Mets Fans Excited For Home Opener Against Phillies
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The home opener for the Mets is always a special day, but there was a lot more excitement this season.
The team came in as the defending National League champions, and their starting pitcher, Jacob deGrom, was on baby watch. He had said that no matter when he was told his wife was going into labor, he was leaving the game to head to Florida to be with her, CBS2's Otis Livingston reported.
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That dilemma never became an issue.
Instead, deGrom was locked in, striking out six over six innings and giving up just one run in a 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. He even had an RBI. DeGrom did, however, leave the game with a tight lower back.
The Mets started celebrating last year's NL championship before the game. Members of the 1973 and 2000 pennant teams Rusty Staub, John Franco and Edgardo Alfonso did the honors of raising the championship flag.
It was a good time for the fans as well.
"Growing up with Shea Stadium and now to see them unveil that and enjoy the game , it's going to be awesome," fan Vinny Giliberti said before the game.
Citi Field boasted the second-most expensive Opening Day ticket in baseball, CBS2's Steve Overmyer reports. Only the Royals' Opening Day tickets against the Mets cost more.
"Everyone's excited," said Ashlee Cavitolo, of Staten Island. "Unfinished business."
"It's not always been a bed of roses," said Jean Staples. "Between eras of prosperity, there have been some lean years. I still believe in them, no matter what. They're going all the way this year and winning the World Series."
"We've been disappointed so many years. Just getting as far as we did (last year) was awesome," said Joan Niessing, of Long Island. " ... Last year was incredible."
"Love the energy," said Eric Knight, of Manhattan. "Everyone is in Mets gear, and the feeling is awesome."
Die-hard fans sporting their orange and blue filed off the 7 train for the first day of baseball in Flushing this year, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported.
Sal Cappello, of White Plains, arrived at around 8:30 a.m. to tailgate, and brought his kids along for the event.
"Our destination to the World Series, it starts now," he said.
"I'm pretty hopeful," said fan Richard Fabietti.
"It's great that we have all of our players pretty much back," said fan Joe Ferrara. "All our pitchers are back, so we went to the World Series last year, hopefully we get back there this year."
"I think we have the talent it takes to get back, so I think we're going to do it," one fan told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell.
"The Mets are No. 1 in New York this year," a subway worker told 1010 WINS' John Montone.
"Obviously, I'm bias, but it's the best pitching staff in baseball," one Mets fan told 1010 WINS' Al Jones. "Every night you expect to win."
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On Thursday, the team received their rings in a small gathering at the stadium. Mets Captain David Wright said they'll wear them proudly, but the rings will also push them to win the championship this year.
"It gives you a little motivation," Wright said. "That second place ring, that's not what anyone wants. We want that first place ring, so I think it kind of reminds you that there's still work that needs to be done."
Fans heading to the stadium noticed some changes.
The "Pepsi Porch" is now "Coke Corner." It's a backyard theme with games such as corn hole and high-tech games like a virtual home-run derby, Grymes reported.
The team has also added to its food menu. A rib chop goes for $154, but the classic hot dog will stay the same at $6.25.
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