Church of the Fonz

All I Ever Wanted

2009-04-21T00:57:00.010-04:00

Yesterday for my birthday I got to destroy the Philly Phanatic.
Well, the Phanatic in pinata form anyway. Courtesy of my uberrad little sister, my fantasy of taking a bat to that evil monster was fulfilled.
OK, so maybe I'm not over the past two years yet... don't judge me!

Real Baseball!!!

2009-04-20T22:52:00.015-04:00

This weekend, finally, I got to take in some real live baseball. On Friday I visited the brand new House of Evil, decked out in my Mets shoes, cap and jersey complete with my 'Jesus Hates the Yankees' t-shirt.

I got to check out the new stadium, trash talk with Yankee fans, and most importantly got to see our old friend Joe Smith!

My little Smitty! I miss him so...

On Saturday we saw our very first Mets game at New Shea. We started the day meeting the incredibly sweet Alyssa Milano at the new Touch store.

She signed Brooklyn's copy of her new book Safe at Home and seemed genuinely happy to hear how much she loves it. And it is refreshing to have a Mets shop for women without a single pink item in sight.

It was a very strange feeling to be in the new park and not feel completely at home at a home game. It was exciting to be in our section and sit in out new seats for the very first time.

David Wright bear and David Wright human both looked completely at home.

They asked fans to text in their favorite things about the new ballpark. My favorite answer was "the mets play here." Because really, what else do we need?

Professor Reyes made a triumphant return.

Santana, aka God, looked incredible as usual, going seven shutout innings.

JJ Putz came on to pitch a scoreless eighth, and had the whole dugout laughing afterwards.

I was most excited to see my new love Francisco Rodriguez, and he did not dissapoint.

Such a great win our first time in the new stadium has to be a sign, right? Only good things to come here.

I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here

2009-03-30T22:51:00.008-04:00

This Sunday we got to experience Shea 2.0 for the first time and it was beautiful. It was bittersweet knowing the place that was home for my entire life no longer exists but I started to fall in love with the new stadium from my first step inside.

A little piece of the Polo Grounds.

The Jackie Robinson rotunda.

It helped that it was rainy.

Cupholders! I might make it through a season without someone's beer all over my feet.

I want to dance with Mr. Met!

The bullpens are right on top of each other which should make for some great trash talk this year and also gives the Mets a leg up when a fight breaks out.

The new home run apple didn't feel like popping up yet.

A little Shea could still be found...

It was a definitely a weird feeling to be a tourist in our own stadium. And part of me will always miss Shea. But I know once I have some new memories here it will start to feel just like home. Seeing the new stadium made me even more excited for real Mets baseball to begin.

I. MISS. BASEBALL.

2008-12-21T23:59:00.004-05:00

Thank God

2008-06-26T00:04:00.006-04:00

David Wright and Jose Reyes... you're my heroes. After last night it was great to see the Mets jump all over the Mariners right from the start. Even after they scored eight runs in the first three innings, I was still stressed out for the entire game thinking they'd find a way to lose it. That's what this season's done to me.
The funniest moment of my night came when Ichiro came to bat and someone behind us started to cheer. The little boy sitting next to me stands up, points and shouts "A Seattle fan! They do exist!"
It definitely felt good to be there for a win like this tonight. I just hope they keep hitting like this against satan's team over the weekend. On the way home from the game someone stopped me to ask if the Mets won, and for once I got to say yes. He looked up in relief and said "Oh, thank God." Pretty much my thoughts exactly.

Classless

2008-06-17T23:34:00.003-04:00

Relief

2008-06-12T05:26:00.017-04:00

Lately the Mets have just been bringing me down. In a brutal-pains me to watch-but can't look away-there are no words sort of way. So last night when poor Pelfrey's incredible effort went to waste and we went into extra innings, I just wanted it to end. I kept thinking please don't put me through another inning for another loss. Then in the 13th inning, this happened:And to further win my heart, after his walkoff homer Carlos Beltran told reporters that when the Mets lose he loses sleep because "How can you sleep when things are not going good? You go home, you think about the game, you think about how we can get better. That's part of it. There's a lot of people in here who care about it." How can anyone not love this man? I'm hoping against reason that this was the start of the Mets finally turning the season around. Maybe it was Marlon Anderson's master plan going into effect. I need to believe in this team again. I hate the fan this year's been turning me into. Just give me something. Because I know that even when I try, I can't give up and stop watching.

With all the roster moves lately it's been hard to keep up, but this guy I have a good feeling about. Chris Aguila has been fire knife dancing since the fifth grade. Badass. Sounds like someone who can handle himself in a pressure situation.

Watching David Wright's interviews recently it's like he's morphing into Peter Pan. He believes the Mets are a championship caliber team, really he does! If you believe in the Mets too they can get better. Clap your hands if you believe Mets fans, clap your hands!

Sanity Break

2008-05-24T03:27:00.008-04:00

This season is wearing me down. It is only May. My first tears of the season shouldn't come until at least September. They are just finding new ways to rip my heart out every day. Just when it felt like things were coming together they go and lose five in a row. As soon as they started talking about Billy's perfect ERA tonight I just knew he was about to blow the lead. It's feels like every game I'm watching just waiting for things to fall apart.

I need a break. Tomorrow I'm heading down to a Nationals-Brewers game. This is what it's come to. Mets, please could you get it together before I get back? Kthxbai.

Piazza, New York Catcher

2008-05-20T16:44:00.006-04:00

Today Mike Piazza officially announced his retirement from baseball:

"I have to say that my time with the Mets wouldn’t have been the same without the greatest fans in the world. One of the hardest moments of my career, was walking off the field at Shea Stadium and saying goodbye. My relationship with you made my time in New York the happiest of my career and for that, I will always be grateful. So today, I walk away with no regrets. I knew this day was coming and over the last two years, I started to make my peace with it. For 19 years, I gave it my all and left everything on the field.
God bless and thanks for a wonderful ride."

Getting to see Piazza come home one last time was a highlight of the 2007 season for me. Hearing Voodoo Child pump through the speakers, watching him bring out the scorecard and wave to the roaring crowd. It was one of the most moving moments I've been a part of at Shea. So many of my best Mets memories came from that man. Who can look back on his home run that first game back after September 11th and not get chills? We were lucky to have Mike and we'lll always remember and keep him in our hearts. Best of luck to a great Met and a great guy. See you in Cooperstown in five years.

Look Who Remembered How To Get An Out

2008-05-20T16:06:00.003-04:00

Can we strip him of his former Met title please? Just because we were paying his salary doesn't mean he wasn't a Brave all along. What a miserable, miserable game. After Luis Castillo's home run the highlight may have been the booth's conversation about pi. Hopefully the Mets can bounce back tonight. I guess we'll have to wait until Glavine comes back to Shea to see him get the payback he deserves. I hope his pitching arm falls off.

Subway Surfin

2008-05-20T03:07:00.006-04:00

Best part of this picture: faces on the Yankee fans.

Last year going into the subway series I expected the Mets to dominate. This year I found myself thinking just don't embarass us completely, just win one. Between the Mets lackluster play lately and the drama in the clubhouse I haven't even been enjoying the Yankees being in last place. Watching the Mets knock the Yankees around these past two games has renewed my faith. Finally they're showing some sparks of life. Even when they got robbed of three runs yesterday, they fought back and ended up with eleven. And they actually looked like they were having fun out there.

Before I had the 99 Mets comeback win against the Yankees on and it reminded me of all the things I loved about that team. Even though in the end that season broke my heart I still look back and love them for the fire they played with, for how much fun they were to watch right til the end. I want to see these Mets play with that kind of passion all the time.

So much in this series really lifted my spirits. All the fist pumps around the bases, the handshakes, seeing Oliver Perez tip his cap to the Yankee stadium crowd of all Mets fans. This quote from John Damon (he forfeited the y when he signed with the Yankees) “They had a reason to be out there cheering. They ended up kicking our butts. It was pretty embarrassing.”

It was a good weekend. Now we just need to them to carry it into Atlanta. Please, please Mets, keep it up. Because losing to Tom Glavine might just be more that I can take.

Rain Delay Distractions

2008-05-16T21:11:00.006-04:00

Curse of Nolan Ryan Strikes Again

2008-05-15T15:56:00.007-04:00

I forgot there was a day game on today until I got the 'Are you watching the game? Turn the game on' call from my dad. I've been a Mets fan long enough I didn't even have to ask why, I knew exactly what that meant. Then as soon as I turn it on all I hear is 'no-hitter, no-hitter, no-hitter.' I was screaming at the TV, "Stop! You're going to jinx him, stop talking about it!!!" Since they were broadcasting from the upper deck today I was a little surprised that a fan didn't come and stop them. I still can't believe Pelfrey ended up with the loss after the way he pitched today. It's just not right. After the game he said "I'd rather give up 5 runs and we get the W."

