Every day, the routine is similar, no matter the day, place, or mood. In the morning, I wake up, have a nice breakfast and prepare to start the day. Some days, I go to work, commuting to my job in New York City as a Minor League Baseball scorekeeper. Some days, I am found writing, keeping up with the hot topics and stories of Major League Baseball. No matter the day, however, the New York Mets are a priority. No matter the channel, time, opponent, or location; the Mets are always a part of my life. Every day, no matter what, I tune into SNY, Fox, ESPN, TBS, or wherever the Mets are playing to watch them. If I'm away, I always make sure to get updates from social media or MLB.com. I sometimes listen to the radio stream on 710 WOR with Howie Rose and Josh Lewen. No matter the case, the Mets are always there.
Growing up surrounded by Yankee fans, it was hard to be a Mets fan. Even in recent years, with the Mets finally coming out of their hole, it is still tough. Obviously, no one can compete with a team with 27 World Series championships. No one can compete with a dynasty of some of the all-time greats like Ruth, Gehrig, Jeter or Mantle. It is understandable, sure, but frustrating nonetheless. Not a day goes by where the common Mets fan isn't reminded of their team's misfortunes. Constant reminders of Generation K, Bobby Bonilla, Castillo dropping the ball and Johan's career-ending no-hitter, among countless others, always seem to bring the morale of Mets fans down. It's frustrating and, sometimes, downright embarrassing.
There is one word that describes the typical Mets fan such as myself, though. That word is loyal. The Mets have been through a PLETHORA of dark days, from the early years of the team to the day of the Tom Seaver trade massacre, from the days of early-1990s embarrassment to the days of rebuilding attempts in the 2010s. It never gets old. However, that doesn't disrupt the loyalty, nor does it take away the passion. It doesn't stop the strive for greatness of Mets fans who are tired of mediocrity and the acceptance of it. Mets fans such as myself are frustrated, and we have every right to be. All we can do is remain loyal, try to stay positive, and continue to root for the blue and orange. One day, lightning will strike, waiting will end, and the suffering will stop. Mets fans need to keep believing, and if that happened, we will end up in the promiseland again.
LET'S GO METS!