stevejrogers

="soupcan":3ko0a4i5]Granted - Everyone who has a tcket has a club that will accomodate them (I think) - whether it be on the field level or the Promenade (upper deck) level, but still. Walking by the club entrances and knowing that you are not allowed access to that particular one is a bit of a downer. And I don't know this for sure but I'd guess that the Promenade level club somehow isn't as nice as the the field-level (Ebbets Club maybe?) club.[/quote:3ko0a4i5] Actually, you have to pay a bit extra for the club pass. Don't know how much more, but from what I gathered, it was substantial. Gwreck Apr 07 2009 09:24 AM The access to the various clubs is based on your seats. If you're seated in the "Promenade Club" seats, you get access to the Promenade Club. If you're in the "Ebbets Club" seats, you get access to the Ebbets Club. If you're in the "Delta Club" seats, you get access to the Delta Club. If you're in the "Caesar's Club" seats, you get access to the Caesar's Club. The restaurant in left field, the "Acela Club," is open to Metropolitan Box, Field Box, Ebbets Club Gold, and Delta Club Platinum and Gold ticket holders. holychicken Apr 07 2009 09:30 AM ="batmagadanleadoff":357bumo9]To those who already went to Citi Field for any of the exhibition games, what were the views like from your seats? Is it really true that every seat is a good one?[/quote:357bumo9] My experience is that all the seats I saw (and I went around to most parts of the stadium) felt very close to the infield and had a good view of the infield. However, the draw back to this is a lot of the seats outside the infield lose a bit of a corner of the outfield AND if you are in a covered seat, you lose views upward. Like sitting in the Mezz in Shea, you really only can see where a pop fly is going by watching the fielders. But, overall, the view of the field is MUCH better, especially for the type of seats I buy. Farmer Ted Apr 07 2009 10:27 AM There's an Acela Club? As in the amtrak train? Let me get this straight. Bankrupt bank has naming rights the stadium and a money-bleeding rail line sponsors the A-list dining area? LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 07 2009 02:04 PM ="Farmer Ted":1wt09uid]There's an Acela Club? As in the amtrak train? Let me get this straight. Bankrupt bank has naming rights the stadium and a money-bleeding rail line sponsors the A-list dining area?[/quote:1wt09uid] That's nothing... wait until you hear who's sponsoring the "Fair and Balanced" no-flush urinals. themetfairy Apr 07 2009 05:46 PM We stopped by today en route to Long Island. D-Dad checked out tailgating spots, and we all visited our brick. Kong76 Apr 07 2009 06:24 PM I've been hesitant to whine here about it, but my front row promenade seats kinda suck. The railing sucks and the staircase with glass around it that is right in the same place as home plate sucks. It will suck even more when there are people on it all game. I called to try and move and the only thing they'd give me was like the next to last section of the outfield in row 13 and was reminded that upgrading year after year from there would be harder than from my crappy seats prolly. It's only a Sunday plan, and I can shift around and carpetbag, and watch from other areas, and the tickets aren't all that expensive ... but I feel gypped especially since on a whole the rest of the place is just so damn nice. seawolf17 Apr 07 2009 06:31 PM Hey, nothing wrong with bitching about it. Ultimately, though, you're probably screwed, because if you want to give up those seats, there are probably plenty of folks who would take them from you next year. The Mets -- and the Yankees -- knew they had us all over a barrel with these stadia; if we wanted to get in, we'd have to pay the price. I hate to say that Mike Francesa is right, but in this case, he is; the only recourse we have is with our wallets. If we think ticket prices are too high, or the views suck... then we don't buy the tickets. (They've priced me out, and that's fine; maybe we go to a game, but more likely we don't.) Kong76 Apr 07 2009 07:00 PM I'm more hesitant to whine about it more because I posted how excited I was to be in row one. I sat in row six with a poster in the same section and those seats are fine. They weren't the best available when I got mine days before they could log on and renew their Sunday plan if theirs are better. Who's Mike Francessa, where does he post? As for high ticket prices, my tickets are much cheaper this year than last and location is fine ... if I wasn't in row one. MFS62 Apr 07 2009 07:12 PM ="Kong76":3ru6ijum]I'm more hesitant to whine about it more because I posted how excited I was to be in row one. I sat in row six with a poster in the same section and those seats are fine. They weren't the best available when I got mine days before they could log on and renew their Sunday plan if theirs are better. Who's Mike Francessa, where does he post? As for high ticket prices, my tickets are much cheaper this year than last and location is fine ... if I wasn't in row one.[/quote:3ru6ijum] Well, if he had them, I'm sure Bob Uecker would exchange yours for his in the very last row. Later Rockin' Doc Apr 07 2009 07:39 PM KC, thanks for the excuse to post a classic beer commercial. MFS62, thanks for the perfect lead in. MFS62 Apr 07 2009 07:55 PM Doc, All I see is a big white rectangle. Later themetfairy Apr 07 2009 07:58 PM I see the Uecker ad, Doc. I just showed it to MK - he had never seen it before. Thanks. Rockin' Doc Apr 08 2009 05:23 AM MFS62 -"Doc, All I see is a big white rectangle." You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard that line before. Kong76 Apr 08 2009 05:38 AM Close your eyes and walk slowly towards the white rectangle.

Braves vs. Phillies Derek Lowe (starting to regret not going after him and resigning Ollie) debuts for the Braves against Brett Myers on ESPN 2. And something is going on at CBP apparently tonight as well. Some sort of flag raising or something or other.

Oh good, I was just busy trashing this column elsewhere, might as well do it here: ] Stadium a reflection of the team Wallace Matthews 7:58 PM EDT, April 4, 2009 Not the most unbiased observer, especially when talking Met related issues. Come on, you (poster on other board) should know that by now. Wally, Klapish, Madden, etc. Don't take these Met/Wilpon hating Yankee ass-kissers as gospel that the Mets are doing a bad job. ]And if The TARP is Ebbets Field Redux, then Gary Sheffield is the second coming of Jackie Robinson. Um, not. That isn't what anyone ACTUALLY said, only detractors have said that it was, only the exterior rotunda area is Ebbets-like. ]And The TARP is charming, precious and sickening in its phoniness. It should be noted that Mathews was a big detractor of Shea. Maybe he should write what his perfect baseball stadium should be? ]But then, what would you expect from a team that has the audacity to spend nearly a half-billion dollars on three ballplayers and charge upwards of $2,500 for a single ticket while the country plumbs the depths of a recession? I'll give them that much. ]And what more could you hope for from an organization that seems to revel in its status as the little brother in a big town and depends upon a team that hasn't existed for a half-century to provide most of its history? Okay, SERIOUSLY, when have the Mets ever actually done ANYTHING to act like the Yankees are in their radar? Sure you can say the fanbase perhaps, but the Mets have never acted like "Oh, the Yankees did this, lets react." It never happened. And did Mathews look outside at the Met player banners adorning the Left Field side and Right Field side? Endy's and Swoboda's catches in silhouette form? Wally knows that aside from the Ebbets Club, the JRR and some t-shirts, EVERYTHING in the ballpark screams METS, METS, METS! And for crying out loud, don't treat this as a Wilpon thing, this was going on back when a former minority owner of the New York Giants was the head of the group that bought the Mets. Why do you think Willie Mays was brought back to New York in 1972? Veteran leadership? ]The Mets, on the other hand, spent about half as much and got half as much. Although it holds 13,000 fewer people and had no more than 35,000 people on a rainy Friday night, it was a slow go negotiating its narrow, low-ceilinged passageways. The lines at its concession stands were terrible. And its open-air food court, which might be inviting on a warm summer night, was an ordeal in a chilly April downpour. That's not even fair and Wally should know better. Who the hell was at that game for the game? And who in their right mind would expect vendors to be on the ball right away. I mean they were still training staff on Friday night! The fans were there to check out the place, period. The lines were long because this was the vendors and the stadium's first chance to handle a large crowd. Better it be a meaningless exhibition game than on April 13th. And the open air food court riff sounds like a line that was pre-written months ago, despite the fact that just about every stadium post-Camden now has open-air concourses filled with stands. ]But in any weather, you walk around The TARP and you get the feeling you could be in any one of a half-dozen off-the-rack ballparks in a half-dozen nondescript cities. It feels like Camden Yards, or what used to be known as Jacobs Field, or The Ballpark at Arlington, or Busch Stadium, or - worst of all - Citizens Bank Park, home of the world champion Phillies. Does it matter? Sure the PR machine's come-on was "state of the art, best in league, blah blah blah" but to quote Greg Prince of FaithandFearInFlushing.com: ]I wasn't blown away. I wasn't necessarily right that this was going to be missing something, but I couldn't tell yet. I was reminded, in a one-two punch of snap judgment, of Citizens Bank Park and Nationals Park. My very first glimpse of the new home of my Mets reminded me of two venues devoted to two rivals of my Mets. Fine parks both. Neither ever blew me away...It's a good park. It's a fine park. It's not a great park on first contact, but first contact is just that. It has running room. We will see how we interact with it, whether we spend so much time meeting and greeting and eating that we don't focus on the field and yell as we always did at Shea. But we're Mets fans. We'll figure it out. This coming from someone who'd rather Citi Field never existed and the Mets still be playing at Shea FWIW. ] There is no view of the surrounding area from any of the seats, and no sense while inside the park that it is located anywhere within New York City. For a an organization that supposedly cherishes the memory of the Brooklyn Dodgers, its dream ballpark could just as easily have fit into Dubuque. Good GOD! Wally realizes that there is no neighborhood there? Sure the U-Haul and Serval Zippers were nice landmarks to glimpse at from the upper levels of Shea back in the day (along with the Whitestone and a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline), but generally speaking Shea/Citi wasn't/isn't in an urban setting. It is better off that the field is closed to the outside world. And you know what, you can still see everything you could from Shea on the non-field side just as well. Again, Greg Prince: ]You can gaze out at the Queens that surrounds you from all kinds of intriguing vantage points when you're away from your seat. Stare south at the Unisphere and remember why they call that thing in the outfield WORLD'S FARE. Project east toward downtown Flushing and believe you can reach out over Little Albania and touch the U-Haul sign. The skyline of Manhattan twinkles to the West. LaGuardia's fun to watch beneath the northern sky. I don't care for being cut off from a view of the outside world at my seat, but I love the way the world is there for the taking in once you get up and walk around. Come to think of it, why do you need all that when you are, well you know, watching the baseball game itself? Do you need to see beyond the horizon? Landmarks? Neighborhoods? Sprawling landscapes? No, not really. ] And while they have tried hard, way too hard, to build artificial nostalgia into a park that could have really used an identity of its own, in truth, The Tarp has less in common with Ebbets Field than with its Flushing Meadow Park neighbor, the National Tennis Center. He is finally getting it! ]Its insides are pricey, exclusionary and faintly snooty while wearing the outer skin of a blue-collar ballpark. But so is every other ballpark in this country. And that goes the same with the actual blue-collar ballparks as he puts it, Wrigley and Fenway. Lets not kid ourselves and act like teams with parks older than Dodger Stadium in LA (all two of them now) are keeping the prices at pre-1960 prices or whatever Wally deems affordable. ]By contrast, I had the feeling that everything I saw at The TARP, I already had seen somewhere else, and just as good. The reality is, when you're sitting and watching a baseball game, it looks pretty much the same no matter what park your seat is located in. The rest of it - the merchandising shops, the gourmet restaurants, the art gallery and the hot dog stands - are props designed to induce you to spend even more money than you've already spent to get in the door. Wally now admits this column was pre-written, at least the Citi Field version. ]It's true in Flushing and it's especially true in the Bronx. At least in the Bronx, they don't try to convince you otherwise. It amazes me how much Wally thinks the Mets are trying to con anyone. Not like anyone going to these games, or ordering the food doesn't realize how freakishly expensive everything is, in relation to the real world cost of same goods and services. FWIW, the Mets actually reduced some of the prices on the regular items (beers, hot dogs, sodas), not much of course, but a reduction is a reduction. To say nothing about the fact that this has been going on for quite sometime, and somehow this is news to Wally? Oh he's right of course, but there are easier and less harsh ways to make this point without continuing to bash the organization. Again, Mr. Faith & Fear: ]The prices are ridiculous. The prices were getting ridiculous at Shea for a long time. In 1977, M. Donald Grant justified the shunning of free agents to Sport magazine this way: "The board discussed it and we thought it wasn't good for the fans. We don't think fans can afford it. if you continue to pay these prices, the fan is going to have to pay between $7 and $8 to get into the game." Somewhere Down There, the chairman of the board of Met Hell is having a good laugh. We sign free agents, we pay our players well, we tear down a stadium to replace it with a field and all $7 gets you is a little change for your frank. But at Citi Field, to a certain extent, you get what you pay for. The food is way better. The service is way better. The physical comfort is way better. The bathrooms, pending a mass run on beer, are way better. Yet even as I couldn't see the world outside because of the way the park "envelops" you (Jeff Wilpon's phrase), I remembered on the train home there is a world out there and it's not doing so hot. Jason was a lower-case prince and treated me to my first game at Citi Field. That was $38 for a game that didn't count. I didn't keep track of my noshery bill, but the total spent was close to that figure (I don't plan to eat that well every trip in, but boy am I tempted). These are not throwaway figures in the course of an evening or a week or a season. What I am left to mourn of Shea Stadium is the way of life it represented before, during and, for a not inconsiderable period, after Don Grant. You could walk up and buy a pretty cheap ticket on no planning. You could buy four to bring your kiddies, bring your wife. It got more difficult as the years went by, but it was manageable. And you were guaranteed, in ways that counted, to have the time of your life. In Citi Field, upstairs is filling in fast and first. When those cheapish seats are snapped up, your options ascend financially like one of those old World's Fair rockets. What was $38 in short right Friday night for an exhibition will be $75 for the proverbial weeknight against the Marlins by the end of this month. And that's the Value date. A Friday night against the Brewers in between? That's Gold, baby � Gold. That's sixty bucks in left field reserved. Per person. Never mind all your fancy sections that are beyond the means of most of us. That's absurd, and not in that Marvelous Marv Met sense of the word. I didn't want to think about how much things cost at my first-ever game at Citi Field or how much they'll cost for the one after that and the one after that. But it costs a lot. Shea has Citi beat on that, even if all you paid for was baseball, crappy food and snarling personnel (or was it snarling food and crappy personnel?). The market will dictate whether these prices will hold, whether every Mets fan who wants to will or can go, whether they have to skip the quesadilla or whatever so they can handle the $18 parking. I hope something can be arranged and that those wide seats with loads of leg room don't go unoccupied. They deserve to have asses in them and legs unfurl from them, respectively. Again, you (original board poster, not batmags) posted a pre-written hatchet job by a known Met-hater. Please, do not use Wally's columns as evidence in your goal to prove that Citi Field is going to be a disaster.

