After former Mets pitcher Zack Wheeler signed with the Phillies, 94WIP’s morning show attempted to find the best pro-athlete to play in both New York and Philadelphia.
Iconic WIP morning host, Angelo Cataldi disqualified Lenny Dykstra, who won an MVP with the Phillies and helped the Mets become World Series champions. The disqualification prompted a phone call from Dykstra.
Dykstra began the conversation by taking a shot at WIP contributor Ray Didinger, who was in studio for his weekly hour on the morning show. Cataldi referred to Didinger as a legendary football analyst and Dykstra disagreed, insinuating boring analysis.
“I’m embarrassed about the way you’ve performed your life since you left baseball. I’m embarrassed for you and for what you represented in this city,” Cataldi told Dykstra, calling him a conman and citing his time spent in prison.
Dykstra and Cataldi went back and forth for a couple minutes, before the former centerfielder known as “Nails” was cut off by the radio show.
Dykstra might think Didinger is boring, but the football analyst added a surprise claim, making the segment even more entertaining. After the phone call was dropped, Didinger said Dykstra owed him $7,000. Naturally, Dykstra quickly called back.
“Who are you, Ray?” Dysktra said to Didinger. “You used to hang out by my locker and beg me for stories, I remember that. But Ray, I think you cover football. I don’t think you know much about baseball either.”
Didinger went on to explain the money he’s owed from Dykstra. “You asked me to write two football stories…and I was promised $7,000 and I’ve never seen the money?”
Dykstra didn’t seem ready to pay the alleged debt, asking Didinger if he had a signed document.
Cataldi reiterated that Dykstra’s post-baseball life is a sad story. He was a fan favorite and an easy player to root for, but in retirement, Dykstra’s life has been highlighted by time in prison and allegations of sexual harassment.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
