I was kind of bothered by something all day. Someone brought a sign to Citi Field on Monday. I thought it was negative.
It bothers me because I have spent a lot of time and effort trying to convince the Mets to bring back Banner Day. You can imagine that given how the last few years have gone that the Mets might be hesitant to open their doors to a parade of jerky signs with Madoff puns or injury jokes or whatever.
All year I have been saying that I didn’t think that would happen. This has been a feel good year. Guys like Murph or Turner or Gee – those have been feel good stories. Why would someone bring a negative sign?
At one point there was popular sentiment behind a Don’t Trade Reyes campaign. That campaign got some nice buzz in the press. Mets fans came together in support of a beloved player.
Then the sign appeared last night. It was published on at least two notable websites, and I am told it appeared on television.
That doesn’t help anything. It doesn’t help the Mets, and it sure as heck doesn’t help Banner Day get any closer.
What bothers me more is that the sign wasn’t just a sign about being a frustrated Mets fan. This sign included a plug for a website that sells Mets themed merchandise. Is there any other way to interpret that than an attempt at self-promotion?
This same fan was involved in one other incident this year that is all on my suspect list for being a promoter not a leader.
It’s hard enough being a Mets fan. Don’t encourage this behavior. Don’t Trade Reyes was a good movement. Don’t spoil it in the name of dollars. Use your energy as a community leader.
If you have an influential blog, use your influence for good. There was no story here other than another cheap Mets joke and it wasn’t even a clever one.
Here’s a poorly photoshopped version of the original photo that made the rounds.
