BY CHARLES OSBORN
LIC has become Citi Field West.
Several members of the New York Mets have been living in Long Island City since the start of the 2013 season, though their neighbors may have no idea.
“I really wouldn’t even know who they were if I ran into them,” said one resident of Center Boulevard.
“I watch a decent amount of sports, and I knew that some of them had places in these towers, but I am not sure I have run into any of them.”
That seems to be a recurring theme throughout the neighborhood.
Luxury condominiums that have been built less than a block from the water have attracted Mets including Mike Baxter, Justin Turner, John Buck and Jonathan Niese.
This is not the first time Mets players have decided to live close to each other.
Several players on the 1986 team — including Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden — lived within a few blocks of each other in Port Washington. They often commuted down Northern Boulevard through parts of northeast Queens.
John Poalson, a resident of the building where several players currently live, thinks the location is ideal because they can walk around and enjoy some privacy.
“Really, it’s the perfect place for them,” he said. “Their commute is simple and can’t take very long, they’re in a neighborhood where probably not a lot of people bother them and they can rent a place for the season and then leave if they want.”
Poalson said he has run into a couple of players and has nothing but good things to say. He added that some of the players may stay past the end of the season.
“I remember seeing them around the building pretty frequently around the time of” Sandy, Poalson said. “They’re definitely nice guys.”
Sandy happened nearly a month after the Mets’ season ended.
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