Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Never seen: Tom Seaver with the Gil Hodges Award

 


This was a pretty cool photo that Erik Sherman captured when he gave "The Franchise" our Gil Hodges Unforgettable Fire Award a couple of years ago.


Thanks Erik for passing that along for us. We are really glad Tom Seaver got to see this in person.


Make sure to check out Art Shamsky and Erik Sherman's book After the Miracle.
FTER THE MIRACLE: The Lasting Brotherhood of the '69 Mets
 

The inside account of an iconic team in baseball history: the 1969 New York Mets—a consistently last-place team that turned it all around in just one season—told by ’69 Mets outfielder Art Shamsky, Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver, and other teammates as they reminisce about what happened then and where they are today.

The New York Mets franchise began in 1962 and the team finished in last place nearly every year. When the 1969 season began, fans weren’t expecting much from “the Lovable Losers.” But as the season progressed, the Mets inched closer to first place and then eventually clinched the National League pennant. They were underdogs against the formidable Baltimore Orioles, but beat them in five games to become world champions. No one had predicted it. In fact, fans could hardly believe it happened. Suddenly they were “the Miracle Mets.”

Playing right field for the ’69 Mets was Art Shamsky, who had stayed in touch with his former teammates over the years. He hoped to get together with star pitcher Tom Seaver (who would win the Cy Young award as the best pitcher in the league in 1969 and go on to become the first Met elected to the Hall of Fame) but Seaver was ailing and could not travel. So, Shamsky organized a visit to Tom Terrific in California, accompanied by the #2 pitcher, Jerry Koosman, outfielder Ron Swoboda, and shortstop Bud Harrelson. Together they recalled the highlights of that amazing season as they reminisced about what changed the Mets’ fortunes in 1969


You can grab your copy here.


Also check out Erik's newest book.



Two Sides of Glory: The 1986 Boston Red Sox in Their Own Words
 

Following an epic American League Championship Series win over the California Angels and just one out from winning their first World Series in sixty-eight years, the 1986 Boston Red Sox lost Game Six to the New York Mets in unforgettable and devastating fashion. Then they lost Game Seven and the Series itself. Two Sides of Glory portrays the losing side of the story about one of baseball’s most riveting World Series match-ups. With the benefit of years of reflection from the men who made up the ’86 Sox, this is the definitive book on this iconic yet most Shakespearian of Boston teams for years to come.

After telling the ’86 Mets’ side of the story in my book Kings of Queens, I once again crisscrossed the United States to get the Red Sox’s version, with in-person recollections from players that are both insightful and surprisingly emotional. Bill Buckner, whose name became synonymous with a muffed grounder, speaks openly about the cruel aftermath in the last major interview before his death. Pitcher Bruce Hurst, still emotional over the toll his baseball career took on him, broke down three times while being interviewed. Dwight Evans confesses in his interview that he had never before talked at such length about the ’86 team. And Roger Clemens speaks candidly not only about the ’86 squad but also accusations of alleged steroid abuse later in his career and the toll it has taken on his family.

In each player’s retelling, there is the excitement of history never told and old mysteries answered. The story of the ’86 Red Sox is well known, but now, after more than three decades, the players opened up to me like never before. It’s an in-depth, first-person account with the intriguing key players who made up this once-in-a-generation Boston team, and also a look at how the extremes of tantalizing victory and heart-wrenching failure shaped and influenced their lives—both on the field and off.


Grab your copy here.







Monday, November 29, 2021

Special QBC Cyber Monday Autograph Sale

 




CYBER MONDAY SALE - 25% off QBC signed items
Todd Frazier signed ROMLB - $30 shipped (normally $40)
Todd Frazier signed 8x10s - $19 shipped (normally $25)
Gary Cohen & Ron Darling dual signed 8x10s - $56 shipped (normally $75)

All Signed in person at QBC 2021.

Email us at QBC2016@gmail.com to purchase.


