 1986 Mets Rewatch Newsletter", go here: https://1986-mets-rewatch.beehiiv.com/This episode was recorded on Friday due to scheduling conflicts, so we're not as angry as we could be.

Rob Cesternino ("Rob Has a Podcast") is here to discuss his Mets fandom and Survivor, including: which current Met would win Survivor?, should Survivor implement ABS?, and how would Jeff Probst talk about the Mets at Tribal Counsel? We also look back at the Survivor careers of Jeff Kent and John Rocker. After that, Jeff comments on Yankees fans' continued obsession with the Mets. Join us! #Mets #LGMYou can pre-order Rob's book, "The Tribe and I Have Spoken" at robhasabook.com.

Guest co-host Jeff Cohen (from the "Baseball & BBQ" podcast) joins us to talk about the Mets winning 3 of 4 games in SF and how a few wins can change your view. We also discuss ABS, Carlos Beltran's number retirement, and the idea of "Old Friends." We wrap up with "What Can the Mets Do For You?" which features the return of "Banner Day." Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeff talks about the opening series and the first of 4 West Coast trips (thank you, Rob Manfred). Then, author A.M. Gittliz is here to discuss his new book, "Metropolitans: New York Baseball, Class Struggle, and the People's Team" (7:30). Join us! #Mets #LGM

What do we know about the 2026 Mets? Until the first pitch is broadcast on NBC, nothing yet. But once the season starts, the sense of unfamiliarity that has pervaded our impressions of the offseason will dissipate and we will be able to say who these Mets are and what they might do. But National League Town doesn’t care to wait even that long, so for its Opening Day Spectacular, Greg Prince joins Jeff Hysen to attempt to articulate some feelings about an outfit that is 0-0 with 162 games to go. Also, they look forward to tuning their radios/devices to the last go-round with the singular Howie Rose as he prepares to talk us through one more year of Mets baseball (may it be put in the books as a championship season). Finally, during "What Can the Mets Do For You?", Greg cuts the ribbon, at least in his mind, on the Seaver Center, the home for New York baseball history, ideally adjacent to Citi Field.

Roger McDowell is here (REALLY!) along with co-author Doug Feldmann to discuss their new book Hotfoot: My Hijinks and Upside-Down Life with the World Champion New York Mets. We talk about the '86 Mets, the "hot foot" process, Davey, Keith, Gary, HoJo, being the "Second Spitter", and more. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Dylan Hysen is here to help his Father overcome negativity about the coming season. We also discuss how to ensure that the latest member of the family becomes a Mets fan. Plus, there's "What Can the Mets Do For You?" and the "NLT Mailbag" (at 24:00). Join us! #Mets #LGM 

Marc Winokur joins the show to discuss the Mets and fantasy baseball. Marc provides his insights to help you prepare for your draft. Plus, what it's like to drink too much in Denver, and another installment of "What Can the Mets Do For You?" Join us! #Mets #LGM #NFBC

Jordan Simpson is here to talk about his new album, "Orange & Blues" and how he became the musical voice of the Mets. We also ask, "What Can the Mets Do For You?" Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeff discusses the first Spring Training games and more, before speaking with author Rick Laughland about his new book, "The Subway Series" (6:15). Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeff is joined by Jason Fry ("Faith & Fear in Flushing") to discuss Lindor's injury, Soto's move, and more. Plus, there's another edition of "What Can the Mets Do For You?" and we have a surprise appearance from "Yoda". Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeffrey Bellone ("Mets Fix") is here to discuss how the Mets look as Spring Training opens. We also open the "NLT Mailbag" and ask "What Can the Mets Do For You?". The show ends with big personal news. #Mets #LGM

Jeff discusses the latest Mets' news and has a few words for Rob Manfred. We talk to Mets collector extraordinaire Jack Susser (13:10), and there's another edition of "What Can The Mets Do For You?" Join us! #Mets #LGMYou can contact Jack Susser at [email protected]

Jeff Cohen (from the "Baseball & BBQ" podcast) is here to help us make sense of the many Mets moves, including the trade for Freddy Peralta. We also have another edition of "What Can the Mets Do For You?" Join us! #Mets #LGM

We discuss the Luis Robert, Jr. trade (we're skeptical) and the Hall of Fame results (we're happy). Also, Jon Springer, the author of "Mets by the Numbers" is here to discuss Mets numerology (15:30), and we have the next installment of "What Can the Mets Do For You?" Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeff comes off the IL to talk about the big Bo Bichette news. We also have the 1st installment of "What Can the Mets Do For You?" and we open the NLT Mailbag. Join us! #Mets #LGM

