It was not the most auspicious start for a new ballpark — at least, not for the home team — but the list of “firsts” has already begun. Print this out and keep it handy for future trivia buff gatherings.
First Pitch: Mike Pelfrey
First Homerun: Jody Gerut (also first hit, first run, and first RBI)
First Mets Homerun: David Wright
First Mets Hit: David Wright (double)
First Mets Run: Brian Schneider
First Mets RBI: Luis Castillo
First Double: David Wright
First Triple: ** still waiting **
First Strikeout: Nick Hundley, by Mike Pelfrey
First Walk: Chase Headley, by Mike Pelfrey
First Pinch-Hitter: Gary Sheffield
First Pinch-Hit: Jeremy Reed
First Balk: Pedro Feliciano
First Wild Pitch: J.J. Putz
First Error: Ryan Church
First Win: Edward Mujica, Padres
First Save: Heath Bell
First Hold: (tie) Edwin Moreno, Duaner Sanchez
First Loss: Brian Stokes, Mets
First Drunken Guest in the Broadcast Booth: Tom Seaver
First Player Booed: Heath Bell
First Player to Receive Standing Ovation: Danny Murphy (for catching a routine fly ball)
First Fall for No Apparent Reason: Mike Pelfrey
First Bleeding Heart Liberal Narcissistic Celebrity Interview by Kevin Burkhardt: Tim Robbins
First Bad Shea Stadium Memory Retold by a Bleeding Heart Liberal Narcissistic Celebrity: Tim Robbins
First animal to set foot on the field: Feline
First Fans to Sit in Bernie Madoff’s Seats: “Kurt” and son “Mike”
Sheffield was the first PH, not Reed.
I got a chuckle from Mayor Bloomberg getting a foul ball that found its way through the netting behind home plate. Although, isn’t that a bit of a safety hazard? I also still see no reason for having a concrete pit along the rightfield line, other than providing an area for security and the grounds crew to set up a few lawn chairs on. And, oh yeah, the camera angle peering into the visitors’ bullpen is like trying to get a glimpse at the lions at the zoo behind 6 sets of fencing and various flora arrangements.
I’ll say one thing on a positive note. At least they decided to color the seats dark green. I’m sure some folks will say it’s for nostalgic reasons to Ebberts Field or whatever, but it’s primary focus is to not make it seem like there are so many empty seats around the ballpark. And for a home opener in NY, there sure were a lot of empty seats last night, although the seat color didn’t make it look so pronounced.
FYI the dark green is the one and only homage to the Polo Grounds, which had the same color seats. At the last minute the Wilpons begrudgingly decided to throw a bone to the history of the Mets, instead of their beloved Dodgers.
ZDT – Sheffield was the first pinch-hitter, but Reed collected the first pinch-hit. Sheff reached base on a fielder’s choice.
That’s what I get for pretending I know what I’m talking about.
Good Call Joe.
well you were right about Sheff being the first pinch-hitter, and as a result I added that to the post …. thank you!
According to Dave Howard (on WFAN with Francesspool), the green seats allows the green of the grass to continue into the stands. What an awesome idea – assuming the seats are empty! What will these Metsies think of next?
Howard also said the price of concessions is down 6%, but of course that is only for the concession items that were sold at Shea. All the new stuff couldn’t be reduced in price because, there was no starting price to reduce. Amazing! What will these Metsies think of next?
Howard repeatedly referred to Mets fans as “customers”? That is what is known as a disconnect. Maybe the “company” should have looked into some “new employees” like Manny Ramirez and Orlando Hudson.
Fuck the Mets. I’m tired of being shit on.
LOL, this post is great.
Guys, stop worrying. It’s been 7 games. Sheesh.
Keep em coming, Joe!
Thanks Eli !
Former Mets Fan – yes, the spectators who enter Citi Field are indeed “customers”. I’m not sure what you mean by “fans” …. unless you think the park will need some circulation as the summer heats up? Though, I’m guessing we’ll still get that stiff breeze off the water.
The Mets have been building their “brand” for some time now, and have publicly stated that they will remain committed to putting a “winning product on the field”. I do agree, though, that Brand Manager Omar Minaya would have done well to hire employees such as Manny and Hudson. Perhaps those two did not do well in the HR interview.