The True Story Behind Sidd Finch, Baseball’s Biggest Hoax

Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz

In this episode of Amazin’ Conversations with Jay Horwitz, we revisit one of the greatest hoaxes in sports history: the curious case of Sidd Finch. Jay is joined by Joe Berton — the man who became Sidd Finch — to reflect on the unforgettable 1985 Sports Illustrated April Fools’ story that convinced the baseball world a barefoot, French horn-playing pitcher could throw 168 mph. Joe shares never-before-heard stories from spring training, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, and what it was like to live the legend.

Whether you were there in ’85 or just hearing about Sidd for the first time, this is a Mets moment you won’t want to miss.

📌 Timestamps

00:00 – Intro: 40 years later, Sidd Finch still has legs

00:54 – The origin of the Sidd Finch April Fools’ story

01:50 – Getting cast as Sidd: French horn, Tibetan bowl & spring training

03:26 – Choosing jersey number 21 and keeping the mystery alive

04:14 – Inside the Mets clubhouse with the 1985 team

05:07 – Mel Stottlemyre’s hilarious involvement

06:20 – Posing for photos and improvising wild scenarios

07:55 – Convincing players and locals Sidd was real

09:05 – French horn antics with Kevin Mitchell & Jesse Orosco

10:06 – Trying not to get kicked out by Davey Johnson or Bobby Valentine

10:29 – Photoshoots at Harvard and on the beach

11:21 – George Plimpton’s reaction to the photos

11:55 – Hidden “Happy April Fools’ Day” Easter egg in the article

12:36 – The story hits and fools everyone, including Congress

13:28 – Mets GMs actually call the commissioner

14:03 – Fake retirement & Mets tribute at Shea Stadium

15:10 – How the hoax stayed good-natured and fun

16:09 – Building a friendship with George Plimpton

17:04 – Sidd’s unlikely place in New York Mets history

18:19 – Reflections on being a part of baseball lore

19:45 – From Sportsman of the Year to back to the classroom

20:40 – Closing: Welcome to Mets history forever

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