You love the place and hate the place at the same time. You hate it since it is built on a swamp, right next to an airport and was the scene of so many bad memories such as the last game of last year and the last game of this year. But is also holds so many good memories, the Grand Slam Single, 1969, and of course Game 6-a moment that will continue to live in all of sports history. My last visit to Shea Stadium was a month ago and I had some quiet emotional time to say goodbye.
The Mets blowing yet another post season chance (more on that later this week) was a fitting end to Shea Stadium. I watched the game with low expectations and was not as down as most Mets fans when the post game “Shea Goodbye” ceremony took place. There were some emotional moments, Dwight Gooden, Mike Piazza, and Jessie Orosco. (Where was Mookie?????) I did feel a small sense of loss, but like most Mets fans April 13th, 2009 can’t come soon enough.
All the old timer Mets lined up and then touched home plate. Watching Willie Mays and Keith Hernandez touch home plate and Buddy Harrilson jump on it got me emotional, but boys don’t cry.
But then the Mets gods did something evil, they closed the day with Tom Seaver pitching a final pitch to Mike Piazza. That should not be allowed.
I held it together even as they pitched. (Tom pitched a one hopper to Mike.) So did most Mets fans. But then they embraced and walked from home plate to center field.
When they got to center field they closed the center field door and the lights went out. Not many dry eyes in the house.
(Photos from the AP)
Posted by Steve in New York, waiting for CitiField..