My new hope is that the curse only applies to Shea Stadium, and after they knock it down the Mets will finally be able to get that no hitter. Maybe.

Mets vs. Reds Game 1

2008-05-11T10:29:00.004-04:00

To John Maine:

2008-05-08T08:10:00.009-04:00

Happy 27th birthday buddy!!!

West Coast Trips Are Exhausting

2008-05-08T05:55:00.013-04:00

So glad they'll be back home tomorrow. I mostly slept through all of Tuesday night's game, which I originally figured was a good thing after seeing the score. My grandpa used to say that any time you watch a baseball game you can always see something you've never seen before. Very true. When they said that Moises Alou stole home I thought I must have misheard. Could not believe it was true until they replayed the clip. This is why I can never skip games. Or sleep.

Hey Johnnycakes? Please stop beating your self up now, k? You did good kid. You can smile. Really, it's all right.

Early on in Wednesday's game, my Angel in the Outfield made an absolutely insane catch, toppling over into the stands but still coming up with the ball and a laugh. Somebody please put that video on youtube so that I can watch it every time I get down on the team. The offense didn't look too shabby either, putting up 12 runs. Nice to see the Mets smack Brad Penny around. I will always hate that man for trying to start with Shawn Green last year. It was kind of John Maine to bring a little joy to our lives by throwing at Jeff Kent. The Maine man looked amazing through 8 1/3 innings. He gave up just 4 hits and 1 run and allowed the bullpen relax for a day. And he even looked good with the bat, knocking in two runs! After Duaner got the final out, John had a pretty sweet looking handshake going in the dugout with Mike Pelfrey. Jose, watch your back, the pitchers are coming!

So the Mets went 3-3 against two of the hottest teams right now. Looking good. Let's keep it up against the Reds this weekend.

On the Reds, I saw this video of their mascot over at Hot Foot and was slightly traumatized. If I ever saw Mr. Met's head fall off I think I'd have nightmares. I'm still haunted by the image of the Philly Phanatic shooting him on Conan last year. I'm an adult, really.

By The Time I Get To Arizona

2008-05-03T00:35:00.004-04:00

When the very first pitch turns into a Jose Reyes triple, it feels like it's going to be a good series.I don't know if it was Wagner getting through to the guys or just that desert air they love but everything came together tonight. John Maine worked his way through six innings for the win and we finally got to see him walk off the mound with a smile on his face, a sight that's become far too rare this year. Jose Reyes almost completed the cycle with an inside the park home run. Moises Alou finally got back in a real game and looked like a little kid, you couldn't wipe the smile off his face all night. David Wright went 3-5 with a 2 run homer. The pitching, the hitting, the defense, it was all there. It felt like the Mets finally showed up tonight and looked like the team we know they can be. More where that came from please.

On the Bright Side...

2008-04-30T18:48:00.008-04:00

Aaron Heilman looked stellar today.

And according to Doug Mientkiewicz we haven't even seen the real Johan yet. "Let's put it this way: When that team needs him the most, he's going to be there. Come August and September, he's going to be dominant." Don't we all feel better now that he's weighed in?

Please, Mets, don't play like this against the Diamondbacks this weekend. Or ever again. Wagner always says it best: "There was no get up and go. That can't happen."

It Is Still April

2008-04-30T00:21:00.015-04:00

...and the Mets are already giving me an ulcer. They can't ever make it easy can they? Games should not be this stressful so early on.
Johan Santana wasn't at his best tonight, but he struck out seven and kept the Pirates to just two hits (both home runs) through 5 2/3 innings. Big props to the little kid in the bleachers who threw Jason Bay's home run ball back in the fourth inning. You make me proud to call myself a Mets fan. Ryan Church tied the game with a two run shot and made it just a little bit harder for me to hate him. It figures that the one guy I truly dislike on the entire team has been our best hitter thus far. After struggling at the plate all night David Wright came through to win it with a just fair single to send home Endy Chavez in the 11th inning. The Mets wasted some opportunities tonight but they stayed in it all night and fought til the end.

It was good to see Moises Alou back in the dugout tonight. It should be a major lift to the offense to get him back in the lineup in a few days. Get well soon, Schneid, we need you back too. Jose Valentin was in the lockerroom visiting his teammates before the game and hopes to be ready to play by the end of May. So many injuries, sometimes I forget who's still a Met.

After the game tonight Johan Santana spoke about how he understands that the fans want to see the team win but they are human beings and it can hurt to hear the boos. I hate that he's been a Met for such a short time and already he's feeling that. I know it's been talked to death at this point, but I really do think we need to lay off with the booing. Aside from anything else, it's just never made anyone play better. Shea Stadium shouldn't be such a hostile atmosphere, this is not Philadelphia. Please, let's direct the animosity towards the other teams where it belongs.

Stop Making This So Hard

2008-04-24T21:21:00.003-04:00

Aaron, I love you. But you are killing me. Being your #1 fan is proving difficult right now.

Dear Wallace Matthews:

2008-04-24T13:41:00.010-04:00

Jose Reyes does not need to be Derek Jeter when he grows up. We love him for being Jose Reyes. Don't project your inferiority complex on us, we do not need our Mets to be imitation Yankees. I thought we already established that Jeter isn't even a good shortstop anyway. And Jose will never be anything like that bum Rey Ordonez. Also, he is not a child, he is a professional athlete and your tone is bordering on racist. Don't condescend him, you bitter old man.
Love,
Mets Fans, Tired of Your Act
PS: Jose's handshakes aren't "silly." You masquerading as a journalist is silly.

Well That Sucked

2008-04-20T23:28:00.005-04:00

After Reyes hit that triple I really thought the Mets were going to pull this one off tonight. I hate losing to that team. I know we can't sweep every series, but when its the Phillies it just stings so much more. As much as I feel like I've moved on from last year it's still hard to just brush off a loss here and there. I know it is still really early, and hopefully as the season moves on they'll be easier to shake off. But right now, especially when they constantly bring up last September, there are too many bad Philly vibes lingering. And every time I see that Phanatic dance I just want to punch it in its giant green nose.

Take That, Phanatic

2008-04-19T19:57:00.005-04:00

The Mets beat the Phillies on their home turf today for the second straight game. Oliver Perez looked good through 5 2/3 and got himself a single. David I-Wish-I-Was-Hojo Wright started things with a two run double off of Jamie Moyer, who by the way looks exactly like the Dodo from Follow That Bird. But my favorite by far was atching Rey Rey's home run in the seventh and all the celebration to follow. Thank you Carlos for finally talking some sense into him. Jose, always listen to this man, he will never lead you astray. He just wasn't the Reyes we all fell in love with when he wasn't dancing and having a good time. Good to see the smiles and handshakes return and order restored to the universe. Aaron Heilman had me very stressed with the bases loaded in the eight. He is one of my most favorite players and I've stood by him through some less than stellar outings. So when he blows it, I can be sure I will hear it. He managed to pitch his way out of the jam with the lead intact and made me a very happy fan. Billy Wagner came in and pitched a great ninth to earn his fourth save of the year.

One more to go, get the brooms ready. Go Big Pelf!

That's What I'm Talking About

2008-04-18T02:48:00.003-04:00

Tonight the Mets rung in Shea's 44th birthday with a victory over the Nationals in the 14th inning. The Nats showed no respect for Brian Schneider, intentionally walking two batters before him. Don't you know the B-Schneid will make you pay? He will... stand there while you throw a wild pitch to give up the winning run. The Mets pitching staff really earned this one tonight, first with 7 great innings from Fig Nelson and then 7 more from all the relievers but Show. Who says we don't have a good bullpen? They looked unbelievable tonight. Also helping secure the win: cats and rally caps. For whatever reason cats seem to be on the Mets side. First one ran across the field into the Mets dugout, and then in the 13th a black cat came my back step and sat and stared at me for the rest of the game. And when our boy Ollie came out to celebrate he had his cap turned inside out. Good work, OP. Things are looking good, let's keep the luck coming and beat up on the Phillies all weekend.

