There were 41,007 pairs of eyes, many of them new, witnessing Citi Field on Monday, April 13, and most were clearly entranced. Before the game, passages to the food court area behind center field were jammed on both sides, and people mobbed landmarks like the old Home Run Apple and the big blue “42,” in honor of Jackie Robinson.
The biggest treat awaiting those in attendance was the pre-game ritual, which saw Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza link the Mets’ past to, well, the Mets’ recent past, in a ceremonial first pitch that actually crossed the strike zone.
The pair’s heralded entrance was reminiscent of their closing-ceremony exit following the final game at Shea Stadium. They were greeted warmly by the audience, though those cheers quickly faded into quiet flashbulbs as witnesses grew preoccupied with their point-and-shoot cameras.
And, what about that crowd? Many Mets fans, young and old, came from all over to watch the home team open up their new stadium.
Pat McGovern and twin sister Maryanne Villien, have been fans since the team started in 1962, and they came to Citi Field decked out in 30-year-old Mets earrings, hats, pants, pins and shirts. Their children got together and bought the two tickets, and they were very impressed with what they saw at the new park.
“Amazing, like the team,” Pat said.
Ray Raggio and his son Scott came in from Commack Long Island, and Ray said that Citi Field offered a better environment than Shea Stadium for watching a game. However, Scott said there were some things Citi Field couldn’t replace.
“Hearing about some of my dad’s stories like the ’86 World Series,” he said, his dad smiling and nodding at the memory of the ball rolling through Bill Buckner’s legs.
Others were equally excited to see their new home.
“I’ve been a Mets fan since as long as I can remember,” said Laurel Kutzenco. “Sixty-nine, ’73, ’86 and all those games in between…I bleed blue and orange, my wedding colors were blue and orange,” she said laughing.
There was a sizeable celebrity presence, for instance. Tim Robbins, Donald Trump and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall were part of the crowd; Mayor Michael Bloomberg and police commissioner Ray Kelly patrolled the best seats in the house. As for the Mets’ own celebrities, they offered nothing but admiration for the new stadium.
“I thought the dirt was beautiful, and I’m not being facetious,” Seaver said.
“Just the field itself is beautiful,” longtime closer and Brooklyn product John Franco said. “The stands being closer to the field [is] pretty nice. I think the fans and the players are going to enjoy it.”
Former Mets greats Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry were also in attendance.
