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Let’s see how long the official Mets podcast lasts

Let’s see how long the Mets stay in the podcasting business.  The series description says episodes Monday and Thursday.   February 24th, 2024, is a Saturday.  Also the audio sucks.  Come on guys….

NEW YORK METS LAUNCH OFFICIAL NEW TEAM PODCAST: MEET AT THE APPLE 

 

The new official team podcast launches on Feb. 24 with an exclusive interview with Howie Rose and Mets Owner Steve Cohen 

 

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., Feb. 23, 2024 – The New York Mets announced the launch of a new official team podcast, Meet at the Apple. The podcast drops on February 24, opening with hosts/Mets employees, Jonathan Baron and Vito Calise introducing an interview between Mets broadcaster Howie Rose and Mets owner Steve Cohen. 

  

“Meet at the Apple is not your average baseball podcast and is very different than anything we’ve ever done at the Mets before,” shared Mets Chief Marketing Officer Andy Goldberg. “This is a twice-weekly, behind-the-scenes look for our fans, providing them unrivaled access to our players, coaches and front office staff. This podcast is meant to stretch far beyond the stats and scores and take a deeper cultural look at what the Mets mean to our fans, the community of Queens and more.” 

  

Some consistent content fans can look forward to on the two-times-a-week Meet at the Apple podcast include:  

·       Exclusive regular appearances and interviews with Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. 

·       Regular appearances by Mets players.  

·       Fan insights on what our players do with their spare time. 

·       Discussions on what’s new each homestand at Citi Field – from new food vendors to promotions and specials – this is an inside look at the excitement of what’s coming to the ballpark.  

·       Recurring segments with Mets players, including Francisco Lindor and Edwin Díaz. 

 

“It’s all about the experience of being a Mets fan,” said podcast host Vito Calise. “Podcast listeners will not only learn about baseball updates, but it goes deeper, exploring the players’ and coaches’ opinions on just about everything – from fashion to food and music – it’s understanding the Mets on a whole new level.” Hosts Jonathan Baron and Vito Calise are not only Mets employees but grew up as lifelong Mets fans as well.  

  

Fans can listen to the inaugural episode of Meet at the Apple on February 24, which will feature an exclusive interview between Howie Rose and Mets owner Steve Cohen. During the interview, Steve talks to Howie about the offseason, Pete Alonso, his deep connection to the Mets fanbase and what he’s most looking forward to this coming season – including new features being added to Citi Field. Follow “Meet at the Apple” NOW and get notified the second the full episode and premiere is released! Fans can listen to the podcast here or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever they get their podcasts.  

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I mean, it’s not like the Mets lose Senga

Nothing to see here. Former Wilpons intern David Stearns has it under control. It’s not as if the Mets are rebuilding.

Now tell me Picard. How many aces do you see?

Master of the house, doling out the charmReady with a handshake and an open palmTells a saucy tale, makes a little stirCustomers appreciate a bon-viveur

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The Outage

INT. JERRY’S APARTMENT – DAY

Steve is  looking perplexed and distressed. Jerry is in the kitchen, making a sandwich.

STEVE: (frustrated) I don’t get it, Jerry. Why aren’t any free agents calling me? I’ve got the money, the charm, the… Mets.

JERRY: (casually) Well, who’s your carrier?

STEVE:  (indignant)  Who’s my carrier?

JERRY: (bemused)  There was the AT&T outage today. Did you hear about that?

STEVE: (perking up) Outage? What outage?

JERRY: (walking over with his sandwich) Yeah, massive AT&T outage. No calls going in or out. It’s been chaos.

STEVE: (suddenly hopeful) So, you’re telling me there’s a reason no free agents have been calling? It’s not me; it’s AT&T?

JERRY: (taking a bite of his sandwich) Exactly. It’s not your lack of appeal; it’s the lack of a signal.

Just then, Kramer bursts into the apartment, phone in hand.

KRAMER: (excitedly) You guys won’t believe this! I’ve been trying to call you all day. There’s a huge AT&T outage!

STEVE: (to Jerry) You see? This explains everything!

JERRY: (dryly) Yeah, because the only thing standing between you and a championship team is reliable cell service.

KRAMER: I’m surprised you’re even here.  I heard on F-A-N that Ohtani’s people showed up at Citi Field, I figured you’d be there

STEVE: (anxiously) Ohtani’s people were at Citi Field?  I’ve been trying to get Ohtani’s attention for months!

KRAMER: (helpfully) Maybe you need to upgrade your cell plan.

STEVE: (ignoring Kramer’s suggestion) I have to fix this. Maybe I can still catch them!

JERRY: (chuckling) What are you going to do, Steve? Send a smoke signal from the rooftop?

The scene ends with Steve grabbing his coat and rushing out the door in a panic, determined to salvage the situation, while Kramer mulls over the logistics of training a carrier falcon, and Jerry finds amusement in the chaos of Steve’s predicament.

INT. METS OFFICES – CONFERENCE ROOM – DAY

David, a Mets executive, sits at a large conference table across from Shohei Ohtani’s representatives, a team of impeccably dressed Japanese agents. The atmosphere is tense but hopeful.

DAVID: (trying to dial) Let me just get Steve on the line to finalize the details. He’s thrilled about the possibility of bringing Ohtani to the Mets.

He attempts to call Steve, but after a few seconds, he looks perplexed and tries again. The room is silent, save for the awkward sound of the call failing to connect.

JAPANESE AGENT 1: (concerned) Is there a problem?

DAVID: (embarrassed) It seems there’s a slight issue with our service provider . Let me try one more time.

He dials again, but no luck. The agents exchange glances, clearly unimpressed.

JAPANESE AGENT 2: (disappointed) In Japan, reliability is paramount. It is… troubling that your owner cannot be reached for such an important discussion.

DAVID: (apologetically) I assure you, this is highly unusual. Steve is very eager to speak with you.

JAPANESE AGENT 1: (dryly) It appears his eagerness does not extend to his choice of telecommunications provider.

The agents stand, preparing to leave.

DAVID: (desperately) Please, if you could just give us a moment. We can work this out.

JAPANESE AGENT 2: (politely) We appreciate your time, but we have a schedule to keep. Perhaps when Steve is more… accessible.

EXT. CITI FIELD – ENTRANCE – DAY

Shohei Ohtani’s representatives are calmly walking away from Citi Field when a disheveled and frantic Steve bursts onto the scene, desperately trying to catch their attention.

STEVE: (panting) Please, wait! You have to hear me out!

The representatives stop, turning with a mix of curiosity and impatience as Steve approaches, his tie askew and his demeanor frantic.

JAPANESE AGENT 1: (politely) We were under the impression you were unavailable to meet.

STEVE: (desperate) It was a misunderstanding! An AT&T outage. But I’m here now, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to bring Ohtani to the Mets.

JAPANESE AGENT 2: (with a polite but cold smile) I’m afraid your… dedication, while admirable, comes a bit too late.

STEVE: (begging) No, please, you don’t understand. I can offer anything—better terms, a better deal, a casino!

The representatives exchange a glance, their decision already made.

JAPANESE AGENT 1: (gently) We appreciate your… enthusiasm. However, we seek a partnership that begins with reliability and trust—qualities today’s events have unfortunately cast into doubt.

STEVE: (pleading) I can fix this. Just give me a chance!

JAPANESE AGENT 2: (bowing slightly) We thank you for your time. We wish the Mets all the best in their future endeavors.

With that, the agents turn and walk away, leaving a defeated Steve standing alone, grappling with the realization that his technological mishap has cost him dearly.

STEVE: (muttering to himself) AT&T…

 

 

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Mookie Wilson bringing food to Cooperstown

APPEARANCE BY METS LEGEND MOOKIE WILSON HIGHLIGHTS FAN EXPERIENCE AT EAST-WEST CLASSIC WEEKEND

(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – Mookie Wilson was at the center of the action in perhaps the most famous moment in New York Mets annals.

Almost 40 years later, Wilson and history will cross paths again – this time in Cooperstown as part of The Hall of Fame East-West Classic on Memorial Day Weekend.

Wilson, whose game-turning at-bat in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series helped the Mets force Game 7 and led to their most recent championship, will bring his Legacy catering business to Doubleday Field as part of the fan experience at The Hall of Fame East-West Classic on May 25 in Cooperstown. Legacy, which features barbeque, sausage and chicken, will be one of several food and beverage options available during what will prove to be a historic afternoon, including local favorites Brewery Ommegang, Gilligan’s Ice Cream, Sarchioto’s Concessions and Ty’s Taco-ria.

“My brothers and I are honored to bring Legacy to The Hall of Fame East-West Classic,” said Wilson, who will join the Classic roster that day as an honorary team member. “The players who made the original East-West Classic such an incredible event paved the way for those of us who followed to the major leagues, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate this legacy in Cooperstown. Plus, what’s Memorial Day Weekend without a little barbeque, right?”

In addition to food and beverage options, fans at The Hall of Fame East-West Classic will also be treated to music, giveaways, including a commemorative program, and a special appearance by Chicago Cubs voice Jeremiah Paprocki, the team’s first Black public address announcer, who will serve as the guest PA announcer for the Classic.

The Hall of Fame East-West Classic: A Tribute to the Negro Leagues All-Star Game will feature Hall of Famers Harold Baines, Ken Griffey Jr., Fergie Jenkins, Jim Kaat, Fred McGriff, Eddie Murray, Jim Rice, Lee Smith, Ozzie Smith and Dave Winfield as managers and coaches.

Fueled by assistance from Major League Baseball, the East-West Classic rosters will consist of more than two dozen former big leaguers, team captains CC Sabathia and Chris Young along with players Josh Barfield, Tim Beckham, José Contreras, Ian Desmond, Prince Fielder, Dexter Fowler, Curtis Granderson, Tony Gwynn Jr., Jerry Hairston, Scott Hairston, LaTroy Hawkins, Ryan Howard, Edwin Jackson, Jeremy Jeffress, Adam Jones, Howie Kendrick, Russell Martin, Darrell Miller, Melvin Mora, David Price, Tony Sipp, Dee Strange-Gordon, B.J. Upton, Justin Upton and Dontrelle Willis.

Harold Reynolds of MLB Network will join Mookie Wilson as honorary team members.

The game will be part of a weekend celebration as the Museum opens its new exhibit The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame East-West Classic are on sale now at baseballhall.org/east-west or at 1-888-325-0470 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has teamed up with Sports Travel and Tours to offer baseball fans a one-stop opportunity to purchase Classic Weekend travel packages. For more information or to plan a trip to Cooperstown, please call 1-888-310-HALL (4255). Membership participants receive a 5% discount on all their baseball travel packages.

Located on the Museum’s second floor in the Yawkey Gallery, The Souls of the Game: Voices of Black Baseball will cover stories of early Black baseball, the Negro Leagues era, the complexities of reintegration, Jackie Robinson, post-reintegration progress and retrogress, and calls for change in today’s game while celebrating the newest superstars of the era. Meaningful stories from Black baseball are also being added to other exhibits throughout the Museum.

The exhibit is part of the Hall of Fame’s Black Baseball Initiative that includes additional outreach programs, educational materials and virtual programming and is made possible by the Yawkey Foundation with additional support from Bill Janetschek in honor of his siblings Robert and Ann, the Anthony A. Yoseloff Foundation and the Bisignano Family. The initiative will also enhance Black Baseball stories found throughout the Museum.

The Souls of the Game, a title that pays tribute to W.E.B. Du Bois’s seminal 1903 book “The Souls of Black Folk”, will explore the Black baseball experience of those men, women and children who were and are an integral part of our National Pastime.

Subtitled “Voices of Black Baseball”, the exhibit will highlight first-person accounts by the many individuals whose experiences shaped them, their community, baseball and America at large. Featuring historically significant artifacts, documents and photographs, and utilizing audio, video, and interactive elements, the exhibit will tell a more inclusive story of baseball, shine a light on and correct misconceptions about Black baseball.

For more information about the Museum’s Black Baseball Initiative, please visit baseballhall.org/BBI.

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An apology to the 2003 Mets

Nicholas writes:

I’m writing to you in regards to a correction in regards to your most recent post. You stated that back in 2003, the Mets won 65 games, well in fact, looking at the 2003 Mets Wikipedia page as well as baseball-reference, you’re wrong, they actually won 66 games going 66-95. I doubt you’ll correct it knowing how you roll, but just wanted to clarify something you brought up.

Thank you Nicholas for bringing this to my attention.  At this point I would like to offer a heartfelt apology to the 2003 Mets:

To the  2003 New York Mets Players, Staff, and Fans,

I am reaching out to extend my sincerest apologies for the error I made in a recent statement where I incorrectly cited the 2003 team’s win total as 65 games. After taking another look at the records, I realize that the team actually achieved 66 wins during that season.

As someone who prides themselves on accuracy and thoroughness, I am disappointed that I misstated such an important fact. Each win in a season is hard-earned and a testament to the team’s effort and skill. Misrepresenting that achievement, even by one game, is something I take seriously.

I wish to apologize to manager Art Howe, and his family.

I did not mean to slight first baseman Jason Phillips, who batted .298 in 119 games for an OPS of .815, a number not that far off from Pete Alonso’s 2023 OPS of .821.  Perhaps Phillips deserved a lifetime contract from the Wilpons. We will never know.

Or left fielder Cliff Floyd, and his .894 OPS, in a time when Millennials were just infants, and didn’t yet talk about OPS, otherwise Floyd too might have been given a lifetime deal as it’s obvious Floyd was way better than Pete Alonso has ever been, other than Pete’s 2019 season, a season which this blogger has said Pete will never again match, and has so far been right. Cliff, thank you for your contribution in the 108 games you were part of.

Let us never forget Mets Hall of Famer Al Leiter, who went 15-9, cementing his status as one of the great All Time Mets, nor Captain John Franco’s two saves.

Let us remember that David Cone came back to us to contribute one win, and let us remember the 68 games that Mike Piazza rallied to play, contributing 11 home runs.

Thank you to Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar, for making that a magical summer where fans delighted in watching your march to Cooperstown.

I also want to apologize to the booth of Fox Sports New York, where Howie Rose worked hard to carry Ted Robinson and Matt Loughlin, and of course acknowledge the contributions of WPIX’s Tom Seaver in describing the great plays on the field.

I apologize to the Wilpons, who tried their best to win the World Series, a task that even the richest of the rich cannot pull off in Queens.

Please accept my heartfelt apology for this oversight. I have the utmost respect for the dedication and hard work that the Mets organization and its players put into every game, every season. I assure you that I will make every effort to ensure such an error does not happen again.

With respect and admiration for your commitment to the great game of baseball, and all 66 of the wins. You were not terrible. 65 wins is terrible.  66 is fan-tastic.

Your #1 fan,

Shannon.