Cool looking Mets Pullover

 


This lightweight and breathable Columbia Big & Tall Rugged Ridge Half-Zip Pullover Top will keep you comfortable while you cheer on the New York Mets. It features embroidered graphics, so that everyone will be able to see your pride for the New York Mets no matter where you go. The fabric features Omni-Wick technology so you stay cool and dry. The stylish design will become a staple in the closet of any fan of the New York Mets.

You can find it on Lids.com if you want it.

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Berl Photography with 20 percent off sale.


My buddy Justin Berl is an awesome photographer and he is running a Small Business Saturday Sale. Go check out his site http://bit.ly/BerlPrintSale and grab some prints.


Running a 20% off sale for Small Business Saturday on Photos in the Print Sale gallery on my website (http://bit.ly/BerlPrintSale). Has some exterior shots of Shea Stadium, Citi Field, PNC Park, Heinz Field, Fenway and others. Beach scenes from California, some shots from around Pittsburgh, etc. Use code "PRINT2021" for the discount. If you'd like a size or item not listed, reach out and I'll see what I can do- JustinBerl@gmail.com

Mets had a flurry of signings.


Mets signed Outfielders Mark Canha and Sterling Marte. Smart moves to shore up the Mets Outfield. Who becomes the odd man out then? Brandon Nimmo? Dom Smith? Just a guess by me is that Dom goes to the bench and becomes a utility player that can play first or the outfield to help spell a player when they need a  break. Where do Nick Plummer and Khalil Lee fit in? It also seems like the Mets are moving on from Conforto in the OF.

Mets also picked up Eduardo Escobar on a 2 year 20 million dollar deal. Where is Escobar going to play? Is he going to be the Third Baseman for the Mets? What about Jeff McNeil and JD Davis? Are those two going to be shopped? Will the Mets be able to work out a contract with Javiey Baez? And if they do make that deal with him, you would have Escobar at third, Lindor at Short, Baez at Second, Alonso at First, McCann at Catcher. Pretty good infield but there is an albatross out there. Robinson CanĂ³ still has two years left on his contract. Do the Mets put him on the bench for $24 million a year? Do they hope the DH is added to the new CBA? Do they eat his contract?

What's next for the Mets and their moves?

Friday, November 26, 2021

Mets Offer no Fees on Tickets until 11/30/21

 


Ticket fees will be waived for all 2022 individual games at Citi Field purchased now through November 30 at 11:59 p.m.

Ticket barcodes will appear 24 hours prior to the scheduled start time of the game. Enter Citi Field using the MLB Ballpark app. Log in with your MLB.com account to view your tickets and forward them to friends. Download the app today.

*Tickets for this offer must be purchased online on mets.com. Offer not available by phone or at the Citi Field Ticket Windows. Tickets are subject to availability with a limit of fourteen (14) tickets per transaction. Pricing and available seating categories may vary by game, while supplies last.




Just in case you guys wanted to buy tickets as gifts for folks. Just amazing how they don't have any way to get rid of fees all the time since they made everything electronic.



If you want black Mets Jerseys, they are for sale.



If you guys want to buy your black jerseys and can’t get to Citi Field, here is the link. Click here  

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

METS CLAIM RHP ANTONIO SANTOS

 


METS CLAIM RHP ANTONIO SANTOS

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., November 24, 2021 – The New York Mets today announced that the club has claimed right-handed pitcher Antonio Santos off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. 

 

Santos, 25, appeared in seven games with the Rockies in 2021, going 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA (six earned runs/11.1 innings) with five walks and 10 strikeouts.

 

The native of the Dominican Republic has appeared in 10 career games since making his major league debut with the Rockies in 2020. He is 0-2 with an 8.83 ERA (17 earned runs/17.1 innings) with nine walks and 14 strikeouts.

 

In 135 games (102 starts) across six years in the minor leagues, Santos is 27-43 with a 4.83 ERA (319 earned runs/594.2 innings) with 133 walks and 497 strikeouts. He was originally signed by the Rockies as non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2015.