Return of the Best Goggles In Baseball

2008-04-15T22:30:00.006-04:00

I didn't get home tonight until the 9th inning, so I missed the great effort by Big Pelf, but I did get home just in time to see Duaner Sanchez's big return to Shea. Watching him point to the sky and walk out of the bullpen, I was feeling so so nervous for him. I can't believe it's been 21 months since we last saw him in a real game. Remember how great it was that first half of 2006 when the ball was handed off to the bullpen and you could feel confident they'd get it done? I know it's been a long time and we can't expect him to be the same pitcher he was right away, but I'm optimistic. He looked good tonight. It was just one game, but it was a huge first step. After the final out he just looked so grateful and relieved. I was so happy for him watching Willie and all his teammates congratulating him. And at first I thought it was sweet when Reyes jumped into him, but then I thought please, can we watch the shoulder? Seriously, he worked so long to get back here, we can't take any chances.

Good to have you back, Duaner, I missed you while you were gone.

(Not) Drivin to Shea to See Johan Santana

2008-04-12T12:14:00.005-04:00

It is a gorgeous day for a ballgame. Johan Santana is about to take the mound at Shea for the very first time as a Met. And I am missing out on this moment to drive to D.C. to see my brother's play. That is love.

Welcome Home Nelson

2008-04-11T21:48:00.004-04:00

What a job tonight by Brooklyn's own Nelson Figueroa to earn his very first win in a Mets uniform. And could this guy make it any easier to root for him? Almost always it seems players just have to put the fan in them on the shelf, but Nelson is such a true Mets fan at heart and has let everyone know it. It was so endearing to watch his entire family (packed into Billy Wagner's suite) cheering him on and listen to his father talk about how proud he was. You could tell it was such an emotional night for everyone. Nelson called the game a dream come true. After playing everywhere from Mexico to Taiwan, he's finally made it home to the team that first drafted him. And after all that, he still gets called kid. Tonight was the kind of feel good game I just want to hold on to and remember when baseball starts to bring me down. I'll just look back on Nelson's teammates and coaches congratulating him and watching him point up to his family and it will make me smile.

Send Us An Angel

2008-04-10T23:12:00.003-04:00

Angel Pagan, it's so good to have you back home where you belong. When they made the deal to bring him back this winter I had a feeling we were going to fall fast for him, and he has not disappointed. He looked great right from the start this spring, and so far this season he just seems to keep finding ways to come through in the big spots. And with Jose Reyes struggling so hard to redeem himself for last season it was great to see him score the winning run tonight. (And he did score. Stop whining Phillies). After the game when they asked Angel about getting mobbed by his teammates in the celebration he said "That's just part of a game winning RBI. I'll take it. Come beat me up any time." I think a 12th inning walkoff was just what we all needed tonight. Hopefully it helps put a little of the swagger back in this team. The Mets officially have a winning record against the Phillies this season. Now maybe they can finally stop bringing up games we lost last year and focus on 2008.

Pelfness: Catch It

2008-04-09T22:58:00.005-04:00

Great job by the Big Pelf tonight to beat the Phillies for his first win of 2008. You could tell by that big grin in the dugout he was relieved to get that first win under his belt quickly. When Omar Minaya was talking about him in the booth he kept calling him Michael Pelfrey. It made me smile because it reminded me of a kid's parent who always insists on using their full name. It was great to see the kid looking so good out there, especially considering the word on El Duque. The Mets are going to be counting on him to hold it down this season, and it really feels like he's going to step it up and come through in a big way. The Mets putting up eight runs didn't hurt either. Watching the Phillies defense reminded me of my dog playing with his toy when he can't hold on to it and gets confused because he doesn't know where it went. Jorge Sosa looked good in relief, Pedro Feliciano made me sweat a little but got out all right, and Carlos Muniz pitched a solid ninth inning. All together it was a perfect bounce back from yesterday. Hopefully tomorrow John Maine comes through, we take the series and everyone can relax a little.

Smile, You're At The Ballpark

2008-04-08T22:11:00.016-04:00

Those were some words of wisdom from a Shea worker who did not think I looked excited enough to be at opening day. He didn't need to worry because I was of course ecstatic to finally be back at Shea and to experience my first ever opening day. Some Yankee fan tried to start with me on my way to the 7 but I just brushed it right off. (Seriously, why do they think that's OK? I hate the Yankees but I don't go harassing random fans on the street). It was the most people I'd ever seen going into Shea, a complete sea of blue and orange. I realized how much I missed that place over thewinter. It felt so great to be running up those ramps again, with all the familiar smells and sounds. And there's nothing more beautiful than that first sight of that green grass when walk out to your seat.

It made me a little sad to see the new dugout roof just say Home of the Mets after I'd gotten so used to it saying NL East Champions.

William Shea's family was on hand for the unveiling of his name on the retired numbers wall and the Shea Stadium countdown in the outfield. They had some good video montages of the great moments in Shea's history playing throughout the game. With everything bad people have had to say about Shea I'm glad to see the Mets are paying it the respect it deserves in its final season. Growing up it never mattered how it stacked up to other stadiums, it was home. Seeing the countdown on the wall and Citi Field towering in the background it just reminds you to really take in every moment at Shea this year. Knowing it was the very last opening day in this place with so much history made it even more special to be a part of.

Pregame introductions were insane. We were booing every random strength trainer for the Phillies like they were our arch enemy. (I think those guys probably secretly enjoy it, I mean when does anyone ever pay that much attention to them). That smug little Cole Hamels had to get all snarky and tip his cap at the crowd when we booed him. Then Brett Myers had to outdo him, and of course Jimmy Rollins had to put on the most obnoxious fan taunting display of all. Thanks, Phillies, for working so hard to make me hate you. I think we might need to start some sort of heckling spring training, because the fan jeers needed some work. The guy behind us yelled "Boo You" through all nine innings.

And then came the Mets. The cheering was loud for Willie and all the coaches but the most love went to Hojo. Everyone went nuts for Endy Chavez, Carlos Muniz got some blank stares and Nelson Figueroa looked maybe the happiest to be there. Then the got to Johan Santana and you couldn't even hear his name over the roar of the crowd. It might have been the longest ovation I've ever been part of. I wish I got a picture of his smile. He beamed and waved to the crowd and just looked humbled by the whole thing. It was one of those Mets moments I'll always remember getting to welcome Johan to New York. And then after we cheered for an eternity, they announced Scott Schoeneweis. Did they really need to announce him after Santana? That's just not right. I know he had a bad year last year, but people didn't need to boo him so viciously, it was opening day. He kind of laughed it off and Johan leaned over and hugged him which made me feel a little better about it. The whole crowd was on their feet screaming for all the starters, with some MVP chants going for David Wright, but we saved our biggest cheers for Oliver Perez. Once the Mets are out there in front of the home crowd the season finally starts to feel real.

My bag, made by Brooklyn and signed by Fernando Martinez

Carlos Delgado hit a monster home run in the second and we got to see the home run apple's first appearance of the year. They should have had ten more runs because Jamie Moyer is 100 years old, but he held them to two. Oliver Perez shut the Phillies out into the sixth, when after two walks and a balk he was taken out for Joe Smith.
He just looks so sad and dejected leaving the game.

Then the bullpen pretty much fell apart. Scott Schoeneweiss did nothing to help his case with the Shea crowd giving up two runs to tie up the game. Jorge Sosa came in and let another run score up a run and in the eighth Aaron Heilman let up two more to make the score 5-2. The crowd quickly deflated and soon people were piling out which is all kinds of depressing to me. I mean, it was opening day. Even if the bullpen's a mess and the offense can't seem to put together a rally, you stay through nine innings. When we're down by three in the ninth you believe there will be a walkoff. Come on, people.

I wish the Mets were never gonna make me cry.

After the final out was recorded to make things even worse they played Billy Joel. That is the last thing I need to be subjected to after a tough loss. They used to play Coldplay after losses. Now every time I hear Coldplay I get sad inside, so I don't know which is worse. The subway entrance was an absolute mess, it took a year just to get to the stairs. If we had won it might not have been so bad, but standing in a mob of Mets fans after a loss to the Phillies is a pretty miserable experience. Of course it would have been great to win the home opener, but it was not the end of the world that we didn't. I actually heard someone yell 'maybe next year' to their friend. Now I know we all got burned pretty bad last year, and right now the losses are feeling pretty reminiscent of the collapse, but it is still only April. It is not time to panic. The Mets are a good team, they're going to turn it around. The beautiful thing about baseball is up until the very end you get to say 'We'll get em tomorrow.' There is another game tonight, another 156 chances to set things right. Remember that we are Mets fans and out creed is 'Ya Gotta Believe', not 'Ya Gotta Give Up All Hope At The First Sign of Trouble.'

