Hey folks,
I have some homework to turn in.
If there was an (unofficial) Mets fan festival, what would you expect at it?
Players?
Alumni?
Merchants?
Dunk tank?
Panel discussions?
Screenings?
Mr. Met?
Banner parade?
Where should it be?
How much would you pay?
I understand the best scenario is “Citi Field, Free and Tom Seaver and David Wright hang out with you” but let’s assume none of that happens. Let’s also assume it’s a respectful fest so no ideas like “throw snowballs at Ollie.”
Discuss, share.
Unofficial? That actually makes it harder, since there wouldn’t be certain team resources behind it.
If, for example, it were an official Mets fanfest, there should be dunk tanks with each of the guys the Mets are paying to not help the team anymore. I’m sure there would be quite a bit of demand for Bobby Bonilla, Mo Vaughn, and Omar Minaya dunk tanks.
-JMP
CitiField really would be the best location, but a hotel/convention center could work.
I’d like to see some alumni from multiple eras (not just 1969 & 1986 guys) and some current players. I’m not necessarily needing David Wright and Tom Seaver, but I would expect some widely recognizable names.
I’d be more interested in hearing the players and alumni talk about their time with the Mets and in baseball than just having autograph sessions.
Mr. Met should be there, and there should be some kid-friendly activities.
If you kept the price at or under $20 per person, I’d go.
Paul is in the right ball park. Although a snowball toss at faceless #46 & #1 cutouts would probably raise a lot of money. And yes you would need some George Theodore’s & Skip Lockwood’s for a true fan fest. As well people involved in the minor league system, and maybe a few of those prospects.
Here are my ideal answers:
Players – David Wright, Jose Reyes, Ike Davis, Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey, Johan Santana.
Alumni – Mike Piazza, Tom Seaver, Willie Mays (because he is Willie Mays, maybe he would wear a NY Giants cap), Koosman, Grote, Keith Hernandez, Darling, Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Robin Ventura, John Franco, Benny Agbayani, Bobby Valentine, David Cone, Edgardo Alfonso.
Merchants – Rawlings, Majestic Athletic, Blue Smoke, Shake Shack, Twins ’47, New Era, Mitchell & Ness. Presume Modell’s would not be included if held at Citi Field or sponsored by the Mets because the Mets Team Store would be present and represented.
Dunk tank – no thanks. But could we have one of those booths like they have at Renaissance Festivals where someone is seated and heckles people until they are able to hit them with tomatoes? If so, I would like to have, at a minimum, Ollie & Luis made available.
Panel discussions – NY National League Baseball before moving west to California;’62 Brand New Mets, same old Brooklyn & Giants players at the Polo Grounds, ’69 WS, ’73 WS, ’86 WS, ’88 NLCS, ’99 NLCS (Which IMHO was much better than the World Series that year), 2000 WS, ’06 NLCS.
Screenings – Field of Dreams
Mr. Met – yes, and the whole Mr. Met family too!
Banner parade – sure, why not?
Where should it be – Ideally, Citi Field. If not, take a page from the Giants and have it nearby where the Polo Grounds were in Harlem.
How much would you pay – It would depend on who was going to show up.
I like Michaels!…A couple of things to add to it.
You should be able to go on the field and have a catch! Let the kids run the bases or havve a small clinic.
Have a taste test for best hot dog or wings, etc.
Sidewalk sale of Mets gear at a somewhat reduced price.
chheerleader tryouts ….auditions for the national anthem!
Trivia contests…make a day of it!
Pay $10-$15
Optimal place would be Citi Field, although weather may be an issue.
Have it span across a weekend, so you can mix & match current and former player autograph sessions across the weekend.
Maybe a Q & A session with current/former players, the GM, Manager, and/or the Owners. Open it up to just a certain amount of Season Ticket/Plan holders, and have it in the Delta or Ceasar Club. But telecast it ont he TVs and video boards at Citi Feild, so everyone can see it.
Obviosly have at least the Field Level shops and foodstands open, especially out in Center Field.
And then the necessary evils, a $15-25 price to get in. And of course a sizeable amount of tables an booths trying to pimp out ticket packages.
I like the idea of interaction with the players as opposed to the typical auto signing. I wouldn’t expect the Wrights or Reyes’ of the team to be there, but I’d rather chat with RA Dickey and Ike Davis anyway. I would love a Q&A session with the owners, done respectfully to weed out the WFAN “Why are you so cheap” contingent.
As far as vendors go, I would love to see them sell some of the new items that will be available in the upcoming season, giving the fans who are in attendance a sense of exclusive access to them before they go on sale via the website.
As far as price point goes, I’d pay $20-$30 to attend, but of course a middle class piss ant like myself wouldn’t be allowed on the precious Caesar’s Level at that price, so I guess they’d have to host it upstairs.
Would love to see this, but I would be stunned if it ever happened. For years now many other teams have held Fanfests, where the average fan has a chance to see the current stars and former ones, yet the Mets hardly ever put us in a position to make that happen, except for a few one off chances to see a glimpse of someone at the ballpark or at the Grand Opening of an AT&T store.
Yes, the Mets have always done good work in the Community and yes, annual visits are made to hospitals and shelters. With all due respect however to the boys and girls who are in that unfortunate situation, how about that good kid, that good student that 9, 10 or 11 year old kid who is just a die hard fan and wants an affordable opportunity for Mom and Dad to see these guys up close and in person.
I have been collecting autographs for 30 years now and have been paying to meet the stars that my Dad grew up with, as well as me and now my sons. It’s expensive but it’s my only recourse to capture that Kodak moment.
What’s most frustrating is that the San Fran. Giants just had their Fanfest 2 months ago. World Champions, 34 members of the team in attendance, including Lincecum and Posey. FREE admission, autographs included.
The Mets act like 10 time World Series Champions, but the last time I checked, it’s been 25 years since we won it all.
It’s time to be humble Mr. Wilpon and appreciate those of us who still tolerate $15 parking and $5 Hot Dogs.