More Changes for the Mets

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

A Report by Mark Hermann of Newsday:
Dave Howard, the Mets' executive vice president for business, said Citi Field has been "extremely well received," with people commenting even on their reception in the parking lot.

He did acknowledge early-season criticisms: Some seats have obstructed views and that there is less celebration of Mets history than the Brooklyn Dodgers' legacy. As much as there was a "good riddance" feeling about Shea, there was an uproar Sunday when one of its traditions, the apple, failed to pop out of the centerfield hat for the second of two home runs. "We've heard our fans," he said.

So, he said, the Mets received permission from Major League Baseball to show the live feed on video screens the instant the ball is in play, allowing fans to follow action they might not see live. Also, an additional video board will be installed in the rightfield corner after the All-Star break.

Howard added that more Mets memories will be reflected with displays in the park this summer, and that there are bigger long-term plans to give the place a Mets atmosphere.

Whether they will make it a more hitter-friendly atmosphere by bringing in the fences or lowering the walls is a decision for the offseason. Howard did say that if the Mets are healthy, the park can work to their advantage because of their gap hitters, fly ball-oriented pitchers and mobile centerfielder and rightfielder. Backup centerfielder Angel Pagan said, "I need room to gallop, so this is the right place."

...The additional video board in the rightfield corner seems, perhaps, trivial to the regular fan but for those sitting in the leftfield home run section - it is crucial...I had sat in those left field seats and I was no able to see the center field screen due to the fact that the upper bleachers hang... Good work, Wilpon.

...One would think that it's smart not to make any on-field changes during a season...It doesn't look professional...Knowing the Mets, if they did make some changes - they'd put the fences 10 feet further back...

9 comments:

Doyler said...

I sat there too. I could not see a thing on the video screen and was forced to listen to crowd reaction. It stunk.

ralphrc said...

It's illegal to make any changes to the playing field, the walls, etc. during the season.
It also appears to be illegal to improve the team during the season.

Menachem Hans said...

I love videos.

Eli From Brooklyn said...

Ralph, is it really illegal to make changes to the playing field during the season? Lol - on your 2nd comment.

ralphrc said...

Yes, it is illegal.

ralphrc said...

The Wilpons are changing the name of Citifield to the Bernie Madoff Memorial Stadium in honor of the man who has had the most influence on the team.

Kelvin said...

You sure he doesn't wanna change it to Ebbets Field? That's pretty Brooklynee..

wario said...

when we said "do something," this is not what we meant omar!!

Eli From Brooklyn said...

Lol, right on, Wario.