Big Sexy's Home run!

Now that the all-star game is done and baseball goes into to a break I can’t help but reflect on what if there was a pitcher's homer run derby.  Watching Giancarlo Stanton win the home run derby hitting absolute bombs was great to see.  All of it took place in Sandiego California in the beautiful Petco Park, The same ball park that my man “Big sexy” Bartolo Colon hit his first career home run. On May 7th, 2016 at the same ballpark 41-year-old Bartolo Colon a pitcher for the Metropolitans crushed his first ever home run. 

   
 His first career home run is a great moment in sports. For not only was Bartolo, a pitcher, but he is a little on the heavy side hence the name Mets fans have given him “Big Sexy”, Because of his physique, every at bat is joined with cheers and a moment we look forward to. Every at-bat has been a moment whether it is his helmet popping off, him running the bases and his helmet popping off or him getting a hit! Seeing this shot on television is by far one of my favorite moment in sports this year. The 7 line army was present for this game; I wanted to go so bad would witness something great live. You don’t have to have a muscular physique to play the game you just need the heart and determination.  I share this clip with all of you to relive the moment. What a great event it would be to watch pitchers home run derby! Enjoy baseball will be back Friday, LETS GO METS!

Top 5 Mets Players from 80's - today

In all of Mets history, there have been players that have risen to the occasion giving us fans exciting moments. The team does not have as much success like other baseball clubs, but the Mets have had their fair share of great moments due to great athletes.  The Mets have had their share of players that are the cause of our love for them.  The five men on this list are my personal top 5 players that have excited me and has made me believe.  I have been a fan since 1984, so these are players in my era. There are many, but these are my Top 5.

Reyes Return

5) Jose Reyes: Jose Reyes is by far the player that has excited the Mets fan base more than any other player.  He was fast, energetic and always with a smile on his face. Reyes left the team he started his career with for a bigger contract. He was never offered one from the Mets for they could not provide a huge deal due to financial issues. Reyes took a deal that no one would refuse. Reyes signed with the Miami Marlins where his stint was short-lived for he was traded to the Blue Jays and then to the Rockies. In Colorado, he was released by the team for injuries, and off the field trouble due to a domestic dispute with his wife. The Athlete was given a second chance with the team he started with and is now in the process of coming back to the Mets! Let’s us hope he brings the fire to this team once more. Jose, Jose, Jose, Jose Joseeeeee!

The team Captain David Wright

4)  David Wright: David is the longest tenured Met in history. His Love of the team and his class has made him a beloved player by all. He is the Team’s captain and chose to be on the team when the team was not playing very well at all.  David Wright has been plagued by injuries and is suffering from a back problem stenosis. Currently in the 2016 season, David is now recovering from surgery for a  herniated disk in his neck.  David may return at the end of the season, although many wonders if maybe this is the last we will see of Wright and he may be forced into early retirement. We can only pray that he would come back stronger.

Hall of Famer 2016 

3)   Mike Piazza:  Piazza is our second legend after The great Tom Seaver. When the Mets signed him, in a deal with the Marlins in 1998, he instantly changed the franchise. Made the Mets relevant again since the 80’s where the Mets owned New York City. The team became contenders and made it to the post-season two years in a row. Even as far as the World Series in 2000 against the Other New York team, not a good outcome for the fans of the orange and blue. Mike Piazza will be inducted into the baseball hall of fame at the end of July for being the best hitting catcher in history. Piazza will be the second player ever to be inducted with a Mets uniform.

Darryl Strawberry knocking home runs

2) Darryl Strawberry: The big man Darryl Strawberry. He hit multiple home runs every time I watched him play bringing me to jump and scream. He was fast, and he took no crap from anyone. Sadly another great star that ran into trouble off the field and also went to that “other” NY team and helped them win it all in 96. The Bronx team can thank the Mets for that your welcome!! Darryl has the most home runs in team history and is one of those players that will always remain in the hearts of all Mets fans.

Docter K 

1) Dwight Gooden:  AKA D.r K  or Doc the man responsible for my love of the New York Mets and the reason that this blog exists. Dwight Gooden hit the scene in baseball when I was seven years old. Back then I didn't know much about baseball or what team to pledge my allegiance to, but seeing him pitch did it. Hearing the sound of that glove when he threw a 103 mph curveball was magic. I wanted to be a pitcher the minute I saw him pitch, my baseball passion began with him. I wanted to play baseball every day, I wore nothing but orange and blue and became a fanatic. Dwight would’ve been a Hall of Famer and one of the greats if it was not for his constant battle with drugs.  He was released from the team and got a second chance by that other NY team and helped them to win their first championship in 16 years. I cheered him on even in that other team for he is the reason I love this game so much. Watching him pitch and striking out everyone, and win it all in 86 is a memory that I will never forget.   

    Many great players have come and gone, and they are much more to be named especially some before my time, however, none have impacted this fan as these five men. These players made me the fan that I am today, and I'm sure helped to create many others. We don’t have a great history and are not considered the best franchise in sports but I as a Mets fan personally feel that Mets fans are one of the best sports fan bases in the world. That’s right I said it. LET’S GO METS!

Tips Visiting Citi Field

Going to Citi-field and experiencing a baseball game live is an excellent experience and you don’t have to break the bank in the process. Here are some tips that I came up with after many years if visiting Citi-Field. It is important to note that every stadium has its policies and regulations, and my list is unique to Citi –Field.

Tips to Save Money

Ø  Buy tickets online never purchase at the ballpark. The stadium does not honor online promotions.

Ø  Find free Street parking. From 114^th Street to 108^th Street going west and from 34^th Ave. To 45^th Ave. Going south. This perimeter is the closest to Citi-field and allows a clear walk to the stadium through Roosevelt Avenue.  

Ø  Bring your food. Citi-field allows outside food as long as they can see through the Tupperware and all purchased drinks items are sealed. No glass bottles or hard-sided coolers are allowed.  

Ø  Bring a water bottle.  Water is $5 at the park, and a single person at a hot game can drink a lot of water. It is a good idea to bring in an empty transparent sports bottle. You can ask the concessions staff for ice and water, and they are happy to oblige. You can also fill up at a water fountain to stay hydrated.

Ø  Purchase kids meal. If you are attending a game with children and opt to purchase food at the stadium, the kid’s meal is a good deal. Located by “Kiddie Field”, the meal includes a hot dog, popcorn, drink and a prize for $7. Considering that hot dogs alone cost $5.50, it’s a pretty good deal.

Ø  Do not buy Merchandise.Resist the temptation to purchase merchandise at the stadium. Most if not all Mets merchandise can be purchased online or through other sporting goods stores for a fraction of the price. No matter how excited you get at the game, the savvy thing to do is to take a picture of the item and look for it online.

Helpful tips

  Ø  Get to the stadium early! The earlier you arrive, the shorter lines will be and if there is a "giveaway” you are guaranteed to receive one.

  Ø  Enjoy picnic area right outside Citi-Field. There is a grassy area along the parking lot perfect for tailgating before and after the game (if you choose to use stadium parking). The best area is along the Roosevelt street fences closest to the seven train stop. The area is not limited to those who park in the lot. However, it does pose a practicality issue of where to leave your stuff once it’s time to enter the stadium.

  Ø  Mass transit is best, but if you are like me and prefer to drive, take the Triboro Bridge if you are coming from Westchester or NYC. To avoid traffic get out at La Guardia parking exit off 94^th Street then drive through local streets to get to Citi-Field. Getting off in this exit can shave 30-60 minutes off your trip.  

  Ø  Avoid the left Shake Shack line. There are two shake shack lines always get on the line closest to Blue Smoke. They have more registers and employees making line progress faster.

  Ø  If you are visiting with a baby, you can leave your stroller at fan assistance. Fan assistance is conveniently located on each level. I recommend the Fox woods lounge access seats when attending with kids. The 330’s section of the Excelsior level. The Excelsior level grants you access to the lounge which comes in very handy on extremely hot days, rainy days, cold days or when your child needs a change of scenery. The lounge is equipped with restrooms, concessions, bar, televisions, and air conditioning and comfortable seating. 

  Ø  Get kid’s club membership to get free tickets, kid’s merchandise, and extra stuff for kids to enjoy. Worth the $25 a year. Make sure to let a stadium employee know if it is your child’s first game. They will mail home a certificate with the child’s name and date of attendance as a keepsake.  

  Ø  Comfortable seats at the game: Citi-Field has many wheelchair user accessible sections that are often not used. If you get to the stadium early and have a stroller or small child, you can be granted permission to sit in these areas and enjoy the game without disturbing your section.

     These are just a few things I have picked up over the years, and they may not work for everyone; however, the most important aspect is to know that you can have a great experience at the ballpark no matter your budget. See you at a ball game! LETS GO METS!