Just released by acclaimed baseball author David Krell, The New York Mets in Popular Culture is a unique anthology that brings fresh perspectives to “The Amazins” in film, TV, advertising, music, and other media.
An outstanding group of historians contributed to this collection that reveals the cultural impact of the Mets in baseball and society that even die-hard fans may not know. Compiled and edited by Krell, The New York Mets in Popular Culture is the first book of its kind to honor the team has brought joy, triumph—and even a miracle—to New York City.
The essays are deep dives into Mets history, lore, and culture. There’s a fresh examination of Casey Stengel’s influence on marketing the Mets during the team’s dismal, inaugural season of 1962 when they went 40-120. Longtime fans will gain a new appreciation for the broadcasting career of Bob Murphy, who coined the phrase “The Happy Recap.” Original Mets owner Joan Payson gets a long overdue examination of her outstanding generosity in New York City philanthropy.
Other topics include:
● The unbelievable story of how Rheingold became the team’s first beer sponsor
● Mr. Met’s genesis, popularity, and hilarious rivalry with the Phillie Phanatic
● Behind-the-scenes controversies of the Mets hat in City Slickers and Gone Girl
● Why the ’86 Mets fit perfectly with the decade of brashness and opulence
● Hip-hop’s unsung connection to the New York Mets and the borough of Queens
● Dave Kingman’s crowning achievements and clubhouse controversies
● Shea Stadium’s rise from multi-sport stadium to rock concert venue
“An intriguing look into New York Mets history.”—Gary McDonald, host, Mets Musings podcast
The New York Mets in Popular Culture is a trade paperback published by McFarland and Company (254 pages). It’s available at www.amazon.com.
David Krell is the author of Our Bums: The Brooklyn Dodgers in History, Memory and Popular Culture and the editor of another anthology—The New York Yankees in Popular Culture. He is also the chair of the Society for American Baseball Research—Northern New Jersey Chapter, also known as the Elysian Fields Chapter.