="OlerudOwned":255306uu]Oh, dang, are there still dropshadows on these too, then? Retired numbers should be in the style they wore during their careers, not whatever the club wears now.[/quote:255306uu] ITA. It should be the way it is in my avatar. metsmarathon Apr 04 2009 09:22 PM LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 04 2009 11:28 PM Was in 105-- field-level, just foul of the RF pole-- today. A little brain-scattered right now, but a few impressions: -- The tacos are indeed all that and several cups of fresh salsa (add the "open kitchen" thing being prominently featured in our ballpark to the miles-long list of pleasantly disorienting new CitiFeatures). You'll want the 9.75 sampler thingy. -- Times to hit Shake Shack: Well before gametime, or midgame. Any other time during a weekend game seems like it'll lose you an inning or two. (Those who've never been to Madison Square Park: You do need to have one; whatever G-d you worship, he/she/it smiles on these beef patties.) -- Hidden bonus souvenir: Mets Store bags. Handsome, sturdy reusables... perfect for a run to the market for Nathan's or J.R. Watkins. -- The ushers/greeters are indeed disarmingly polite... if not quite ready for primetime (got 1-2 iffy answers in response to "where's that thing again"-type queries). metsmarathon Apr 05 2009 03:12 PM i took some pictures of my own at citi... a beautiful day for a ball game. fans walking on the fanwalk. my sneakers look filthy! the new apple is big and shiny. it might not get much use this year... i'm probably too old to play here. i need to get me some kids... the retired numbers lets play ball! i love this crazy nook thing. i can't wait to see jose rattle a few balls around in there. this bridge is cool too. here it is during the rain delay. this shot, of the scoreboard, is one of my favoriter pictures that i took that day. the wait at the catch of the day was worth it for the shrimp po'boy. yum! frankie enters the game Edgy DC Apr 05 2009 03:34 PM Looks like they went seriously overboard with the wall height changes. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 05 2009 03:47 PM ="Edgy DC":3bfi37b3]Looks like they went seriously overboard with the wall height changes.[/quote:3bfi37b3] Tatis smacked the top of the wall twice on balls that would've been out in something like 90 percent of the majors' parks. Lowrie's HR was hit a ton, and still skin-of-the-teethed it out in left-center. The difficulties of making the playoffs aside, it'll still be REAL tough to squeeze a righty-hitting MVP offensive player out of this joint. Benjamin Grimm Apr 05 2009 03:53 PM Well, it's not like Shea had a whole bunch of them either. Maybe instead we'll get an extra Cy Young or two. themetfairy Apr 05 2009 03:55 PM Nice shots marathon MK and I were there today for the batting practice. This is MK on the LIRR platform - We figured we would visit the Jackie Robinson Rotunda today so that we won't have to fight the crowds in there during the season. The obligatory Shake Shack visit. Yes I'm still on Weight Watchers, but MK let me have a couple of bites of his burger and some sips of his shake. Now my curiosity has been satisfied, at a fraction of the calorie count. This garbage can in the Fan Fest area amused me - The remains of the Shea. MK said that Shea will live on forever in the souls and homes of Mets fans everywhere. Speaking of Shea, we had the chance to visit the old Home Run Apple. I don't care how corny it is - I love that thing! We enjoyed the visit - it was a good opportunity for us to acclimate ourselves to the new digs. metsguyinmichigan Apr 05 2009 04:00 PM Beautiful! And the stadium shots are nice, too! themetfairy Apr 05 2009 04:07 PM LOL - thanks MFS62 Apr 05 2009 04:53 PM Memo to staff: When the Yanks come to play the Mets this year, protect those garbage cans from Paul O'Neill. He'd probably try to kick them, thinking they're a water cooler. Later metsmarathon Apr 05 2009 05:39 PM ="Edgy DC":3so2bhzo]Looks like they went seriously overboard with the wall height changes.[/quote:3so2bhzo] the one too many is the little bit in straight away center feild that jumps back to 16' or so at the base of the apple. i mean, jeez, its hard enough to hit it there already! soupcan Apr 05 2009 07:14 PM We went on Saturday. The place is really great. It is definitely a bit disconcerting to see the Mets in their home whites in a completely different ballpark. Realizing that this new place with the high outfield fences, enclosed centerfield and green seats is the new home is odd. The food as has been said is so much better than I'm used to having while watching a Mets game. Shake Shack burgers are 2 die 4. There is a place sort of near us in Bethel. CT called The Sycamore which has burgers very similar. I try to get to there a few times a year simply for their 'Dagwood'. No need to do that anymore since I'll be getting my burger fix at good ole City Field (see what I did there?). The game was sold out but there were empty seats everywhere because everyone was walking around checkin' out the new digs. Made it hard to walk around even with the wide concourses. I'm guessing it will be about mid-season before that calms down. The only criticisms I had is that concourse celings are low and they could be lit better. Other than that, its really, really nice. I agree that the outfield walls are high but I think eventually we will all get used to it and adopt the mantra that The City is indeed a pitcher-friendly park and take some pride in that. Edgy DC Apr 05 2009 07:59 PM ="soupcan"] That restaurant makes me feel hostile. I guess I just have to tell myself that those swells are paying for Wright's next extension. But man. soupcan Apr 06 2009 06:30 AM ="Edgy DC"]That restaurant makes me feel hostile. I guess I just have to tell myself that those swells are paying for Wright's next extension. But man. Not just a 'restaurant' it's a 'club'. The Acela Club. And if that doesn't tighten your colon even more - its an exclusive club, open only to holders of tickets in certain areas of the park. As a matter of fact that's another thing about the park that I didn't particularly care for - there are several 'clubs' within the place that cater to only ticketholders of certain sections. Granted - Everyone who has a tcket has a club that will accomodate them (I think) - whether it be on the field level or the Promenade (upper deck) level, but still. Walking by the club entrances and knowing that you are not allowed access to that particular one is a bit of a downer. And I don't know this for sure but I'd guess that the Promenade level club somehow isn't as nice as the the field-level (Ebbets Club maybe?) club. metsmarathon Apr 06 2009 07:07 AM yeah, i always used to like how when i had upper deck seats at shea, i could always come down to the field level any time i wanted and just mill around down there. oh, wait... soupcan Apr 06 2009 07:38 AM No, that's nice that you can do that - and I know that the Diamond Club was only open to ceratin ticketholders as well. My point was more that its more obvious that certain ticketholdres aren't permitted in certain places is all. At least it was more obvious to me. metirish Apr 06 2009 07:44 AM When Burkhardt was in The Acela Club I think Saturday he mentioned that you needed reservations to get in. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:01 AM ="metirish":10v2x56u]When Burkhardt was in The Acela Club I think Saturday he mentioned that you needed reservations to get in.[/quote:10v2x56u] But even if you have reservations, your ticket has to say 'Admit One To Acela Club' John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 08:06 AM Hey Soup, I talked to the restaurateur who is opening the place and came away with the impression that although policy errs on the safe side especially at launching time, if you asked the right people nicely they'd probably accommodate you. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:08 AM Well then - there you go. seawolf17 Apr 06 2009 08:18 AM We were there for the workout yesterday. I enjoyed it; I think I'm over Shea. Two negatives, I thought -- the navigation was difficult (although I'm sure that'll go away once I'm familiar with the place), and it was way, way too fucking loud. Seemed like everything and everyone was on full volume. Maybe that'll be better in game situations, where the music isn't going to be blasting the whole time, but it was a major turnoff yesterday. It took me a full hour to relax and enjoy myself, because I spent so much time shouting to Ms. Wolf and MiniWolf to be heard. A few photeaux. First, MiniWolf mourns the loss of Shea: Taking his cuts at Kiddie Field: Playing the outfield, like his dad. Notice his dad in centerfield, talking with a couple of other Poolers who were on the scene: metirish Apr 06 2009 08:20 AM ="soupcan":e6xl82n7]="metirish":e6xl82n7]When Burkhardt was in The Acela Club I think Saturday he mentioned that you needed reservations to get in.[/quote:e6xl82n7] But even if you have reservations, your ticket has to say 'Admit One To Acela Club'[/quote:e6xl82n7] I suppose if I called to make a reservation they would ask if I had the ticket, but in any time especially these tough times that doesn't seem like a smart business plan for the owner of the restaurant. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:21 AM Damn that kid grew up fast. I totally agree about the noise, although the sound system is MUCH better than it was at Shea. Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 08:25 AM Edited 3 time(s), most recently on Apr 06 2009 08:26 AM wolf: So I had this great house until the neighbors put in this damn whiffleball monstrosity. And now soupcan says... KC: Yeah, blahblahblah. Get off the field. There's a game goin' on. HahnSolo Apr 06 2009 08:25 AM One thing I don't "get" from the place is the bridge motif. I can't understand why it was so important to do it. I tried to explain it to my wife and she was like, "I totally don't see NYC bridges." Seawolf, how does the wiffle ball thing work? Is it free? A wait your turn thing? My son is already angling to hit that first when we go next week. Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 08:28 AM It would make more sense if it was a suspension bridge. batmagadanleadoff Apr 06 2009 08:31 AM To those who already went to Citi Field for any of the exhibition games, what were the views like from your seats? Is it really true that every seat is a good one? seawolf17 Apr 06 2009 08:38 AM ="batmagadanleadoff":1tq93prv]To those who already went to Citi Field for any of the exhibition games, what were the views like from your seats? Is it really true that every seat is a good one?[/quote:1tq93prv] We only really "sat" for any length of time in the 330s, out in left field, second tier up, just to the home-plate side of the glass-windowed restaurant. I thought the view was great, but you completely lose the left-field corner, right under you. Didn't bother me too much, because there were plenty of places at Shea where you'd lose a corner also. ="HahnSolo":1tq93prv]One thing I don't "get" from the place is the bridge motif. I can't understand why it was so important to do it. I tried to explain it to my wife and she was like, "I totally don't see NYC bridges." Seawolf, how does the wiffle ball thing work? Is it free? A wait your turn thing? My son is already angling to hit that first when we go next week.[/quote:1tq93prv] I agree on the bridge thing. I think if you're going to go bridge, you have to go Brooklyn Bridge, or a suspension bridge -- something that's really distinct. Or, say, the BRIDGE THAT'S IN THE TEAM'S LOGO. Call me crazy, but doing the logo bridge in right-center field would have kicked ass. The wiffle ball thing is free, but the line was monstrous yesterday. I don't put too much credence into yesterday's lines, because the majority of folks were on the concourse, not at their seats. Probably better during a regular game, I'd think. For yesterday, the line snaked around Kiddie Field, and when you got up there, you (the kid) went into left field, then center, then right, then you got your AB, and you got anywhere between three and six swings, depending on if you were a toddler who was just up there hacking (six) or a teenager who was really to big for it (three), then you got to run the bases. So you got four "at-bats" in total to run around. MiniWolf was beyond thrilled. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:47 AM ="HahnSolo":9zu9g7v4]One thing I don't "get" from the place is the bridge motif. I can't understand why it was so important to do it. I tried to explain it to my wife and she was like, "I totally don't see NYC bridges." [/quote:9zu9g7v4] The boroughs are all connected by bridges. Its not a stretch. ="Edgy DC":9zu9g7v4]It would make more sense if it was a suspension bridge.[/quote:9zu9g7v4] Agreed. metirish Apr 06 2009 09:07 AM I have a silly question. Are these restaurants open on off days and days the Mets are on the road? themetfairy Apr 06 2009 10:05 AM batmag - I was in the Promenade, and the view from my seat was nice. Analogous to my old Mezz seats, I think. I'll know for sure once the season starts and I'm actually focusing on a game or two. Agreed about the noise level, especially when Chris Carlin was yelling into the mike. I never thought much of him before, but after yesterday I hat him. SteveJRogers Apr 06 2009 10:24 AM ="soupcan":3ko0a4i5]Granted - Everyone who has a tcket has a club that will accomodate them (I think) - whether it be on the field level or the Promenade (upper deck) level, but still. Walking by the club entrances and knowing that you are not allowed access to that particular one is a bit of a downer. And I don't know this for sure but I'd guess that the Promenade level club somehow isn't as nice as the the field-level (Ebbets Club maybe?) club.[/quote:3ko0a4i5] Actually, you have to pay a bit extra for the club pass. Don't know how much more, but from what I gathered, it was substantial. Gwreck Apr 07 2009 09:24 AM The access to the various clubs is based on your seats. If you're seated in the "Promenade Club" seats, you get access to the Promenade Club. If you're in the "Ebbets Club" seats, you get access to the Ebbets Club. If you're in the "Delta Club" seats, you get access to the Delta Club. If you're in the "Caesar's Club" seats, you get access to the Caesar's Club. The restaurant in left field, the "Acela Club," is open to Metropolitan Box, Field Box, Ebbets Club Gold, and Delta Club Platinum and Gold ticket holders. holychicken Apr 07 2009 09:30 AM ="batmagadanleadoff":357bumo9]To those who already went to Citi Field for any of the exhibition games, what were the views like from your seats? Is it really true that every seat is a good one?[/quote:357bumo9] My experience is that all the seats I saw (and I went around to most parts of the stadium) felt very close to the infield and had a good view of the infield. However, the draw back to this is a lot of the seats outside the infield lose a bit of a corner of the outfield AND if you are in a covered seat, you lose views upward. Like sitting in the Mezz in Shea, you really only can see where a pop fly is going by watching the fielders. But, overall, the view of the field is MUCH better, especially for the type of seats I buy. Farmer Ted Apr 07 2009 10:27 AM There's an Acela Club? As in the amtrak train? Let me get this straight. Bankrupt bank has naming rights the stadium and a money-bleeding rail line sponsors the A-list dining area? LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 07 2009 02:04 PM ="Farmer Ted":1wt09uid]There's an Acela Club? As in the amtrak train? Let me get this straight. Bankrupt bank has naming rights the stadium and a money-bleeding rail line sponsors the A-list dining area?[/quote:1wt09uid] That's nothing... wait until you hear who's sponsoring the "Fair and Balanced" no-flush urinals. themetfairy Apr 07 2009 05:46 PM We stopped by today en route to Long Island. D-Dad checked out tailgating spots, and we all visited our brick. Kong76 Apr 07 2009 06:24 PM I've been hesitant to whine here about it, but my front row promenade seats kinda suck. The railing sucks and the staircase with glass around it that is right in the same place as home plate sucks. It will suck even more when there are people on it all game. I called to try and move and the only thing they'd give me was like the next to last section of the outfield in row 13 and was reminded that upgrading year after year from there would be harder than from my crappy seats prolly. It's only a Sunday plan, and I can shift around and carpetbag, and watch from other areas, and the tickets aren't all that expensive ... but I feel gypped especially since on a whole the rest of the place is just so damn nice. seawolf17 Apr 07 2009 06:31 PM Hey, nothing wrong with bitching about it. Ultimately, though, you're probably screwed, because if you want to give up those seats, there are probably plenty of folks who would take them from you next year. The Mets -- and the Yankees -- knew they had us all over a barrel with these stadia; if we wanted to get in, we'd have to pay the price. I hate to say that Mike Francesa is right, but in this case, he is; the only recourse we have is with our wallets. If we think ticket prices are too high, or the views suck... then we don't buy the tickets. (They've priced me out, and that's fine; maybe we go to a game, but more likely we don't.) Kong76 Apr 07 2009 07:00 PM I'm more hesitant to whine about it more because I posted how excited I was to be in row one. I sat in row six with a poster in the same section and those seats are fine. They weren't the best available when I got mine days before they could log on and renew their Sunday plan if theirs are better. Who's Mike Francessa, where does he post? As for high ticket prices, my tickets are much cheaper this year than last and location is fine ... if I wasn't in row one. MFS62 Apr 07 2009 07:12 PM ="Kong76":3ru6ijum]I'm more hesitant to whine about it more because I posted how excited I was to be in row one. I sat in row six with a poster in the same section and those seats are fine. They weren't the best available when I got mine days before they could log on and renew their Sunday plan if theirs are better. Who's Mike Francessa, where does he post? As for high ticket prices, my tickets are much cheaper this year than last and location is fine ... if I wasn't in row one.[/quote:3ru6ijum] Well, if he had them, I'm sure Bob Uecker would exchange yours for his in the very last row. Later Rockin' Doc Apr 07 2009 07:39 PM KC, thanks for the excuse to post a classic beer commercial. MFS62, thanks for the perfect lead in. MFS62 Apr 07 2009 07:55 PM Doc, All I see is a big white rectangle. Later themetfairy Apr 07 2009 07:58 PM I see the Uecker ad, Doc. I just showed it to MK - he had never seen it before. Thanks. Rockin' Doc Apr 08 2009 05:23 AM MFS62 -"Doc, All I see is a big white rectangle." You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard that line before. Kong76 Apr 08 2009 05:38 AM Close your eyes and walk slowly towards the white rectangle.

