NEW YORK METS EXPAND FUN AT BAT PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL AND USA BASEBALL

My friends, the Mets, want you to know about this. I hope it’s interesting because I am so busy today I don’t even have time to read it.  Watch, this will be the time the Mets decide to lose their minds and start an insurrection or something.  Wait – is Mike in camp?  Uh oh.

 

NEW YORK METS EXPAND FUN AT BAT PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL AND USA BASEBALL

 

The Mets are seeking 150 new school partners to help grow the game of baseball for youth in the community.

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., February 29, 2024 – The New York Mets, in partnership with Major League Baseball and USA Baseball, are expanding the Fun At Bat program in 2024. The Mets are seeking 150 new school partners across New York City and the Tri-State area, which would total over 150,000 youth reached since launching the program in September 2022.

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation supported the Fun At Bat program with a $29,000 grant to USA Baseball to fund the new 150 participating schools.

Fun At Bat brings young athletes a unique baseball and softball experience by exposing students to an introductory level of the game including fielding, throwing and batting. Developed by USA Baseball, the program also places an emphasis on character development, functional movement, literacy, active play and fun.

This free program is available to all schools throughout the New York City and Tri-State area for grades K-5. Participating schools will receive quality equipment, USA Baseball Championship Principle books, and other resources. Physical education teachers will also have access to free online courses, which assist in teaching the fundamentals of the program.

All qualifying K-5 school administrators and physical education teachers can learn more and apply for Fun At Bat by visitingMets.com/FunAtBat. Schools that have previously received the program prior to 2022 are eligible to re-apply.

Reed Garrett and guys in Mets uniforms play guys in Cardinals uniforms today

Yesterday,”the Mets” secured their third consecutive victory, defeating the Miami Marlins 7-1 at Clover Park. Right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser made his first start of the spring, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings. Outfielder Tyrone Taylor got the Mets on the scoreboard with an RBI single in the third inning, while outfielder Alex Ramírez followed suit with an RBI double in the fifth to give the Mets the lead. In the sixth inning, Ji-Man Choi smashed a solo home run to right field.

The Mets extended their lead with four runs in the seventh inning, courtesy of a two-run single by outfielder Drew Gilbert, an RBI single by catcher Austin Allen, and a sacrifice fly by outfielder Taylor Kolwhey. The bullpen trio of right-handers Yacksel Ríos and Michael Tonkin, along with left-hander Nate Lavender, each contributed 1.0 scoreless inning.

Pitching has been a strong suit for the Mets this spring, as evidenced by their collective 2.75 ERA (11 ER/36.0 IP) through four games, the best mark in Grapefruit League play and the third-best in the majors overall. Mets starting pitchers have particularly impressed with a 1.13 ERA (1 ER/8.0 IP), ranking fourth in Grapefruit League play. Additionally, Mets relievers have posted a 3.21 ERA (10 ER/28.0 IP), the second-best mark in the Grapefruit League and the fourth-best in the majors.

Outfielders Tyrone Taylor and Trayce Thompson have stood out at the plate during Spring Training. Taylor has recorded a 3-for-6 performance with an RBI and a stolen base over two games, while Thompson has gone 2-for-5 with a grand slam and an RBI single in Monday’s game against Washington.

For you diseased gamblers out there,, the Mets are set to take on the Cardinals in their second Grapefruit League game out of six scheduled matchups. In their previous Grapefruit League opener against the Cardinals on February 24 at Clover Park, the Mets suffered a 10-5 defeat.

Right-handed pitcher Reed Garrett will make his second appearance of the spring, this time as a starter. In his previous outing against St. Louis on February 24, Garrett allowed two runs over 1.0 inning in relief. Last season, Garrett began with the Baltimore Orioles, appearing in two games before being designated for assignment on June 18. He was then claimed off waivers by the Mets on June 25, making nine relief appearances with the team. On September 30 against Philadelphia (Game 2), Garrett secured his first career major league win by pitching 3.0 scoreless innings and registering a career-high four strikeouts. A native of Henrico, VA, Garrett made his major league debut with the Detroit Tigers in 2019, appearing in 13 games with the club that season. In 2022, he made seven relief appearances with the Washington Nationals. Standing at 6-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Garrett was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 16th round of the 2014 First Year Player Draft out of Virginia Military Institute.

