Raising a Mets Fan
I remember back when Jose Reyes left the Mets for the Marlins. I was angry. The Mets were in the beginning stages of the Madoff fallout, and Reyes was the first casualty of that.
After the Reyes’ signing, the Mets proceeded to become curiously active the next day. The Mets signed Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco. They also traded Angel Pagan for Ramon Ramirez and Andres Torres. Sure, the Mets lost their homegrown All Star shortstop, but look over here, look at the flurry of moves. Nothing to see in Miami. We’re having a press conference on SNY to announce the addition of FOUR . . . count them . . . FOUR NEW PLAYERS! The Mets would be terrible in 2012 finishing in fourth place with a 74-88 record.
Today had that type of feel to me. The Mets lost Ben Zobrist to the Cubs, and they didn’t look particularly good in the process. So naturally, the Mets went back to what they do best: deflection. Instead of rebuilding their bullpen, they rebuilt their middle infield by trading for Neil Walker and signing Asdrubal Cabrera.
Now, I have said both of these players were worth investigating. However, I would’ve preferred keeping Daniel Murphy and Jon Niese over adding Walker. In that scenario, the Mets still could’ve added Cabrera. Right now, I’d probably be commenting how the Mets vastly improved their middle infield situation. Instead, I’m baffled how the Mets traded away another pitcher while adding a poor defensive SS on a two year deal.
I’ll admit I was distracted a little bit four years ago. I wasn’t the biggest Angel Pagan fan. Now, I’m just wondering why the cost saving moves instead of bringing back the NLCS MVP. I’m also curious as to why an organization that values OBP added low OBP players. I’m nonplussed at the Mets adding yet another steroids guy to the roster.
I would’ve accepted all of it if the Mets were made better in the process. However, they didn’t. They’re worse off defensively, and they lost a reasonably priced starting pitcher. I just see the same bluster I saw four years ago.
It leaves me feeling sad. My son’s favorite player will be playing elsewhere next year. He’s disappointed to say the least. There’s nothing the Mets can do to make me forget that.
The other day I mentioned how Breakfast with Santa is a better opportunity to get photos with Santa than waiting for the Mall Santa. This is one of many opportunities to save money the holiday season.
For example, local Fire Departments, businesses, and the like usually offer an opportunity to meet Santa and do fun activities with your kids. Usually, the cost of admission to these events is a non-perishable food item, gently used winter coats, or a donatio of a toy for charities like Toys for Tots. Essentially, you get to have a fun day and help someone in need. As a child I still remember my Dad taking my brother and I shopping for gifts for underprivileged kids. It stuck with me, and I look forward to doing that with my son when he’s old enough to understand.
If you want to know who offers what, there are a few places you can look:
- Flyers at your kid’s school
- Your town’s website
- Mommy Poopins
- Kidgits Mall Program
- Word of mouth
And let’s face it. This time of year everything can get expensive. It’s nice to find cheap activities to do with your kids.
With the Holiday season now officially upon us with the first night of Hannukah, it’s also the season for holiday parties. Whether it’s family or work, you’re going to be going to a party.
At times, you’re going to go to a fancy or black tie party. It’s at that point, you have a decision to make. For many, that means either renting a tux or finding their tux in the back of the closet and hoping it fits. There’s another decision that needs to be made at this time. Are you man enough to tie the bow tie yourself or are you like this:
Admittedly, tying a bow tie yourself the first time can be daunting and annoying. Really annoying. I first had to do it for a Kentucky Derby party for work. First time you’re going to do it, it’s not going to look good. However, like with anything else, the more you do it, the better you get. If you’ve never done it before, I think this is a good primer:
Trust me, there are many benefits to tying your own tie. First, you look like an adult. This is always a good thing. It’s doubly so at a work party when many people are embarrassing themselves getting drunk. Second, people are usually impressed with someone who can tie a bow tie. People equate the skill with Mr. Miyagi‘s abolity to catch flies with chopsticks. Lastly, you can actually untie it and take off your tie.
Oh, and one other thing. You can do a great Frank Cashen impersonation. If you’re a Mets fan that is always a good thing.
For the second straight year, my wife and I opted to take our son to Breakfast with Santa. It’s a much better option than waiting in line for the Mall Santa.
There is nothing enjoyable about the Mall Santa. You wait on a line while your child is going stir crazy and just wants to run around. While it seemingly takes everyone else forever, you feel it’s like Red Light-Green Light-123 when it’s your child’s turn. You throw your kid on a stranger’s lap and expect them to be happy and smile. You have a photo of a nervous or upset kid for $30-$40, and that’s if you go to the cheap mall without the Peanuts Ice Palace (it was Frozen).
Instead, the Breakfast with Santa is an event, a cheap one at that. Depending on where you are, it’s anywhere from $7 – $15 per person. That gets you crafts, coloring books, crayons, Santa hats, and a whole bunch of other swag. This year it included one of those Wendy’s Junior Frosty ticket pack. Last year, there was a DJ. This year was a magician. Both years had ballon animals.
You get to feast on French toast sticks (extremely underrated) or some other form of quick breakfast like pancakes or runny scrambled eggs. Kids can usually get chocolate milk or juice. Adults get coffee that makes K-cups seem strong. Doesn’t matter because it’s all worth it to see your child get excited when Santa enters the room.
For them it’s like a wrestler’s music coming on expectedly as the wrestler sprints to the ring. They go berserk. They love it. For kids, Santa is the biggest celebrity in the world. And he’s there to hang out with them. He’s there after they’ve had breakfast. He’s there after they were running around for a bit. There’s no rush to get to the next person.
Santa takes a little more time with each kid and one of his elves snaps a picture with your phone or camera if you want a family photo. Otherwise, you can take the picture yourself without rushing. Best part of it this year was the fact that my wife and I realized we’re better off buying one meal ticket and getting coffee for ourselves. This year our son’s picture with Santa cost $7.
I’m never visiting a Mall Santa again.
With the Mets not doing any shopping, it doesn’t stop us from having to do any Christmas shopping this year for our kids. I though I would share with you some of the items on our list which might help you if you’re struggling with making yours. If you’re looking at this and wondering “why all the baseball?”, keep in mind my son is a toddler who loves baseball. Without further ado, here are our suggestions:
- Little Tykes Tee Ball Set
- Thomas the Train Table
- Sesame Street Racers
- Crayola Easel
- Melissa and Doug Piano
- Mets Potato Head
- Knee Hockey Set
- Mets Train
- Mr. Met book
- Boynton Books
- Inflatable Tackle Dummy
- Play-Doh
- Duplo/Lego
- Inflatable Soccer Net and Ball
- Learning Journey Puzzles
Overall, I realize some of these are higher-priced items (which is why we don’t have all of these) and that may turn some of you away. However, they’re not all exclusive to the websites I’ve linked. At the time of posting these are the best places to get them but you may find them cheaper elsewhere or applicable for a Raise coupon discount by the time you see this.
My next best suggestion for price-conscious shopping for your kids this year is to look ahead. For example, my son’s Christmas give for this year was purchased during Black Friday last year. I can’t tell you what it is just in case he’s reading this blog (he may be young but he’s smart!).
I can also suggest looking for smaller items and books at places like T.J. Maxx, which is where my family has purchased many books. Keep in mind, you know your child much better than I do. You know their wants and needs more.
Lastly and most important, at this age, your kids still like playing with the boxes. Hint, put as much together before as you can. The most important thing this Christmas is getting together for the holiday and celebrating.
Also, please remember while you’re shopping, pick up a toy, no matter how small and donate it.
The much older version of me hates the new Diamondbacks uniforms. They’re terrible in every way, shape, and form. Then I realized something. I actually owned this Mets cap:
I was a teenager, and I thought they were cool when they were first released. There’s a picture in my parent’s living room of my brother, father, and I at a Mets game. I’m wearing this cap. Yes, I purchased it before seeing how awful they matched up with the jerseys.
Then the following year, I purchased my first ever Mets jersey:
Yes, I purchased the black jersey. The older version of me wouldn’t. The younger version of me loved it. I also liked the black hats too even if I still preferred the traditional blue caps. That’s the thing. The jerseys are not designed for older fans who wants something more traditional.
They’re designed for younger fans who are more inclined to get the jerseys. So while I love the current Mets uniforms, I know the minute sales stall, the Mets will have a change. Based upon the black jerseys, the Mets may just go the Diamondbacks route if they actually sell well. They’ll do it because kids drive jersey sales, not old men even if they are the ones actually purchasing the jerseys.
And I’ll shake my head as I purchase my son a Mets jersey and hat I think are ugly.
I’ll admit I’m jealous of my son. When you think of the toys you had growing up, there was always one missing. That was interactive sports toys. I know there were video games, but that’s not the same thing. Also, Starting Lineup was a series of collectibles masquerading as kid’s toys.
