Mets fans waited all winter to rid themselves of last season’s bitter collapse and catch a glimpse of their team’s new home at Citi Field, so one would expect crowds to get to the ballpark early for Monday night’s home opener.
But, 10 hours before the first pitch?
That’s exactly what Chet and Steve McCord did.
The father and son made the trip from Yorktown Heights, NY, early Monday morning, April 13 and arrived at the stadium at 9:30 a.m.
“We’re excited,” said Chet, shortly before noon while sitting on a bench outside Citi Field.
This year will mark the father and son’s 27th consecutive Mets home opener, but the first one not at Shea Stadium.
Steve, who works in Philadelphia and is expecting to take some ribbing from his co-workers who are Phillies fans, said the first opener he attended with his dad was in 1983. That game was also the first home game that Hall of Famer Tom Seaver pitched in upon his return to the Mets after the team traded him to the Cincinnati Reds.
For the McCords, they will have flashbacks to that 1983 game tonight when Seaver strolls to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch to fellow Mets great, catcher Mike Piazza.
What possessed the duo to arrive at the ballpark so early? A beautiful day and baseball being back in town were more than enough.
“We’re just going to walk around the stadium, check out the team story and enjoy the day,” Chet said.
Asked which team they think will win tonight’s game, both quickly responded – the Mets.
“Anything less than a World Series this year would be disappointing,” Chet said.