It's going to be OK.

Atlanta I Hate You

2008-04-06T16:33:00.005-04:00

That city's nothing but trouble. Meh. It's ok. In just two short days the Mets will be back home playing at Shea and all will be right in the world again.

"Oh, I'm Sorry..."

2008-04-05T19:43:00.015-04:00

So tonight's loss to the Braves was pretty much all around miserable to watch but it did provide one incredibly entertaining moment. In the middle of that mess of a game we got to enjoy the most hysterical, embarrassing, shameless promotion I've ever seen in my life starring our old friend Tom Glavine. After a moment of silence he looks up and says "Oh, I'm sorry. I was just reading Tim McCarver's new book." I didn't see you there, America. I was too enthralled in this literary masterpiece. It's the greatest work since Shakespeare, a sight more beautiful than my wife and children. I have no time to discuss the 2007 collapse and the emotional damage I've caused the Mets fanbase right now because I am all caught up in this work of genius from the most important mind of our time, Tim McCarver. On bookshelves now!
Oh, FOX. How I look forward to another season of Saturday games.
I'd also like to make the petty observation that it is looking like Glavine has put on some weight this offseason. Since speaking his name causes me to convulse from now on I will be referring to him as Fatty McButterpants.

Also please note that I am still very sick and surviving on nothing but couph syrup so I apologize if everything above is completely incoherent and not at all funny outside of my warped brain.

Who's Down With OPP?

2008-04-02T22:37:00.005-04:00

Oliver Perez just has this way of always coming through and picking me up when I am down. Like Willie said I would like to put tonight's performance in a bottle and keep it. There's nothing like a nice 13-0 victory to wash the taste of a Pedro injury away.

Omar: DO IT.

2008-04-02T17:01:00.006-04:00

You won't be disappointed. I promise. Bring the Fonz home.

Buzz: Mets Have Talked With Fonzie

NOOOOO

2008-04-01T21:39:00.004-04:00

me, walking into the house: how's Pedro doing?
Brooklyn: you don't know want to know.
me: he's not hurt is he?
Brooklyn: he strained his left hamstring.
me: if this is an April fools joke, I am not amused.

Gone Til November

2008-04-01T08:14:00.029-04:00

Real baseball's finally back in full swing and winter me has been put on the shelf. Yesterday was the start of a six month long all-consuming ride. From here on out it's all baseball.

I love that we got to open in Florida. It hardly felt like a road game watching the Mets all smile and wave to the fans and hearing the crowd go nuts for Santana. It's like Shea South.

Johan pitched beautifully, we couldn't have asked for much more from his first start. Seven innings, three hits, eight strikeouts. He looked like everything we've been waiting for. And we should all thank the baseball gods for that, because this is New York and you know all the haters are just waiting for anything bad to jump all over. One game and already I feel like he's been a Met forever. He looks so natural in that uniform, and from pitching to hanging in the dugout to fielding questions he just seems right at home. "I wasn't trying to do anything different than just try to be myself."

In the fourth the Mets set a new opening day record with a six run inning with contributions by Carlos Beltran, new baseball boyfriend Angel Pagan, Jose Reyes and David Wright. After all the injuries this spring the offense it was good to see (mostly) everyone out there and doing their part. Even B-Schneid is starting to grow on me. From David Wright: "Today we were able to put it all together. We were able to do everything we wanted."

So one win is in the books. The first of what should be many for Johan, and a fresh start for everyone around from last year. The Mets 2008 season is officially underway. It may just be one of 162 but it's feeling like the start of big things.

Opening Day around baseball:

After Miguel Cabrera's first homerun as a Tiger he had a handshake with just about every one in the dugout. I'm not going to lie, I was impressed.

The Rangers lost their opener to the Mariners. That's what happens when you give up Fonzie, serves you right.

The Yankees and the Cardinals both got postponed by rain. That has to be a good omen, right?

And former Mets were representing:

Carlos Gomez had two hits, two stolen bases and scored two runs in his debut for the Twins, a 3-2 victory over the Angels. Way to go baby Carlos. I hope this is the beginning of a beautiful future in Minnesota.

Xavier Nady had a monster game for the Pirates with two homers, four RBI and four runs scored in a 12-11 extra innings win over the Braves. The legend of the X man lives on.

And Lastings Milledge hit a two run homer in the Nationals win over the Phillies. As painful as it is because I wish he was still a Met, I do want to see Lasto do well. Broken hearts hurt but they make you strong.

[Shawn Green was looking good as a retired person. -Cheese] Sigh.

First St. Pedro day of the year tonight. I'll sadly be missing the start but I have full faith in our "second #1 guy" to bring it home. Come on Picasso, let's get the year started right.

And um, SNY? Maybe now that we've got one game out of the way you can stop bringing up the collapse every five seconds? Please? Kthxbai.

Leaving the Past

2008-03-31T08:33:00.016-04:00

Last year when our playoff tickets arrived there was so much hope and excitement in holding a World Series ticket in my hands. After things fell apart, it just didn't seem right to unceremoniously throw away something that loaded. So I held onto them and they've been staring at me, haunting me all winter. This morning it was time to put them to rest. They needed a dramatic exit from the world. They had to be set on fire.

So I gathered them up along with some other painful momentos of all that wasn't in 2007. Tickets from all the losses against the Phillies. Tom Glavine's page ripped out of the yearbook. And my ticket from that game. The last game of the season and the worst day in my life as a Mets fan.
Every reminder of the heartbreak of last season turning to smoke was a beautiful sight. I feel like the demons of 2007 have finally been vanquished and I can move on. In just a few short hours I'll be out watching Johan Santana's very first start real start as a Met. After the winter that felt like it would never end the 2008 season is finally upon us. The past's the past, today we start new.

Let's go Mets!

It's Been A Bad Day

2008-03-28T22:19:00.014-04:00

That's my boy Cuckoo limping off the field after he got hurt, still putting on a brave face for the fans. When a fan yelled down to ask if he was all right, he turned around, flashed a big smile, motioned not to worry and said "I'm OK." And now he's a Brave. It's just not right. I will always remember him play boxing with Reyes and Gomez and clowning around in the dugout with Ollie and John Maine. Who's he going to be friends with now, Jeff Francouer? Gohead is way too cool for Jeff Francouer. Shame on you Mets for making Ruben cry. "I thought I did a good job last year," Gotay said with tears in his eyes. "I didn't think I deserved this." You did do a good job Ruben, and I won't forget it. You stepped up and surprised us all when we needed it. Even though you have to play for that evil team down south now, I'll still be rooting you on.

UPDATE: It was that mole Tom Glavine who told the Braves to get Gotay. I knew he was a spy all along! I hate you Tom Glavine, I HATE YOU. Just waste years of my life posing as a Met while you gather up information to take back to your real team you bum. Now you just took it too far stealing my Gotay. Karma's going to come back and bite you.

Yesterday the Texas Rangers officialy announced the release of Edgardo Alfonzo. We knew he was a long shot to make the team from the start, but he had a good spring and we were holding out hope that he'd play AAA for them for a while and get called up when someone got hurt. As I'm writing this, the Family Guy episode where Peter starts the Church of the Fonz came on. I'd like to think that's a sign. Hopefully he'll find a way to keep on going like he always seems to. Fonzie be praised!

And to top it all off I've been sick the past couple of day with some sort of flu thing I can't shake. This sucks for two reasons. One because I feel miserable, but more importantly I cannot be sick on opening day. Not because I would skip it, of course I'll still go. But I need to get better before then because I was sick at my first game last year and we all know how that ended. Crazy superstitious? Yes. But you just can't risk these sort of things.

New York City: Fountain of Youth

2008-03-28T02:24:00.011-04:00

So according to the Mets media guide, Mr. Valentin will be 25 years old this opening day. Stache my man, you're looking a little gray for someone so young. But I guess that comes from playing in the majors since you were eleven. And there must have been a wedding none of us heard about this offseason, because in Angel Pagan's bio they call him Angel Pagan Figueroa. Who knew?

A Clean Slate

2008-03-26T20:17:00.008-04:00

I woke up and there they were, like Christmas morning. Pages of beautiful, fresh new tickets filled with all the hope of a new season. They smelled like hope, really. 2008 pocket schedules. I've really missed having a pocket schedule. The media guide to spend nights discovering every small piece of information we can on every Met and Met prospect. This commemorative Shea Stadium box to hold our shrine of tickets. And tickets to my very first opening day.
It feels like a new beginning.

