Doc's Sharpie Writes Volumes
The last few weeks we've heard about how corporate Citi Field is. There's no link to the Mets in the ballpark, there's no team Hall of Fame at the Mets' new digs in Flushing and very little mention of the team's history outside of the banners that adorn the outfield entrances. Fans and bloggers like me have complained. The team doesn't display championship banners inside the park. I have it from no less an authority than my buddy Sal in Fairfield that the team mysteriously tries to distance itself from its history, seeking instead corporate bucks and building on the 'here and now.'
Fortunately for all us Mets fans, one of the franchise's greatest names may have unknowingly nudged the team in the right direction.
By now you know the stiory: Opening night at Citi Field, Dwight Gooden was in the upscale 'Ebbets Club' (which has no METS logos or pictures in it) and was asked by a worker to sign a wall. Encouraged by fans, Doc did, and posed for pictures. What Mets fan, rich, poor or middle class, wouldn't want a few minutes with Dr. K?
Turns out the 'antiseptic police' at Citi Field were furious, Yahoo! Sports details the Mets' original chagrin and change of heart.
WHY can't the Mets just embrace their history and the wishes of their fans? I know that Citi Field and the Jackie Robinson Rotunda are generated from the deep seated fantasies in the psyche of owner Fred Wilpon. Fine. But WHY shame one of your greatest names? Are the Wilpons STILL upset at Doc and Darryl Strawberry for turning to drugs and not fulfilling their potential as can't miss Hall of Famers? WHY weren't there old time Mets introduced on the field prior to the opener against the Padres. Our Lolita Lopez, who was at the ballpark the WHOLE DAY, wasn't even sure Gooden was in Flushing for the opener.
At least there's good news: The uproar over Gooden's Sharpie episode led the team to announce that Doc's John Hancock will NOT be erased, but rather moved to a 'prominent' place in the ballpark. SUDDENLY, a Mets Hall of Fame will be planned for the facility. At THIS moment, as I write this, if you want a list of all those in the Mets Hall of Fame, you need to spend $12 for a 2009 Mets yearbook-which somehow included a picture of recently signed Gary Sheffield, but no map of where you can celebrate Mets history at Fred Wilpon's Dream House.
Dwight Gooden's Sharpie could help the Mets' recognize and rectify the PR error of their ways.
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Comments: 10
Ahh Bobby beat me to the punch yesterday. We both wanted to write on the same topic but he won. He usually does ...he is a very good writer.
Anyway, Bobby is right! I remember catching a glimpse of Doc coming into Citi Field on Opening Day but only because Jim (Watkins) pointed him out. We saw him for a quick second and he was gone. There was no presentation of former Mets in the opening ceremony, unlike the last game at Shea. That day, the Mets held a party for the former players, and the media was allowed to speak with them beforehand. I heard so many great stories of what is was like to play in the orange and blue (that of course we passed along to you); it was wonderful!
I never really understood why there was no presentation of former Mets players before the first game at Citi Field. I probably dropped the ball by not questioning this more that day...
in any case, when I first heard of Doc's "John Hancock", I wished I would have been there. What a great moment...to be with the man that in part, IS the Mets, or at least a big part of Mets history, and have this spontaneous moment. I mean, isn't that what baseball is all about? Who doesn't remember their first game with Mom and Dad? I know people who celebrate birthdays or have gotten engaged at Mets games.
I hope Doc and any other Mets players' autographs will stay around for as long as Citi Field is here, as proof that the stadium is a CONTINUATION of the Mets rich history. So let us see it!
**If this is posted a bunch of times, even in another format, it's because our computers are cooky.
Bobby is right! I remembered catching a glimpse of Doc coming into Citi Field on Opening Day but only because Jim (Watkins) pointed him out. We saw him for a quick second and he was gone. There was no presentation of former Mets in the opening ceremony, unlike the last game at Shea. There was even a party held for the former players where the media was allowed to speak with them beforehand. I heard so many great stories of what is was like to play in the orange and blue; it was wonderful!