The Impression

NT. JERRY’S APARTMENT – DAY

Jerry and Elaine are sitting around the coffee table. Steve walks in, looking slightly defeated but trying to maintain an air of optimism.

STEVE: You know, the way I look at these things, even if we didn’t land Yamamoto, I think we made an impression on him. I think that goes a long way for the next players coming out of Japan…I’m playing long ball…I’m sure we’ll land our share.

Jerry and Elaine exchange a glance before breaking into laughter.

JERRY: (sarcastically) Oh, the long ball, huh? Is that what we’re calling striking out these days?

ELAINE: (mocking) Yeah, Steve. I’m sure his agenti left thinking, ‘Wow, those Mets, they really know how to make a lasting impression…of what not to do.’

STEVE: (defensive) Hey, it’s all part of the strategy. You’ve got to look at the bigger picture.

JERRY: (teasing) The bigger picture? The only picture Yamamoto’s probably got is you running after his car, begging him to sign.

ELAINE: (laughs) Playing the long ball, Steve? More like you’ve been benched and you’re still swinging at the air.

STEVE: (trying to stay positive) Mark my words, this will pay off down the line. You’ll see, we’re setting a precedent.

JERRY: (nodding) Oh, absolutely. A precedent for how not to secure a deal.

ELAINE: (giggling) Maybe you should start playing short ball.  At least then you might actually hit something.

STEVE: (resigned but still hopeful) Just wait, you’ll see. We’ll land our share of talent, and when we do, I’ll remind you both about the long ball strategy.

JERRY: (smirking) Well, until then, maybe try not to strike out with the entire league.

INT. JERRY’S APARTMENT – LATER THAT DAY

Jerry is still chuckling over Steve’s “long ball” comments when Kramer bursts through the door with his usual flair.

KRAMER: (excitedly) You know, Jerry, I’ve been thinking about what Steve said about playing the long ball. It makes perfect sense!

JERRY: (disbelieving) Kramer, please. The only thing long about Steve’s plan is the long list of players who won’t sign with us.

KRAMER: (undeterred) Ah, but you’re not seeing the big picture! It’s like investing in stocks; you’ve got to ride out the lows to enjoy the highs.

JERRY: (skeptical) And what high are we riding out to? The high of being the laughing stock of the league?

KRAMER: (getting more animated) Exactly! You’ve got to be willing to be the underdog. It’s all about the element of surprise. One day, bam! The Mets are on top, and everyone’s wondering, “How did they do it?”

JERRY: (sarcastic) Yeah, “How did they do it?” is exactly what people will say when they see us finishing fourth…again.

KRAMER: (not giving up) Jerry, it’s a chess game. Steve is playing 4D chess. You just wait. When we land a big fish next season, you’ll be eating your words.

JERRY: (laughs) Kramer, the only 4D chess Steve is playing is in his imagination. The only thing he’s landing is a spot in the hall of fame for worst team management.

INT. STEVE’S OFFICE – DAY (TAG SCENE)

Steve, looking slightly  desperate, is on the phone. He’s speaking with a Japanese agent, Mr. Takahashi.

STEVE: (into phone, trying to sound confident) Mr. Takahashi, I understand things didn’t go exactly as planned, but hear me out. We’re making an impression. It’s all about the long game, you see.

MR. TAKAHASHI: (V.O., polite but unimpressed) While your… enthusiasm is noted, our focus is on the present. Impressions do not equate to the success we seek for our clients.

STEVE: (stumbling over his words) But, but… it’s like when you’re laying the foundation for a building. You don’t see the results immediately, but— it’s, it’s a five year plan, this is only year four!

