“Be Patient, Work the Count” — Fonzie’s Hitting Rules

Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

Jay sits down with Mets legend Edgardo “Fonzie” Alfonzo to talk mentoring Francisco Alvarez in Triple-A, what he looks for when roving the Mets’ minor leagues, and why the 1999–2000 infield clicked like no other.
They also relive the Tokyo opener vs. the Cubs, the 10-run comeback vs. the Braves, Turk Wendell’s rubber arm, and that unforgettable night in Houston when Fonzie was unstoppable.

00:00 Mentoring Francisco Alvarez: rhythm, patience, approach
02:16 Alumni Classic: seeing the guys, Jose Reyes still raking
03:30 Roving the minors from AAA to the DR; Mendoza’s emphasis
04:41 Prospect shoutouts: Jett Williams, Ryan Clifford, depth everywhere
08:03 1999–2000 memories: Tokyo trip, Wild Card run, Subway Series
09:44 Postseason approach & HRs vs. CIN/ARI; facing Randy Johnson
11:19 Turk Wendell’s “give me the ball” era; Pat Mahomes’ versatility
12:54 Rey Ordóñez made me better at 2B — communication & range
15:20 Cookie Rojas, practice “games,” why the ’99 infield worked
18:00 The legendary 6-for-6 night in Houston (three HRs)
19:38 The 10-run 8th vs. the Braves; Mike Piazza moments
21:12 Alumni Day details & message to fans

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