Mets Farm Team Debut: The Queens Kings Have Arrived

Sports history was made once again in Queens this week as the minor league professional team affiliated with the New York Mets played their inaugural game on Wednesday evening.
The Queens Kings came onto the field for the first time in the new 3,500 seat stadium on the campus at St. Johns University. Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Mets owner Fred Wilpon were set to help open the new facility, and Queens Borough President Claire Shulman was set to throw out the first ball.
The team played the Hudson Valley Renegades and began a season in which the new team will play 27 more home games. The 15 pitchers, 2 catchers, 6 infielders, 4 outfielders and the four member coaching staff were introduced for the first time Monday night at the stadium (see page 31 for the first photos of the members of the team). The manager of the team is Eddie Rodriguez. Rodriguez had played professional baseball from 1978 to 1986 for the Baltimore Orioles. Rodriguez, however, has another big achievement to look forward to this year he will be the third base coach for the U.S. baseball team at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
The stadium has an intimate, small-town Americana type feel to it, with a large scoreboard and night lighting. Queens Kings General Manager Steven Cohen said that the atmosphere will afford players and fans to interact and get to know one another. "Its a chance to see the stars of tomorrow up close in a real family-oriented atmosphere," he said.
Weekly promotions will be held including games with T-shirt, magnet, beach towel, baseball, and baseball cap give-aways. On Monday, June 26, three will be a contest to name the mascot of the team. Each Sunday, kids will be able to run the bases after the game. Hot dogs will be $1 every Monday. On Sundays, fans can bring their church, house of worship, civic or non-profit bulletin to the ticket window and purchase tickets at a reduced price for up to eight people per bulletin. Seniors and all active and retired military personnel can purchase a reserved seat for a reduced price ($6 Monday through Saturday and $4 Sunday). Programs for pre-game parties, birthday parties and business parties are also available. The teams website offers details on these and other Queens Kings activities at www.queenskings.com .