Keeping with the tradition, my brother Frank bought two tickets for a Mets game for my birthday.  It turns out the Mets were actually home on my birthday this year on Getaway Day against the Braves at 1:10.  It also turns out that it was “Take Off From Work Day” at Citi Field.  I don’t know exactly what it was we got for that, but it is what it is.  We followed suit and took off. 

 

The plan was to leave fairly early, around 10 or so in order to get to the park early enough to walk around.  Then we got on the highway.  The delay at the GWB was AN HOUR.  We got off the highway in Teaneck and made a U-ey. Frank called his buddy who is a police officer in the area for better directions to get around the mess.  Unfortunately, by the time he called back, we were already halfway back to Route 3 on our way to the Lincoln Tunnel.

 

The trip back to and through the tunnel was bad.  It was only about 20 minutes from when we decided to abandon the George idea.  Once we got into the city, it got hairy for a little bit.  At one point Frank asked me what the possibility of us making it early enough or not was.  I replied, “I’m not saying anything, but anything can happen.”  I really should be on ESPN.  I mean, really, that’s basically all they ever say about anything anyway. 

 

Once we got through the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, the rest of the trip was pretty quick.  We ended up in the parking lot right in front of what used to be Shea.  As we pulled up, the observations began….

 

1)      I got a text from Pepsi Girl before the game… “Happy Birthday buddy!  Sorry I won’t be at the game.  But make sure you look at the board during inning breaks.  ;)  I tried to get you a flower cake, but couldn’t.  (Well, it’s the thought that counts.)

2)      It’s $18 to park, which sucks, but they now have machines that allow you to pay for parking with a credit card.  This is great for people who are in a rush and didn’t have time to stop for cash on the way, which I’m sure happens ALL the time.

3)      We found the markings for home plate, the bases and the “pitcher’s plate” in the parking lot.  (This was weird.  It felt like we were in an asphalt cemetery.)

It looks like a head stone

 

4)      I stood right behind first.  “Here?  Yeah, it happened right about here.” 

5)      Once I get a chance after all of the rubble is removed, I’m going to stand where Section 11 once proudly stood and I’m gonna pour one out for my homies.

6)      Frank and I continued to take pictures when he said, “Want Doc Gooden to take one?”  For a second I thought he was pointing out Doctor K.  It was just some doof in a Gooden jersey.  (FML.)

7)      Seriously, how do they run out of programs?  It took a while for Frank and I to get our hands around this.  We then realized that the game was the last of the homestand and that they probably just order enough for the entire stand.  Makes sense.  (You win this time!)

8)      I gave Frank the tour of the whole ballpark, including walking down by the Apple under the bridge.  Braves start Jo-Jo Reyes came out to the bullpen to stretch and proceeded to get heckled mercilessly from the fans on our side of the fence.  This is definitely an underrated feature of Citi Field.

9)      According to Pepsi Girl, all of the drunks sit in the Pepsi Porch, because it’s here where there are no lines for concessions.  This makes perfect sense since there is no through traffic in this area.  It’s a dead end, so unless you’re sitting there or sightseeing, there’s no reason to walk through that area.  I’ll have to keep that in mind. 

I LOVE my new camera.  Check out this shot from the porch of now FORMER Met Ramon Castro

 

10)  While scoping the field from the porch, I noticed Sheffield and Chipper embracing.  I know they were teammates.  I’m still trying to get over the fact Sheffield is on the team.  Does he not know the relationship between the Mets and Chipper?  (In all honesty, my hatred for Larry is more of a respectful distaste.  He’s said some nasty things about us over the years and killed us on too many occasions to count.  But at this point, given what the Phillies have done, he’s an afterthought.  Regardless, no Met, ex-teammate or not, should ever share a hug and handshake with Larry “Chipper” Jones.  None.  I’m fining Sheffield $50 for that stunt.)

Seriously, if Sheff wants me to root for him, he's gotta lay off the chumming with Chipper.

 

11)  Our seats were in the Caesar’s Club on the Excelsior Level.  When I came here for the Red Sox exhibition game, which I haven’t written about because I lost my phone with all of my notes from that game on it in South Carolina and the dude who found it and promised to send it back hasn’t, we were sitting in Baseline Box.  They let us walk around, basically anywhere I wanted, including through the Caesar’s Club.  I figured this was because it was an exhibition.  So I asked a security guard….

