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April 15, 2004
Pledging my Allegiance
Opening Day with the Mets was a blast. My friend KF somehow swaggled us stickets in the Major League Baseball Properties section. We were 7th row in line with 3rd base. From that angle and proximity, it almost seemed like watching a bunch of guys on my block playing baseball.
The Mets and the Braves played a really good game. It was actually quite tense in moments. The Mets took an early lead but it started raining consistently somewhere in the 3rd inning. If the umps called a delay and the game never started back; the game and the Mets lead would be lost. Met's fans were anxiously awaiting the bottom of the 5th so the game would count while still wanting their Mets to do well in the 3rd and 4th inning. By the 5th inning the Mets were up 9-0 and the Braves were no longer praying for rain. Rain it did and I and my companion were a little surprised the ump didn't immediately call the game. So we sat through 4 more rainy, tense innings. The Braves ended up scoring 5 runs and all of a sudden we had a ball game. In the 9th inning the Braves had the tying run at bat with the bases loaded. I was afraid I was going to see that defeatist Mets mentality here in my first game at Shea Stadium. The final play was a double play in the top of the 9th. Met's Win and it's still sprinkling. The final score was 10-5...METS. Did I mention the Mets won?
So this experience has gotten me thinking. I've been in NYC for a long time. Three years actually. I should have a New York team allegiance. It sure as hell won't be football. I was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys before Jerry Jones and I'll be a fan long after he's left our fair state. KF actually asked me what I would do if someone ever decided to move the team out of Dallas. To which I replied, "I'll never have to do that. I imagine anyone trying to take the Cowboys out of Texas would meet with a rather quirky, if not unfortunate accident." Texas is still a bit of a "wild frontier" and, though the entire state would be furious, there would be at least one nut from The Republic of Texas or some bizarre Southern cult who thinks the Dallas Cowboys are a collective Jesus who would take it that one step further.
So it's not going to be the Giants or the Jets swaying my allegiance. Basketball teams are two deep with the Mavericks and the Rockets and women's basketball is a no brainer with the Comets.
So that got me thinking about baseball. I"ve been to Astros games and Rangers games. They were allright, but I've never felt the affinity for those teams as I have for the Cowboys. Of course, Shrub Jr. most certainly tainted the name of the Rangers but then again, so does Jerry Jones with the Cowboys and in that instance my loyalty is unwavering.
I have no favorite baseball team....unless it is of course...
The Mets. I could really get behind the Mets. And I've been in NYC long enough that I feel a certain tug towards rallying around a "second home" team as if it were my own. It's a weird feeling, but it's time.
I pledge my baseball allegience to THE METS. Wouldn't it be great if this is the year they went the distance?
Posted by mermu at April 15, 2004 09:35 AM
Comments
The bases were loaded but you're right. It must have been 10-6.
Posted by: ME at April 20, 2004 11:17 AM
Sup. Im a little confused how the Braves could have the tying run at the plate in the 9th inning and still lose 10 to 5.
Posted by: Danny at April 20, 2004 10:58 AM
I've been a Mets fan for almost 6 years. Mets rule!!!
Posted by: Greg at April 15, 2004 10:45 PM
We can dream....it's been 18 years since their last Championship. They are due.
Posted by: Patrick at April 15, 2004 01:23 PM
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