Fans Await World Series As Mets Return To New York
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Mets partied till the break of dawn and beyond after punching their ticket Wednesday night to the World Series.
The jubilant, but weary, team took a late flight from Chicago and landed at LaGuardia Airport before heading to Citi Field on Thursday.
"We've all waited a long time for this. Well worth the wait and well worth all we've been through these last nine years. These guys deserve so much credit, this organization, this fan base for sticking with us. I'm just glad we're able to deliver for them," David Wright said.
Web Extra: Guide To Citi Field | Best Eats At Citi Field | Best Bars In NYC To Watch Mets In World Series
As CBS2's Steve Overmyer reported, the World Series run has infused energy into the Mets' long-suffering fans -- some of whom welcomed the players home.
"I don't think it's the same if you win every single year and every single year and every single year," said Ellen Schuerger, of Long Island. "I think you become complacent. But these fans here, we're rabid. We're nuts. I'm nuts."
PHOTOS: Mets Win NL Pennant!
"Cowbell Man," "Sign Guy" and the "Pin Man" have been staples of Queens for years. They spent the night outside Citi Field waiting for the Mets' return.
"I was out here last night all night long, celebrating with the fans, enjoying the moment, remembering the old times here," said Eddie Boison, the "Cowbell Man." "It was very special. It was very emotional."
"With the pins, they're always pinching me. But sometimes I have to pinch myself, I don't know if this is really happening," Nick "Pin Man" Giampietro told 1010 WINS' Al Jones.
The Mets are a team that knows who's been behind it the whole way. They may have come out of nowhere, but they know where they're going: the World Series.
"It's going to be a lot of fun, a lot of excitement, a lot of energy," outfielder Curtis Granderson told reporters outside the stadium Thursday. "They've been waiting a long time for it. And obviously the first here at Citi Field, it's definitely going to be a lot of fun."
The Mets will host a hometown rally at Queens Borough Hall from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday -- the day before Game 1 of the World Series.
