The Howard Johnson 1986 Time Machine rolls on as we turn the clock back 40 years—one week at a time—reliving the magic, madness, and momentum of the unforgettable World Champion season.

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.

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

The Howard Johnson 1986 Time Machine rolls on as we Turn the Clock back 40 years each and every week to relive the week that was in that magical 1986 season. This week Bob Ojeda joins Howard Johnson and Kinerskorner.com's Mark Rosenman

For the first time in the series we hear from an opposition player as St Louis Cardinals Ricky Horton joins hosts Mark Rosenman and Howard Johnson as they turn the clock back 40 years in Episode 9 of Howard Johnsons 1986 Time Machine

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 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.

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 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.

Howard Johnson’s 1986 Time Machine | Episode 6: Special Guest Tim Teufel | March 23–29, 1986

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

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

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Howard Johnson’s 1986 Time Machine | Episode 5: Special Guest Dave Magadan March 16–22, 1986

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.

#Mets #HowardJohnson #SpringTraining #1986Mets #DaveMagadan #BaseballHistory #KinersKorner

Welcome back to Howard Johnson’s 1986 Time Machine — where we don’t just remember Mets history… we drop you right into it.

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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