Mar
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VIDEO: John Franco on Citi Field
10:27PM | March 29, 2009 | posted by Matt Estreich | comments: 5
St. John's and Georgetown played the first official game at the Mets new home, Citi Field, on Sunday. On hand for the occasion was former Met great and St. John alum John Franco.
We caught up with Franco and got his take on the Mets' new digs, what the game meant for the St. John's baseball program, and what he tought about BOUNCING his ceremonial first pitch.
Take a listen.
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Comments: 5
John Franco was just throwing his signature change up in the dirt, so the hitter swung and missed. As John noted, "I bounced balls for 20 years."
John Franco is a New York icon. From Lafayette High School in Brooklyn to St. John's University in Queens and on to his hometown New York Metropolitans.
It was nice touch designated by Mets Vice President of Public Relations Jay Horowitz to have John wear his Number 45 St. John's Jersey under his New York Mets Jacket.
No baseballl player represents St. John's and the New York Mets like "Johnnie Be Good" Franco.
John had a great frame of reference tying Shea Stadium to the brand new Citi Field.
A great day to be a St. John's and New York Mets Fan. No one is more New York than Brooklyn born John Franco.
Hey james - Were you there? It definitely was a great day. I thought it was real funny how a lot of people were booing Franco when he threw that one in the dirt.....PLAYFULLY, though. It was Mets' fans way of breaking in the new stadium with some boo's. They even booed St. John's during the 4-run Georgetown inning! All in fun, though.
Yes, I was there. It was a fun day, despite the misty weather.
As for John Franco, he even said he has been bouncing balls for 20 years. John expected nothing else but to get booed. The fans have always had a love/hate relationship with the Brooklyn born left-hander. John took it in stride like he did for those many years in a Mets uniform.
As for my beloved St. John's Red Storm Baseball Team, the fans let them feel like the home town Major League team.
There was a festive feel in the air, so the booing was just letting the love reign down. Looking forward to being at Citi Field this Friday April 3, 2009 as New York welcomes the Mets home to their brand new stadium.
Must give some props to my friend, Joanne Persico, who performed a rousing rendition of the National Anthem. Joanne, attired so splendidly in her St. John's Red Dress and Red Shoes, did a terrific job with the National Anthem. Joanne is the fine Volleyball Coach at St. John's University and an accomplished singer.
Hey James, I am glad you had a good time at Citi Field. I met Joanne two years ago when we did a story on her team. She is a great lady and talented coach...and she sings too...
Hello Lolita. Joanne is indeed a great lady. Very talented, as demonstrated on Sunday. Sent Joanne a note yesterday, complimenting her on the rendition of the National Anthem and her splendiferous (the actual word I used...lol) attire. St. John's Red, including bright red shoes. She was most impressed that I noticed her red shoes. Fashionista I would say.
Thanks for responding Lolita. Congratulations on your New York Emmy Award for "One Of A Kind Drive (5/18/08).
Have a great day!