Going to Mets games for nearly 40 years, I got a chance last night, that not many people get to do. I was so honored to be on the field for an presentation to my wife and I and another NYI 365 member. We were given Mets Spirit plaques for our support of the Islanders. It also helped that we were all METS fans too.

It is amazing how large Shea actually is, when you are there. The ball field is no bigger than any regulation size field. But when you add the seats, it becomes so large…. When you compare it, to say, Citibank Park where the Ducks play, you really get the feel of the hugeness of it all.

So Claire and I got to get our pictures taken with Mr. Met, and then got to walk out with Chris Dey and be on the jumbo tron, as well as be on Islanders TV (probably later today).

After the photo op - we went over to the picnic area where we were given Mets bucks, and had some dinner. Early in the second inning, my buddy Bobby and I decide to go back down to get a beer (for him) and peanuts (for me). No sooner did we move down to the bottom of the section, when the Nationals Elijah Dukes cranks on a Pelfrey fast ball, and the screaming hit comes not only to the picnic area, but if I was still sitting in my seat (the top row of the picnic area), I would have taken a chest wound. Figures… the one time to get a ball, and I miss it for a bag of nuts!

Anyway, I saw some pictures of Bill Guerin and Doug Weight taking batting practice (courtesy of Josh Bernstein). Got some interesting info about things coming up (you will see info on it real soon….), and just took in the whole experience of being at Shea. Oh BTW, I saw Darryl Strawberry, he is still a big presence, and he looks like he could still lace up the cleats.

Well folks, one week until training camp….. Get pumped!

I am putting the pictures down on the bottom here, enjoy!

Gary

Actually, you will see Claire and I on the field. We were asked by the Islanders to be on the field for some presentation before the game.

I have been a MET fan all my life, and in this last season of the stadium, I will get to be on the field. It is real exciting for me, and I am so looking forward to it.

But it is a happy occasion, and right now I need it…. My mother is not doing well. She is in ICU at Winthrop. She has COPD and the disease is getting worse and taking a toll on her both physically and emotionally. All I ask, is that if you are a person of faith, to please remember my mom, Ethel, in your prayers. The family are hoping that in this trying time, that God will keep her as comfortable as possible, and try to comfort us as well in our time of need.

Thanks, and God bless.

And tomorrow - don’t forget to take some time, and remember the folks who lost their lives on that sunny morning seven years ago. Remember who we are, and what we stand for. With all the political ‘bitchiness’ going on - let’s drop the party lines, and remember that we are Americans, standing tall for our great country and people.

Had the “ISLANDER” version of the New York Hockey Report last night… Had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, I did it solo, because my buddy, Patrick Hickey did not make it.

However, I had Billy Jaffe as my guest. We had a nice 20 minute conversation, about all things Islander, as well as the coverage he had during the playoffs.

Thanks Billy, I really enjoyed our conversation, and I know that I can get him again…

So - we believe the following:

1. Filatov is on the radar screen big time… I hope he comes.

2. Dubie should land in a good spot (we are hoping for Vancouver for his sake - being close to home).

3. JM Liles would be a nice fit for the team.

4. Billy would like the team to be younger, and build that way…

Had a lot of IM’s and messages from folks.. It was a great time… Thanks to all for listening!

Tomorrow is the draft party at the Coliseum. Garth is off to Ottawa with a bunch of jerseys… Which one will he give to the next pick? Tune in and find out.

Randolph.. should he have been let go? I dont think so. This team is an embarassment! I want to say more, but I want this blog to be PG rated.

I just hope that the team rebounds… (They have won 3 out of 4 - so that is a step in the right direction)

If you are at the draft party tomorrow - say hi!

Went to the met game last night…..

It was interesting to say the least. I figured Webb (11-2) against Pelfrey. What a dilemma…

However, Pelfrey was incredible. He had command of his pitches. Struck out 8. Even got to hit in the 8th. He gave up a puny hit to start the 9th (just over the glove of Castillo).

Then Randolph has the balls to take him out? Why? The man is having his best outing ever. A shutout, a complete game, a chance to give this pathetic bullpen a rest. He brings in Billy Wagner (who then blows it).

I am just so tired of managers and pitching coaches treating these pitchers like babies. If a pitcher goes 100-110 pitches in 5 innings - that is one thing. But there was NOTHING wrong with Pelfrey. The comment was - the experience factor… That is such bull$%#%. As I write this - Wagner has blown his third straight game.

That is another story. One that should stop opening his ‘redneck’ mouth and start pitching!

God - this Met team gives me the red ass!