Happy 2008!

2008-03-25T16:51:00.005-04:00

The date January 1st means nothing to me. For baseball fans, a new year doesn't really start until the new season does. So I was up at six, armed with plenty of black coffee, ready to watch the Red Sox take on the A's and ring in the new year. It was crazy to be watching a game before the sun even came up. I was feeling nervous for Daisuke the entire time. I should not get this stressed out over games not involving the Mets, but I do. We had to leave the game on mute, because no one should be subjected to Steve Phillips that eary in the morning (or ever). But I did get the sound back on when Papelbon came in to see if they would play Shipping Up To Boston. They did, which was almost as awesome as everyone over there knowing the Jose-Jose-Jose chant. They should start airing the Japanese games over here, because if every morning could start with breakfast and baseball, life would be good. I think we could be a more productive country, they should look into that. It was great to finally be watching a meaningful game, one that can't be brushed off as just spring training, one that counts towards something. And an edge of your seat, extra inning affair and a Red Sox win to boot. The 2008 season is finally underway. Happy opening day everybody!

Who's Ready For Some Baseball?

2008-03-25T06:03:00.004-04:00

Layla is!

I've Missed That Laugh

2008-03-24T22:04:00.003-04:00

A Metsmerized Easter

2008-03-23T02:58:00.009-04:00

Flippin' sweet egg provided by the little sis. Happy Easter Mets fans!

Sad News, Fonz Fans

2008-03-22T18:11:00.006-04:00

Yesterday the Texas Rangers reassigned Edgardo Alfonzo to minor league camp. They are still hoping he will accept a role with their AAA affiliate and begin the season an Oklahoma Redhawk. As Fonzie said:

"I just feel like if I can play, I need to still play. Eleven years is good enough, but if you love this game, you do whatever it takes to keep playing."

And as the creator of this video knows, baseball and Edgardo Alfonzo deserve each other.

Just What Every Mets Collection Is Missing...

2008-03-20T17:32:00.007-04:00

Because every girl is looking for a pair of spiked heel boots to wear to the game. Imagine trying to navigate the Shea ramps in those things?

At Least This Year There's No Rap Song

2008-03-17T21:12:00.009-04:00

Inspired by this post at MetsGrrl and this classic film.

You know when you start seeing the billboards and ads on the subway (and even those godawful kelly ripa ads) the new season's just around the bend. The Mets caps are starting to pop up more often, baseball's in the air. Just fourteen short days, can you feel it?

Pedro Will Save Us!

2008-03-16T17:59:00.006-04:00

In case you missed it: Pedro Martinez is back! Not only did he throw four shutout innings against the Tigers today, but fear not, he's going to put a stop to the team's injuries as well. How, you ask? By dancing around the field naked, of course. Remind me, how did we ever survive so long in Pedro's absence?

Oh My Stars

2008-03-15T00:09:00.002-04:00

Read these stories about Carlos Beltran finally becoming a father and if you're a sap like me, prepare to cry. After his wife Jessica suffered two miscarriages, on October 26th they were overjoyed to welcome a healthy baby girl to the world. “It used to be the two of us,” he said. “Now we’re three, and I’m the third-most important one.” Everyone around him has witnessed a change and see a happier, younger Beltran. After watching his tough adjustment to New York and all he's been through as a Met, it's been amazing to see Carlos looking this happy and comfortable all spring. During the game the other day Kevin Burkhardt asked him about being a father and he really did just beam, it was the biggest smile I've ever seen him wear. When he speaks about his daughter he just radiates this pride and love for his family. According to the Times article he brought baby Ivana around the clubhouse to show her off and Wednesday morning watched in awe as she played with Carlos Delgado's son. “Ivana’s almost five months, and she’s just this wonderful little person. Looking at her, I wonder where all the time went.”

We Got The Bee

2008-03-14T18:12:00.007-04:00

Please enjoy this lovely music video featuring Shea Stadium and David Wright. I think that Jose Reyes wins the better cameo and yeah, I really need it to be opening day already. Happy Friday.

Raise Your Hand If It's Your Birthday

2008-03-13T19:33:00.003-04:00

Happy 29th, Johan. Don't ever change. Love, Mets fans.

Gotta Love Spring Training...

2008-03-12T15:53:00.010-04:00

Luis Castillo fell victim to the old gum on the cap prank in the dugout when Ramon Castro piled on two bubbles and a plastic cup this afternoon. Endy Chavez was so amused he had to take a picture on his cell phone. This went on for nearly half the game before Castillo finally took notice and retreated to the clubhouse.

Angel Pagan continued to tear it up with a pinch hit 2 run homer in the 7th to give the Mets the lead. When he was interviewed during the game he said how it feels like home again to be back with the Mets. Please stop scaring me with trade rumors, I don't think I could take it if we sent him away.

Also Tampa Bay, you are completely winning my heart this spring. Way to put those whining Yankees in their place. Keep doing what you're doing Rays.

A Tribute to The Girls of Summer

2008-03-08T22:00:00.001-05:00

If you don't know, now you know: March 8th marks International Women's Day. In its honor, this post is a salute to all of the incredible women in baseball history whose contributions are all too often forgotten.

Joan Whitney Payson
Mets Co-founder and Original Owner, Team President 1968-1975

Joan Payson fell in love with baseball as a child watching the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds, and eventually became a minority shareholder in the team. After the Giants left for San Franciscio she sold her stock and began working to bring a replacement team to New York. In 1961, the National League awarded her a New York franchise, and from names including the Skyliners, the Burros, and the Jets, it was Joan Payson who picked the name Mets. She lobbied for the team to bring in her favorite players like Gil Hodges and Willie Mays and even convinced Casey Stengal to come out of retirement and become the team's first manager. Beloved by players and fans alike for her passion for the game, she could always be found in her box behind home plate cheering and even heckling the opposing players. In 1981 she was inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame.

First Young Ladies Baseball Club 1890

In the 1890s teams like the Young Ladies Baseball Club #1 barnstormed across America challenging men's local, semi-pro, and minor league teams. In spite of uniforms weighing upwards of 30 lbs, they were known to annihilate their male opponents.

Effa Manley
Newark Eagles Owner

Effa Manley was the owner and business manager of the Negro Leagues franchise the Newark Eagles. She was responsible for day-to-day business operations of the team, arranged playing schedules, planned the team’s travel, managed and met the payroll, bought the equipment, negotiated contracts, and handled publicity and promotions. Legend says she even called bunts from the stands by crossing and uncrossing her legs. Male owners She worked to improve playing conditions for her players, advocating better pay, scheduling, and travel accomodations. In the offseason, she sponsored a team in the Puerto Rican winter leagues to ensure her players had work opportunities. She provided the Eagles with an air-conditioned Flexible Clipper bus, a first for a Negro League Team. Aware of her team's role in the communitiy, Effa used baseball to advance civil rights. She worked with the Citizen's League for Fair Pay and the NAACP and in 1939 held an "Anti-Lynching Day" at Ruppert Stadium. In 2006 Manley became the first women to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Her gravestone reads "She Loved Baseball."

Sophie Kurys

Second Base, Racine Belles 1943-1950

Known as "the Flint Flash," Sophie Kurys played second base for the Racine Belles of the All-American Girls Baseball League. In 1946 she was named Player of the Year when in 113 games she stole 201 bases in 203 attempts. No one in professional baseball has ever come close to that record, and Kurys had to do it in a skirt.

Mamie "Peanut" Johnson
Right-handed pitcher, Indianapolis Clowns 1953-1955

Rejected by the racially segregated All-American Girls League, Mamie Johnson went to play for the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues. Afterwards she said "If I had played with white girls, I would have been just another player, but now I am somebody who has done something that no other woman has done." In her first game, an opposing batter yelled to the 100 pound pitcher, ""What makes you think you can strike a batter out? Why, you aren't any larger than a peanut!"" She responded by striking him out in 3 pitches and the nickname stuck with her from the day on.

Lizzie Murphy

Lizzie Murphy's baseball career began when she was 15, playing first base for local amateur teams. She moved up to play for the semi-pro Boston All-Stars, where she played in the same uniform as the men with one exception. Her name was written across the back and the front so that everyone could see she was the woman they came to see. In 1922 she became the first woman to play in a major league exhibition game. In 1928 she became the first person of either gender to play for both the National League and the American League in All-Star games.