FWIW, they sold the ones that hung in Shea Stadium as part of the MeiGrey auction. Kind of strange that they made complete new ones that look EXACTLY like the ones that has been at Shea since 1998! When the Mets added the black shadowdrops to the uniforms, the black was added to the retired numbers. One would think, new place, eh lets have a new design for the retired number signage.

While it means jack squat, it would be kind of nice to see someone trotting around the bases in a Met uni when montages of 500th homers is shown. Well, for the novelty of it all, I HOPE the Mets resist the urge of doing the honoring! But then again, they did have an honoring ceremony for Eddie Murray's 400th.

="Gwreck":1ubi9mms] Although the Reds are clearly building a good core of young players, their starting pitching was pretty bad last year, including the unexpected struggles of Aaron Harang. Adam Dunn (traded midseason to Arizona) and Ken Griffey Jr. (contract expired; he went back to Seattle) are gone. [/quote:1ubi9mms] Not to be too nitpicky, but Griffey was traded to the White Sox at the trade deadline. metirish Apr 05 2009 07:51 AM Good stuff Gwreck , was hoping we would see Ceuto this series. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 05 2009 01:06 PM Great job, Gwreck... but I'd reverse their strengths. Granted, it's a bit of a coinflip, but their rotation could potentially be dominant: until midway through last year, Harang had been a horse; Arroyo finished 8-4/3.47/1.19 in the second half; and both Cueto and Volquez have more than a puncher's chance at being this year's Lincecum. It's the offense-- already 23rd in the league in OPS before losing Dunn/Griffey, an OF that starts a still-raw Dickerson and Bruce and punchless-but-fast Willy Taveras-- that's more of a question mark. bmfc1 Apr 05 2009 01:34 PM Excellent first KTE--you've set the bar high for the rest of us. Micah Owings is going for the Reds on Wednesday instead of Arroyo: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/mets/2009/04/series-preview-mets-at-reds-1.html John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 05 2009 10:37 PM ="DocTee":1s8ztwds]Interesting fact I heard about Aaron Harang: last year he was the first MLB pitcher in 30 years to go from 10 games over .500 one year to 10 games under the following. His predecessor? Jerry Koosman[/quote:1s8ztwds] Harang apparently took the Castillo-Anderson cure to the max and dropped 40 pounds in the offseason. Forty! batmagadanleadoff Apr 05 2009 10:45 PM Re: KTE - Cincinnati Reds Good job. Gwreck Apr 05 2009 10:53 PM Thanks. The McSherry game was Reds-Expos, however. (nevermind) --- Forgot about the Griffey trade: one of the players the Reds got in return is Nick Masset, a righty reliever. Was 2-0 with 3.92 ERA in 42 games last year (mostly with CHW) with a lot of hits and walks given up. --- Saw Harang at the open workout today at the ballpark; he looked trim but if he lost 40 pounds he must've been in Broxton territory last year. --- Lefty Bill Bray is starting the year in AAA Louisville, as is Jonny Gomes. Hairston will be the starting leftfielder tomorrow. batmagadanleadoff Apr 05 2009 11:05 PM I deleted. It's that commemorative McSherry patch embroidery the Mets wore throughout the '96 season that sometimes causes me to misidentify the Mets as the Reds opening opponents. I often link the Mets to that incident. I've made that mistake before. metsguyinmichigan Apr 06 2009 07:17 AM "Wednesday, April 8 Edinson Volquez (R) v. Mike Pelfrey The Mets saw Volquez last year on July 20 in Cincinnati where they got 4 ER and 8 hits including a big Ramon Castro homer in 5 innings. " Woo-hoo! I was there! That was the game that broke the Streak of Shame! Great first KTE. Mendoza Line Apr 06 2009 08:09 AM Fine KTE. Much improved team, too.

="OlerudOwned":1xerg8vh]Did they dump the pinstripes on the retired numbers, or are they just too faint to be seen in those pictures? If we ever get a player with the last name Shea, would he have to change it?[/quote:1xerg8vh] Faint, and that was taken from the opposite side of the stadium with a zoom lenses that is quite basic. A Boy Named Seo Apr 04 2009 01:58 PM Nice pix, Steve. apmorris Apr 04 2009 02:18 PM Thanks for the pics! risen. G-Fafif Apr 04 2009 02:59 PM First impressions appraisal here[/url:gkvynbco]. OlerudOwned Apr 04 2009 05:20 PM ="SteveJRogers":139p9rfj]="OlerudOwned":139p9rfj]Did they dump the pinstripes on the retired numbers, or are they just too faint to be seen in those pictures? If we ever get a player with the last name Shea, would he have to change it?[/quote:139p9rfj] Faint, and that was taken from the opposite side of the stadium with a zoom lenses that is quite basic.[/quote:139p9rfj] Good to know, thanks. SteveJRogers Apr 04 2009 05:32 PM FWIW, they sold the ones that hung in Shea Stadium as part of the MeiGrey auction. Kind of strange that they made complete new ones that look EXACTLY like the ones that has been at Shea since 1998! When the Mets added the black shadowdrops to the uniforms, the black was added to the retired numbers. One would think, new place, eh lets have a new design for the retired number signage. OlerudOwned Apr 04 2009 06:04 PM Oh, dang, are there still dropshadows on these too, then? Retired numbers should be in the style they wore during their careers, not whatever the club wears now. SteveJRogers Apr 04 2009 06:07 PM ="OlerudOwned":255306uu]Oh, dang, are there still dropshadows on these too, then? Retired numbers should be in the style they wore during their careers, not whatever the club wears now.[/quote:255306uu] ITA. It should be the way it is in my avatar. metsmarathon Apr 04 2009 09:22 PM LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 04 2009 11:28 PM Was in 105-- field-level, just foul of the RF pole-- today. A little brain-scattered right now, but a few impressions: -- The tacos are indeed all that and several cups of fresh salsa (add the "open kitchen" thing being prominently featured in our ballpark to the miles-long list of pleasantly disorienting new CitiFeatures). You'll want the 9.75 sampler thingy. -- Times to hit Shake Shack: Well before gametime, or midgame. Any other time during a weekend game seems like it'll lose you an inning or two. (Those who've never been to Madison Square Park: You do need to have one; whatever G-d you worship, he/she/it smiles on these beef patties.) -- Hidden bonus souvenir: Mets Store bags. Handsome, sturdy reusables... perfect for a run to the market for Nathan's or J.R. Watkins. -- The ushers/greeters are indeed disarmingly polite... if not quite ready for primetime (got 1-2 iffy answers in response to "where's that thing again"-type queries). metsmarathon Apr 05 2009 03:12 PM i took some pictures of my own at citi... a beautiful day for a ball game. fans walking on the fanwalk. my sneakers look filthy! the new apple is big and shiny. it might not get much use this year... i'm probably too old to play here. i need to get me some kids... the retired numbers lets play ball! i love this crazy nook thing. i can't wait to see jose rattle a few balls around in there. this bridge is cool too. here it is during the rain delay. this shot, of the scoreboard, is one of my favoriter pictures that i took that day. the wait at the catch of the day was worth it for the shrimp po'boy. yum! frankie enters the game Edgy DC Apr 05 2009 03:34 PM Looks like they went seriously overboard with the wall height changes. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 05 2009 03:47 PM ="Edgy DC":3bfi37b3]Looks like they went seriously overboard with the wall height changes.[/quote:3bfi37b3] Tatis smacked the top of the wall twice on balls that would've been out in something like 90 percent of the majors' parks. Lowrie's HR was hit a ton, and still skin-of-the-teethed it out in left-center. The difficulties of making the playoffs aside, it'll still be REAL tough to squeeze a righty-hitting MVP offensive player out of this joint. Benjamin Grimm Apr 05 2009 03:53 PM Well, it's not like Shea had a whole bunch of them either. Maybe instead we'll get an extra Cy Young or two. themetfairy Apr 05 2009 03:55 PM Nice shots marathon MK and I were there today for the batting practice. This is MK on the LIRR platform - We figured we would visit the Jackie Robinson Rotunda today so that we won't have to fight the crowds in there during the season. The obligatory Shake Shack visit. Yes I'm still on Weight Watchers, but MK let me have a couple of bites of his burger and some sips of his shake. Now my curiosity has been satisfied, at a fraction of the calorie count. This garbage can in the Fan Fest area amused me - The remains of the Shea. MK said that Shea will live on forever in the souls and homes of Mets fans everywhere. Speaking of Shea, we had the chance to visit the old Home Run Apple. I don't care how corny it is - I love that thing! We enjoyed the visit - it was a good opportunity for us to acclimate ourselves to the new digs. metsguyinmichigan Apr 05 2009 04:00 PM Beautiful! And the stadium shots are nice, too! themetfairy Apr 05 2009 04:07 PM LOL - thanks MFS62 Apr 05 2009 04:53 PM Memo to staff: When the Yanks come to play the Mets this year, protect those garbage cans from Paul O'Neill. He'd probably try to kick them, thinking they're a water cooler. Later metsmarathon Apr 05 2009 05:39 PM ="Edgy DC":3so2bhzo]Looks like they went seriously overboard with the wall height changes.[/quote:3so2bhzo] the one too many is the little bit in straight away center feild that jumps back to 16' or so at the base of the apple. i mean, jeez, its hard enough to hit it there already! soupcan Apr 05 2009 07:14 PM We went on Saturday. The place is really great. It is definitely a bit disconcerting to see the Mets in their home whites in a completely different ballpark. Realizing that this new place with the high outfield fences, enclosed centerfield and green seats is the new home is odd. The food as has been said is so much better than I'm used to having while watching a Mets game. Shake Shack burgers are 2 die 4. There is a place sort of near us in Bethel. CT called The Sycamore which has burgers very similar. I try to get to there a few times a year simply for their 'Dagwood'. No need to do that anymore since I'll be getting my burger fix at good ole City Field (see what I did there?). The game was sold out but there were empty seats everywhere because everyone was walking around checkin' out the new digs. Made it hard to walk around even with the wide concourses. I'm guessing it will be about mid-season before that calms down. The only criticisms I had is that concourse celings are low and they could be lit better. Other than that, its really, really nice. I agree that the outfield walls are high but I think eventually we will all get used to it and adopt the mantra that The City is indeed a pitcher-friendly park and take some pride in that. Edgy DC Apr 05 2009 07:59 PM ="soupcan"] That restaurant makes me feel hostile. I guess I just have to tell myself that those swells are paying for Wright's next extension. But man. soupcan Apr 06 2009 06:30 AM ="Edgy DC"]That restaurant makes me feel hostile. I guess I just have to tell myself that those swells are paying for Wright's next extension. But man. Not just a 'restaurant' it's a 'club'. The Acela Club. And if that doesn't tighten your colon even more - its an exclusive club, open only to holders of tickets in certain areas of the park. As a matter of fact that's another thing about the park that I didn't particularly care for - there are several 'clubs' within the place that cater to only ticketholders of certain sections. Granted - Everyone who has a tcket has a club that will accomodate them (I think) - whether it be on the field level or the Promenade (upper deck) level, but still. Walking by the club entrances and knowing that you are not allowed access to that particular one is a bit of a downer. And I don't know this for sure but I'd guess that the Promenade level club somehow isn't as nice as the the field-level (Ebbets Club maybe?) club. metsmarathon Apr 06 2009 07:07 AM yeah, i always used to like how when i had upper deck seats at shea, i could always come down to the field level any time i wanted and just mill around down there. oh, wait... soupcan Apr 06 2009 07:38 AM No, that's nice that you can do that - and I know that the Diamond Club was only open to ceratin ticketholders as well. My point was more that its more obvious that certain ticketholdres aren't permitted in certain places is all. At least it was more obvious to me. metirish Apr 06 2009 07:44 AM When Burkhardt was in The Acela Club I think Saturday he mentioned that you needed reservations to get in. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:01 AM ="metirish":10v2x56u]When Burkhardt was in The Acela Club I think Saturday he mentioned that you needed reservations to get in.[/quote:10v2x56u] But even if you have reservations, your ticket has to say 'Admit One To Acela Club' John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 06 2009 08:06 AM Hey Soup, I talked to the restaurateur who is opening the place and came away with the impression that although policy errs on the safe side especially at launching time, if you asked the right people nicely they'd probably accommodate you. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:08 AM Well then - there you go. seawolf17 Apr 06 2009 08:18 AM We were there for the workout yesterday. I enjoyed it; I think I'm over Shea. Two negatives, I thought -- the navigation was difficult (although I'm sure that'll go away once I'm familiar with the place), and it was way, way too fucking loud. Seemed like everything and everyone was on full volume. Maybe that'll be better in game situations, where the music isn't going to be blasting the whole time, but it was a major turnoff yesterday. It took me a full hour to relax and enjoy myself, because I spent so much time shouting to Ms. Wolf and MiniWolf to be heard. A few photeaux. First, MiniWolf mourns the loss of Shea: Taking his cuts at Kiddie Field: Playing the outfield, like his dad. Notice his dad in centerfield, talking with a couple of other Poolers who were on the scene: metirish Apr 06 2009 08:20 AM ="soupcan":e6xl82n7]="metirish":e6xl82n7]When Burkhardt was in The Acela Club I think Saturday he mentioned that you needed reservations to get in.[/quote:e6xl82n7] But even if you have reservations, your ticket has to say 'Admit One To Acela Club'[/quote:e6xl82n7] I suppose if I called to make a reservation they would ask if I had the ticket, but in any time especially these tough times that doesn't seem like a smart business plan for the owner of the restaurant. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:21 AM Damn that kid grew up fast. I totally agree about the noise, although the sound system is MUCH better than it was at Shea. Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 08:25 AM Edited 3 time(s), most recently on Apr 06 2009 08:26 AM wolf: So I had this great house until the neighbors put in this damn whiffleball monstrosity. And now soupcan says... KC: Yeah, blahblahblah. Get off the field. There's a game goin' on. HahnSolo Apr 06 2009 08:25 AM One thing I don't "get" from the place is the bridge motif. I can't understand why it was so important to do it. I tried to explain it to my wife and she was like, "I totally don't see NYC bridges." Seawolf, how does the wiffle ball thing work? Is it free? A wait your turn thing? My son is already angling to hit that first when we go next week. Edgy DC Apr 06 2009 08:28 AM It would make more sense if it was a suspension bridge. batmagadanleadoff Apr 06 2009 08:31 AM To those who already went to Citi Field for any of the exhibition games, what were the views like from your seats? Is it really true that every seat is a good one? seawolf17 Apr 06 2009 08:38 AM ="batmagadanleadoff":1tq93prv]To those who already went to Citi Field for any of the exhibition games, what were the views like from your seats? Is it really true that every seat is a good one?[/quote:1tq93prv] We only really "sat" for any length of time in the 330s, out in left field, second tier up, just to the home-plate side of the glass-windowed restaurant. I thought the view was great, but you completely lose the left-field corner, right under you. Didn't bother me too much, because there were plenty of places at Shea where you'd lose a corner also. ="HahnSolo":1tq93prv]One thing I don't "get" from the place is the bridge motif. I can't understand why it was so important to do it. I tried to explain it to my wife and she was like, "I totally don't see NYC bridges." Seawolf, how does the wiffle ball thing work? Is it free? A wait your turn thing? My son is already angling to hit that first when we go next week.[/quote:1tq93prv] I agree on the bridge thing. I think if you're going to go bridge, you have to go Brooklyn Bridge, or a suspension bridge -- something that's really distinct. Or, say, the BRIDGE THAT'S IN THE TEAM'S LOGO. Call me crazy, but doing the logo bridge in right-center field would have kicked ass. The wiffle ball thing is free, but the line was monstrous yesterday. I don't put too much credence into yesterday's lines, because the majority of folks were on the concourse, not at their seats. Probably better during a regular game, I'd think. For yesterday, the line snaked around Kiddie Field, and when you got up there, you (the kid) went into left field, then center, then right, then you got your AB, and you got anywhere between three and six swings, depending on if you were a toddler who was just up there hacking (six) or a teenager who was really to big for it (three), then you got to run the bases. So you got four "at-bats" in total to run around. MiniWolf was beyond thrilled. soupcan Apr 06 2009 08:47 AM ="HahnSolo":9zu9g7v4]One thing I don't "get" from the place is the bridge motif. I can't understand why it was so important to do it. I tried to explain it to my wife and she was like, "I totally don't see NYC bridges." [/quote:9zu9g7v4] The boroughs are all connected by bridges. Its not a stretch. ="Edgy DC":9zu9g7v4]It would make more sense if it was a suspension bridge.[/quote:9zu9g7v4] Agreed. metirish Apr 06 2009 09:07 AM I have a silly question. Are these restaurants open on off days and days the Mets are on the road? themetfairy Apr 06 2009 10:05 AM batmag - I was in the Promenade, and the view from my seat was nice. Analogous to my old Mezz seats, I think. I'll know for sure once the season starts and I'm actually focusing on a game or two. Agreed about the noise level, especially when Chris Carlin was yelling into the mike. I never thought much of him before, but after yesterday I hat him. SteveJRogers Apr 06 2009 10:24 AM ="soupcan":3ko0a4i5]Granted - Everyone who has a tcket has a club that will accomodate them (I think) - whether it be on the field level or the Promenade (upper deck) level, but still. Walking by the club entrances and knowing that you are not allowed access to that particular one is a bit of a downer. And I don't know this for sure but I'd guess that the Promenade level club somehow isn't as nice as the the field-level (Ebbets Club maybe?) club.[/quote:3ko0a4i5] Actually, you have to pay a bit extra for the club pass. Don't know how much more, but from what I gathered, it was substantial. Gwreck Apr 07 2009 09:24 AM The access to the various clubs is based on your seats. If you're seated in the "Promenade Club" seats, you get access to the Promenade Club. If you're in the "Ebbets Club" seats, you get access to the Ebbets Club. If you're in the "Delta Club" seats, you get access to the Delta Club. If you're in the "Caesar's Club" seats, you get access to the Caesar's Club. The restaurant in left field, the "Acela Club," is open to Metropolitan Box, Field Box, Ebbets Club Gold, and Delta Club Platinum and Gold ticket holders. holychicken Apr 07 2009 09:30 AM ="batmagadanleadoff":357bumo9]To those who already went to Citi Field for any of the exhibition games, what were the views like from your seats? Is it really true that every seat is a good one?[/quote:357bumo9] My experience is that all the seats I saw (and I went around to most parts of the stadium) felt very close to the infield and had a good view of the infield. However, the draw back to this is a lot of the seats outside the infield lose a bit of a corner of the outfield AND if you are in a covered seat, you lose views upward. Like sitting in the Mezz in Shea, you really only can see where a pop fly is going by watching the fielders. But, overall, the view of the field is MUCH better, especially for the type of seats I buy. Farmer Ted Apr 07 2009 10:27 AM There's an Acela Club? As in the amtrak train? Let me get this straight. Bankrupt bank has naming rights the stadium and a money-bleeding rail line sponsors the A-list dining area? LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 07 2009 02:04 PM ="Farmer Ted":1wt09uid]There's an Acela Club? As in the amtrak train? Let me get this straight. Bankrupt bank has naming rights the stadium and a money-bleeding rail line sponsors the A-list dining area?[/quote:1wt09uid] That's nothing... wait until you hear who's sponsoring the "Fair and Balanced" no-flush urinals. themetfairy Apr 07 2009 05:46 PM We stopped by today en route to Long Island. D-Dad checked out tailgating spots, and we all visited our brick. Kong76 Apr 07 2009 06:24 PM I've been hesitant to whine here about it, but my front row promenade seats kinda suck. The railing sucks and the staircase with glass around it that is right in the same place as home plate sucks. It will suck even more when there are people on it all game. I called to try and move and the only thing they'd give me was like the next to last section of the outfield in row 13 and was reminded that upgrading year after year from there would be harder than from my crappy seats prolly. It's only a Sunday plan, and I can shift around and carpetbag, and watch from other areas, and the tickets aren't all that expensive ... but I feel gypped especially since on a whole the rest of the place is just so damn nice. seawolf17 Apr 07 2009 06:31 PM Hey, nothing wrong with bitching about it. Ultimately, though, you're probably screwed, because if you want to give up those seats, there are probably plenty of folks who would take them from you next year. The Mets -- and the Yankees -- knew they had us all over a barrel with these stadia; if we wanted to get in, we'd have to pay the price. I hate to say that Mike Francesa is right, but in this case, he is; the only recourse we have is with our wallets. If we think ticket prices are too high, or the views suck... then we don't buy the tickets. (They've priced me out, and that's fine; maybe we go to a game, but more likely we don't.) Kong76 Apr 07 2009 07:00 PM I'm more hesitant to whine about it more because I posted how excited I was to be in row one. I sat in row six with a poster in the same section and those seats are fine. They weren't the best available when I got mine days before they could log on and renew their Sunday plan if theirs are better. Who's Mike Francessa, where does he post? As for high ticket prices, my tickets are much cheaper this year than last and location is fine ... if I wasn't in row one. MFS62 Apr 07 2009 07:12 PM ="Kong76":3ru6ijum]I'm more hesitant to whine about it more because I posted how excited I was to be in row one. I sat in row six with a poster in the same section and those seats are fine. They weren't the best available when I got mine days before they could log on and renew their Sunday plan if theirs are better. Who's Mike Francessa, where does he post? As for high ticket prices, my tickets are much cheaper this year than last and location is fine ... if I wasn't in row one.[/quote:3ru6ijum] Well, if he had them, I'm sure Bob Uecker would exchange yours for his in the very last row. Later Rockin' Doc Apr 07 2009 07:39 PM KC, thanks for the excuse to post a classic beer commercial. MFS62, thanks for the perfect lead in. MFS62 Apr 07 2009 07:55 PM Doc, All I see is a big white rectangle. Later themetfairy Apr 07 2009 07:58 PM I see the Uecker ad, Doc. I just showed it to MK - he had never seen it before. Thanks. Rockin' Doc Apr 08 2009 05:23 AM MFS62 -"Doc, All I see is a big white rectangle." You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard that line before. Kong76 Apr 08 2009 05:38 AM Close your eyes and walk slowly towards the white rectangle.

Retired numbers View from the Promenade

Didn't feel "into" taking too many shots last night, most due to the crowd and weather. Ah well, did take some nice shots There used to be a ballpark here: Arthur Ashe Stadium as you've never seen it before! Speaking of shots the paying customer really couldn't get at Shea. Directly behind the Right Fielder! The overhang in right You know, this really IS a crazy setup with the bullpens I still want to know where, and when I can update this pic!

="TheOldMole":2ie83a2s]Love the sortable, love all sorts of little extras, still would like to see them have every box score.[/quote:2ie83a2s] You want them to step on retrosheet.org's turf? LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 04 2009 11:43 PM ="Kong76":3uzqu7br]What's up with the 320 pixel jheri curl commercial?[/quote:3uzqu7br] Apologies-- a(n appropriately a-holish?) temporary nod to our new a-hole. Frayed Knot Apr 07 2009 11:10 AM They don't have today's games/pitchers shown on the front page like they used to -- but they also haven't changed last year's season-ending standings in favor of this year's so maybe they're just a bit behind at the moment. Fman99 May 05 2009 06:27 AM My Ron Darling sponsorship is up for renewal... except they jacked the price from $20 to $30. I think I'll try to find some other Met(s) to sponsor and continue to pimp the pool.

="MFS62":2qks5l00]="seawolf17":2qks5l00]Didn't they call it "New Comiskey" for a while too?[/quote:2qks5l00] Who is they? The White Sox? White Sox fans? The fans in Chicago? The papers in Chicago? But this is the official website of major league baseball itself. And that's why I asked if anyone knew if this is the official name of that place. Not just what some may call it. Later[/quote:2qks5l00] Yes, yes, yes, yes and yes. Reinsdorf didn't sell the naming rights until 2003. So it was Comiskey II from 1991 through 2003. G-Fafif Apr 04 2009 06:55 AM I believe that someday Seawolf will punch that arrogant Brian Brueny at New Yankee Stadium on his fat nose. MFS62 Apr 09 2009 06:56 PM Here's one you might not have heard about. (Thank you, Onion) http://www.theonion.com/content/video/yankees_buil ding_new_vacation Later Kong76 Apr 09 2009 08:39 PM Dude, your link actually pointed to this: http://www.theonion.com/content/video/study_children_exposed_to Figure out how to work stuff, child porn humor ain't for here. Later metsguyinmichigan Apr 09 2009 10:01 PM I clicked the link and thought, "Damn, the bleeping Yankees really ARE trying to appeal to everyone. Now I know why they have that massive video board in center." MFS62 Apr 10 2009 07:36 AM Let's try that again. And let the ad finish. http://www.theonion.com/content/video/yankees_building_new_vacation EDIT: I tried it after I re-posted and it worked. Later

="batmagadanleadoff":3qqfgqk9]="Benjamin Grimm":3qqfgqk9]Opening Day starts?[/quote:3qqfgqk9] What about opening day starters who started more than one opening day game? I know that Randy Jones and Pat Zachry were opening day starters (once). So was Santana, last season.[/quote:3qqfgqk9] Ding, ding. soupcan Apr 03 2009 10:59 AM Excuse me, my answer is correct as well. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 11:02 AM ="soupcan":2ndd6cre]Excuse me, my answer is correct as well.[/quote:2ndd6cre] Gl*vine over Roger Craig? I know this is subjective and all... but really? soupcan Apr 03 2009 11:08 AM You're assuming that I would most want Tom Seaver and least want Craig Swan when in fact the opposite is true. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 03 2009 11:15 AM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Apr 03 2009 11:16 AM Fair enough. Leiter over Dwight? As long as he stays out of the bathroom, and away from horizontal mirrors... (Plus, I'd reconsider Seaver-- if a case full of free vino riding shotgun/drowning the blowhard-iness, George Thomas is welcome in my cocina any time.) Benjamin Grimm Apr 03 2009 11:15 AM I'd want Rusty Staub in my kitchen. He could give me some good Louisiana cooking tips. soupcan Apr 03 2009 11:22 AM I'd go for the free Rolfing over the average wine. Also, while it may be true that Leiter is a Republican, Dwight betrayed me. I can't let that go. Leiter over Jones is a tough call but what can you do?

What is the signfiance of this Most to Least Rankings: Tom Seaver Dwight Gooden Tom Glavine Bobby Jones Al Leiter Roger Craig Al Jackson Craig Swan

Be in uniform for Opening Day proper (Game 1 of 162) at Shea Stadium? That doesn't make much sense now that I think of it... Didn't it use to alternate until like the last few years the Mets have opened on the road for whatever reason?

I'm fixated on Buddy's Gold Glove image. Does it have something to do with Met award winners? Huh, or maybe All Star Game Starts... AH HA... All Star Game selections made by someone other than fan voting perhaps?

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD JUST GIVE THE DAMN ANSWER!

Well I can't contribute anymore seeing my flash drive with the file listing every freaking book crashed and I lost the file.

="seawolf17":3dbbq9qq]How about Nightcrawler?[/quote:3dbbq9qq] HA! Along the same vein, there is a guy on a NYC sports talk show that is pushing a nickname on Murphy that was the name of some piece of equipment used by firefighters. I don't remember what it was, but he was saying that it is a versatile piece of equipment, the way Murphy is a versatile player. And it ties into the NYFD's Irish heritage. Heh, sadly it falls into the "its not good if you need to explain it in more than 5 words" category. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 30 2009 10:59 AM ="SteveJRogers":16szyq4v]="seawolf17":16szyq4v]How about Nightcrawler?[/quote:16szyq4v] HA! Along the same vein, there is a guy on a NYC sports talk show that is pushing a nickname on Murphy that was the name of some piece of equipment used by firefighters. I don't remember what it was, but he was saying that it is a versatile piece of equipment, the way Murphy is a versatile player. And it ties into the NYFD's Irish heritage. Heh, sadly it falls into the "its not good if you need to explain it in more than 5 words" category.[/quote:16szyq4v] I think you're thinking of "halligan"-- used for prying/punching/twisting/doorbreaking... no word on whether it's from Germany. Not bad. Howzabout "Hacksaw"-- he's a bit of more of a wood-chopper than a "hammer", offensively speaking. OlerudOwned Mar 30 2009 11:40 AM ="metirish":2bai1n7j]Yeah it's a very British/Irish soccer style thing too....every player gets a O or a SY added to their name....[/quote:2bai1n7j] It's huge in hockey, too. I could practically go down the whole Rangers roster like that. Bettsy, Orrsy, Korps, Staalsy, Gomer, Cally, Nazzy. It's a shame that nobody on the team actually uses Lauri Korpikoski's fan-adaopted nickname, Korpedo. Edgy DC Mar 30 2009 11:55 AM The News still hasn't cleared up the error. Nymr83 Mar 30 2009 12:20 PM ="Centerfield":35p2gq1m]I vote for "Black Mamba".[/quote:35p2gq1m] Already taken by Manny Ramirez. That guy is just poisonous to clubhouses. soupcan Mar 30 2009 12:41 PM The Nightcrawler & Black Mamba references have gone completely over my head. metirish Mar 30 2009 12:44 PM Nightcrawler brings back fun memories, Val at his best I think. I would hope the archives have that old nicknames thread. Centerfield Mar 30 2009 12:49 PM Black Mamba was the nickname given to himself by Kobe Bryant. Say what you want about other nicknames, the height of douchebaggery is trying to give yourself a cool sounding nickname and being the only one to use it. Edgy DC Mar 30 2009 12:50 PM The birth of Nightcrawler: http://archives.cranepoolforum.net/1700/f1_t1720.shtml Benjamin Grimm Mar 30 2009 12:53 PM How were you able to find that during a time when the archives index is busted? I'm rather impressed. seawolf17 Mar 30 2009 12:57 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":1c2fy3mi]How were you able to find that during a time when the archives index is busted?[/quote:1c2fy3mi] No wonder I couldn't find my lyrics to "Hey Doug Mientkiewicz" this morning. Benjamin Grimm Mar 30 2009 01:00 PM See "Bitch to the Admins." I hope to get it fixed tomorrow. Meanwhile, I had forgotten that Valadius was using "Creator of Nightcrawler and the Jake Monster" as his automatic signature line. Sheesh. Edgy DC Mar 30 2009 01:00 PM Searching with The Google. metirish Mar 30 2009 01:11 PM "Creator of Nightcrawler and the Jake Monster" tough to beat that.....funny to read back over it. Val proud as a new father with his nicknames. seawolf17 Mar 30 2009 01:14 PM That's a great thread. Benjamin Grimm Mar 30 2009 01:45 PM This is the Nightcrawler thread that I remember best: http://archives.cranepoolforum.net/2300/f1_t2382.shtml metirish Mar 30 2009 01:59 PM Best post ever by Val. Not everyone would share like that. Someone should tell the Seattle fans who Mr. Cellophane is.

seawolf17 wrote: For Chrissakes, StevieJeets. Why don't you throw some Billy Joel lyrics in there? JUST FOR THAT WOLFIE: Baby, if you ever wondered Wondered, whatever became of me I'm living on the air in Cincinnati, Cincinnati, WKRP Got kind of tired of packing and unpacking Town to town, up and down the dial Maybe you and me weren't meant to be Just stop and think of me every once in a while I'm at WKRP in Cincinnati. And the opening lines of Jimmy Buffet's "Fins" She came down from Cincinnati It took her three days on the train Lookin' for some peace and quiet Hoped to see the sun again...

="Benjamin Grimm":2n7rxdgz]I'm no fan of ads, but I kinda like that big Pepsi Cola sign. It's as much "advertising art" as it is advertising. Isn't it very similar to the vintage sign in Queens that can be seen from across the East River in Manhattan?[/quote:2n7rxdgz] An exact replica actually. Well except the recent Pepsi "dot" replaces the vintage Pepsi bottle from that iconic signage. soupcan Mar 30 2009 08:44 AM ="SteveJRogers"]="Benjamin Grimm"]I'm no fan of ads, but I kinda like that big Pepsi Cola sign. It's as much "advertising art" as it is advertising. Isn't it very similar to the vintage sign in Queens that can be seen from across the East River in Manhattan? An exact replica actually. Well except the recent Pepsi "dot" replaces the vintage Pepsi bottle from that iconic signage. Close but not 'exact'. G-Fafif Mar 30 2009 11:01 AM Company-issued release: ]Pepsi gains branding rights to the name-entitled "Pepsi Porch," the 1,284-seat area in right field that extends over the playing field. This interactive brand showcase at the Pepsi Porch will immerse fans in a Mets and Pepsi experience with special entertainment programming broadcast to those in attendance and watching Mets games on SNY, the television home of the Mets. A 37-foot by 89-foot Pepsi sign, evocative of the iconic Pepsi-Cola sign facing Manhattan from Long Island City, will sit atop the Pepsi Porch. The sign will face into the ballpark and be visible from downtown Flushing and nearby highways and mass transit lines. Benjamin Grimm Mar 30 2009 11:12 AM I don't imagine that most fans will want to be "immersed in a Mets and Pepsi experience" while at the ballgame. I know I wouldn't. I just want to watch the game, without any immersion at all. LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Mar 30 2009 11:13 AM Like the signage... mildly-- very mildly-- put off by the modern-Pepsi-dot-with-vintage-Pepsi-lettering juxtaposition of ad styles. From the woulda-coulda-shoulda department: making the outfield "bridges" a little more evocative of the Triboro/Queensboro/Whitestone trifecta (not sure I buy the supposed Hell-Gate connection) would have made for a nice little architectural curlicue. OlerudOwned Mar 30 2009 11:35 AM Wouldn't have minded immersing my eyes in Pepsi at the ends of the last two seasons. metirish Mar 30 2009 11:41 AM The language of such releases are all the same , jeez sounds like I'll have the expreince of my life if only I was sitting in the Pepsi porch. I do like Pepsi though Farmer Ted Mar 30 2009 01:13 PM The Pepsi sign is a big FUCK YOU to Atlanta and Ted Turner's phallic Coke Bottle. metirish Apr 02 2009 01:24 PM Head groundskeeper Pete Flynn marks the baselines and grooms home plate at Citi Field. (Newsday / Audrey C. Tiernan / March 25, 2009) Pinball machines in the Mets' new clubhouse at Citi Field. (Newsday / Audrey C. Tiernan / March 25, 2009) Pepsi porch I like the detail in the carpet. John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 02 2009 01:31 PM Those pinball machines are too close to the wall, and one another, to be playable. However, I think can whip Jose Reyes' butt on either table. themetfairy Apr 02 2009 01:39 PM I love the pool table! DocTee Apr 02 2009 01:41 PM The pool table is coin operated? You can buy any of these items in 35 years when the Mets move to a new stadium. I call dibs on the leather recliners. soupcan Apr 02 2009 01:59 PM This carpet is god-awful. Benjamin Grimm Apr 02 2009 02:23 PM I agree. It's garish. It's nice that they're honoring Shea with the neon players, but those big grey baseballs are hideous. The first thing I'd do is replace that carpet with something with a blue-and-orange 1960's Shea Stadium shingle pattern. Edgy DC Apr 02 2009 02:27 PM I'd do a pattern based on an acne-covered back. soupcan Apr 03 2009 10:44 AM Delgado, last night. Cool, huh? Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 10:51 AM How does the warning track soil/clay stay packed like that? Fman99 Apr 03 2009 10:53 AM ="Benjamin Grimm":29ka38qg]I don't imagine that most fans will want to be "immersed in a Mets and Pepsi experience" while at the ballgame. I know I wouldn't. I just want to watch the game, without any immersion at all.[/quote:29ka38qg] Little known fact, the Jimi Hendrix Experience was originally known as the Mets and Pepsi Experience. metirish Apr 03 2009 01:04 PM ="soupcan"]Delgado, last night. Cool, huh? Beautiful picture , one for the mantle I should think. This story went with that picture in the NY Times ] Mets Get a Late-Night Sneak Preview of Citi Field By BEN SHPIGEL Published: April 3, 2009 Out from the buses they spilled, marching through a gate, down a corridor and around a corner until, finally, there it was. Home. The Mets� shiny, new clubhouse awaited. And as Carlos Delgado poked his head inside at about 10:55 p.m. Thursday, he surveyed the sheer size of it all and said, �Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the big leagues.� His teammates, arriving at Citi Field fresh off a flight from Florida that landed two and a half hours late, followed suit, each more mesmerized than the next. After locating his locker, Jos� Reyes opened a cabinet and wondered aloud how much clothes he could fit inside. Pedro Feliciano plopped into his ergonomic chair. Shaking his head, Razor Shines could manage only a �Wow.� Then he said it again. �I�m overwhelmed,� Bobby Parnell said. �The other guys, they�re used to this.� Their curiosity piqued, players wheeled their hand luggage to their lockers and started to explore. John Maine and Mike Pelfrey bounded down the steps, past the sprint track. �Mainer, you want to race?� Pelfrey said. Ascending another set of stairs, they funneled into the dugout, joining Delgado and Carlos Beltr�n. Everyone looked up, almost instinctively, and then out, to the fences, scoping out the dimensions. Ryan Church, pointing toward the 415-foot marker in right-center field, told Delgado, �I don�t think they made it deep enough.� For the occasion, the lights had been turned on � �I should have brought sunscreen,� Darren O�Day said � and the grass glistened. But with rain in the forecast for Friday, when the Mets are scheduled to play Boston in an exhibition game, a tarp lay over the infield, preventing Johan Santana and friends from climbing the mound. Undeterred, many of the pitchers walked in the grass toward right-center, toward the bullpen, as quickly as their suits and dress shoes would allow them. Every few feet, J. J. Putz stopped, pointed the camera on his cellphone and snapped. The Mets occupy the bottom level of the two-tiered bullpen � just as the Phillies do in their ballpark � and the bullpen catcher Dave Racaniello wandered in. Assessing where the plate will be, he got into a crouch for a few seconds. As �In My Life� by the Beatles played, the lights suddenly went out. All part of the plan, explained Jeff Wilpon, the team�s chief operating officer, as a montage of highlights, player introductions and construction footage played on the video screen. Luis Alicea, the first-base coach, spotted Wilpon and thanked him. �Beautiful,� Alicea told him. �Absolutely beautiful.� When it ended, Wilpon escorted everyone into a tunnel behind the plate that led to the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. As workers took a break from polishing the terrazzo floors, Jerry Manuel and Sandy Alomar Sr. walked slowly, taking time to read each of Robinson�s nine values, which are inscribed in the floor. Behind them, Putz slipped his feet into Robinson�s footprints. They matched. �Size 14,� Putz said. On the way back inside, Howard Johnson took a detour to show two of his apt pupils, Nick Evans and Daniel Murphy, the video room and the batting cage. Murphy gazed through the window. The door was locked. �Tomorrow,� Murphy said. soupcan Apr 03 2009 02:28 PM Stole this from baseball-fever.com... metirish Apr 03 2009 02:30 PM That needs a lot of dents in it.....too shiny. Edgy DC Apr 03 2009 02:38 PM Needs a top hat is what it needs. Strikes me that a cool reverence to the polo grounds could have been done by putting a recess in the wall out there.

="batmagadanleadoff"] The Mets aren't, and shouldn't be the torch-bearers of the Dodgiant legacy, just as, likewise, the Dodgers need not erect a statute of Californian Tom Seaver. So, the Braves should take down the statue at The Ted honoring Georgian Ty Cobb?

="batmagadanleadoff":1b2mzjen]Does anyone know which MLB'er appeared on the most yearbook covers, all time? (Hint - he was able to accomplish this feat by appearing on some covers of opponents' yearbooks.)[/quote:1b2mzjen] And how have you come to know this knowledge? You have accurate knowledge of every single official yearbook produced by every single MLB team in history, going all the way back? Note there are discrepancies in terms of what may or may not be considered "official." To say nothing about the fact that some teams neglected their yearbook publishing history and have printed errors in special publications that supposedly feature images of every yearbook they've published. In other words, I find the answer to this question highly suspectable. Not that you didn't do extensive and exhaustive research, I just would assume that it would be an overwhelming, and tedious project to undertake, for the reasons I've mentioned. metsguyinmichigan Mar 29 2009 06:18 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":2cyung20]I don't think I've ever seen that 1991 revised edition cover. Ever.[/quote:2cyung20] Me neither! Met Hunter Mar 29 2009 06:22 PM The picture of Boswell/Harrelson was taken from the 69 yearbook, page 11. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 06:26 PM ="SteveJRogers":192a2848]="batmagadanleadoff":192a2848]Does anyone know which MLB'er appeared on the most yearbook covers, all time? (Hint - he was able to accomplish this feat by appearing on some covers of opponents' yearbooks.)[/quote:192a2848] And how have you come to know this knowledge? You have accurate knowledge of every single official yearbook produced by every single MLB team in history, going all the way back? [/quote:192a2848] I dunno, Steve. I will confess that I'm just going by what I once read here. The piece sounded credible. Would you like for me to reveal the alleged answer, or would like to wait a while so that you and others might guess at it? cooby Mar 29 2009 07:20 PM I'll say Hank Aaron. After I stop laughing at what Steve said. Kong76 Mar 29 2009 07:23 PM I'll say Jackie Robinson. Edgy DC Mar 29 2009 07:26 PM Harmon Killebrew. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 07:40 PM ="Kong76":dvw81jkh]I'll say Jackie Robinson.[/quote:dvw81jkh] No, but I once read that Jackie Robinson's close. Fred Wilpon, under intense pressure to deliver the record for Jackie, intends to feature Jackie on as many future Met yearbooks as it takes so that Jackie can claim this record, too. According to Flender Downey, Lou Cabrazzi's grandson approached Fred and told him that either Fred's blood or Jackie's picture was gonna be on the cover of the next Mets yearbook. batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 08:35 AM Edited 5 time(s), most recently on Mar 31 2009 09:00 AM The answer is Yaz, who appeared on a few more than the eight covers pictured here and in the next two posts. batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 08:38 AM batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 08:41 AM a few more: batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 08:48 AM Yaz didn't appear on the cover of this one, but here's the Red Sox yearbook for the season following their loss to the Mets in the 1986 WS: No sign of their everyday first baseman, Bill Buckner on that cover. batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 09:55 AM ="SteveJRogers"]Seaver is in the clubhouse at the end of 1989 with 6 covers, 1969, 1970, 1973, 1975, 1983 (illustration). You left out the 1972 yearbook from your list, even though your total of six through 1989 is correct. Seaver's been on a total of eight Met Yearbook covers, including the 2002 version, celebrating the Mets 40th anniversary, and the 1993 "30 Seasons at Shea" yearbook. I suppose that Seaver is likely to appear on any Met cover that features a photographic collage of Met history, deservedly so. Which Met yearbook cover is your favorite? I like the Willard Mullin covers more than the others, especially the 1967 cover with Kid Met ascending stairs, a misstep (pun!) here or there. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 10:36 AM Before we get to Sox-focused, can we get some resolution on the 1970 cover? Donn Clendenon Tom SeaverTommie AgeeI say Harrelson, Hunter says WeisI say Swoboda, batmagadan and Hunter say GentryNolan RyanGil HodgesHunter says Boswell then HarrelsonI say Shamsky, Hunter and batmagadan say KranepoolI say Boswell, Hunter says Grote and is probably rightJonesKoosmanI say Kranepool, Hunter and batmagadan say Shamsky Hunter says this is Swoboda, seems a little puffy for Rocky to me Tug McGraw batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 10:40 AM I agree with Met Hunter on Swoboda and Weis. So put me down for those two. John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 31 2009 10:43 AM 4 down -- Weis 5 down -- Gentry 6 across/down -- ?? and Harrelson 7 down -- Swoboda 3 across -- Kranepool 4 across -- Grote 7 across -- Shamsky Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 10:44 AM I kind of do also, which sensibly makes that Harreslson and Boswell in the crosshairs, but I'm sticking to my guns on Kranepool vs. Shamsky, and could use some support on that one. batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 10:51 AM ="Edgy DC"]I kind of do also, which sensibly makes that Harreslson and Boswell in the crosshairs, but I'm sticking to my guns on Kranepool vs. Shamsky, and could use some support on that one. I don't see how Shamsky (last horizontal frame) is even an issue. That's Shamsky and I'd bet anything. (I know you'll make me pay for this brash post if it turns out that I'm wrong and Shamsky's not Shamsky) Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 11:03 AM Which pretty much makes me wrong on every count. Every contested count, anyhow. 1962: Symbolic Mets baby (1st time). 1963: Mr. Met (1st time). 1964: Symbolic Mets Baby (2nd time), Generic National Leaguer (1st time), and Casey Stengel (1st time). 1965: Symbolic Mets Baby (3rd time). 1966: Symbolic Mets Baby (4th time). 1967: Symbolic Mets Baby (5th time) and Generic National Leaguer (2nd time). 1968: Symbolic Mets Baby (6th time) and Gil Hodges (1st time). 1969: Jerry Koosman (1st time), Jerry Grote (1st time), and Tom Seaver (1st time). 1970: Donn Clendenon (1st time), Tom Seaver (2nd time), Tommie Agee (1st time), Al Weis (1st time), Gary Gentry (1st time), Nolan Ryan (1st time), Ken Boswell (1st time), Bud Harrelson (1st time), Ron Swoboda (1st time), Tug McGraw (1st time), Gil Hodges (2nd time), Ed Kranepool (1st time), Jerre Grote (2nd time), Cleon Jones (1st time), Jerry Koosman (2nd time) Score Through 1970 Symbolic Mets Baby: 6 Generic National Leaguer: 2 Tom Seaver: 2 Gil Hodges: 2 Jerry Koosman: 2 Jerry Grote: 2 Mr. Met: 1 Casey Stengel: 1 Donn Clendenon 1 Tommie Agee 1 Al Weis 1 Gary Gentry 1 Nolan Ryan 1 Ken Boswell 1 Bud Harrelson 1 Ron Swoboda 1 Tug McGraw 1 Ed Kranepool 1 Cleon Jones 1 RealityChuck Mar 31 2009 12:40 PM ="Edgy DC":2sbbzi7w]I kind of do also, which sensibly makes that Harreslson and Boswell in the crosshairs, but I'm sticking to my guns on Kranepool vs. Shamsky, and could use some support on that one.[/quote:2sbbzi7w] Have to disagree with you. That's definitely Kranepool in the center and Shamsky by the edge. Benjamin Grimm Mar 31 2009 12:47 PM I agree. Kranepool, Grote, Jones, Koosman, Shamsky. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 12:49 PM Thanks, both. I've already yielded the point. Zvon Mar 31 2009 01:41 PM ="Met Hunter"]I'm looking at my 1970 yearbook up close. This is how I see it. Horizontal Clendenon Seaver Agee Weis Gentry Ryan Boswell, Harrelson Swoboda McGraw Vertical Hodges Kranepool Grote Jones Koosman Shamsky Plus there's a good shot of The Glider with a big smile in the lower left hand corner. This is right on Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 01:42 PM Z in house. MFS needs a Brian Cole avatar, baby. Zvon Mar 31 2009 01:50 PM ="Edgy DC"]Z in house. MFS needs a Brian Cole avatar, baby. I'm on it. SteveJRogers Mar 31 2009 03:09 PM Well I can't contribute anymore seeing my flash drive with the file listing every freaking book crashed and I lost the file.

