Lee Mazzili Welcomed Me into the Mets Locker Room

By Jay Horwitz

I was literally walking into the world of the unknown. The time was April, 1980 and I was beginning my job as the public relations director of the New York Mets. I had come to Queens with a college background and never once stepped into a professional locker room. I was petrified to say the least. Well. Lee Mazzili came to my rescue. He befriended me and told me how to act. Maz went along with my off beat story ideas like promoting how good a speed skater he was and how he almost tried out for the Olympics.

It meant so much for me because Lee wasn’t just any old player. He was an All-Star, the best player of the team. His endorsement gave me credibility with the other guys. We have remained the best of friends for 46 years now.

Thrilled that Lee will be going into our Hall of Frame this Saturday with Bobby Valentine. Well deserved.