UPDATE ON ROBINSON CANĂ“

 


UPDATE ON ROBINSON CANĂ“

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., November 24, 2021 – The New York Mets have announced the following update regarding infielder Robinson CanĂ³.

 

Robinson CanĂ³ was removed from the Estrellas Orientales roster with lower back discomfort. He has been prescribed physical therapy and is considered week to week.


I am sure you folks are opening this up just like I opened up the email and said, real news about CanĂ³?


CanĂ³pe.

METS SIGN OUTFIELDER NICK PLUMMER

 


METS SIGN OUTFIELDER NICK PLUMMER

 

FLUSHING, N.Y., November 24, 2021 – The New York Mets today announced the team has agreed to terms on a one-year major league contract with outfielder Nick Plummer.

Plummer, 25, slashed .280/.415/.479 with 20 doubles, six triples, 15 homers, 54 RBI, 71 runs scored, 73 walks and 13 stolen bases in 117 combined games last season in the Cardinals organization with Springfield (AA) and Memphis (AAA).

 

Plummer was drafted 23rd overall by St. Louis in the first round in the 2015 First-Year Player Draft out of Brother Rice High School (MI). In five minor league seasons with the Cardinals, he slashed .221/.363/.358 with 69 doubles, 17 triples, 33 homers, 152 RBI, 42 stolen bases, 279 walks and 239 runs scored in 460 games.




I am not even going to pretend I know who that is.



What’s the problem in Flushing?


 There sure have been a lot of defections from the Mets. There have been players that don’t want to be signed to the team in Flushing. There were executives that didn’t want to even interview with the Mets. Why is that? What is going on behind the scenes that is making people stay away. What are the reasons? Do I have answers? Nope. Do I have any guesses maybe? I’m not going to expound on it but it seems like folks don’t want to be at the stadium in Flushing for some reason.

Any thoughts of what that reason might be?

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Many losses seem incoming on Friday nights

 


BLACKOUT FRIDAYS ARE BACK FOR 2022!
The New York Mets will wear black jerseys during Friday games at Citi Field all season long. Our first delivery of replica jerseys has arrived and will be available starting this Friday at 8 a.m.at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field. Unfortunately, due to continued supply chain issues, black jerseys in youth sizes will not be available this Friday. We’re working with vendors to receive additional deliveries in advance of Opening Day.

For those fans who filled out the “Request to Purchase” form online, you will receive an e-mail with information on how to purchase. We encourage all fans to visit the Mets Team Store this weekend as we’ll have limited inventory for mail orders. Black jerseys will be available for mail order starting on Monday, 11/29. Black jerseys are excluded from all Blue Friday and Holiday sales. 

Updated: Where are the Mets Black Retail Jerseys?

 


As we are approaching “Blue Friday” with the Mets, it’s been quite curious that there hasn’t been any mention of the Black Jerseys being available for sale. Is it because the Mets are feeling that they might get some backlash that they aren’t signing players, letting other teams grab their free agents, and not hiring a manager yet? “Can’t do any of those things but you can go for the black jersey money grab!!!”

I wonder if there is a container or two stuck on some ships that are stuck out at sea waiting for a port to let them in to offload. It’s just been eerily quiet about all this. The Mets could have Authentic On Field Black Jerseys ready to be up for sale since they are made in the US but who wants to pay almost $400 for a jersey these days?

So Mets, what’s the word?


As soon as I posted this came up.


Another question. Where is the blue piping on the front? Is this an all new design that means they are coming back full time?


Monday, November 22, 2021

Folks keep asking me about the Mets

 


What do I think about the Mets and the new GM? I honestly am not going to care until I start seeing moves being made. I am not going to be lulled into thinking someone is a good GM by the Media, by the Mets, or by what the new GM says. I need action. For far too long I have been the guy that is like, “ Cool, we got a new guy. This is going to help.” Eh eh. I’m done thinking that way.