I never really understood why there was no Mets gallary of players presented before the first game. I probably dropped the ball by not questioning this more that day...
in any case, when I first heard of Doc's "John Hancock", I wished I would have been there. What a great moment...to be with the man that in part, IS the Mets or at least a big part of the Mets history and have a very spontaneous moments. I mean, isn't that what baseball is all about? Who doesn't remember their first game with Mom and Dad? I know people who celebrate birthdays or have gotten engaged at Mets games.
I hope Doc and any other Mets players' autographs will stay around for as long as Citi Field is there, as proof that the stadium is a CONTINUATION of the Mets rich history. So let us see it!
The signature by Dwight "Doc" Gooden on the wall of the Ebbets Club was a bizarre story. Who writes on walls of a public building, even if asked to do so by a worker in said building?
That aside, this act on Opening Night may have cause and effect. It could have awakened from their slumber a Mets Management that has greatly ignored the team's grand history.
Of all the negatives I have heard about Citi Field, the constant is the lack of a Mets Museum or recognition of Mets history. How could Mets management open a facility and not have any semblance of Mets history on display?
The Mets are one of three teams since the expansion era of 1960 to have won two World Championships. This success should be celebrated.
In addition, I have yet to hear any plans to honor the 1969 World Campion Mets. Have you heard anything from the organization? This was the greatest rags to riches story in baseball history. The Mets really should have a year long celebration. Come to think of it, the team should have been on hand during the first homestand in Citi Field history.
The fans embrace our history. We hope the organization would follow. I heard the Mets Hall Of Fame was in storage. No one in the organization had the business or even common sense to display this somewhere in Citi Field. Nothing surprises me when it comes to Mets management.
Down with corporations!
Down with corporations!
Lolita, of all the things to like about Citi Field, if Mets management could have only had the presence of mind to incorporate Mets history, they would have hit a home-run.
Isn't it odd that Doc Gooden was in the house on Opening Night and was not recognized by the organization.
I cannot figure out why this organization will not embrace the team's history. It really insults the fans who have followed this team for so many years.
Do you know if management will be honoring the 1969 Miracle Mets?
James: The Mets say YES they are honoring the 40th anniversary of the 69 team. But as I mentioned, at least on the surface it looks like the team is doing it because they have to.
The Mets may not be the Yanks, but they have their own unique niche. A Mets Hall of Fame should include everything from Bob Murphy's first call in St. Louis in 1962 right through to Endy Chavez' great catch in 2006. If the team REALLY cared, they'd show the tough moments too-Gil Hodges memorial in 1972, fans upset after Seaver was traded in 1977. Let's see what they do.
Great Post!!! Very passionate. Can tell you are a lietime Mets fan who is upset as I am about the Mets not honoring their history.
As you noted, history is not always the good times. It is the times of our life, good and bad.
I brought up the 1969 Mets because it is the 40th anniversary.
I guess I must ask....Before Fred Wilpon bought the Mets, was he one of those Brooklyn Dodgers fans that continued to follow the team after they left for Los Angeles. Thus, he did not have any affection for the Mets until he bought them. Just a theory as to why he and the rest of the Mets management has not embraced the team's history.
Thank you for the kind words. Wilpon is a life long friend (and high school teammate) of Sandy Koufax, and yes, Fred has stated he was a Brooklyn fan. I'd like to see an equal nod to the NY Giants-I'm sure you know that original owner Joan Payson was a minority owner of the Giants-and the only one that voted against taking Willie Mays & Co. to San Francisco.
Yes, I did realize that about Joan Payson. You are a Mets historian. The Mets are descendants of BOTH the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants. I wish the Giants were equally represented.
Did you know that they had green seats at the Polo Grounds. Maybe that is why Citi Field has green seats. At least that is what David Howard toldMike Francesa last week. Just too funny.