Former New York Mets pitcher Craig Swan joins Amazin’ Conversations to reflect on his career, the reality of pitching on struggling teams, and the friendships that defined his time in baseball.

Swan shares unforgettable stories about playing alongside Bobby Valentine and Lee Mazzilli, the pressures of being a local star in New York, and his deep friendship with Tom Seaver. From wild clubhouse memories and road-trip stories to battling injuries, reinventing life after baseball, and finding joy through unexpected hobbies, this is a candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation about the human side of the Mets’ history.

This episode is a reminder that not every legacy is defined by championships — some are defined by character, resilience, and the people you shared the uniform with.

Chapter Timestamps: 00:00 Craig Swan joins Amazin’ Conversations
01:00 First impressions of joining the Mets in 1980
02:30 Pitching well on bad teams and the frustration of wins
04:45 Memories of Lee Mazzilli and being a hometown star
06:40 Family, fans, and playing in front of sparse crowds
08:10 Bobby Valentine stories from college to coaching
10:15 Bobby Valentine’s baseball mind and future success
12:00 Getting released as the Mets were turning the corner
13:40 Battling injuries and knowing the end was near
15:00 The Dodgers game fueled by a ruined vegetable garden
16:45 Friendship with Tom Seaver on and off the field
18:40 Life after baseball and new passions
20:00 Health battles, perspective, and staying active

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices