Five Questions For…Missing Fan #1

I discovered that a few of the responses to the “5 Questions” never actually posted over Thanksgiving weekend. With my apologies, here is Nick.


I am @CTDucksFan on Twitter.  Here are my answers to the survey:

1. When did you start following the Mets?

My first memories of following the Mets are from 1986, though honestly some of that is ’85 bleeding into it.  I was 9 in ’86, and remember a lot of the commotion around the season.  When my parents (who aren’t that big into sports) were following what was happening, I knew something big was going on.  Game 6 will always stick out in my mind – but that of the NLCS vs the Astros, not the World Series vs the Red Sox.  I remember watching the game in my 4th-grade classroom (which, at the time, was a big deal), then going home and watching it at the dinner table with my family (which, at the time, was a BIGGER deal).  I’ve been a die-hard fan ever since.

2. What is your favorite Mets memory?

I can only choose one?  Hmm…I think I would have to say the memory of the 2006 season.  From the incredible start, to being at Shea the night Mike Piazza came back as a Padre, to Paul LoDuca tagging out not one but TWO Dodgers at home plate during the NLDS, to the Endy Chavez catch – it was a magical season that was cut 5 wins to short.  I try not to dwell on what might have been but remember what it was, which was 7 months of pure excitement.

3. What is your worst Mets memory or experience?

This is a tough one as this is simultaneously one of my best and worst.  September 24, 2008.  Mets vs Cubs at Shea Stadium.  This was probably the most important Mets game for which I had been in attendance.  Carlos Delgado’s Grand Slam was absolutely breathtaking – I’ve never screamed so loud at a ballgame, and I’m getting chills just recalling it now.  It was a moment where I felt Shea literally rocking and vibrating.  Letting the Cubs come back was heartbreaking.  Daniel Murphy’s lead of triple in the bottom of the ninth was my last positive memory of being at Shea.  Left on base, forcing extra innings, the Mets ultimately lost the game and missed the post-season on the very last day (again).  Walking out of the stadium that night, I looked around and drank it all in, knowing in my head that the Mets would not make the postseason, and knowing in my heart that it was my last time inside Shea.

4. If you could change one off-field thing about the franchise what would it be?

Public Relations.  I would change our entire PR department.  Time after time, the way the Mets handle themselves as an organization off the field completely embarrasses me as a fan.  From making Willie fly to Anaheim just to be fired, to the handling of the Tony Bernazard firing, to the complete ineptitude of knowing what the fan base wants and needs, I think the current crew, though they may be trying their hardest, just doesn’t get it.  The opening and first season at Citi Field was a complete disaster, and it has nothing to do with how the Mets performed on the field.

5. If you owned the team starting tomorrow, what is the first thing you would change?

To be honest, this boils down to Number 4 above.  I would fire the PR department immediately and rebuild with a mixture of young and old PR professionals as well as a few die hard Mets fans.  I think the average Met fan at this point is disillusioned – no matter what the team does, they seem to do it wrong.  The recent announcements of the “changes” at Citi Field should not have been changes, they should have been part of the building process from the start.  As I go to different ballparks as a fan, it amazes me how different the experience is compared to that of when I go to New Shea or New Yankee Stadium.  I’d want my new PR department to go to EVERY ballpark around the league, as well as a handful of football stadiums, hockey and basketball arenas, to see what other teams do right and what they do wrong.  Casual fans come when the team does well.  Die-hard fans will always be there, and I’d want those fans content.  I want the Mets to act like a small market team in a huge market.  We can’t and shouldn’t compete with the deep pocket of the Yankees.  We compete with them by giving the fans a BETTER alternative of what to watch, support, attend, and follow.  The team’s marketing and PR vision is flawed, and if I owned the team, it would be the FIRST thing I addressed.

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Scott’s Letter To The New York Mets

Another fan has shared an invoice-related letter.   I know I have become the mayor of Crankytown, but I think there’s a problem in Metsland.  The natives are restless.


Here’s Scott’s letter.



Dear Mr. Ianniciello:
After reading your recent letter and invoice which you sent to me, I wanted to take a minute to write back.  It’s unfortunate as judging by the materials you sent me; it seems you weren’t at many Mets games this past season. If you were, you may have noticed the level of dissatisfaction with the fans… or more importantly the empty seats which tend to show more emotion than any disgruntled fan ever could.  

            Let me start by saying that the seats you provided me with last year had an obstructed view of the outfield.  No matter how you care to word this, I could not see part of the field from my seats, nor was I told this prior to my purchase.  This deceptive practice alone was enough to make me question future renewal or purchase of any Mets tickets.  It’s unfortunate that we have a new stadium, which has many positive qualities to it, yet is marred by countless numbers of views such as the one I had. These seats need to be classified as obstructed view.  Whether you change the pricing on them is your prerogative; however I strongly suggest you do.  

            Your price for parking is obscene and the concessions are overpriced, with the quality being average at best with some lines that lasted over three innings.  When lines are that long and do not change throughout the season, it shows a lack of organization and a lack of caring.  I realize that other teams in the area also charge similar rates for parking and food, but just because they don’t care doesn’t mean you have to join them.  I urge you to be different and stand out from the greed.  That’s what builds loyalty and future fans.   Let’s face it; a kid would have a tough time earning enough money to attend more than one Mets game a season without their parents help.  Is that really the kind of organization you want to be?

