Damon Amendolara’s New York Accent

Howard Johnson had the unique experience of two franchise-defining World Series teams. HoJo was part of the ‘84 Tigers, a historically dominant team that remains the organization’s last to win a title. He was also memorably part of the ‘86 Mets, a team that is still revered today. He compares the two while reflecting on his multiple 30/30 seasons. He looks at his own Mets Hall of Fame induction, while also admiring Doc Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and Keith Hernandez having their numbers retired. HoJo remains a fan favorite and one of the most popular former players of that era. In this conversation, you can easily see why. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bob Kendrick is the preeminent authority on the Negro League's Baseball legacy. As president of the museum, he is a treasure trove of information and anecdotes. In his incredible storytelling ability, Kendrick shared memories of the New York area teams in the Negro Leagues and how they drew some of the biggest crowds in the country. He also explains the honoring of the “Black Aces” and how Doc Gooden and Al Downing were remembered recently by the museum. Any fan of baseball history will be mesmerized by this episode. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Stanton was one of the key arms in the Yankees' terrific bullpen of the ‘90s and ‘00s. He walks down memory lane after his first Old Timer’s Day to remember MLB’s last dynasty. He discusses the Subway Series and the special era of the Yankees. On the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, Stanton remembers how emotional that day and the following weeks were. He walks through the Yankees' legendary run through October that year as the Yankees became America’s team with Jeter’s flip play and the iconic World Series against the Diamondbacks. It’s a must-listen as New York remembers those emotional months in 2001. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Feinstein is one of the most prolific American sports writers in history, authoring 44 books including 23 best-sellers. He joins D.A. for a conversation about his roots as a Mets and Jets fan growing up on the Upper West Side in the '60s and the old days of getting into standing room only at Shea Stadium. Feinstein discusses how his all-access book "Season on the Brink" changed his life and how his relationship with Bobby Knight was extremely complicated after that. He goes into the ill-fated National daily sports paper and how sports media has changed since he began writing for the iconic Washington Post sports department with Tony Kornhesier, Michael Wilbon, and Sally Jenkins. Feinstein's latest project covers David Feherty's lifelong battle with addiction and his next book about Ivy League football. It's an episode that covers the life of one of America's most well-known sportswriters. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wesley Walker is one of the greatest wide receivers in Jets history, and he also has plenty of opinions. Walker discusses the enormous optimism surrounding this season’s Jets, and what Aaron Rodgers must do to bring that elusive Super Bowl home. He also is remarkably candid about former Jets coach Herm Edwards and how Herm changed for the worse after Walker played with him in college. Walker also discusses how difficult it was to be a former Jets player when Bill Parcells coached the team because Tuna only embraced his former Giants players. Walker discusses the lack of cohesion and camaraderie in the old Jets locker room, and how Joe Walton didn’t get to know him well. It’s an incredibly honest interview as Walker doesn’t hold back, with one of the best players ever to wear a Jets uniform. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many Mets fans may be surprised to know Ed Kranepool has the third most hits in franchise history. The beloved member of the ‘69 Amazin’ Mets was much more than just a good quote. He spent his entire career with the Mets, starting with the expansion team in ‘62, right through the dark years of the late ‘70s. He saw it all, from national punchline to World Champs, then back into the abyss. Through it all he kept a good sense of humor and has plenty of stories from the Mets ascent in the ‘60s. Listen to Kranepool discuss the steps in building a winner, getting along with veterans 20 years older than him as a rookie, and how he’d have at least 1 more championship if Gil Hodges hadn’t passed away. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ken Singleton spent 25 years on Yankees television broadcasts and gives his thoughts on the frustrating season they’ve had. He discusses the pitching woes aside from Cole, a lineup that has lacked production, and a World Series drought going on 14 years. Singleton also remembers his childhood growing up in New York, and how stickball helped launch his MLB career. Singleton also tells fantastic Earl Weaver stories, the iconic manager of the Orioles. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For three months in 1996, East Rutherford was the most magical place on Earth for John Wallace. In March he led Syracuse on a Cinderella run to the national championship game at the Meadowlands, losing to one of the greatest teams ever. Then in June, he was drafted by the Knicks inside the same arena. Wallace describes what makes Jim Boeheim a legend and what those battles in the old Big East were like, especially against rival UConn. He also remembers the Final Four run, and why being drafted by the Knicks was a dream come true. Wallace talked a lot of junk to the veterans before ever stepping on the court and realized he better back it up. Here’s Wallace’s story in his own words. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Terry Collins still gets stopped in the street and thanked by strangers for his job as manager of the 2015 Mets. He discusses how the intensity of New York made the job challenging yet rewarding. He reached out to Joe Torre for advice on how to navigate the city’s media and fans. He discusses the difficulty in watching Johan Santana have a shortened career after the no-hitter, and the ill-fated decision to keep Matt Harvey in the 9th inning of G5 of the World Series. Collins also walks through all the reasons this year’s Mets team never lived up to the hype. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brianna Green never dreamed of becoming a Harlem Globetrotter, even though she loved watching them as a kid. Decades after they rolled through her hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, Green became just the 15th female member ever. That was just the beginning of her boom in celebrity. She now counts over 1 million followers across her social media channels and is an influencer and ambassador for women's basketball. She details the training Globetrotters must complete, and the popular misconception that the Globetrotters are based out of NYC. She discusses the boom of women's basketball after the ratings bonanza of the Final Four and the WNBA's support from NBA icons. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charley Steiner grew up 17 miles from Ebbets Field in the '50s, so he experienced a typical post-war childhood on Long Island entranced by Vin Scully and the "Boys of Summer." He eventually became the voice of his beloved Dodgers many years later after they had arrived in Los Angeles. In between dreaming of calling Dodgers games and actually doing it, he called Herschel Walker and the New Jersey Generals, and Jets games on WABC. He was an iconic anchor during SportsCenter's heyday on ESPN, then landed a job calling Yankees games on WCBS with John Sterling. He discusses reports that he and Sterling had friction, and his brilliant line, “Francis Scott Off Key” when Carl Lewis butchered the national anthem. Charley Steiner shares so many wonderful stories from an incredible career in broadcasting that began in Malverne, New York. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Few Mets players have garnered 105 games played and had the lasting impact of George Theodore. He was nicknamed "The Stork," befitting his 6'5" frame, and became a fan favorite over two seasons in '73 and '74. Theodore discusses his eccentric personality, and "clubbing" in '70s NYC. He talks about what he learned from, and why he wishes he had more time with Yogi Berra and Willie Mays. George remembers the Buddy Harrelson vs. Pete Rose brawl in the NLCS and his emotional state when he was injured for the season in a nasty collision with a teammate. Theodore also has fought for an MLB pension for years and discusses the battle for many players of that generation. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff Nelson’s timing is impeccable. He was traded to the Yankees in December of 1995, just 10 months before the Yankees' first World Series title since 1978. He collected three more championships with the Bombers and then left in 2001, just as the next title drought began. He was in the dugout for two Yankees perfect games and then called another last week for YES as Domingo German achieved the historic feat. Nelson discusses his trade with Tino Martinez, the ghosts in the Old Stadium, and the late nights of David Wells and David Cone. He discusses the 116-win Mariners team that touched regular season history but was doomed by his old Yankees teammates and the chances for an October run in the Bronx this year. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Theismann is best known for his standout career at Notre Dame and for winning a Super Bowl with Washington. But it all started in New Jersey where Joe grew up a Jets fan. Theismann idolized Joe Namath and finally met his hero during his rookie year. He describes that experience, as well as his rivalry with the Giants and the night that ended his career. Monday Night Football in ‘85 was one of the most gruesome scenes in NFL history, and Theismann explains how it bonded Lawrence Taylor and him to this day. Theismann is the ultimate storyteller and takes us behind the scenes of the windy Meadowlands, his awkward relationship with Don Shula, and how Jersey will always be in his blood. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No player embodied the Devils' rise from hockey wilderness to Stanley Cup greatness more than Ken Daneyko. He witnessed the franchise's humble beginnings after the move from Colorado and watched as the Devils became a model organization. His tough-nosed attitude and willingness to pulverize his own body and others led him to being beloved by New Jersey fans and having his number retired by the team. In this wide-ranging interview, Daneyko tackles his public battle with alcoholism and his uncomfortable finale which came in Game 7 of the Cup Final. Daneyko handles analysis for the Devils on MSG and discusses this young core's playoff experience and win over the Rangers. Daneyko is a throwback to a rough and tumble-era of hockey and takes us back through his stories. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Curtis Granderson has the rare experience of playing for both the Mets and Yankees, and the even rarer experience of being adored by both fan bases. Granderson set himself apart with his intellect and gracious personality and is using both traits to open access to youth baseball. He discusses why the black baseball player has started to evaporate and how he's trying to remedy that. He explains his introductory Mets press conference that was blasted by some Yankees fans, and how Jacob deGrom's peak was better than any pitcher he ever faced. He also discusses how the 2015 World Series run taught him much about Mets fans, and why Saved by the Bell prevented him from being a Cubs fan despite growing up in Chicago. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Constantine Maroulis burst upon the scene on American Idol and made it into the final 6 nearly 20 years ago. Even though Carrie Underwood would eventually win, his star turn proved to be a launching pad. Maroulis discusses his Idol experience, and then his massive success on Broadway. He showed his dynamic acting ability with a Tony nomination for “Rock of Ages” and now is starring in another musical play, “Rock & Roll Man” as legendary DJ Alan Freed. Maroulis discusses growing up in Jersey, his Yankees fandom, and favorite bit players in pinstripes. He calls out doubters of his beloved Giants and memories of Bat Day at the stadium. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ryan Meara is not only a Red Bulls institution, he's also a native New Yorker. The Yonkers native grew up a tortured Mets fan during the Yankees dynasty, and loved Tony Meola of the MetroStars before there even was a Red Bulls. On "New York Accent" he discusses his family lineage of FDNY and how 9/11 affected them all. He also talks about trying to finally deliver an MLS Cup to a fan base he grew up being part of. A Fordham alum, Meara has thoughts on the best New York slice of pizza and where to go on Arthur Ave; Meara knows what it takes to compete in New York, although it sounds like his teammates might at times be overwhelmed by the city. For the first time, we welcome a New York native and a current New York athlete onto the podcast. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bernie Williams was an indispensable member of the Yankees dynasty of the '90s and 00's. He grew up in the farm system and eventually formed a bond with Derek Jeter, Andy Petitte, Jorde Posada, and Mariano Rivera which is one of the most special in New York sports lore. He went from being the focus of trade rumors from the desk of Steinbrenner to having his number retired in Monument Park. Williams was a man of many interests, and this was sometimes mistaken for a lack of intensity on the field. But he explains how that even keel approach helped him navigate the craziness of those seasons. Bernie discusses the difference between Buck Showalter and Joe Torre, plus the rookie hazing of Mel Hall. And now he's pivoted to an accomplished career in music and garnering attention for lung disease, the affliction which took his dad's life. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tommy John may have lived one of the greatest baseball lives of anyone. He pitched for 26 years in MLB, finished just shy of 300 wins, and played in 3 memorable World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers. He also is a medical marvel and athletic pioneer due to his arm surgery in 1974. In this conversation John discusses the prognosis of his historic procedure, what it was like when Thurman Munson passed away, and what it was like to face - and then team with - Reggie Jackson. John also weighs in on underwear and why he thinks he was blackballed from Cooperstown. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices