As Mets Prepare For Playoffs, Fans Revel In Team's Greatest Season In A Decade
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets are the NL East champions for the first time since 2006.
It has been a cause for celebration not only for the team, but also for a revitalized fan base, CBS2's Steve Overmyer reported Monday.
The narrative of the Mets' season is just as much about the fans. While most baseball fans have long since given up on a World Series title this year, for Mets fans that dream remains alive.
After nearly a decade in hibernation, Mets fans are awake.
This is a congregation that has been on the ride for every high and low. In 1969 the fans were led by "Sign Man" Karl Earhardt. He was the first to make us "believe in miracles." Now, an energized crowd follows "Cowbell Man" Eddie Boison.
"Every time we get to a two-strike count this is what I do," Boison said while demonstrating on his instrument.
The times may have changed, but not the emotion. Some curse. Some pray. But together, they are all invested.
"For me, it was easy when they were doing bad, you know. They are a lovable bunch. Casey Stengel, the Mets' first manager, called them the 'lovable losers.' You just feel the energy. They're a fun team to root for," fan Patrick Scovil said.
Gloria Feit has been a season ticket holder for 29 years, so she knows better than anyone the anguish and how to overcome it.
"Mets fans are optimistic. We have to be to keep coming back for more year after year," Feit said. "We just hope that all we've invested pays off and this will be our year."
The Mets fan is a proud species, proud of every run, every awkward at-bat, and every player.
"You watch somebody like Grandy (Curtis Granderson) do that. He's never too busy to high-five the kids and fist bump them. Whether he's on a good streak or losing streak, he's great," Feit said.
The once familiar faces of despair no longer fill Citi Field. They have been replaced now by a reluctant optimism.
"Oh they've broken my heart many times, but this is my heart; this is my team. This is my family right here no matter how many times they break my heart, I'm still here, still with them," Boison said.
The National League Division Series begins next Friday, Oct. 9, for the Mets. They are still trying to secure home field advantage for that series, but we already know who they'll be playing – the franchise they replaced in New York, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
