You may have read on Hot Foot that Larry Bowa was prepared to spit on the new rule that all MLB base coaches were required to wear a helmet — a rule created after minor league coach Mike Coolbaugh died from a line drive to his head last season.

Bowa refused to wear a helmet in LA’s opening spring training game, saying,

“I’ll really make a joke out of it. I’m willing to write out a check for whatever the fine is for every game,” Bowa said. “Whatever 162 games is, I’ll write out a check for it.”

However, in yesterday’s game at Port St. Lucie, it appears Bowa has had a change of heart:

There’s still time for Bowa to win this year’s “Gary Busey Award for Big-Mouthed Stupidity in Regard to Protective Headgear”.

There’s nothing on TV on Sunday morning, so head on over to Mike Silva’s Gotham Baseball Live and listen to my spring training experience at 9:30 AM.

You can listen to the show here, and there is also a direct download link for saving and listening later (on your computer or iPod / MP3 player).

Matt Cerrone mentioned that when he arrived in Port St. Lucie, he spotted Ron Darling next to him while waiting at a traffic light. Matt didn’t gesture or say hello, possibly because Darling would have no idea who he was — particularly at a traffic light.

Well I can say with full confidence that Ron Darling had NO IDEA who I was, nor had he heard of MetsToday, when I brazenly introduced myself to him a few hours earlier that morning at the Tradition Field complex. In fact, he even refused a picture, but graciously offered to sign anything.

His exact words:

“I’ll sign anything, but no pictures, please …”

Good thing I asked … the last thing I want to do is get on Ron’s bad side.

He was nice enough to pretend he cared about my blogging — seriously, he was very polite. FYI his hand felt like a bear paw when I shook it, and I’m a decent-sized guy with big hands myself.

So, sorry folks … no “after” picture of Ron just yet.

This warm moment occurred before the game on Satuday:

“For the tenth time already, yes, Joe, it’s toasted!”

Oh, I also snuck into the “coaches conference room”. I was accosted by security but not before getting a few shots, including the whiteboard (don’t show the Phillies!).

The whiteboard :

Somewhere on there it says “see MetsToday.com for scouting reports”.

Some MetsToday readers suggested I steal credentials and scam my way into a press conference. Well, I did get into the official press room and had an exclusive interview with Damion Easley. (OK, two minutes of groveling isn’t exactly an “interview”).

Damion wanted to know why I’m hating on him so much, and told me his bat isn’t that slow. From here on he’s my favorite Met and I’ll only have glowing words for Mr. Easley.

Easley made me feel even worse by turning out to be an incredibly nice guy. Thanks Damion!

Later in the game, Omar had a guest sit next to him …. Sandy Koufax. This doesn’t happen at Shea.

Hey Sandy, pass me the mustard?

It was starting to feel like a Knicks game, with all the celebrities in the stands.

Here is Tommy Lasorda: