Meet the Mets, meet the Mets, step right up and greet the Mets!
Three prominent members of Queens’ only pro sports franchise will be on hand for the 2016 Queens Baseball Conference (QBC) at O’Neill’s Restaurant in Maspeth on Saturday, Jan. 23.
The third annual fan-run event will feature Bud Harrelson, Tim Teufel and Bobby Valentine, who will take part in a Q&A session discussing their baseball careers, specifically their time with the Amazin’s. This will mark the first time that all Mets’ World Series appearances, including last year’s run, will be represented at the event.
The convention will host panels on the state of the Mets, worst Mets villains, best Mets books and the popular uniform panel to entertain fans.
The former Mets will also be signing memorabilia and meeting with fans.
Harrelson was named the recipient of the 2016 Gil Hodges Unforgettable Fire Award, which is presented annually by the QBC to a special figure in Mets history whose memory will always live with fans. He spent 13 years with the Mets as a player and several more as a coach and manager, but will be remembered as the starting shortstop for the world champion Miracle Mets of 1969.
Teufel was the Mets second baseman for six years, including the 1986 World Series champions. After coaching in the Mets farm system for many years, he returned to the big club in 2012 as the third-base coach. Along with manager Terry Collins and his fellow coaches, Teufel helped guide the Mets to the World Series last year.
Bobbly Valentine became the fourth manager to lead the Mets to the World Series in 2000 when they faced off against crosstown rivals the New York Yankees. He is presently the only manager in Mets history to lead the club to back-to-back postseason appearances (1999 and 2000).
In addition to the players and managers in attendance, Mr. Met will make an appearance at the convention. Joining the Mets’ mascot will be the Brooklyn Cyclones’ (the Mets minor league affiliate) Sandy the Seagull and Pee Wee.
The QBC will start at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 23 at O’Neill’s Maspeth, located at 64-31 53rd Dr. For more information, including tickets and schedules, visit www.QBC16.com.