Toni Stone
Second Base, Indianapolis Clowns and Kansas City Monarchs

After playing for several black semi-pro barnstorming teams, Toni Stone signed with the New Orleans Creoles, a team in the Negro League minors. In 1953, she was signed to play second base for the Indianapolis Clowns and became the first woman to play in the Negro Leagues. She played the 1954 season for the Kansas City Monarchs, but the Negro Leagues were coming to an end and she retired at the end of the season. Toni called facing Satchel Page her most memorable moment in baseball. "When he wound up--he had these big old feet--all you could see was his shoe. I stood there shaking, but I got a hit. Right out over second base. Happiest moment in my life."

Julie Croteau

In 1989 Julie Croteau became the first woman to play NCAA men's baseball. In her senior year of high school, Julie's parents filed a lawsuit against her school for not allowing her to play baseball. After she lost the case, the manager of the Fredricksburg Giants of the Virginia Baseball League invited her for a tryout and she earned a spot on the team. The next spring Croteau earned the starting second base position on the St. Mary's Seahawks. She told reporters she hoped her playing college ball would send a message to middle schools and high schools to allow girls to play. In 1994 she went on to play for the Colorado Silver Bullets and in 1995 she became the first woman to coach Division I baseball. She continues to work to make more opportunities available for women in baseball, and served as manager for the US Women's National team in the 2006 women's baseball world cup. Her glove and photo are displayed in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Jackie Mitchell

Pitcher, Chattanooga Lookouts

In 1931, 17 year old Jackie Mitchell signed with the Southern Association AA Chattanooga Lookouts. On April 2nd the Yankees came to Chattanooga to play an exhibition game on their way back from spring training. On playing against a woman, Babe Ruth had this to say: "I don't know what's going to happen if they begin to let women in baseball. Of course, they will never make good. Why? Because they are too delicate. It would kill them to play ball every day." Ruth was the first batter Jackie faced and she struck out on four pitches. Infuriated and embarassed, he threw his bat and stormed back to the dugout. Next up Lou Gehrig swung and missed at three pitches in a row. A few days later the comissioner voided her contract, claiming baseball was "too strenuous" for a woman to handle. She travelled the country pitching in exhibition games and was retired by time she was 23, but the legend of those back to back strikeouts lives on.

Katie Brownell

On May 14th, 2005, 11 year old Katie Brownell pitched a perfect game for the little league Dodgers of Oakfield, NY, striking out every batter she faced. She was honoroed in a ceremony at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and donated her game jersey to become a part of the Women in Baseball exhibit.

Hilda Chester
"First Lady of Flatbush"

A former softball player, Hilda Chester became the Brooklyn Dodgers most famous fan. After she suffered a heart attack and her doctor forbid her from yelling at games, she started carrying a frying pan and ladle to Ebbets Field, making so much noise in the stands that all the fans and players noticed. In the late 1930s, the Dodgers honored her for her loyalty and presented her with a brass cowbell. Even after she was given a lifetime pass to the grandstand, Hilda and her bell could always be found among the rowdy fans in the bleachers.

Edith "The Kid" Houghton
First Female Major League Scout

Edith Houghton joined the Philadelphia Bobbies when she was only ten years old. In 1925 she travelled Japan with the Bobbies playing against men's college teams. When she returned home she played several seasons for Bloomer Girls teams and when World War II broke out she enlisted in the Navy's women's auxiliary and played for their baseball team. After the war she wrote to the owner of the Philadelphia Phillies asking for a job as a scout. She was hired and scouted for the Phillies for six years until she was called up for the Korean War.

Amanda Clement

Umpire

In 1904 Amanda Clement became the first woman to be paid to umpire a game. Amanda and her family travelled from South Dakota to Iowa to watch her brother pitch in a semi-pro game. When the umpire for an amateur game didn't show up, Amanda's brother said that she was a good ballplayer and could take his place. The semi-pro teams were so impressed they hired her on the spot and she umpired games for six years afterwards. In 1964 she was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

Dorothy "Dottie" Wiltse

Pitcher, Fort Wayne Daisies

Dottie Wiltse was a pitcher for the Fort Wayne Daisies. In one month she twice won both games of doubleheaders. In each of her first four seasons, Wiltse won 20 games or more. She finished with a career record of 117-76 with an ERA of 1.83 and 1205 strikeouts, and in 1944 she pitched up until she was six months pregnant.

Ila Borders

Independent League Pitcher

In 1994 Ila Borders was the first female pitcher to start a men's NCAA or NAIA college baseball game with a complete game victory for Southern California College. After facing harassment from her SCC teammates, who threw balls at her head and slashed her tires, she transferred to Whittier College for her senior year. In 1997 she signed with the St. Paul Saints of the independent Northern League, where she was welcomed as just another ballplayer. One month into the season she was traded to the Duluth Superior Dukes, where she pitched through the 1999 season. In 2000 she for the Zion Pioneerzz of the Western Baseball League before retiring from baseball. She was inducted into the Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals in 2003.

Joanne "Joltin' Jo" Weaver

Joanne Weaver was the last professional baseball player to hit .400. In 1951, at age 14 Joanne followed her older sisters Betty and Jean's footsteps and played third base for the Fort Wayne Daisies of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. In 1952 and 1953 she won back to back batting titles. In 1954 she had a season average of .429 with 29 home runs, 254 total bases, 87 RBI, 16 doubles, 4 triples, 79 stolen bases and 109 runs scored. No player had a higher batting average in the entire 20th century.

Lady Met
Mascot extraordinaire.

Unlike her male counterpart, we don't think she gets nearly enough play.

Tales from Spring Training

2008-03-05T02:05:00.011-05:00

First thing Saturday morning we boarded the plane decked out in Mets jerseys, jackets, scarves and shoes. Even the security guard checking my Mets bag asked "So, you guys are really big fans, huh?" We checked in at the hotel and all the workers were wearing Mets jerseys. Mets fans were everywhere you turned. The town was seriously the most Mets dominated place I've ever been, which made me a little sad considering I've lived in Queens my whole life. This is how it should be all the time.

We got to Tradition Field and headed to the bleachers to watch the Mets take on the Dodgers. It felt so good just to be sitting at a ballpark taking in a game. It was strange to be watching a game so close to the players that they could hear you when you heckled. It would not have been fun to be Chan Ho Park in that bullpen. We were right up front for the big Marlon Anderson/Ryan Church collision and it looked pretty brutal. I'd been talking some smack about Ryan Church the whole game, so my brother of course turns to me and accuses me of wishing it upon him. Regardless of my personal feelings about him I wouldn't want to see any of our guys go through that. Some great pitching by Jonathan Niese, heroics in the outfield by Big #86 (the name Ezequiel Carerra made for some obligatory Pulp Fiction jokes) and Brady Clark taking one for the team led to the first Mets win of the spring. It didn't matter that they won on a hit by pitch, it didn't matter that it was a meaningless spring training game. It just felt good to see them win again.

Later we hung out at the bowling alley/arcade where they filmed the Mets Weekly segment last year. Sadly I can't bowl to save my life so I didn't get the chance to bust out my Paul Lo Duca victory dance.

We got to the park early Sunday to try to see some of the players arriving. Carlos Delgado confirmed everything I believed about him as a person when someone yelled into the parking lot to ask how he was feeling and he replied "I'm fine, thank you for asking." Alot of players would have just ignored the fans and went about their business, but he actually stopped to thank the guy. How polite is that?

Onwards to victory!

The brain trust.

The open workouts were so much fun to watch. It's crazy to see all the superstars lined up just a few feet away from you stretching and running around the cones like it's gym class. Pedro spent the whole time clowning around, Jose Valentin was making everyone laugh, and Jose Reyes was all smiles the whole time. Even if it was just running drills, it was so exciting to see Johan Santana up close and in person. When the players split up to head to different fields they crossed on the paths right next to us. It was surreal to turn around and have El Duque and Rick Peterson walking right behind me.

My favorite part of the workouts was how getting to see all the players so loose and joking around. Carlos Beltran doubling over with laughter is not a sight I ever though I'd get the chance to see. He was animatedly telling a story in batting practice and just cracking up Luis Castillo, Moises Alou and Jose Reyes. It really made me wish I understood Spanish... I think David Wright was wishing the same thing.

He got back in on the fun when Hojo showed up on his golf cart and he helped Jose steal his keys. Troublemakers.

