This week, we rewind to May 19–25, 1986, as the Mets battle through one of their grittiest road trips of the year. From cold, windy nights at Candlestick Park to tight late-inning battles in San Diego, the Mets prove they can win even when the offense isn’t exploding. HoJo and Doug Sisk take you inside the clubhouse, bullpen, and dugout during a week where championship teams learn how to survive adversity.

⚾ Stories and memories include:

• Doug Sisk’s return to the Mets after injury rehab in Tidewater

• The pressure and unpredictability of pitching at Candlestick Park

• How the bullpen evolved into a championship weapon

• The defensive intensity and gritty identity of the 1986 Mets

• What made Tony Gwynn such a difficult hitter to face

• Keith Hernandez’s leadership during difficult stretches

• Jesse Orosco’s ability to rebound after tough outings

• Davey Johnson’s handling of personalities, platoons, and bullpen roles

• The emotional grind of an 11-game west coast road trip

• Why “winning ugly” may have revealed more about the Mets than the blowouts did

Along the way, HoJo and Doug share behind-the-scenes travel stories, clubhouse chemistry, pitching strategy, and the swagger that helped define one of baseball’s most unforgettable teams.

If you love Mets history, exclusive behind-the-scenes baseball stories, and hearing directly from the players who lived it, this series is for you.

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This week, we rewind to May 12–18, 1986, as the Mets finally hit a little adversity after their blazing start. From Sid Fernandez’s dominant 1-0 masterpiece against Atlanta, to tough battles in Houston against Nolan Ryan and Bob Knepper, to a huge showdown with the Dodgers in Los Angeles, Hojo and Nails take you inside the clubhouse and onto the field for one of the most fascinating stretches of the season.

⚾ Stories and memories include:

• Sid Fernandez’s nasty delivery and devastating breaking ball

• The emotional energy of the 1986 Mets clubhouse

• Davey Johnson’s masterful use of platoons and personalities

• What it was like facing Nolan Ryan

• Behind-the-scenes travel stories and clubhouse chemistry

• Why Bill Robinson was so important to the team

• Early signs of a future Mets-Dodgers rivalry

• The confidence and swagger that defined the ‘86 Mets

If you love Mets history, behind-the-scenes baseball stories, and exclusive interviews with the legends who lived it, this series is for you.

👍 Please LIKE this video

🔔 SUBSCRIBE to the channel and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of the Howard Johnson Time Machine or our exclusive Mets interviews

🎧 Listen to the podcast version on all major podcast platforms

👥 Join our Facebook community and talk Mets baseball with fellow fans

📰 Visit [KinersKorner.com](https://www.kinerskorner.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) for the best Mets coverage on the web

#Mets #NewYorkMets #1986Mets #HowardJohnson #LenDykstra #MetsHistory #LGM #KinersKorner #SidFernandez #NolanRyan #MLBHistory

In Episode 12, HoJo is joined by Mets legend and 1985 Cy Young Award winner Dwight Gooden, alongside KinersKorner.com’s Mark Rosenman, for a deep dive into another pivotal week of that legendary run.

From dominance on the mound to the electric atmosphere surrounding the team, Gooden shares what it was like being at the center of it all—his mindset during that stretch, the confidence of the pitching staff, and the swagger that defined the 1986 Mets. HoJo adds his perspective from inside the lineup, breaking down key moments, big performances, and the energy that kept the Mets rolling.

If you’re a die-hard Mets fan, a baseball history junkie, or just love great behind-the-scenes storytelling, this episode is a must-watch.

🔵 Subscribe for weekly episodes as we relive the 1986 season in real time

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🔵 Presented by KinersKorner.com

In Episode 11, HoJo is joined by 1986 Mets spark plug and fan favorite Wally Backman, alongside KinersKorner.com’s Mark Rosenman, for a deep dive into another pivotal week of that legendary run.

From clubhouse chemistry to on-field grit, Backman brings his trademark edge and insight, sharing stories you won’t hear anywhere else—what it was like battling every night, the intensity of the NL East race, and the personalities that made the 1986 Mets one of the most colorful teams in baseball history. HoJo adds his perspective from inside the lineup, breaking down key moments, big hits, and the energy that kept the Mets rolling.

If you’re a die-hard Mets fan, a baseball history junkie, or just love great behind-the-scenes storytelling, this episode is a must-watch.

🔵 Subscribe for weekly episodes as we relive the 1986 season in real time

🔵 Watch on YouTube & listen on all major podcast platforms

🔵 Presented by KinersKorner.com

#Mets #LGM #1986Mets #WallyBackman #HowardJohnson #MLBHistory #NewYorkMets #BaseballPodcast #KinersKorner #MarkRosenman

In Episode 8, the Season Finally Gets underway, but not before a stop to take on the Mets minor league affiliate in Jackson, MI

📅 Week covered: April 6, 1986 –April 12, 1986

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Don’t just remember Mets history—experience it one week at a time.

In Episode 7, the intensity of Spring Training ramps up as roster decisions loom and roles begin to take shape. Hojo is joined by special guest Kevin Mitchell to break down a pivotal week in Mets camp.

📅 Week covered: March 30–April 5, 1986

⚾ Topics: Spring Training, roster battles, platoons, pitching dominance, team chemistry

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Don’t just remember Mets history—experience it one week at a time.

Step back 40 years and relive one of the most iconic Mets seasons—week by week—with Howard Johnson on *Howard Johnson’s 1986 Time Machine*, exclusively at Kiner’s Korner.

In Episode 6, the intensity of Spring Training ramps up as roster decisions loom and roles begin to take shape. Hojo is joined by special guest Tim Teufel to break down a pivotal week in Mets camp, including:

The growing second base competition with Wally Backman and how platoon roles begin to form

Hojo’s own battle at third base alongside Ray Knight—and the pressure of proving himself against left-handed pitching

George Foster producing on the field while facing heavy expectations and criticism from the New York crowd

Ron Darling emerging as a force during spring with a dominant run—and a new mindset heading into 1986

Dwight Gooden continuing to fine-tune his game as Opening Day approaches

A bench-clearing moment that gives a glimpse into the edge and personality of this Mets team

From clubhouse dynamics to position battles and evolving confidence, this episode captures a team still searching for its identity—just weeks before becoming one of the most dominant teams in baseball history.

📅 Week covered: March 23–29, 1986

⚾ Topics: Spring Training, roster battles, platoons, pitching dominance, team chemistry

👉 Join the conversation:

Visit KinersKorner.com for more exclusive content

Join our Facebook group to discuss every episode, share memories, and connect with fellow Mets fans

Don’t just remember Mets history—experience it one week at a time.

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Step back 40 years and relive one of the most iconic Mets seasons—week by week—with Hall of Famer Howard Johnson on Howard Johnson’s 1986 Time Machine, exclusively at Kiner’s Korner.

In Episode 5, we’re in St. Petersburg, Florida, for Spring Training as the 1986 Mets finalize their roster. Hojo is joined by Dave Magadan to talk about:

The legendary “heart attack suits” and who actually wore them

Young prospects navigating the big-league locker room for the first time

Kevin Mitchell’s breakout games and the pressure of Spring Training

Facing pitching greats like Jack Morris and Burt Blyleven

Insights into minor league life, mentorship from Lou Piniella, and the mindset of making a roster

From memorable at-bats to behind-the-scenes locker room stories, this episode gives you an inside look at the Mets before their historic 1986 season even began.

📅 Week covered: March 16–22, 1986

⚾ Topics: Spring Training, roster battles, young prospects, historic Mets moments

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for more exclusive content

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Don’t just remember Mets history—experience it one week at a time.

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In Episode 4, host Mark Rosenman and Mets legend Howard Johnson set the dial to the week of March 9, 1986, as Spring Training continues in St. Petersburg and the foundation of a championship season keeps taking shape.

Even this early in camp, it was clear something was different about the 1986 Mets.

The national media spotlight had already arrived, with Good Morning America broadcasting from camp as Dwight Gooden threw batting practice to host David Hartman — and even managed to hit him.

Meanwhile, the daily rhythm of Spring Training continued with its usual mix of injuries, comebacks, roster battles, and personal motivation.

Darryl Strawberry dealt with a nagging knee issue.

Mookie Wilson made a surprise visit to camp while recovering from his frightening eye injury.

