Queens, New York - For one day, I was given the opportunity to the cover the New York Mets' home match against the Houston Astros. With the game taking place at Citi Field, I was able to do something I rarely do, which is cover a game in New York.
As a soccer writer, I cover the New York Red Bulls' home matches at Red Bull Arena which is located in Harrison, New Jersey. For one day, I took the 7 Train instead of the New Jersey Path. Instead of watching a game from a pitch, I watched one played on a diamond. Instead of seeing crosses and corner kicks, I was treated to home runs and steals. Instead of seeing the Red Bull Energy logo, I saw the Pepsi Logo.
For one day only, I wasn't covering a game where there's two 45-minute halves without a timeout. Instead, I was covering a game where there's nine innings and a winner will be decided if the score is level after the regulated innings. Instead of seeing players issued yellow and red cards, there was the possibility of witnessing an argument between player and coaches.
As soon as I arrived to Citi Field, the one thing I noticed immediately was the New York Mets Home Run Apple. Ironically, the apple symbolized the tradition and history the Mets have been able to acquire over the years. The reality is that Major League Baseball has been in existence way longer than Major League Soccer. As a result, MLS is still young and, while there's some history, it's too early to have a tradition.
Through the Jackie Robinson Rotunda and the Mets Hall of Fame and Museum, I was able to obtain a better appreciation of the team's history as I walked around Citi Field. With the Mets staff generously making my experience an enjoyable one, I was given access to the field.
Nothing more peaceful and awestruck was the silence at Citi Field from the field level. As I watched the workers clean the stadium prior to the Mets match against Houston, I wondered if the Mets would end their six-game losing streak at home. I also wondered if the team was in danger of repeating the 1962 season.
While baseball and soccer have their differences, there are universal themes and similarities. Both sports are recognized for recruiting Latino players. One Mets player who joined the team this season was pitcher Pedro Beato. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Pedro grew up in Queens. Hours prior to kickoff, Pedro was part of a press conference which the Mets arranged for media members to ask questions and meet with Pedro.
Hearing Pedro illuminate his childhood experience to members of the press was a reminder that while many players may earn millions to hit or throw a ball, there was a time when they were a child. In addition, there was a time in their lives when they had to overcome a language barrier as well as poverty, but that seems to be forgotten the moment a ballplayer becomes unproductive.
Much like Lionel Messi, Pedro Beato left his country of birth and immigrated to another country for a better life and opportunity to play their chosen sport. As many players before both athletes, there was a time when many of these players dreamed of playing professionally so they could take care of their families.
Following Pedro Beato's press conference, I walked around Citi Field before the game. Outside I noticed the Mets Fan Walk. It was impressive to read the bricks—Mets fans of different generations leave messages which will hopefully remain for future generations to read.
As Mets fans began to arrive, it was easy to recognize that their baseball cap is the equivalent to a soccer fan's scarf. Much like soccer fans with their supporters clubs, I recognized Mets fans who were ready to be loud and proud for their beloved team.
The final similarity that will annoy any sport fans much to their chagrin, was the missed opportunities of the home team. In the case of the Mets, tonight was a game they had the potential of tying, and possibly winning, in the bottom of the ninth. However, by registering two outs as two of their runs tried advancing home, was simply rubbish and left a bitter taste in many mouths of their fans.
Nothing was more offensive than witnessing the home team lose their seventh consecutive game because of lack of hit-production from the rest of the team. While Jose Reyes, Carlos Beltran, and Daniel Murphy combined for 10 hits, the rest of the Mets combined for two. As a result, the Mets lost 4-3 to the Houston Astros.
To be honest, I don't follow the Mets regularly enough to fully understand their dilemma. However, I understand that if they don't change their strategies, losses will continue to mount up and it's a matter of time before their manager Terry Collins will be sacked.
While Mets fans yearn for a winning team, they're going to have to accept the fact that until the team begins producing victory, the only thing strong and consistent about the New York Mets is their fan's commitment to the team. Much like soccer fans, Mets fans will lose their patience. As a result, their cries of frustrations will force the Mets management for a clear explanation of their team's struggles.
Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He's also a Columnist for USSoccerPlayers.com; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at cesar@latinosports.com and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.
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