I want to see what Mr Eppler does building the team back up, moving pieces that don’t belong here anymore, signing Mets players that are free agents. I need to see that there is a plan for not just this season but for the future. You guys have to be tired of it too. I know you are. Am I being negative? Nope. I’m not looking for the Mets to lose. I’m not looking for the GM to fail. I’m not saying same old Mets. I’m saying show me what ya got and we can see as fans where the Mets are going to be at this season. I already re upped my 7Line Army Sears, so you know I’m ready to get to a game.

I want the Mets to right the ship, not just because of me, but because of all my fellow fans that deserve it.

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Todd Frazier Autographed Jersey for sale

 




 Due to a mistake when Todd was signing at the QBC the inscription I wanted wasn’t done and game used was put instead. I paid $400 for the jersey in 2018. Frazier hit a 2 run home run, had 2 hits and 3 RBIs this game even though the Mets. Has the Rusty Staub patch and was autographed November 13 at QBC. I’ll take $350 shipped for it.

Hit me up at mediagoon@gmail.com if interested.

Friday, November 19, 2021

QBC 2021 Wow that was a quick week

Hey Everyone. After almost a full week since QBC 2021 is in the books, I wanted to finally talk about it. I first want to thank all our volunteers who give up their day off to help us out. They are our family and friends and our friends who have become family over the years. If they didn’t believe in the QBC or believe in us as people we’d have a really tough time pulling these events off every year.

I want to thank the talent that came out to help entertain our fellow fans. SNY, Nick Davis, The Authors Panel, Todd Frazier, Gary Cohen and Ron Darling, Will Carafello, Jay Horwitz and also The State of the Mets panel. I especially want to thank Shannon Forde’s family for coming out.The fans loved having you there and we totally appreciate you guys coming in to help us have a great event.

John Saponaro. This guy was clutch. He knocked out two panels and hosted the whole day. He was the MVP of the day. He was able to stretch when we needed him to stretch and you can see why he is a great person and talent to have as a part of the QBC.

Our fellow fans. Thanks for supporting us and thank you for believing that we will keep putting on fun events that you all will enjoy. It means a lot to us that we can pull something off like this that everyone enjoys.

We didn’t know if we were going to be able to pull off a live event this year. We did the virtual one way back in February and we though that was going to be it for the year. But when we saw that venues were starting to open up again we figured let’s hit this one out of the park. We all needed something fun to do especially after this last Mets season.

I think the admission only ticket works. I do think we have to tweak it a bit but it’s a viable option for the future. If you guys want current or closer to current Mets, we are going to have to raise ticket prices to be able to afford them. We would love to get someone like a Piazza but to bring him in is costly. We also have to pay for the venue and other incidentals when running a QBC.

Mulcahy’s. For the folks who weren’t sold on the QBC being on LI, it seemed that everyone who was attending the QBC had a good time there and I was told it was very easy to get to. Hears the food and drinks were good too. Maybe we should return there again?

I think it was the most professional looking QBC to date and I was very happy with the day itself. The day was a blur for me but it seems like everyone had a good time and everything went well!

Thanks for attending. Tell your friends about us. QBC Youtube 

And also support us buy buying a shirt or 30 at QBCMerchstand.com

New Mets GM is official It’s Eppler

 


The New York Mets today announced the team has signed Billy Eppler to a 4-year contract to be the club’s 16th General Manager. 

Eppler, 46, served as the Los Angeles Angels General Manager from 2015-2020 and worked for the New York Yankees in a variety of capacities from 2004-2015, rising to Assistant General Manager, before joining the Angels on October 4, 2015. 

"Billy has the experience, character, and respect of the baseball community that will allow him to attract the players and front office talent to lead the Mets forward," said Mets Owner, Chairman, and CEO Steve Cohen. "He is a leader who has worked in two of baseball's biggest markets and his talents and personality will move us closer to my goal of sustained success." 

During his time with the Angels, Eppler signed Shohei Ohtani in December, 2017, agreed on a 12-year extension with Mike Trout just before the 2019 season and tabbed Joe Maddon as the team’s manager during the 2019 offseason. 