There’s a new toy series called Oyo Sports. At least, it’s new to me. I didn’t notice them until I saw them in a Mets team store in Citi Field this year. Now, I see them in Modells and toy stores. Basically, they’re Lego men of your favorite teams and athletes:
I would’ve loved to have one of these as a kid. When you incorporate it with the field, it’s amazing. I could imagine being a kid using these sets to not only build my own stadiums around this, but also staging games where the Mets won the World Series every time.
When my son is old enough, I plan on doing that with him (right now we’re still playing with Duplos). In the meantime, I plan to collect as many players I can including his favorite players Daniel Murphy, Lucas Duda, and Matt Harvey. Hopefully, they’ll all still be here.
Right now, I enjoy every moment with my son, and I look forward to doing so much with him. Playing with these Oyo toys is one of them.
Editor’s Note: This was not a paid advertisement or done in any way in conjunction with Oyo. Rather, it’s a mild hint what to get me . . . err my son (yeah that’s it) for Christmas.
Somewhere over the course of the baseball season, my son switched his favorite player from Lucas Duda to Daniel Murphy. I’m not quite sure why, but he did.
When we went to measure his height on his birthday on the Duda Growth Chart, he asked for a Murphy one. At one point the Duda Growth Chart had an awkward Duda body and Murphy head. My son approved.
When we go to play baseball, he insists on batting lefty. He insists despite still not exhibiting a right or left hand dominance. The reason? He wants to hit homeruns like Murphy.
My son’s pediatrician is a Mets fan. No, that’s not the reason we picked him. Five, it’s not the reason my wife picked him. Anyway, he gets a kick out of talking about the Mets with my son. When the doctor asks him who his favorite player is my son says Murphy. He then lets the pediatrician know that “Murphy homerun!”
When the pediatrician suggested he wanted Ben Zobrist to play second, my son said, “No. Murphy.” In his mind there is only one player who plays second for the Mets and that’s Murphy:
There are many reasons to bring back Murphy. However, after last night, I’m stuck with just one. No kid should lose their favorite player. Certainly, not my son.
So, I again implore the Mets to sign Murphy. Sign him because he’s the best free agent fit for the Mets. Sign him because you don’t want to disappoint a two year old.
Whatever the reason, just sign him.
My family never sat around the table and said what we were thankful for each Thanksgiving. We’re rather large people. Sitting through grace was onerous enough. However, I do think it’s worthwhile.
For starters, I’m always thankful for my son and wife. I’m thankful for the rest of my family. This year I’m also thankful I got to go to a World Series game with my Dad and brother. As Mets fans, we should be thankful for this team in general. The 2015 season was a pleasant surprise to everyone, and each player left us with something to be thankful for this year.
Since it appears he’s leaving, I wanted to take time to say I’m thankful for Daniel Murphy. He was a terrific Met for the past seven years. We first saw him in 2008 when the Mets called him up to try to prevent a second straight collapse. Murphy did his part, but the Mets collapsed anyway.
Since that time, he worked hard to become a major league second baseman. He worked his way into becoming an All Star. Despite this, the Mets would move him around the infield. He never complained. He just went out and did his job. He did it’s well as he possibly could. He did it on mostly bad Mets teams. This year Murphy finally got a chance to play in October, and he took over leading the Mets to the World Series.
Mostly, I’m thankful I got to make videos like this one:
It was great rooting for a team that was a good group of guys. It was great seeing my son become a big Mets fan. It’s even better that he’s so smart that he could learn the Mets lineup and pick his favorite players. Players like Murphy, Lucas Duda, and Matt Harvey.
So thank you Murphy for being the type of player we could all root for. I hope to be able to do so again next year. I know my son does as well.
I still remember the toast I gave at my father’s 60th Birthday. In the toast I noted my father instilled two things in me: (1) being a Mets fan; and (2) helping those less fortunate than you. With respect to the latter, he was always more cognizant of that around the holidays.
Each Thanksgiving, he would “adopt a family” which meant he would buy a meal for a family in need. He always took my brother and I with him when he did the grocery shopping. He would have us help him pack the boxes and bring it to the charity. When my brother and I got older and had jobs out if school, we adopted families of our own.
When my son is old enough, I will continue the tradition with him. In many ways, this could be my father’s greatest legacy, and that’s saying something.
With that in mind, I hope everyone does something. It doesn’t have to be adopting a family or going to a soup kitchen. It could be something like donating canned goods. It could be donating your time somewhere. There is nothing too small or inconsequential.
Like my father has done with me, I hope this post has left an impression.