NLT is all-new as we discuss the Mets' latest (lack of) moves; the WBC (boo); and the Hall of Fame voting (we still don't like Utley). We then open the NLT Mailbag (11:00)! Join us! #Mets #LGM

On the final show of the year, we discuss the future of the NLT and have four requests for you (27:58.). Jeff talks to Jay Kim about getting to know Pete Alonso as a neighbor (5:20), and we briefly look back at a year to forget for Mets fans (:45). Join us! #Mets #LGM

We review the Mets' long off-season with Joe Buccino (comedian, author, FOX News contributor, Mets fan). We try to be hopeful. Plus, we open the NLT Mailbag! Join us! #Mets #LGMYou can find Joe Buccino on Instagram at joe_tells_jokes

NLT is all-new as Jeffrey Bellone ("Mets Fix") is here to help make sense of a difficult and confusing week for Mets fans. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeff shares his thoughts and feelings after the departures of Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz. 10 minutes. One take. No notes used. #Mets #LGM

NLT is all-new as we preview the Winter Meetings and discuss the Hall of Fame news. Jeff Cohen (from the "Baseball & BBQ" podcast) is today's guest co-host. Join us! #Mets #LGM

On an all-new NLT, we discuss Current Events and talk to Mike Schenker, a Mets fan and actor who played a Phillies fan on "Abbott Elementary" (8:15). We explain the episode's title at the end of the show. Join us! #Mets #LGM

We're back from hiatus to discuss the big trade. Then (at 8:00), from September 2025, we talk with Liz Callaway, Mets fan, Broadway star, and recording star, about what it’s like to sing the National Anthem at Citi Field, and more.

From August 2025, we talk with Mets fan Mike Turner from Survivor 42, who tells us what it's like to be on a reality show and lose all contact with the Mets. We also discuss which Met would do well on Survivor and which Met would be voted out first.

From March 2025, we talk to Matthew Silverman, co-author of Art Shamsky's New Book, "Mets Stories I Only Tell My Friends".

We have current events, ten predictions for the Mets' off-season, and Jeff has a Brilliant Idea (with some choice words for Jane Leavy) (15:30). Join us! #Mets #LGM

It's all about Pete Alonso on today's NLT as we talk to Elizabeth Cosin about her Substack column "In Defense of Pete Alonso". Plus, we open an all-Pete NLT Mailbag! Join us! #Mets #LGM

We have the latest Mets news, the NLT Mailbag, and Greg Prince discusses how the 40th anniversary of the 1986 World Championship should be commemorated. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Should he have stayed or should he have been told to go? Jeff discusses the decision to retain Carlos Mendoza with Greg Prince, who sorts through the clashing rationales regarding the manager of the Mets continuing to steer a ship that essentially sank in the second half. The fellas also try to figure out why the Mets never win as many games in the seasons after they’ve gone to the playoffs; whether a case can be made for bidding the Polar Bear adieu; and what their personal best moments at Citi Field were in 2025. There are no Phillies left in the postseason, and there are no Yankees, but there is National League Town.

There are numerous reasons why the Mets didn't make the playoffs. Kevin Chapman joins the show to discuss what happened. Join us! #Mets #LGM

The Mets season is over and we're deep in our feelings! Jeff Cohen (from the Baseball & BBQ podcast) joins the show to help explain what happened. Join us! #Mets #LGM

The Mets edge closer to a playoff spot with a big win over the Cubs. We talk about it and find something else that Rob Manfred has messed up. Join us for this "express version" of the show. #Mets #LGM

After two painful losses by the Mets, we see the shadows but still try to practice radical optimism. We also review a new production of "Damn Yankees". There are references to David Letterman and Anna Greenberg (Peloton). Join us! #LGM #Mets

We report back after seeing the Mets in person on Wednesday and Thursday. We draw inspiration from Dua Lipa. Join us! #Mets #LGM

We discuss the Mets finally winning and somehow holding onto a playoff spot. Then, we talk about what it’s like to sing the Anthem at Citi Field with Mets fan, Broadway star, and recording star, Liz Callaway (2:15). Join us! #LGM #Mets

We preview the upcoming Mets Alumni Classic with Greg Prince and discuss the 11 lawyers who are in Cooperstown with Former Judge Louis H. Schiff (14:00). Join us! #LGMTo Purchase Attorneys in the Baseball Hall of Fame: A Collection of Biographical Essays, co-written and edited by Louis H. Schiff and Robert M. Jarvis, please use NLT's Amazon link: https://amzn.to/47wFQar