Mets fans: 'Today, everybody has hope'
Mets fan Chris Gress shows his team spirit at CIti Field on Opening Day. (April 5, 2012) Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
They came with optimism and left with glee.
Amid the fist-pumping, high-fives and famous "Let's Go Mets!" chant, fans at Citi Field said Thursday's opening day 1-0 win over the Atlanta Braves started the 2012 Mets season off right.
"I think they're going to surprise people this year," said Dan Wright, 50, of Patchogue, who was sitting in the sunshine with his daughter and friends. "We've been through it all. More downs than ups, but we have something special -- perseverance."
Wright (no relation to the Mets' third baseman) sat on the new Party City deck, a row of bar stool seats that have been added as the outfield was reconfigured.
The energetic crowds came early, flooding the hot dog and Shake Shack hamburger counters, donning their blue and orange gear.
The game began with a tribute to catcher Gary Carter, who died of cancer in February. And 1988 Freeport High School graduate Petty Officer Kristine Rommel, 41, was one of five military women who sang the national anthem. Rommel represented the U.S. Coast Guard.
Despite the team's financial struggles stemming from owner Fred Wilpon's dealings with Bernard Madoff, Thursday's game drew an enthusiastic crowd of 42,080. The Mets said it was a sellout and the largest crowd ever at Citi Field, which opened in 2009.
James Appleton, 21, of Bogota, N.J., was bounding through the corridors, trying to high-five everyone he could. Most experts predict the Mets will have a hard time staying out of last place in the National League East this year, but to Appleton one win meant everything.
"It says a lot that we won today," Appleton said. "Woo hoo! Yeah! We're Number One!"
A few people greeted each other with happy New Year wishes, but most stuck to the "Let's Go Mets" motto as they passed each other in the walkways.
Rich Laconi, 29, of Brooklyn, jumped around, shouting, as it became clearer the Mets would win. "I just want to bring the energy up," Laconi said. "People are always so down on the Mets."
The day brought out a mix of fans, families and groups of friends who have made this day an annual tradition.
"It's a beautiful day. The sun is out and it feels great," said Dawn Johnston of West Islip. "I'm optimistic if they can all stay healthy."
Michael Bledsoe, 49, a biomedical engineer from Roosevelt, said the team will make the playoffs this year.
"A wild card and it will definitely depend on the pitching."
His wife, Mary, a converted Yankees fan, comes every year with him. She, too, was optimistic but is more cautious.
"It takes a strong person to be a Met fan," she said.
