Kevin writes…
Dear Shannon,
As this 2012 season comes to a close, I think it’s time, one last time, to thank you.While we saw some great moments in 2012 — Johan’s no-hitter — and some awful moments — the entire second half of the season, there were some great memories we should all cherish.For the first time in 14 seasons, black appeared only twice in a Mets’ game, both being nights where players who once wore the black were honored … John Franco night and Edgardo Alfonzo bobblehead doll day.For the first time in 14 seasons, more home games were played in pinstripes than before.For the first time since 1997 (and one day-night double header in 2007 in Yankee Stadium), the Mets wore blue caps for every road game played.For the first time in 14 seasons, there were no drop shadows.For the first time in 14 seasons, there were no silly-looking, hard-to-see hybrid caps.Sure, Johan made it known he didn’t like pinstripe — and sure, his no-hitter was in sno-whites, but it really didn’t matter anymore, because the black was gone.Yeah, there was a lot NOT to cherish about 2012. But there’s a lot to be thankful for, especially for those whom have been loyal to this site since its inception.And were it not for Shannon Shark, it’s possible none of this would have been possible.Thank you, Shannon, for making a most forgettable season memorable. Not many will be able to look back at 2012 with fondness. But we will. Forever.
Well thank you for writing. I’m not really sure what has to do with me and what is coincidence, but I’d like to think I at least prodded some conversations. I can tell you that within the walls of Citi Field I tried to convey passion for Banner Day’s return, and it was great to see that. The “Ditch the Black” campaign started over at Uni Watch, and Osh41 was the one who really fired me up about it. I guess I somehow wrote more columns about it than Paul Lukas…or maybe more columns that were only about the black than Paul…but Paul was first, and I’m still not sure what made them decide to change it, but I was glad that 99% of Mets fans seemed to agree in the end that the uniforms looked better this year.
I guess you said it best – it’s possible that none of it may have been possible without the nagging. Maybe it would have happened anyway. I think things are better in Flushing in 2012 than they were on Opening Day 2009, at least in the stands. Also credit The7Line (2012 positivity version) for really helping to change the atmosphere. A few memories came to Queens this year (Banner Day, Dickey’s 20th and the no-hitter) and maybe one day there will be a playoff moment to really make it feel like home. It still feels like the new place but at least we know where everything is now.
As for the future…
I look forward to 2013. We’ll have some new uniforms to discuss. There’s an All Star Game. A new season brings hope.
As for the blog…there’s always something. I don’t want to complain for complaints sake. Yes I’d like to see an Old Timers’ Day, but at least I understand the organization’s philosophy about “alumni.” It’s not as if they just forget to have OT Day, it’s an actual strategy to have “alumni” around frequently. Whether you agree or not is another story, but keep in mind that there is talk that they want David Wright to one day be that ambassador (which is interesting in that maybe they aren’t considering Piazza for that role, or maybe Piazza will bridge the gap from Seaver to Wright. A topic for the winter.)
Wow I’m all over the place..like usual.
Anyway, I like how the blog has felt this week. A good mix of stuff from several writers, and hopefully content that isn’t just regurgitating Cerrone/Rubin/Newspapers. We try to be different and focus on the fans.
Somewhere here should be a proper “wrap it all up” sentence but I don’t have one. Seacrest out.