And pitcher Bruce Berenyi took an important step back by facing live hitters following rotator cuff surgery.

Inside the clubhouse, teammates checked in on each other, veterans worked to rediscover their form, and competition quietly intensified — including the battle at third base between Ray Knight and Howard Johnson.

The week also featured a meaningful matchup when the Mets faced HoJo’s former team, the Detroit Tigers, and manager Sparky Anderson, adding a little extra emotion to an already competitive spring.

Through it all, HoJo takes us back inside the clubhouse to explain what it felt like as expectations, personalities, and confidence began to build around a team that would soon become one of the most memorable champions in baseball history.

Forty years later, the memories still feel fresh.

Next week: Spring Training rolls on, roster battles continue to heat up, and the Mets move another step closer to Opening Day.

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In Episode 3, host Mark Rosenman sets the dial to March 2 – March 8, 1986, and suddenly Spring Training in St. Petersburg takes a chaotic turn.

Joining Howard this week is special guest Mookie Wilson, giving us a firsthand look at one of the most eventful early weeks of the 1986 season.

What begins as a routine week of camp quickly turns into headline after headline.

The Mets announce the hiring of franchise legend Rusty Staub to the front office. Commissioner Peter Ueberroth rules on the fallout from the Pittsburgh drug trials, placing the spotlight squarely on team captain Keith Hernandez.

Then, during a simple rundown drill, disaster strikes when Mookie Wilson suffers a frightening eye injury after an errant throw shatters his sunglasses — a moment that suddenly makes the entire camp feel fragile.

With Mookie sidelined, young outfielder Lenny Dykstra is thrust into the spotlight. Meanwhile, prospects like Shawn Abner and Stanley Jefferson make early impressions, and the Mets open their exhibition schedule against Tom Seaver and the White Sox.

Through it all, Howard Johnson and Mookie Wilson take us inside the clubhouse to relive a week when injuries, controversy, competition, and opportunity all collided — revealing just how unpredictable the road to the 1986 championship would be.

Forty years later, the stories are still incredible.

Next week: Spring Training heats up, roster battles intensify, and the Mets’ swagger begins to take shape.

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In Episode 2, we set the dial to February 24 – March 1, 1986, as Spring Training opens at historic Al Lang Stadium — the Mets’ 25th straight spring home. The sun is out. The roster is loaded. And expectations have officially arrived.

We revisit the rising pressure on Darryl Strawberry coming off injury, the October-minded acquisition of Bob Ojeda, and the strategic chess moves of manager Davey Johnson.

Inside the clubhouse, battles are brewing — Backman vs. Teufel, HoJo vs. Knight — while a clean-shaven George Foster arrives knowing his Mets future may be on the line.

Meanwhile, a cloud hangs over Keith Hernandez following the Pittsburgh drug trials, with Commissioner Peter Ueberroth yet to rule. Add in public arbitration results for Dwight Gooden and Ron Darling, and suddenly Spring Training feels like serious business.

Forty years later, we look back at a week when money, pressure, uncertainty, and opportunity all collided — and the 1986 season truly began.

Next week: competition intensifies, and a freak drill injury changes everything.

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Before the champagne, before the roller coaster, before the Mets became World Champions, there was a moment in time when the season hadn’t started yet — but you could feel something coming.

Welcome to Howard Johnson’s 1986 Time Machine, a weekly journey back to the exact moments that shaped one of the greatest seasons in Mets history. Each episode rewinds the clock 40 years, week by week, to relive what was happening inside the clubhouse, around the team, and behind the scenes on the road to a championship.

In this premiere episode, HoJo takes us back to the week of February 16, 1986, as the Mets are coming off a heartbreaking end to the 1985 season and Spring Training is just around the corner. Expectations are rising, questions are everywhere, and the hunger to finish the job is real.

What did the team learn from 1985?

What was the mindset heading into camp?

And did anyone truly believe what was about to unfold?

Travel back with us to the very beginning — before the first pitch, before the chaos — to hear it straight from one of the men who lived it.

⚾ New episodes weekly

🎙️ Exclusive memories and untold stories

🏆 The road to a World Championship, one week at a time

Only on Kiner’s Korner.