Posted on by Shannon Shark @metspolice

Check one off more of the list of proposed new Citi Field traditions

Here’s something I wrote way way back..a list of proposed traditions for Citi Field.  From way back before we ever visited the new home of the Mets:

New digs, let’s start some new traditions (and bring back some old ones).   I offer the following to the Wilpons and invite you to add suggestions.
1.  Bring Back Oldtimers Day. Our ’86 heroes are in their 50’s now.  Have them play those 2000 Subway Series guys, and have the 69ers and 73ers come and wave.  Sprinkle in some Youngblood and Stearns action and you have something.  Think the Shea closing ceremony with a game and without a depressing loss beforehand.  The Mets might also want to add 40 to 1969 and see what number they get.
2.  Banner Day. An actual unique Mets tradition.  Bring it back.  If you don’t want to have a doubleheader just do it at noon some Sunday, maybe even on a Mr. Mets dash day.   Just make sure ESPN keeps their hands off (no 8:05 starts).
3.  Rusty’s Ribs. Enough with the designer Pop Frites stands.  Rip off the Orioles and have Rusty cook up some ribs.
4.  Meet Me At The Apple. There was never any cool place to meet at Shea.  Meet me at the Apple.  The real one not the phony shiny new one.  (YAY I GOT ONE!)
5.  Seaver Always Throws Out Opening Day. Don’t mess around.  Pay G.T.S. the money.   Tom should be at every opening day until he dies, then Keith gets the tradition.  (ONE FOR ONE…WILL IT BE 2 FOR 2?)
6.   Hang a 17 on the fence.
7.  Wear Pinstripes and blue hats six days a week. Wear whatever they want to sell on Sundays.

 8.  Bullpen cars with cap-tops. Even if they are never used, have the bullpen cars.  They were cute and kids like them.
9.  The new sign man. But not a shill-job.  Pick one of the honest bloggers out there and let them have the job.
10.  No wave. Let’s just collectively decide we don’t do the wave.
11.  Organ music. Real organ music.  Less techno-pop and loud rock songs.  Live organ music.
12.  The traditional Take Me Out To The Ballgame recording. The one from the guy that was the PA announcer in the 80’s.
13.  The Curly Shuffle. This stopped because the curly folks wanted to be paid.  Just pay them.  It can’t cost any more than Enter Sandman did.  Just play it.

14.  Lady met returns.

15.  The traditional booing of Luis Castillo. We Met fans will boo him during his first at bat, all season long as he wins the MVP and the Mets win a ring.  It will be our version of roll call.   For years when Luis shows up at Old Timers Day we shall boo him. (THIS ONE REALLY STUCK IN 2009!)

18 Replies to “Check one off more of the list of proposed new Citi Field traditions”

  1. Obviously not booing Castillo.

    They do play organ music don’t they? At least sometimes? I’m gonna have to pay attention again.

    I think Seaver just doesn’t want to come for Opening Day every year. He’d rather make expensive wine that Mets fans can’t afford 😉

    1. As an old man can I boo Castillo? The poor guy had a good year last year. Unfortunately he picked 2009 to have it. He also picked the second worst time ever to make an error. Playing 1st in a World Series game would be the worst.

  2. I’m with Ceetar. How about changing #15 to a standing ovation for the first infield pop-up caught by Castillo every game, which, if I am not mistaken, became something of tradition last year. That would be more of a classic New York sarcastic put down, while also allowing fans to support the Mets

    1. Greetings from Citizens Bank Park. Dirt I accept your sarcastic cheer idea.

      I can’t approve new xommentera via phone. Will do tonight.

      Will have pics of Philly McFaddens tonight.

      Took 200 pics of this park to bore y’all all summer long.

      Junior threw a strike at the Phillies pitching cage thing. Only threw 20 mph but he is lefty. Maybe he could be the setup man. Call Omar.

      Back to family time. See y’all later and seriously go outside.

  3. Gotta lay off Castillo, he contributes a lot. At least give him Opening Day. He didn’t have a ‘good year’ last year actually, he had a typical Castillo type year. He’ll have roughly the same one this year, with more production stats (runs scored).

  4. Chief, I might be being a bit negative, but you are taking the wrong approach…these are all Mets’ things…Want the organization to pay heed to what the fans want, ask the team to bring back the Dodgers’ Sym-Phony.

    1. Ditto.

      Stirrups visible. Mandatory. Every uniform. Blue. If the black jersey had blue stirrups and hats (keep the piping to bring it together) they might not be so abhorrent.

  6. Bring back RC Cola. It always has a taste, and smell all it’s own. My memories of Shea include sitting in the sun with a Harry M. Stevens paper cup full of slightly watered down RC with crushed ice and that little round Saran Wrap cover on it. Oh, and peanuts, too…real peanuts in the shell, in the little paper bag.

  8. good list. First, Straw will throw out the first pitch at Opening Day this year (that’s official). Probably because of what’s to come on August 1 and he’s the most available to do it from that group. I can’t wait to hear how meeting the blue cap army at the apple turns out. Rusty’s Ribs is a great idea – the Phillies also have a BBQ area out in RF that made me think of it. the bullpen cars will be crusified if they aren’t hybrids or electric. the bar should have been named “The Happy Recap”.

    1. DyHrd while I would love to see Seaver every opening day (like how the Yanks always had DiMaggio) I will be happy to see Straw.

      Re: The Happy Recap, I took pics today of Harry the K’s and was thinking “Murphy’s Pub” would work. Will spin off into a post.

  9. I know this wasn’t on the list – but how about getting rid of playing “Sweet Caroline?” That isn’t a Mets tradition and every time they play it all I can think about is Fever Pitch and the Boston Red Sox.

  11. Chief, I don’t know…sadly, I have not ever been able to get to a Cyclones’ game.

  12. I’d love to see a Lady Met. But could she get a slight redesign so that she’s not as dated? That one looks like a 60’s flight attendant. Keep the orange skirt, give her the same hat as Mr. Met. And do something with her hair.

    My mom would like it even more cause we call her Lady and her favorite color is orange.

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