            As for the product on the field, yes injuries happen and yes bad years come every now and then, however your product is not priced accordingly.  If you want to be priced as one of the top tickets in baseball, you also need to consistently produce one of the top teams in baseball.  I understand last year was different in pricing as this new ball park was a big question mark in many ways and you priced it accordingly.  However, after sitting through a full season, if you truly think the price decrease you offered me is in line with everything that occurred, once again I am not sure anyone in your office actually went to a game.  Some tickets were going for .05 on the dollar last year on the secondary market.

            All that being said, I have found other high school, college, and minor league teams who actually care that I show up as a fan, rather than how much money I bring into the park.  I respectfully decline my invoice that you offered me, however I know you probably have people beating down the door to get into those seats, so please do offer it to them.  When you get serious about running a successful organization that cares about the fans more than money, please do feel free to get back to me.  Until then, best of luck, as I know you will need it.


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Guest Post: Phillies Six Packs

@aaguero9 and I are twitter friends, and he sent over the following.  (I’m @metspolice)

The WORLD CHAMPION Phillies offer 6 packs, where you can actually pick the games you might be interested in.  Wow, what a concept.  Similar size stadium, much better product…and they have a Fan Appreciation Pack and a Mets pack.  Living in NJ, I can spend my money on gas and tolls over the bridges of NY to get to Queens and have an obstructed view or spend probably about the same in travel (although less time), get better games, have a chance to actually sell my tickets on a secondary market, and just be in a better situation all-around.


Lets go Mets…(if only the organization “got it”)

Well, let’s take a look at the Mets pack you get two Mets games, but have to buy four others.  I do agree that if you’re in much of NJ it’s easier or a-tie to get to Philly than Flushing, but the problem is that the Mets don’t play their home games in Philly.

As I mentioned last week, I have a 14 game plan which includes 3 Mets games and I will sell the rest, probably quite easily.  I’m not sure for an average Mets fan that this six pack is the way to go – might make more sense just to buy the Mets@Phils tix for the games you want.  The Phillies draw well but it’s not like you can never buy a ticket day-of.

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Klapisch: Where’s the money?

Good stuff from Bob Klapisch in the the Record.

There’s no shame in admitting you got fleeced in the largest Ponzi scheme in history. Plenty of honest, well-meaning people lost their life savings, so the Wilpons aren’t alone. The difference is that the Mets still are asking their fans to believe in them – to buy their tickets, pay for their Shake Shack Burgers, tune into SNY.

In return, the fans are entitled to an honest accounting of where this team is headed. It was obvious in ’04, when Minaya flew to the Dominican Republic to wine and dine Pedro. It was just as plain in ’06, when Billy Wagner was given a goodwill tour of New York City. And in ’07, when Santana was willing to walk away from a $140 million contract over a mere $5 million, so Jeff Wilpon wisely caved in and decided to pay in full.

More here.

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Intern For The Buffalo Bisons

Thought this was interesting…if you know anybody at a college in Buffalo….

“How can you not succeed in life when you’ve danced on the dugout?” -Liz Monteith, Bisons Intern ’06.

Class is in session! Only, this classroom is nothing like you’ve ever experienced. Are you ready to take your education to a new level with a hands-on internship with the premier team in Minor league Baseball?

The Bisons are in search for college students who are in looking for a summer they’ll never forget. The team has several internships available for the 2010 season. From reporting on the team, working hands-on with the team’s video department to making great connections through sales and marketing, a summer with the Bisons will get you ready for a career in the world of sports.

Just fill out an INTERNSHIP APPLICATION and mail it with a resume to the Bisons at:

Buffalo Bisons Internships
Coca-Cola Field
One James D. Griffin Plaza
Buffalo, NY 14203

You can also email the Bisons at [email protected]. All internships are unpaid and must be for college credit.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON MUST BE IN BY MARCH 19, 2010!!!!

Internships Available

Web Site Reporting -A great way to get your name published. Work on the Bisons.com staff, update the site and write feature and game recap articles. Interns applying for this position should also provide writing samples with their resume.

Public/Media Relations -Assist with media relations, press box operations, the production of game notes and publications and player relations. Interns applying for this position should also provide writing samples with their resume.

Game Day Promotions -Assist with the planning and implementation of game day promotions and entertainment for Bisons home games.

Video/Broadcast Production -Assist in post production of highlight videos & big board projects. Work closely with the Game Day Video Production Team.

Sales -Assist the Sales Department in the development and execution of client programs, sponsorship and group sales. A great way to establish connections that will last a lifetime.

Merchandise -Assist with the Merchandise Department with inventory control, sales, customer service, buying, budget planning and computer operations.

Customer Services -Assist Customre Care and Ticket Operations department in communication with fans, clients, vendors (both pre-event and during game events).

Marketing -Assist with all aspects of executing a marketing plan, including media promotions, database management and grass roots marketing efforts.

Accounting -Assist in all aspects of the accounting department, including invoices, filing, spreadsheets, etc.


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