Fans Thrilled As Mets Take NLCS Game 1 Over Cubs At Citi Field
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Fans of the New York Mets were brimming with joy Saturday night as the Mets took Game 1 of the National League Championship Series over the Chicago Cubs.
As WCBS 880's Stephanie Columbini reported, thousands of fans braved cool temperatures – and plenty had to make stops to by hats, sweat shirts and blankets to stay warm during the game. But for Mets fans, it was all more than worth it.
Jeff Privut of Burlington, New Jersey was bedecked in wintry Mets gear as he talked with CBS2's Dave Carlin.
"Mets shoes, Mets socks, a Mets T-shirt, a Mets long-sleeve, Mr. Met shirt, playoff hoodie, and then a Harvey jersey and Mets jacket," he said. "I have a Mets hat and I've got Mets gloves in the car."
But the unlike the temperatures, the fans' spirit was red-hot.
As 1010 WINS' Darius Radzius reported, excitement was indeed in the air outside Citi Field Saturday night, with people barbecuing and eating, and drinking, and making predictions of how the game between the Mets and Cubs would go.
"This team is great we're going to all the way to the World Series baby!" said Gina Maria Felicitato.
Nick Giampieteo drove in with his car covered with Mets stickers.
"I've got like 300 pins on, and I've got magnets and stickers and everything all over my car, so I think I'm the number one Mets fan."
Plenty of Mets fans were looking forward to hopes of a World Series ahead, and many had fond memories of the last time the team won the title in 1986. Among them was Steve Flynn of Pearl River.
"I remember my dad giving me a shot of brandy when I started crying when they were about to get knocked out against the Red Sox, and there was some magic in that, because they ended up winning," Flynn said.
David Singer of New Jersey was 24 that year – the same age his own son is now.
"It took us an entire generation for us to have this opportunity again," he said.
But Chicago native Harry Larson, now of Huntington, Long Island, had divided loyalties. He was wearing a Mets jacket, but a Cubs hat.
"I'll be disappointed when the other one loses," Larson said.
Aaron Unbehagan, 9, lives in Florida. His father, Todd, decided they could not miss the game.
"Father and son trip up to New York City from Florida, so we flew in and the whole way, he had his Mets jerseys on," Todd Unbehagan said. "We were coming up through Atlanta, and people screaming, 'Go Mets! all over the country."
Fans were gearing up for the game all day.
"It's been a long road, but I still remember '86. I was here for the parade, I went to Game 6 and Game 7, and I've been waiting and waiting for this for so long," said fan Fred Willis.
Die-hard fans even cleared their schedules ahead of time.
"I told my wife we gotta do all the shopping early because at 8, I'm gonna be right in front of the TV," said fan Jerry Wilson.
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The Mets take on the Cubs again for Game 2 back at Citi Field at 8:07 p.m. Sunday.
