NEW YORK -- It rained most of Saturday, but it didn’t spoil the Mets’ first-ever Amazin’ Day. The event was an extension of the club’s efforts to enhance the fan experience and generate excitement for the 2023 season.
Several of the team’s alumni -- Mookie Wilson, Howard Johnson, Roger McDowell, Tim Teufel, Turk Wendell and Glendon Rusch -- helped bring excitement to the special day, promoting the Mets all over New York City. They went from saying hello to fans at the MLB Store in Manhattan to Astoria Park in Queens, where they gave away merchandise such as Mets hats and T-shirts and Jerry Koosman bobbleheads.
“I remember we used to do FanFest a few years ago, and I always thought it was really good,” Wilson said. “Amazin’ Day is a little bit different because you have a little more involvement with the fans. I think that is always good. We were able to take pictures, shake hands and talk with people. It’s more personable. I think the fans appreciate it a lot more.”
Maybe the biggest Amazin' Day highlight occurred at Citi Field. There was supposed to be a Sandlot Stars game at Flushing Meadows Corona Park that afternoon, but it was called because of inclement weather.
However, all was not lost. Instead, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation hosted a private event for two local Little League teams -- La Javilla and Encarnación -- in the Piazza Club at Citi Field. Both teams received Mets hats and ticket vouchers to watch the team play at home this year. The foundation also provided lunch and donated baseball gear to the Little Leaguers.
“It is amazing,” said José Blanco, a coach for La Javilla. “A lot of those kids don’t really get equipment like that. Sometimes parents can’t afford it. Just having something like that is amazing.”
The foundation also announced a grant to completely renovate Field No. 10 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Construction will start May 1.
“We wanted, No. 1, for the kids to play, but we want them to play in a safe environment,” said Julianna Sabra, the Mets' co-head of the foundation and community engagement. “The field we were going to play on today is a field we are actually renovating due to the drainage issue that Flushing Meadows Park has.
“We are proud as an organization to give back to local Little Leagues. We don’t want any child to have an obstacle to play, whether that’s field access or equipment. We want them to have everything they need so they can learn about the sport of baseball. So we are excited to give back through the foundation.”
The kids also had fun with games such as speed pitch, cornhole, giant checkers, the GoSports Battleputt golf putting game and Jenga, mingling with the Mets' alumni as they played.
“At least the kids are going around seeing all of these legends. It’s amazing,” Blanco said. “Seeing one and getting tips from them is amazing.”
For example, Wendell played Jenga with some of the kids, while Wilson tried cornhole. Wilson didn’t have any problems putting the bags in the hole.
The event brought back memories for McDowell, who remembers shooting hoops with former NBA great Dave Cowens while growing up in Cincinnati.
“Even though I’m retired and over 60, there are still memories I have as a child,” McDowell said. “People took time out of their day, whether it was Dave Cowens, who I met at the mall when I was 10 years old. The Celtics were in town playing the old Cincinnati Royals. … He took time with me. It meant a lot, and it’s important for us as former players, ambassadors of the Mets, to share with the young people who are coming up as Mets fans.”