Eppler joined WME Sports as part of their baseball representation in September, 2021. 

"Over the past two decades, Billy has been a scout and an assistant GM. He’s also more than familiar with the New York Market. This uniquely qualifies him to lead our efforts going forward," said Mets President Sandy Alderson. "He's smart, he hustles and has a keen eye for identifying talent. He’s going to make us better. I am really pleased that we have someone of his caliber leading the Mets." 

"I'm so thankful to Steve and Sandy for what I consider an opportunity of a lifetime," said Mets GM Billy Eppler. "We have a lot of work to do and will systematically begin to work towards our goal of building a perennial winner. I also have to thank WME for the amazing opportunity to join their baseball group, which is building something very special."

Watch the introductory press conference live on Friday at 12:30PM on Mets.com, Mets YouTube and Facebook, and SNY. 


How do I feel about this signing? Honestly I have no feelings on it. Whatever it ends up being it ends up being and is out of my control.


Thursday, November 18, 2021

Syndergaard left the Mets

 


Do I care that Syndergaard has left the Mets? Nope. Not in the least bit. I felt like he should have been traded in 2016/2017 to get the most of his value. To me, seemed that pitching wasn’t his number one priority. He was in a couple of tv shows, was working out like someone who wanted to be a power hitter and was trying to be a personality more than a player. 

The whole Mr Met vs Syndergaard thing was cute at first. A nice friendly rivalry that then brought Mrs Met into it and that got weird. It kept going on way too long like a SNL sketch that couldn’t find its way to an ending. Syndergaard hasn’t really pitched in two seasons and if he wanted to get the most money he could get out there right now, good for him. I for one am not losing any sleep over it.

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

QBC 2021: State of the Mets Panel

 


Mark Healey leads a panel of Lori Rubinson, Tim Healey, Greg Joyce, and Tim Ryder. They chat about where the Mets team is now and where it's going.
QueensBaseballConvention.com Twitter: @QBConvention
IG: QBConvention

There was a technical issue with the camera so we had to join this one in progress.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

METSGIVING ANNUAL TURKEY GIVEAWAY NOVEMBER 19

 


 The Amazin’ Mets Foundation is donating 5,000 turkeys to those in need on Friday, November 19in advance of Thanksgiving. Mr. & Mrs. Met, along with members of the Mets organization, will distribute turkeys across all five boroughs and will also be providing tote bags and ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for a game during the 2022 season. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation worked with St. Francis Food Pantry to purchase the turkeys and 11 community groups in total will be receiving turkeys.

 

The Amazin’ Mets Foundation will host in-person distributions at New York Common Pantry in Manhattan, Maimonides Park in Brooklyn, Part of the Solution in the Bronx, The River Fund in Queens and Project Hospitality in Staten Island.

 

QBC 2021: Todd Frazier

 


John Saponaro hosts The Todd Frazier Panel. What was talked about on said panel? Gary Cohen home run calls, pork roll vs Taylor ham, Tom's River NJ? QueensBaseballConvention.com Twitter: @QBConvention IG: QBConvention

QBC 2021: Meet the Mets Execs

 


Longtime NY METS Media and Public relations executive and current Vice President of Alumni PR Jay Horwitz is joined by Senior Director of Social Media Will Carafello on the Meet the Mets Execs Panel. Hosted by John Saponaro who will be asking questions about what goes on behind the scenes in Flushing.

QueensBaseballConvention.com
Twitter: @QBConvention
IG: QBConvention







QBC 2021: Gil Hodges Unforgettable Fire Award Recipient Shannon Forde

 



Every year we give out the Gil Hodges Unforgettable Fire Award to someone who exemplifies the characteristics that made Gil Hodges so great. This year we gave it to Shannon Forde who was taken from us way too early. We were lucky enough to have her family stop by and accept the award on her behalf.





Monday, November 15, 2021

QBC 2021 Pics Part Two



 


QBC Pics Part Two