Will asked a rhetorical question. Would I like to join him
at Wrigley on Tuesday to see the Mets?
The answer was a no-brainer. But the more difficult question
is what to wear. Or, more precisely, which Mets jersey to wear.
I’m not worried about getting hassled from Cubs fans. Will
calls most of the fans “Tylers and Trixies,” and notes that more are there to
see and be seen, arriving from the bars across the street around the third inning,
wandering around the ballpark in search of beer for three innings, then retreating back to the bars.
They wouldn’t notice me or that I was wearing a rival’s jersey unless I
was offering them a drink, and even then I’m not sure.
A couple ground rules. The Mitchell and Ness 1969 Seaver
flannel gets pulled out for only the most special of occasions, like our first
game at Citi Field and seeing The Brick. I don’t want some drunken Cubs fan
puking on it.
And the assorted batting practice jerseys just aren’t showy
enough. I don’t get to see the Mets in person too often, and while not rating
the Seaver, it’s above a BP jersey.
Option one: The 1992 Eddie Murray.
Advantage: It’s lucky. I wore it to see the Mets in Detroit
last year and the team hit two grand slams and Manny Acosta throw us the game
ball. Plus, one of the faithful and loyal Crane Pool Forum friends noticed that I was missing the William Shea memorial patch and kindly sent it, so now it's officially complete. With racing stripes and buttons, it's a hybrid of eras and a thing of beauty.
Disadvantage: When there are a number of jerseys in the
collection, it’s wise to mix it up. And we don’t want to become too accustomed
to the Torborg era.
Option two: The 1993 Eddie Murray
Advantage: This will confuse the Cubs fans who aren’t drunk
and probably haven’t seen a Mets jersey with a tail before. And Eddie Murray is
always cool.
Disadvantage: As Metstradumus has forever accurately called
it, this is the “Wardrobe of Failure.” I have a road version with Bonilla on
the back, but I’m not even considering that.
Option three: Mercury Mets
Advantage: We can be reasonably assured that I’ll be the
only one in the ball park wearing it. Then again, we can be reasonably assured
that I’d be the only person in the world wearing it. It might bring some bizarre
good karma to the team. I do have the matching cap, which helps.
Disadvantage: It might scare children. At least the ones not
already traumatized by the Harry Caray statue. You ever see that thing?
Option four: 2000 Robin Ventura
Advantage: Road jersey for a road game, but since Ventura is
now the White Sox manager, it’s the one most likely to annoy Cubs fans.
Disadvantage: Since Ventura is now the White Sox manager, it’s
the one most likely to annoy Cubs fans. It’s black, and we’ve tried to move
away from that this season.
Option five: 2008 Johan Santana
Advantage: Johan gets the love after the no-hitter. If he
was the expected starter, this would be a no-brainer. I love the final season
at Shea patch, too.
Disadvantage: It’s black. Last time I wore to a game was the
2008 Subway Series game where Santana pitched well but the Mets still lost.
I’m still going back and forth. What do you suggest?