="Edgy DC":2qxqgxca]Cool that a guy who was released 19 seconds after the championship still got on the yearbook cover the next year.[/quote:2qxqgxca] Which is why I thought he looks more like Jim McAndrew than Al Weis. Edgy DC Mar 29 2009 06:11 PM I was speaking of Charles. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 06:11 PM Does anyone know which MLB'er appeared on the most yearbook covers, all time? (Hint - he was able to accomplish this feat by appearing on some covers of opponents' yearbooks.) SteveJRogers Mar 29 2009 06:18 PM Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Mar 29 2009 06:21 PM ="batmagadanleadoff":1b2mzjen]Does anyone know which MLB'er appeared on the most yearbook covers, all time? (Hint - he was able to accomplish this feat by appearing on some covers of opponents' yearbooks.)[/quote:1b2mzjen] And how have you come to know this knowledge? You have accurate knowledge of every single official yearbook produced by every single MLB team in history, going all the way back? Note there are discrepancies in terms of what may or may not be considered "official." To say nothing about the fact that some teams neglected their yearbook publishing history and have printed errors in special publications that supposedly feature images of every yearbook they've published. In other words, I find the answer to this question highly suspectable. Not that you didn't do extensive and exhaustive research, I just would assume that it would be an overwhelming, and tedious project to undertake, for the reasons I've mentioned. metsguyinmichigan Mar 29 2009 06:18 PM ="Benjamin Grimm":2cyung20]I don't think I've ever seen that 1991 revised edition cover. Ever.[/quote:2cyung20] Me neither! Met Hunter Mar 29 2009 06:22 PM The picture of Boswell/Harrelson was taken from the 69 yearbook, page 11. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 06:26 PM ="SteveJRogers":192a2848]="batmagadanleadoff":192a2848]Does anyone know which MLB'er appeared on the most yearbook covers, all time? (Hint - he was able to accomplish this feat by appearing on some covers of opponents' yearbooks.)[/quote:192a2848] And how have you come to know this knowledge? You have accurate knowledge of every single official yearbook produced by every single MLB team in history, going all the way back? [/quote:192a2848] I dunno, Steve. I will confess that I'm just going by what I once read here. The piece sounded credible. Would you like for me to reveal the alleged answer, or would like to wait a while so that you and others might guess at it? cooby Mar 29 2009 07:20 PM I'll say Hank Aaron. After I stop laughing at what Steve said. Kong76 Mar 29 2009 07:23 PM I'll say Jackie Robinson. Edgy DC Mar 29 2009 07:26 PM Harmon Killebrew. batmagadanleadoff Mar 29 2009 07:40 PM ="Kong76":dvw81jkh]I'll say Jackie Robinson.[/quote:dvw81jkh] No, but I once read that Jackie Robinson's close. Fred Wilpon, under intense pressure to deliver the record for Jackie, intends to feature Jackie on as many future Met yearbooks as it takes so that Jackie can claim this record, too. According to Flender Downey, Lou Cabrazzi's grandson approached Fred and told him that either Fred's blood or Jackie's picture was gonna be on the cover of the next Mets yearbook. batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 08:35 AM Edited 5 time(s), most recently on Mar 31 2009 09:00 AM The answer is Yaz, who appeared on a few more than the eight covers pictured here and in the next two posts. batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 08:38 AM batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 08:41 AM a few more: batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 08:48 AM Yaz didn't appear on the cover of this one, but here's the Red Sox yearbook for the season following their loss to the Mets in the 1986 WS: No sign of their everyday first baseman, Bill Buckner on that cover. batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 09:55 AM ="SteveJRogers"]Seaver is in the clubhouse at the end of 1989 with 6 covers, 1969, 1970, 1973, 1975, 1983 (illustration). You left out the 1972 yearbook from your list, even though your total of six through 1989 is correct. Seaver's been on a total of eight Met Yearbook covers, including the 2002 version, celebrating the Mets 40th anniversary, and the 1993 "30 Seasons at Shea" yearbook. I suppose that Seaver is likely to appear on any Met cover that features a photographic collage of Met history, deservedly so. Which Met yearbook cover is your favorite? I like the Willard Mullin covers more than the others, especially the 1967 cover with Kid Met ascending stairs, a misstep (pun!) here or there. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 10:36 AM Before we get to Sox-focused, can we get some resolution on the 1970 cover? Donn Clendenon Tom SeaverTommie AgeeI say Harrelson, Hunter says WeisI say Swoboda, batmagadan and Hunter say GentryNolan RyanGil HodgesHunter says Boswell then HarrelsonI say Shamsky, Hunter and batmagadan say KranepoolI say Boswell, Hunter says Grote and is probably rightJonesKoosmanI say Kranepool, Hunter and batmagadan say Shamsky Hunter says this is Swoboda, seems a little puffy for Rocky to me Tug McGraw batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 10:40 AM I agree with Met Hunter on Swoboda and Weis. So put me down for those two. John Cougar Lunchbucket Mar 31 2009 10:43 AM 4 down -- Weis 5 down -- Gentry 6 across/down -- ?? and Harrelson 7 down -- Swoboda 3 across -- Kranepool 4 across -- Grote 7 across -- Shamsky Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 10:44 AM I kind of do also, which sensibly makes that Harreslson and Boswell in the crosshairs, but I'm sticking to my guns on Kranepool vs. Shamsky, and could use some support on that one. batmagadanleadoff Mar 31 2009 10:51 AM ="Edgy DC"]I kind of do also, which sensibly makes that Harreslson and Boswell in the crosshairs, but I'm sticking to my guns on Kranepool vs. Shamsky, and could use some support on that one. I don't see how Shamsky (last horizontal frame) is even an issue. That's Shamsky and I'd bet anything. (I know you'll make me pay for this brash post if it turns out that I'm wrong and Shamsky's not Shamsky) Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 11:03 AM Which pretty much makes me wrong on every count. Every contested count, anyhow. 1962: Symbolic Mets baby (1st time). 1963: Mr. Met (1st time). 1964: Symbolic Mets Baby (2nd time), Generic National Leaguer (1st time), and Casey Stengel (1st time). 1965: Symbolic Mets Baby (3rd time). 1966: Symbolic Mets Baby (4th time). 1967: Symbolic Mets Baby (5th time) and Generic National Leaguer (2nd time). 1968: Symbolic Mets Baby (6th time) and Gil Hodges (1st time). 1969: Jerry Koosman (1st time), Jerry Grote (1st time), and Tom Seaver (1st time). 1970: Donn Clendenon (1st time), Tom Seaver (2nd time), Tommie Agee (1st time), Al Weis (1st time), Gary Gentry (1st time), Nolan Ryan (1st time), Ken Boswell (1st time), Bud Harrelson (1st time), Ron Swoboda (1st time), Tug McGraw (1st time), Gil Hodges (2nd time), Ed Kranepool (1st time), Jerre Grote (2nd time), Cleon Jones (1st time), Jerry Koosman (2nd time) Score Through 1970 Symbolic Mets Baby: 6 Generic National Leaguer: 2 Tom Seaver: 2 Gil Hodges: 2 Jerry Koosman: 2 Jerry Grote: 2 Mr. Met: 1 Casey Stengel: 1 Donn Clendenon 1 Tommie Agee 1 Al Weis 1 Gary Gentry 1 Nolan Ryan 1 Ken Boswell 1 Bud Harrelson 1 Ron Swoboda 1 Tug McGraw 1 Ed Kranepool 1 Cleon Jones 1 RealityChuck Mar 31 2009 12:40 PM ="Edgy DC":2sbbzi7w]I kind of do also, which sensibly makes that Harreslson and Boswell in the crosshairs, but I'm sticking to my guns on Kranepool vs. Shamsky, and could use some support on that one.[/quote:2sbbzi7w] Have to disagree with you. That's definitely Kranepool in the center and Shamsky by the edge. Benjamin Grimm Mar 31 2009 12:47 PM I agree. Kranepool, Grote, Jones, Koosman, Shamsky. Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 12:49 PM Thanks, both. I've already yielded the point. Zvon Mar 31 2009 01:41 PM ="Met Hunter"]I'm looking at my 1970 yearbook up close. This is how I see it. Horizontal Clendenon Seaver Agee Weis Gentry Ryan Boswell, Harrelson Swoboda McGraw Vertical Hodges Kranepool Grote Jones Koosman Shamsky Plus there's a good shot of The Glider with a big smile in the lower left hand corner. This is right on Edgy DC Mar 31 2009 01:42 PM Z in house. MFS needs a Brian Cole avatar, baby. Zvon Mar 31 2009 01:50 PM ="Edgy DC"]Z in house. MFS needs a Brian Cole avatar, baby. I'm on it. SteveJRogers Mar 31 2009 03:09 PM Well I can't contribute anymore seeing my flash drive with the file listing every freaking book crashed and I lost the file.

Seaver is in the clubhouse at the end of 1989 with 6 covers, 1969, 1970, 1973, 1975, 1983 (illustration) Next is Grote with 5, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973 and 1977. Both Koosman and Hernandez have 4 each at this point.