While we were over watching infield practice Omar Minaya drove his golf cart right by us. I managed to restrain myself from bowing down shouting 'we're not worthy.' He had the longest conversation with Moises Alou and again I was really wishing I spoke Spanish. Jose Valentin was playing first and cracking jokes left and right. I also picked up a new Jose Reyes nickname from one of the coaches, who kept yelling out Rey-Rey when he hit him the ball.

I probably had the best time watching a bunch of the young pitchers take batting practice. They all went nuts when someone would get a big hit. Matt Wise was imitating someone's swing and told everyone "I am going to tell that story everyday because it was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life." And then when they went to clean up the balls, the Big Pelf decided to push Jason Vargas in a shopping cart across the field.

Good guy award goes to John Maine who spent the most time signing for fans hands down. The next morning when he came out he joked that he was going to have to pitch with his other arm.

My favorite part of spring training is getting a first look at the players while they're still young and excited to be there. Eddie Kunz, who is a giant in person, was running to his next workout but turned aroung to sign for us when he heard his first name. Later I sent the little sis running up to Brant Rustich yelling "Brant, we love you!" He got a good laugh from that one. It's just the truth, Brant. You're a Met now so you should get used to hearing it. Some of the guys we'd seen play for the Cyclones last year so it was exciting to see playing with all the big stars.

After the workouts we drove to Vero Beach to see the Mets play the Dodgers. With all the history in Dodgertown, we were excited to get the chance to see a game there before the Dodgers leave next year. The crowd was much bigger and livelier than at Tradition Field. We missed the first two innings so we didn't get to see Ollie pitch, but we got to see newly appointed my boy Angel Pagan hit the game winning single. (As I'm typing this Ron Darling's just declared that he has "mad skills.") I was psyched to see our A-minus boys beat all the Dodger stars, and the fact that Joe Torre was trying so hard to win made it even sweeter. We had guys out there with no names on their jerseys and they got the job done.

It turned out a bunch of the younger players were staying at our hotel, including Anderson Hernandez, who was a total sweetheart even though I think he was terrified he had stalkers. We found him in the parking lot Monday morning and he was kind enough to patiently pose with Brooklyn while I spent forever getting my camera to work. There were also some frequent Tom Glavine sightings, but it kept turning out they were just old ladies.

On Monday they kicked us out of workouts pretty early so they could open the stadium, but we did get to watch the pitchers for a while. Pedro Martinez walked right by to get to his next workout and he was absolutely swarmed. People were trying to hug him from behind, some lady who didn't even have a pen was trying to get him to sign her shirt but he just laughed the whole time. He kept trying to tell everyone he needed to go, but he signed the whole time he was walking. You can tell he's just so happy to be back right now.

We watched the Mets/Braves game from out on the berm, which was great for the experience (even though at one point a stroller came crashing on my head) and because it gave us a great view of Fernando Martinez. I'd been trying not to get too attached to the kid over the winter for fear he'd get traded, but now there's no reason not to be excited for his future. Pelfrey was looking strong and pitched 3 shutout innings. Once again the Mets made things dramatic with Michel Abreu scoring on a Ruben Tejada double in the 10th to win it 3-2.

Heading home I was just the best kind of exhausted. On the way to the airport we stopped off for dinner and I had some fried okra in honor of Johnny Maine. We also had a nice toast to Guillermo Mota no longer being a Met. The second I got off the plane I was hit with a huge burst of cold air and I was missing Florida already.

All together, it was just the most fun I've ever crammed into a weekend in my life. I'm so glad we got the chance to go and that I have such an amazin brother for taking me. Being up close to the team and starting off the year 3-0 has me so psyched for the season to begin. Spending time around so many Mets fans has me missing Shea Stadium in a major way. I can't wait for the boys to get back in town and the regular season to start up.

If you want to see the rest of my pictures, I have my full album up here.

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2008-02-27T13:48:00.007-05:00

Pic from Bridge and Tunnel Club

First thing this Saturday morning we're heading out to Port St. Lucie to meet the Mets, meet the Mets, step right up and greet the Mets. We've been hoping to get to spring training for a long time and we couldn't have found a better year to go. I can't wait to soak in some Florida sunshine, check out all the players at workouts and hopefully get some autographs, and take a thousand pictures. But I think the thing I'm most excited for is to take in an actual baseball game for the first time since that game we don't talk about in September. Sitting here watching the updates on my laptop is just not cutting it, I need to be at the park taking in the action first hand.

All my Mets gear is packed, my David Wright jersey bag and lucky pig ready to go. My Mets playlist needs a complete overhaul, because way too much of it came from Paulie, Lastings and Shawn, and also just to rid myself of all remnants of last year to start fresh. Hopefully this trip is going to be a great kickoff to what should be an amazing season.

Don't Let Em Take The Fight Outta You

2008-02-24T01:14:00.011-05:00

Edgardo Alfonzo has reported to Texas Rangers camp with hopes of returning to the show for the first time since 2006. After spending all of the 2007 season with the Long Island Ducks, Fonzie signed a minor league contract with the Rangers this December. The competition for a spot on the major league roster will be tight, but manager Ron Washington hasn't counted Fonzie out.

"He's a professional," Washington said. "He can still swing the bat and he can play everywhere on the field. He has been very successful. Everybody here has a chance and he does too. He's certainly got a lot left. He was a stud at one time. He hasn't lost anything. He's in great shape, he can swing the bat and he still moves around well out there. He's got a lot left."

This winter Alfonzo hit .335 with 14 doubles, 1 triple, and 5 home runs for the Navegantes Magallanes and was chosen by the Aragua Tigres as a replacement for the postseason. He won the LVBP's comeback player of the year award with 35 of 40 possible votes.

"The last thing you want to do is give up," Alfonzo said. "This is a great opportunity and I feel good. I'm open for anything. It doesn't matter if they want me as a utility guy, I'll be ready." Hopefully this June we'll get to see the Fonz at Shea for one last time.

The Bizarro Mets!

2008-02-20T10:50:00.011-05:00

"No more handshakes. People kept saying we got teams fired up when we did those handshakes, so now I want to focus more on baseball. When people see me in the dugout, and they see me not smiling, they'll be saying, 'What's wrong with Jose?' Nothing, I'm just going to be more serious this year."

So, Carlos Beltran is firing people up and Jose is going to be the quiet, serious one not cracking a smile in the dugout?

I think we've stepped into the Bizarro Mets. Up is down. Down is up. They'll say "Hello" when they leave, "Goodbye" when they arrive.

Shouldn't it be "Bad-bye? Isn't that the opposite of goodbye?"

No, it's still "Goodbye."

Can I come?

I... I'm sorry, we've already got a Shawn.

Cliff Floyd: Always A Met In Our Hearts

2008-02-19T10:57:00.012-05:00

Cliff Floyd showed up to the Tampa Bay Devilless Rays camp on Saturday carrying his equipment in garbage bags and announced "That's how we roll." Knowing Cliff, I'm sure he'll find some fresh faced rookie to carry those bags for him in no time.
He told reporters he's not going to try to be Superman this year because they already have guys who are Superman, like Carl Crawford. "I just want to see these guys play as well as I've seen them play on TV and in person," Floyd said. "I want to be able to help. I want to be able to contribute, And make sure at the end of the day we all feel good about going home."
We miss you, Cornelius. Tampa Bay better be good to you.

To Jimmy Rollins: WE Are The Team To Beat

2008-02-17T01:01:00.024-05:00

Sipkin/News

"Let me tell you this: Without Santana, we felt as a team we have a chance to win in our division. With him now, I have no doubt that we're going to win in our division. I have no doubt in that. We've got what it takes. We have good chemistry as a team. He fits great because he's a great guy. He's one of the best pitchers in the game. Who doesn't want to have him on any ballclub? So this year, to Jimmy Rollins, we are the team to beat."

Carlos Beltran, you're my hero. Man am I ever glad you decided to show up early to spring training this year. And yes, I remember how angry we all got last year when a certain shortstop in Philadelphia was expressing similiar sentiments. But Carlos Beltran is a Met. The uniform makes a world of difference. When it's coming from Jimmy Rollins it's obnoxious. When it's coming from Carlos Beltran it's exactly what I'm looking to hear. It's my right as a fan to be hypocritical. It's ok, I can own it. And how much do you love that of all people, it's quiet, reserved Carlos Beltran to bust out the big quote like this before the season even begins? When asked about the reaction he'd get in Philly: "I don't care. They booed me in Houston. One more park won't make a difference." Awesome. In my book, the more fuel he can add to the Mets/Phillies rivalry, the better. He's already made it clear he's not going to back down on this one, and I have faith he's going to make good on it out on the field.

