Mr. Met: How a Sports-Mad Kid from Jersey Became Like Family to Generations of Big Leaguers

by Jay Horwitz, Steve Kettmann, Barry Abrams (Reading)

Anyone who knows Jay Horwitz knows he loves stories and has a wealth of them to share. As the beloved, longtime PR director for the New York Mets, he has witnessed and quietly shaped some of the most memorable moments in team history, becoming a trusted friend and mentor to generations of players, from Darryl Strawberry to Jacob deGrom. In this fascinating memoir, Horwitz tells the unlikely story of a childhood dream come true, offering an unparalleled insider's perspective on four dynamic and unpredictable decades of Mets baseball. Featuring reflections and anecdotes only Horwitz can tell, on subjects ranging from clubhouse hijinks to the chaotic New York media scene to navigating moments of greatness and defeat, Mr. Met is a remarkable behind-the-scenes ride that fans will not want to miss.

Genres: Baseball, Sports, Nonfiction

272 pages, Hardcover

First published May 19, 2020

Reviews

[Cathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a Mets fan for a long time, I was 14 in 1969 when my Dad watched the Mets on the only tv we had. I had no choice but to watch so I fixated on Wayne Garrett because I thought he was cute and cheered for him and the team. I've heard stories about Jay Horwitz for decades and was excited to read his book. It's full of anecdotes and stories, some of which I knew, most I didn't. I liked hearing about the players and I loved hearing about how much they loved Jay. I cried about Shannon and understand now why Gary, Keith and Ron were so upset. If you like baseball read Mr. Met.

[Dane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chose to read this in anticipation of the 2021 baseball season, #LGM. Always liked Jay Horwitz but found the book to be a bit frenetic. From a game 6 victory over Houston in the '86 NLCS to the first time he met Tom Seaver to game 1 of the '86 World Series. It just jumped around a bit too much for me. A touching tribute to Shannon Forde to close out the book.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a Mets fan you already know about Jay and you already know most of the stories in the book. It was disappointing because I thought we were finally goin to get some inside scoop on the bar fight in Houston during the 86 season when Jay had to bail some Mets pitchers out of jail. Nope, not even a mention of that incident. It is fine, but very vanilla.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every Mets fan who has followed the team over the last 40 years knows who Jay Horwitz is and appreciates his importance to the team. He’s one of the few PR Directors of a professional sports team who fans actually recognize, want his autograph, and pose with for selfies. I was so looking forward to reading this memoir, expecting to learn more about the practical jokes played on him by John Franco and David Wright, and especially the stories behind some of the great Mets games I had seen on TV and attended since 1980. Unfortunately, I was extremely frustrated and disappointed by this book. After a wonderful start, where Jay describes in his own words his early life and career, and how he overcame a physical disability to become an excellent PR executive, Jay mostly falls back on quoting what OTHERS say about him. Although Jay started out as a professional writer, rather than describe significant events in his own words, he often quotes lengthy passages from other sportswriters describing those events, even though he was present at all of them! I kept wanting to say to him, “But Jay, what did YOU see, think, and feel about that game, or that play??” It was very strange. Some chapters, in fact, contain more quoted material than content written by Jay. The only reason I can think of for his composing the book this way was that he is a naturally modest person, so perhaps he didn’t want to toot his own horn, or thought famous sportswriters could describe an event better than he could. Also, in a chapter about manager Terry Collins, while talking about the 2012 season, Jay fails to mention the most significant game of that season and, in fact, one of the most important in Mets history! That omission is particularly baffling and even a little heartbreaking. His editor must not know anything about Mets history, or else he would have prompted Jay to write even a little something about that game (a real Mets fan can guess which one). So this book is a mixed bag. I’m glad I read it, and I’m happy to contribute to Jay’s royalties, but I wish the book had been better.

[Lisa Book Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was great to get a better sense about the type of person that Jay Horwitz is, why he is so loved in the Mets organization, how he became the head of PR for the Mets - his interview for the job is a hilarious story! - and what he did in the PR role. There also were some good anecdotes, such as hearing more about how Sidd Finch came to be. However, the book bounced around and was hard to follow at times. There also were some instances that felt like a play-by-play rather than sharing new information with the reader, such as the retelling of at-bat outcomes in some key baseball games. Finally, I found the title to be an odd choice. Any Met fan will tell you that there's only one Mr. Met, and it's a guy with a very oversized baseball for a head. Nonetheless, Jay Horwitz is an important part of the Mets franchise, and it was great to get more insights into his life and what he has done for the organization.

[Tom Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but that may have been primarily due to my longstanding relationship with the Mets as a lifetime fan. Jay Horwitz shares some terrific stories about his 40 years with the Mets baseball team. He was there when they won the World Series in 1986 as well as when they lost the Subway Series of 2000. He was there when the team played their first game in NY after 9/11. Along the way, he got to know at least seven Mets managers and countless players. His reflections on these individuals and others would make this book worth reading for any baseball fan. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who loves the game.

[David Wohlhueter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Of course knowing Jay from his SID days helped, but I had no idea what a great person he was to all. I knew he always took care of me, but I thought I was someone special (Ha!). Jay helped everyone all of the time.

Once I started the book, I couldn't put it down. Well written, and the stories can never be matched in any future books.

Fantastic job, Jay. You deserve the best because you are the best.

Dave Wohlhueter
Former SID at Ithaca College, Bucknell, Cornell (1967-2008)

[Steve A · Rating 3 out of 5]

learned a few things about Jay... didn't realize he was blind in one eye, that would explain us almost working into each other at a game in Port St Lucie a few years ago. Some stories I had heard, some are new. The Shannon Fourde chapter brought a mist to my eyes - didn't know her but I heard Wright and Darling speak about her and her illness a few years ago.

I guess Jay is a good guy as the Mets kept him on staff longer than just about anyone else - Managers, GM's, Trainers, ball players, even some broadcasters (current group, both Radio and TV are #1 in MLB).

[STEVE HOLLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Read, Touching

Uplifting, inspiring and refreshing are just a few words that come to mind when reading this book. It's not quite a "Ball Four" tell-all of media relations directors, but Jay Horwitz chronicles his 40 years with the Mets both with comedic flashbacks to practical jokes to bittersweet memories of days -- and people -- gone by. Regardless of his modesty, Jay is indeed "Mr. Met."

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 3 out of 5]

Episode 267: “Mr. Met”. BASEBALL BY THE BOOK podcast
AUG 3, 2020 ⋅ 45:55
For four decades, Jay Horwitz was the beloved PR director of the New York Mets. Horwitz joins us to tell tales of Gary Carter, Daryl Strawberry, Mike Piazza, Sidd Finch and more. Plus, he explains why he finally decided to go public with a longtime healthcare secret. 

[Dom · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're a Met fan, this is a fun read. From the '86 World Series to the Beltran strikeout to the Subway Series and the first home game after 9/11, Jay's unique perspective, from a front row but still behind the scenes, bring to life and add new depth to the events we all remember.

[Alan Correnti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun stories. Not overly exhilarating.

[Scott Breslove · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story of a regular guy made good. Very enjoyable inside stories. Great read!

[J.J. Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a Met fan, this is a nice easy, fun book to read. A testament to a lifetime and love for a team and his work.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Mets fan and PR person, I enjoyed Jay’s stories :)

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have any history with the Mets, you will enjoy this book.

[Jack Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. This lifetime Met fan thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Drew Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute legend.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting insiders view to a long Mets history. Name after name after name bringing back memory after memory.