Explore every episode of the podcast National League Town (a Mets podcast)

In this episode:• Current Events: News on Carson Benge, A.J. Ellis, Johnny Washington, Tim Kurkjian's warning, SNY, and Jerry Koosman.

• Interview: A look into the new Bill Shea documentary, Shea Hey, with the filmmakers behind it. (6:45)

• Commentary: Jeff shares his thoughts on MLB roster size and the MLBPA's poor negotiation tactics. (28:30)

Join us! #Mets #LGM

We start with Current Events (Nolan McLean, The Brewers, Freddie Peralta, Bo Bichette, Mariano Duncan, Francisco Lindor). Then, we talk to Kate Barry, the Emmy Award winning star and writer of the new Off-Broadway play, "Kate, Allie and the '86 Mets" (6:15). We close with Jeff's ten predictions for the Mets off-season (24:00). Join us! #Mets #LGM

You can purchase tickets for "Kate, Allie and the '86 Mets" here: https://asylumnyc.com/kate-allie-and-the-86-mets/

Mark Simon ("Sports Info Solutions") is here to talk defense: the Gold Glove awards, Bo Bichette, Francisco Lindor, Marcus Semien, Juan Soto, and the weird Arizona Fall League experiment. Then we talk about Mark's newsletter, "Like It Oughta Be" and revisit whether an adult must give away a foul ball. Join us! #Mets #LGM

You can subscribe to "Like It Oughta Be" at: https://1986-mets-rewatch.beehiiv.com/

Jeff discusses what Steve Cohen and David Stearns might be thinking, whether they should sign Tarik Skubal (yes!), Rob Manfred's new scheduling proposal, the Mets' coaching situation, what Jeff's Google Home said, and whether an adult must give away a foul ball. Then, we open the NLT Mailbag! All in less than 20 minutes! Join us! #Mets #LGM

National League Town co-host emeritus Greg Prince joins Jeff Hysen to determine if the 2026 Mets season was a nice place to visit now that we no longer live there and fret over whether the 2027 Mets season will open its front door to us in a timely fashion. Namechecks include David Stearns, Pete Alonso, Bo Bichette, Carson Benge, Andy Green, Guillo Zuñiga, and select members of the 1981 Mets. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Is the glass half-full or half-empty? Jeff Cohen ("Baseball & BBQ") is here to discuss the season. Plus, the moves David Stearns should make, the case for Carson Benge as Rookie of the Year, and the Nationals fan who cursed at A.J. Ewing. Then we open the NLT Mailbag! Join us! #Mets #LGM

Andy Green is no longer the interim manager after signing a 3-year contract. NLT approves of this move! Jeff Cohen ("Baseball & BBQ") is here to discuss why this is good for the Mets on a "Breaking News" edition of NLT. Join us! #Mets #LGM

We start with Current Events and a tough week for Mets fans. Then, Dylan Roth is here (7:15) to talk about the "Northeast Corridor Cup" (something else the Mets didn't win this year). We close with the NLT Mailbag (23:05)! Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jason Fry (“Faith & Fear In Flushing”) is here as we discuss finding enjoyment in a bad season, Luis Torrens, Nolan McLean, David Stearns, and more. Join us! #Mets #LGM

We start with Current Events, including news on Bo Bichette, Teruaki Sato, and Jeff’s guess for the next Mets manager. Then, we open the NLT Mailbag (11:30) and conclude with a commentary on Rob Manfred’s proposal to reshape MLB broadcasting (21:25). Join us! #Mets #LGM

This is what it sounds like when Ernest Dove is the guest for a deep dive into the Mets' minor league system. We go all over the diamond for a look at possible Mets of the future. Join us! #Mets #LGM

First, current events, including Steve's press conference and Jeff's reaction to seeing Joe Torre. Then, the multi-talented Liz Callaway is here to discuss singing the National Anthem at Citi Field this week (12:30). Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeffrey Bellone ("Mets Fix") is here to discuss the Mets' hot play since the deadline. We talk about what's next for 1B and 2B, the new-look bullpen, the future of Andy Greene, and whether this season can be a long-term positive. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeff Cohen ("Baseball & BBQ") is here to discuss this strange feeling of optimism, whether Stearns did enough at the deadline, Jefry Yan, Nate Lavender, LRJ, and more. We also discuss the need for a Mercy Rule in another edition of "Jeff's Brilliant Ideas." Finally, our host blasts Rob Manfred for failing to do something that Roger Goodell gets right. Join us! #Mets #LGM

The trade deadline has passed. How did David Stearns do? Did he atone for last year's deadline disaster? Jeff talks about it with Dylan Hysen. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Darryl Strawberry is here, with co-author Jerome Preisler, to discuss their new book, Another Life. We talk about the '86 Mets, Davey, Gary, finding your purpose, and more. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Jeff discusses current events, Brett Baty, the trade deadline, and the impact of coaching turnover. Jeff then comments on the Hall of Fame Ceremony (Rob Manfred is involved), and we close with the NLT Mailbag. Join us! #Mets #LGM

Guest co-host Kevin Chapman joins the show to discuss whether the Mets are so bad that they've become the Jets. Also, we assess Andy Green's tenure as Interim Manager, if David Stearns should become an ex-POBO, and if there is a path to optimism for next season. Join us! #Mets #LGM

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 #LGM
You can contribute to "The Kyra Fund" here: https://fundraise.gbmresearch.org/campaign/812889/donate
You 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 #LGM

You 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 #LGM

Margaret Gurevich/"Yasha": 6:00

Andrew 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 #LGM

To 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 #LGM

You 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 #LGM

You can contact Jack Susser at j.suss@verizon.net

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 #LGM

You can find Joe Buccino on Instagram at joe_tells_jokes