Sipkin/News

It's great to see the level of excitement Johan's brought to camp already. The team's swagger is back in full force and you can feel it. From Pedro: "I'm extremely happy to have Johan over here. I can breathe. It's like a big glass of cold water when you're really thirsty. That's how bad we wanted Johan, and I'm glad he's on our side. He's somebody that now everybody can rely on." Every single story to come out of spring training is making me that much more excited for real baseball to begin.

Associated Press

Paul Lo Duca has issued an apology to his family, fans and the baseball community for his involvement in the Mitchell Report, and Church of the Fonz is seriously considering taking him off notice. Personally, I would like to believe it's coming from a real place. And people make mistakes, right? On the other hand, he did make Brooklyn cry, and she's just not ready to forgive and forget.

Pic from LOLJocks

As much as I've enjoyed watching that bum Clemens suffer through the congressional hearings this week, some details I just did not need to know. I'd like to add "abscess on Roger Clemens buttocks" to the list of phrases I could live without ever hearing again. It's right up there with "tom glavine," "the Collapse," "kirk radomski," "boys will be boys," and "26 championships."

Also be sure to check out The Onion for some points on Johan Santana that we may have overlooked.

Mr. Met's Side Job

2008-02-14T01:37:00.003-05:00

Wondering where all the magic on the Colbert Report writing staff comes from? That's right, it's our very own Mr. Met.

So that's where he was taking the train to...

Pitchers and Catchers!

2008-02-13T20:55:00.007-05:00

Spring is in the air. Outside my window the street is covered with ice, but 1199 short miles from here, pitchers, catchers and David Wright are showing up for training and real baseball is just a heartbeat away. The offseason's been long, but I survived thanks to a new found love of football and some winter league games starring my main man Fonzie. And now after months of checking Metsblog every five minutes to see what was happening with Johan, he is finally throwing as a Met. Now spring training is finally here, and there'll be no more agonizing over Omar's moves, performance enhancing drugs and last year's brutal ending. Starting tomorrow, it's all about 2008 Mets baseball.

We're Gonna Have Alot of Fun Out There.

2008-02-11T14:54:00.002-05:00

What does Johan anticipate about being teammates with Pedro? Fun.

I've seen the guy talk twice since becomg a Met and already I've lost count of the times he's said the word fun. At the press conference every question seemed to lead back to "We're gonna have alot of fun out there." Johan, where have you been all my life? Seriously, April cannot get here fast enough.

Hearts On Fire. Strong Desire.

2008-02-10T22:08:00.004-05:00

Today the New York Times ran this great article: Meet David Wright, the Real Mr. Met , and it just reminded me of everything there is to love about David. My favorite quote:

“I’m at a point in my life where, besides my family, I can’t think of anything more important to me than baseball,” Wright said. “I thought about what happened last year all the time, but I used it as a driving force to get bigger, stronger and quicker. I focused 100 percent on getting ready physically because I don’t want to feel what I felt watching the playoffs from home.”

If there was one person on the Mets you could never hold the collapse against it was David. Not just because he performed so well down the stretch, but because you never had to question just how much is heart was in it. What stung the most about September was feeling like the team was just completely indifferent, like they didn't want it nearly as bad as we did as fans. Whenever David spoke you could tell without question that it was killing him just like it was killing us.

So as soon as I heard the quote above what came to mind? Rocky Balboa. Picture David old school training all winter long. Railroad tracks, meat lockers, snow covered mountains, whatever it takes. Thirsting day and night to avenge the death of the 2007 season!

But aren't those stairs in Philadelphia you say? Well, David goes there to train so that he will be constantly reminded of the pain of watching the Phillies win and rob him of the glory that should have been. He remembers and he is pushed to be the best. And at the end of the day, because he's David Wright, he runs all the way home to New York. With his dog.

So get ready because bigger, stronger, quicker D-Wright is ready for 2008. He will triumph and he will bring the Mets to victory!

TRUE METS FANS!

2008-02-08T11:32:00.000-05:00

My little sister Brooklyn is my best Mets pal and also happens to be the most badass 11 year old on the planet. She comes with me to all the games and even takes notes on the games I miss when I go to class. For Christmas this year she made me a whole Mets scrapbook and wrote me this poem:

TRUE METS FANS

Me and You, Megan and Katie
We will always be true Met Fans,
even when we are eighty.
We are true Met fans!

You know why we are true fans?
We live and die with the Mets.
We twist our hands,
and a bad game truly upsets
you and me.
We are true Met fans!

We have so many superstitions
of seats and ramps.
And these are all ambitions
for us, (the Mets) to be champs.
We are true Met fans!

We cry over players
who have been traded, hurt...
we even fight with naysayers.
We Are True Met Fans!

We know all about the players lives-
where they live, who they are friends with,
even the names of their wives.
WE ARE TRUE MET FANS!

We watch every game
with as much interest.
Nothing is lame,
except Keith Hernandez and Gary Cohen of course.
WE ARE TRUE MET FANS!

You make me cakes in orange and blue,
I write about the Mets as much as I can too.
You went to a game when you had the flu!
We are Mets fans, through and through.
WE ARE TRUE MET FANS!

Me and You, Megan and Katie
We will always be true Met Fans,
even when we are eighty.
WE ARE TRUE MET FANS!

It is maybe my favorite present of all time. Kid's crazy talented, she also did this unbelievable painting of Ebbets Field:

Welcome to Church of the Fonz!

2008-02-08T03:45:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Church of the Fonz... where baseball is religion and Shea Stadium our place of worship. I've been a Mets fan since birth as evidenced above-check how I rocked the cap Reyes style. I guess when I really fell hard for the Mets was back in 1999, staying up to watch the playoff games with my big brother. From that point there's been no turning back. Edgardo Alfonzo became my first real favorite player (not counting Butch Huskey, who I picked only because I was 6 and his name sounded like the Balto dog), and I even got to meet him during one magical Christmas trip to Macy's when I was 12. I shed my first baseball tears when the Braves ended their run that year, and the Mets have been breaking my heart on a pretty consistent basis ever since. But I wouldn't trade it for anything.

To paraphrase one of my all-time favorite movies Fever Pitch:

Why do we keep inflicting ourselves?
Why? I'll tell you why, cause the Mets never let you down. That's right. I mean- why? Because they suffered the worst collapse in baseball history? So what? They're here. Every April, they're here. At 1:05 or at 7:05, there is a game. And if it gets rained out, guess what? They make it up to you. Does anyone else in your life do that?

The Mets have just been that one constant in my life; that one thing I can always care about season after season. No matter how messed up every thing else can get, the Mets always give me something to cheer for, something to get excited about. And as cynical as I may get about the rest of the world, I can always find a way to believe in this team. I love every minute- every run up the ramps, every 7 train ride, every Meet the Mets singalong, every Lazy Mary at the 7th inning stretch, every time that Home Run Apple comes out of the hat, every time I feel the seats of Shea Stadium rock, every high five (or heckling match) with a random stranger. To me being a Mets fan is about investing yourself in something beyond your control, giving your heart and your loyalty to something bigger than yourself. Its having faith for no logical reason and its feeling connected to people you don't even know. I'm a Mets fan because thats how I was raised. I'm a Mets fan because they are my team and I can't imagine ever rooting for anyone else.

The past couple of years one of the things I've loved the most about following the Mets has been reading all of the wonderful Mets blogs out there. I love the celebratory posts after the good wins, I love comiserating after the tough losses. From the hilarious to the heartbreaking, they've always provided me with such a sense of comraderie as a Mets fan, and I've been hoping to start my own for a long time now. And yes, I realize there are maybe 10 million Mets blogs out there already, but hopefully mine can offer at least one or two unique bits along the way, in any case I can promise it will always be heartfelt. At the very least, maybe writing it will make me feel slightly more productive about the insane number of hours I dedicate to baseball.

Photo by Nick Vleck Citypages.com

With spring training just around the corner (and hopefully my first trip to Port St. Lucie!) there's suddenly so much to be excited about as a Mets fan. Its amazing how much can change in just a couple of months. St. Omar just pulled off possibly one of the greatest trades in Mets history and has the best pitcher in baseball donning the orange and blue. Already the collapse, the Mitchell Report, and all the general ugliness that was 2007 seem like ancient history. I've had enough of this winter already, I'm ready for some real live baseball games. Here's hoping Johan and all our guys make 2008 a season to remember and give Shea the sendoff it deserves. Let's go Mets!!!