The Modell’s at the Queens Center mall was a sea of blue and orange Thursday as New York Mets fans from all over Queens filed in to pick up the latest World Series apparel after the Mets’ 8-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs in game four of the National League Championship Series.
Fans were eager to get their hands on all things Mets, snatching up hats, jerseys, sweaters, pennants, T-shirts and more.
“We’ve waited a long time for this,” said George Mehrtens, a Mets fan since 1962. “Once the Dodgers moved to L.A., I started rooting for the Mets.”
Modell’s opened their doors immediately after the Mets won last night so diehard fans could be the first to represent their team in the World Series. The store then opened back up at 6 a.m. this morning so the Mets faithful could pick up some gear before they got to work.
“It’s exciting. I remember ’86, so I remember the craziness back then,” said Octavio Herrera, general manager of the Modell’s at Queens Center. “It’s a great vibe and it’s really great that they come here for it.”
Herrera said that the two most requested items have been the locker room T-shirt that the players wore after the game and the locker room hat with the World Series patch.
Elvin Santos, a lifelong Mets fan, is also ready for the World Series.
“I can’t even explain the feeling,” he said. “I’m planning on buying World Series tickets, I don’t care how expensive they are. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Support for the Mets goes all the way to Queens Borough Hall. Queens Borough President Melinda Katz announced she will be holding a hometown rally for the Mets on Monday, Oct. 26, from 3 to 5 p.m.
“Congratulations to the Mets on their sweeping victory in the National League Championship Series. The Mets have done all New Yorkers proud, redeeming millions of loyal fans and even inspiring a few more,” Katz said. “The Amazins played with true grit, determination and heart – trademarks of every New Yorker – in clinching their first National League championship since 2000. New York is united as one sea of blue and orange behind the Mets in this captivating run. Ya Gotta Believe – now Let’s Go Mets!”
