November 2004

Back in March, Fan's Voice brainstormed about things that management could do to make watching the Mets more enjoyable for the fans. Since that column ran, many fans wrote to us with their own ideas about improving the fan experience. As Inside Pitch's publishing year comes to a close, the final Fan's Voice column of the year represents the Fans' Voice, as Mets fans speak out.

Many readers wanted to comment about the Fashion File observations in the March column. William E. Cummings of Evanston, Illinois thinks that, "the Mets should return to the old school blue caps with blue buttons, as well as move away from the orange spring training/batting practice jerseys." He also proposes that the team's uniforms "should feature the Mets skyline baseball logo on the left sleeve." On the other hand, Steve Marks of Rye Brook, New York spoke up in defense of the orange buttons on the blue caps and the orange jerseys, because, "the orange reflects our New York Giant heritage." Mr. Marks also appreciates "the freedom the players are afforded in determining the amount of stocking vs. stirrup they are allowed to show. It gives them some individuality."

While the orange look has met with mixed reactions, Fan's Voice readers are NOT enamored of the black uniforms. Kevin Ecay of Bardonia, New York finds them "hideous. Black is not a Mets color and it will never be in my mind. It is all for marketing and nothing for tradition. I cringe when they wear it." Ron Pimpsner of Staten Island, New York suggests that the team, "return to the blue jerseys that were worn from 1982-1984 as the alternate instead of the black ones."

The subject of tickets also struck a chord with our readers. Doug Mead of Winston-Salem, North Carolina feels that the March column "hit the nail on the head about how slow the Mets are in releasing their schedule and selling tickets. It's frustrating to have to check out other teams' websites to find out when MY team is playing." Fan's Voice also calls for improvements to the Virtual Waiting Room on http://www.mets.com/ on the day that single game tickets are made available for sale -- when Fan's Voice tried to access the site and purchase tickets on February 22, 2004, we waited patiently (OK - we weren't patient. But it's not like the computer cared about that) for over eight hours. The Powers That Be need to take steps to make sure that people who want to come out to Shea and see the Mets get to place their ticket orders before they change their minds!

Another concern about ticketing is the constraints on rain checks. Jim Yager of Rutland, Vermont tells us about the time in 2003 that he drove five hours to see a Mets/Yanees game that was rained out after four innings. "I was given makeup tickets, but they were for a weekday, and I had to give them away. I wish the Mets would supply makeup tickets for the weekend games on the weekend."

It is worthwhile to point out that this season the Mets took a significant step towards developing its fan base of tomorrow. September 12, 2004, was Mets Fan Club for Kids Day at Shea. Fan Club members and their families were able to purchase Pepsi Picnic Area seating for that day's game, and the kids were allowed to be on the field during the National Anthem. Additionally, the first 100 Kids Club members who signed up were able to participate in a clinic on the field prior to batting practice with Gary Pettis, Danny Garcia, Craig Brazell and Tyler Yates. Giving those youngsters a chance to play ball on Shea's field is something they will never forget, and it's a memory that will bring those families back to Shea for years to come. Hopefully this is a sign that Mets management is going to be more proactive in cultivating its fans of the future.

Donald C. Tretler of Walpole, New Hampshire points out that there is no substitute for, "professionalism, pride and winning....When you have that, the fans will come and the excitement will come." While that is absolutely true, Fan's Voice nonetheless applauds any and all efforts by management to make the experience of watching Mets games more enjoyable for the fans. Whether the team is battling for a playoff spot or is in rebuilding mode, it is always beneficial to have a loyal fan base. Therefore, keeping the fans happy and rewarding fan interest is a win-win proposition for everyone involved.

As we prepare to sit back and Wait 'til Next Year, Inside Pitch thanks our readers for sticking with us during the good, the bad and the ugly that comprised the Mets' 2004 season. Whatever you celebrate, we wish you a Happy Holiday Season and a Joyous New Year.

Let's Go Mets!