MR. TAKAHASHI: (V.O., cutting him off) A foundation without a building is merely a hole in the ground. We are in the business of constructing skyscrapers, not excavating pits.

STEVE: (defeated) Right, right, skyscrapers… pits… Got it. So, we’re still on for lunch next week?

MR. TAKAHASHI: (V.O., politely dismissive) I will have my assistant check my schedule. Good day.

Steve hangs up the phone, slumps back in his chair, and lets out a heavy sigh. The camera zooms in on his face, a picture of realization that maybe, just maybe, his “long ball” strategy might need a bit of rethinking.

Adrian Houser is today’s Mets pitcher

What Adrian Houser might look like, the Mets didn’t include any photo assets.

Yesterday, the Mets defeated the Washington Nationals, 6-3, in West Palm Beach. RHP Max Kranick made his first Grapefruit League start and retired all six batters he faced. OF Trayce Thompson drove in five of the six runs for the Mets with a grand slam in the third and an RBI single in the fifth. INF Pete Alonso went 2-2 with two doubles, a walk, and a run. INF Luisangel Acuña went 2-3 with a pair of singles. RHP Sean Reid-Foley fanned two in a scoreless inning out of the bullpen. Minor league RHPs Tyler Stuart and Joander Suarez each threw 2.0 scoreless innings in relief.

IT’S GRAPE TO BE BACK: The Mets return to Port St. Lucie for Grapefruit League play. The squad will play a total of 31 Spring Training games from February 24-March 25 before opening up the regular season on March 28 vs. the Milwaukee Brewers.

For you diseased gamblers out there, RHP Adrian Houser will make his first Grapefruit League start today. The 31-year-old was acquired by the Mets from Milwaukee along with OF Tyrone Taylor in exchange for RHP Coleman Crow on December 20, 2023. Last season with the Brewers, Houser went 8-6 with a 4.12 ERA (51 ER/111.1 IP) and 96 strikeouts over 23 games (21 starts). The start of Houser’s 2023 season was delayed due to a groin injury which sidelined him until May. On June 4 at Cincinnati, Houser tossed a season-high 7.0 innings and allowed one run on six hits. Houser matched his career high with 10 strikeouts on July 22 vs. Atlanta. The 6-3 242-pounder’s best season came in 2021 when he went 10-6 with a 3.22 ERA (51 ER/142.1 IP) in 28 outings, including a career-high 26 starts. A native of Tahlequah, OK, Houser was originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the second round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.

Mets claim Kolton Ingram, Max Kranic to start today’s game!

Yesterday, the Mets claimed LHP Kolton Ingram off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. The 27-year-old made his major league debut last season with the Los Angeles Angels and will wear #85. In a corresponding move, LHP David Peterson was transferred to the 60-Day IL.

The Mets earned their first Grapefruit League win of the season, defeating the Houston Astros 3-1. RHP José Buttó started and tossed 2.0 scoreless innings, allowed three hits, and struck out one. C Francisco Alvarez launched a two-run homer to right field in the third. CF Tyrone Taylor went 2-3 with two runs and a stolen base. RHPs Austin Adams, Yohan Ramírez, and Cole Sulser each threw 1.0 scoreless inning in relief. Minor league LHP Tyler Jay tossed 2.0 scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

RHP Max Kranick will make his first start of the spring today. Last season, Kranick returned from Tommy John surgery and made nine starts with High-A Bradenton and Triple-A Indianapolis in the Pirates organization. In 2022, Kranick made two scoreless relief appearances with the Pirates before undergoing season-ending surgery in June. The Scranton, PA native made his major league debut on June 27, 2021, with the Pirates and threw 5.0 perfect innings at Busch Stadium before a 64-minute rain delay ended his start. Kranick became the first MLB pitcher since 1893 with a perfect completed start of at least 5.0 innings in his MLB debut. The right-hander finished the 2021 season with a 6.28 ERA (27 ER/38.2 IP) over nine starts. The 6-3, 220-pounder was originally drafted by the Pirates in the 11th round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft out of Valley View High School (PA).