                  Me:  Excuse me, I have a question. If I have tickets in the Baseline Box                                           sections, do I have access to all this?

                  Guard: TEECKETS? (Extends his hand to see my ticket)

                  Me:  No, no, I have a ticket to this area, I was wondering if I were sitting                                               in the Baseline Box seats, if I could still get up here

                  Guard:  Que?  You have teeckets?

                  Me:  Yes, right here, but if I have tickets downstairs, can I still get in here?

                  Guard:  Oh, yeah, aneewhere.

     

                  Right, that guy had NO idea of what I was saying. 

12)  So apparently the Mets’ new video intro is “Let it Rock” and they’re walk out song is “Green Light.”  That explains a lot when it comes to Razor Shines’ work in the 3rd base coaches box.

13)  I’m sitting next to a little girl about 11 years old and her father and her first baseball game, I need to watch myself now.  (Great, all that bitterness and nowhere to put it.  FML.)

14)  It just so happens to be her 11th birthday.  Weird.

15)  This is the 15th observation of this post and GEICO wants you to know that a 15-minute phone call can save you 15% or more on your car insurance.  For more information, log on to www.geico.com.

16)  So both cleanup hitters:  Garrett Anderson and Gary Sheffield are hitting under .200.  Awesome.  (Only one place to go, but up!)

17)  Got this text from A-Train: “Isn’t it awesome to root for Sheffield? Happy Bday!”

18)  I’m sorry, I refuse to root for Sheffield.  I just can’t do it.  I KNEW he would hit into a double play that scored a run.  At least he doesn’t get an RBI.  (Of course, A-Train texted me to remind me of this, “Double play hahaha)

19)  I really love this Welcome Back a Veteran bit the Mets have adopted.  (Maybe they HAVE been listening to me about patriotism afterall.)

20)  The Shackburger sounds like something Shaquille O’Neal came up with.  (SHAQBURGER!)

21)  While on line for Shake Shack, the Mets had the bases loaded and Tatis at the plate and…HOW ‘BOUT YOU WHIP OUT THEM TATIS?!?!?!

22)  Mike texted “Just got back to my computer and immediately whipped my Tatis.

23)  People on line did not get the “TAT-IS!” chant.

24)  Upon reading about this, Mike responded, “They are no friends of mine.”

25)  Between innings while we were still out there, we heard the PA announcer talking about birthdays and looked up at the board when “Happy Birthday Rick Briamonte” flashed across the screen.  She came through.  “Wow, that’s a great job.” ~Mike

26)  Wow, we asked and the Shake Shack and Box Frites delivered.  (MOST impressive.)

27)  Somehow, the Mets pitching figured out a way to blow the lead and actually fall behind, Mike actually predicted this.

28)  Okay, whoever is working the scoreboard is lost.  They’ve been slow to put up runs and now Sheffield is batting lead off in the bottom of the 8th, when it’s really Beltran.

29)  Sheffield hit a bomb in the bottom of the 8th to tie it.  “How did you react?”~Mike.  I lightly clapped and sat down.  That’s all I can do.

30)  “Megan fox says shes bi.  Did that make your bday?”~Advill my college roommate.  Perfect timing.

31)  Extra innings and guess what?  It’s TAKAHASHI TIME!!

32)  “This should be interesting.”~Mike  Home run.  Awesome.

33)  “Sayonara”~Mike

34)  You know, I know Beltran struck out with Reyes on 3rd as the tying run in the bottom half, but I can’t get on this guy, he’s been too good otherwise.

 

 

Unfortunately for us, the Mets blew this one.  J.J. never had it.  Frankie pitched well in a non-save situation, but once again, the Mets fail to put a team away.  I don’t know what else to say.  This was on the heals of winning 7 in a row, before splitting the first two against the Braves.  I get the feeling this is going to be one long season filled with ups and downs.  I’m having visions of 2005 all over again. 

 

Still though, for my first regular season game at Citi Field, I enjoyed it thoroughly.  The park really is amazing, which reminds me, it’s time for the Stadium Ratings of Citi Field. 

 

Stadium Grounds: 50

Much like Yankee Stadium, right now, this place is immaculate.  I love the outside décor, especially when lit up at night.  This place looks really cool.

 

Parking: 15

Parking at $18 sucks.  I like the credit card idea though and they still have the parking underneath the highway.  It’s still not too bad to get in and out.  Now that Shea is gone and there’s only one stadium on the grounds, it’s getting a lot better.   

 

Seat Value: -35

I have major gripes here.  They don’t get as low of a score as Yankee Stadium because there are no 4-digit tickets, but the prices in this park for seats are ridiculous.  On top of that, this tiered pricing where tickets vary depending on the game is a scam.  It’s an absolute scam.  When I talk about this concept with non-Mets fans, I get looked at like, “What am I a fool?”  Jeff Wilpon, I SWEAR if I meet you again, you won’t get a handshake and congratulations this time.  You’re gonna have some questions to answer.  (That happened at the Red Sox game.  I don’t wanna talk about it.  I’m very disappointed in myself for being such a good guy and a class act.)

 

Interior Design: 25

Well, I mean, there’s just not much going on.  It looks cool, with the shape of the outfield wall and the overhang.  I LOVE the bridge and structure behind it.  I’m not as crazy as other Mets fans about there being no Mets decorations inside, but it could use a LITTLE bit.

 

Tribute to Jackie: 50

They named the freakin’ rotunda after him.  What else do you want?

 

Sightlines: 20

So much better than Shea.  The only reason I can’t go higher is because the corners get cut off in certain parts of the ballpark.  I do not like the high walls on either side.  If you’re anywhere from third or first base out to the respective foul poles, you really can’t see anything in the corners. 

 

Concessions: 35

Shake Shack, Blue Smoke, Box Frites, Nonna’s, Big Apple Brews, the Excelsior bars, World’s Fare Market.  All good things.  Prices are prices, and could be lower, but the selection and quality are fantastic.

 

Prices: -10

Same as Yankee Stadium, I mean, I can’t really ever put a stadium with a $7.50 beer in the positive.

 

Scoreboards:  25

It’s cool.  The out of town scoreboards are okay, but I have to imagine they block the views of those sitting way up behind there.  I miss the old scoreboard.

 

Weather: 20

The weather was great, but it’s New York, what do you expect?

 

Staff: 30

Similar to Yankee Stadium.  I mean, people were nice, could use a lesson in English though. 

 

National Anthem/God Bless America: 40

They are getting good at this.  They’ve used Marines to sing God Bless America, but they don’t sing it all the time, so I can’t give them the perfect score.  I hope they keep this Welcome Back a Veteran bit though.

 

Promotions: 15

Eh, they still haven’t been as good as recent years.

 

Crowd Support: 15

There was some support.  It was a crappy game and a Wednesday afternoon though.  The Mets fans are going through a real tough time right now as far as trying to get behind this team. 

 

Crowd Personality: 25

It was a very nice, tame crowd.  Now, ask a Philly or Yankee fan about this and they might paint a different picture.  However, I still believe Mets games are still MUCH more family friendly than both Philly and the Bronx.

 

Speaker System: 25

No complaints here and they FINALLY answered my request to put an audio feed of the game in the bathroom.

 

Stadium DJ: 35

Shea always had good tunes and it’s good to see that “Lazy Mary” has been carried over.

 

Crowd entertainment: 40

I still don’t know why they got rid of the airplane race, but the Fan Fest alone wins a lot of points here.  Mini Citi Field out in center is an awesome place where kids can play wiffleball and see themselves on a screen.  Also, the Pepsi Party Patrol always has people on their feet.  You really can never go wrong with a t-shirt launch.  I also love the big screen on the back of the scoreboard so that when you’re getting food, you can still watch the game on the big screen, with audio. 

 

Location:  -30

It’s not as bad as the Bronx, but it’s still Queens.  The chop shops have gotta go.  However, the area does seem like they’ve cleaned up a little bit since Shea came down. 

 

Transportation: -5

Yeah, you have trains, but they are always overcrowded it seems.  The flow of traffic didn’t seem too bad, but it was a Wednesday afternoon.  .

 

Total Score: 385

 

A major improvement from Shea.  Like Yankee Stadium, the area around the stadium and the prices are the biggest difference between them and the leaders of the group, Coors and Petco.  Still though, this is a beautiful, fan friendly ballpark.  They really did a phenomenal job and I’m proud to call it my team’s home.  That’s more than I can say for Shea.  Don’t get me wrong.  I loved Shea, but it was more the experiences that made me love Shea.  She was the first place I ever saw a Major League baseball game and the sheer size of her that I had seen as a kid always had me awestruck.  Citi Field is home now, however, and at this time has taken the lead over ever so slightly from Yankee Stadium for highest rated ballpark not named Coors or Petco.