Many New Yorkers love baseball. Basically, there are two kinds of fans: Yankee fans and Mets fans.
Recently, we scored some tickets to the Mets and had a good time. The stadium, Citi Field, was an easy ride on the train. The stadium was completed in 2009 and has not lost its shine. Although the stadium is updated with luxury boxes plus lots of room for concessions and socializing, Citi Field still has a traditional feel. Baseball values tradition but baseball also values innovation. Citi Field is a nice blend of both.
Speaking of innovation, some innovations are good, others not so much. During the game we saw, a Marlins Manager''s Challenge resulted in overturning a called out at first base. The throw was on time but near the ground. The first baseman got his glove under the ball for a timely out. The replay confirmed everything, or so we thought. After the challenge, the umpires called the runner safe, which eventually led to a run later in the inning that knotted the score at 1-1. Sometimes, innovation is a bad idea. (Unfortunately, the Mets eventually lost, 2-1.)
A good idea that has been around for a while is tracking and showing OBP, SLG and OPS stats for batters--total, against LHP's and RHP's, on the road, etc. Think Bill James, sabermetrics and the film Moneyball. While sabermetrics remains controversial, seeing the stats on the Mets' scoreboard helps everyone better understand the game in general and the lineups in particular.
Since the game was a night game in mid-April, it was a bit cool, with clear skies and a strong breeze. Of course, it was nothing like the polar home opener at New Yankee Stadium. By comparison, the game at Citi Field was downright tropical--temperature in the 50's and wind in the teens at game time.
Here are some photos from the game.
It was a good time.
P.S. Question: Why is Citi Field better than New Yankee Stadium?
Answer:
Recently, we scored some tickets to the Mets and had a good time. The stadium, Citi Field, was an easy ride on the train. The stadium was completed in 2009 and has not lost its shine. Although the stadium is updated with luxury boxes plus lots of room for concessions and socializing, Citi Field still has a traditional feel. Baseball values tradition but baseball also values innovation. Citi Field is a nice blend of both.
Speaking of innovation, some innovations are good, others not so much. During the game we saw, a Marlins Manager''s Challenge resulted in overturning a called out at first base. The throw was on time but near the ground. The first baseman got his glove under the ball for a timely out. The replay confirmed everything, or so we thought. After the challenge, the umpires called the runner safe, which eventually led to a run later in the inning that knotted the score at 1-1. Sometimes, innovation is a bad idea. (Unfortunately, the Mets eventually lost, 2-1.)
A good idea that has been around for a while is tracking and showing OBP, SLG and OPS stats for batters--total, against LHP's and RHP's, on the road, etc. Think Bill James, sabermetrics and the film Moneyball. While sabermetrics remains controversial, seeing the stats on the Mets' scoreboard helps everyone better understand the game in general and the lineups in particular.
Since the game was a night game in mid-April, it was a bit cool, with clear skies and a strong breeze. Of course, it was nothing like the polar home opener at New Yankee Stadium. By comparison, the game at Citi Field was downright tropical--temperature in the 50's and wind in the teens at game time.
Here are some photos from the game.
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| Citi Field, home the New York Mets, the 2015 National League Champions |
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| Some sketchy dude looking to score some cheap tickets. Don't be fooled by the smile. |
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| Another sketchy dude hanging out before the game. (The dude is actually not a dude. She is a rescued dog named Coffee that panhandles before games. She is the center of some controversy. She looked happy enough hanging out before the game.) |
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| Regular season baseball in April: It's a good thing. |
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| Citi Field during the game with the Queens skyline in the background |
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| Mets ace Noah Syndergaard, known as Thor, was the starter. The dude on the big screen won a prize for impersonating Thor, complete with blond tresses and big hammer. |
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| Noah Syndergaard, RHP |
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| Thor, also a RHP. The resemblance is uncanny. |
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| During breaks in the action, you can watch planes headed to nearby Laguardia airport. |
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| Photo of the same sketchy dude with some random hottie |
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| Souvenir cup |
P.S. Question: Why is Citi Field better than New Yankee Stadium?
Answer:
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| At Citi Field: Coke, no Pepsi |
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