Mets, Fans Celebrate Home Opener At Citi Field

11384896NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Mets and the Flushing faithful got their first taste of home cooking Monday.

Officer Lauren Leggio sang the national anthem, there was a flyover by the NYPD Aviation Unit helicopters, and more than 150 officers unfurled a giant American flag in the outfield, CBS2's Otis Livingston reported.

Then it was time to get down to business.

Reigning National League Rookie of the Year Jacob deGrom got the opener at Citi Field started in style, striking out the Philadelphia Phillies' Ben Revere to lead off the game.

The Mets went on to win 2-0 in front of 43,000-plus.

The Mets went 3-3 on their season-opening road trip in Washington and Atlanta, but now have won two straight.

And they're playing in a ballpark with some alterations. Besides the scoreboard getting a whole lot bigger, the fences were brought in yet again, which should help David Wright & Co. as they look to get their offense going on a 10-game homestand.

Die-hard Mets fans showed up at Citi Field around 9 a.m., four hours before the game, CBS2's Ilana Gold reported.

John Mattia of Bay Shore, Long Island, and his friends were among the first to start tailgating, their annual opening day tradition.

"They take off from work ... and I invite as many friends as I can," Mattia said.

With their tickets in hand, thousands of fans couldn't wait for the gates to open just before 11 a.m.

"Super excited," said fan Jennifer Dethlefsen. "It's good to have baseball back here."

"Great day to take off (work)," Jim Kelly of Lake Grove, Long Island, told CBS2's Steve Overmyer. "I hope the people at work aren't watching this because I called in sick."

Fans have high hopes for the Mets this season after a tough last few seasons.

"Opening day just gives me goosebumps all over my body," Adam Lauridas of Wayne, New Jersey, told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell. "I mean, it's just a new beginning. And they seem like they're going to be competitive if not a playoff team."

"The vibe is definitely different," added Jesse Rodriguez of Lodi, New Jersey. "With Matt Harvey back, everything is looking up. We're trending forward."

Before the game the Mets honored the families of slain NYPD officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos. Liu's widow, Pei Xia Chen, and Ramos' sons, Jaden and Justin, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and a moment of silence was held during the ceremonies.

In:
• MLB
• Peter Haskell
• John Montone
• New York Mets