OK, it’s time to take a quick break from Trump, evangelicalism, and the problems with higher education. Friday is the first day of summer. Time for a little fun!
As some of you know, I am a fan of the New York Mets. I try to watch or listen to as many games as possible. I do not live in the New York metropolitan area (where I grew up and went to graduate school) so I watch/listen on MLB.COM. (Thanks for the gift subscription, Ally!)
The Mets have won seven straight games. Since Mets fans are superstitious (we believe in magic), we are always trying to explain the team’s success in ways that have nothing to do with what happens every day on the field. This time around, Mets fans are connecting the team’s winning streak to Grimace.
Yes, the McDonald’s character.
On June 12, 2024, Ronald McDonald’s shake-loving friend threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field. Watch:
The Mets have not lost a game since Grimace took the mound.
Mets fans on social media and elsewhere are calling it the “Grimace Era.” Tonight the Mets are in Texas. They are going for a 3-0 sweep of the Rangers, the defending World Series champs. As far as I can tell, Grimace is not with them on the road trip. Let’s hope he is with them in spirit.
Even SNY, the New York cable station that televises Mets’ games, is on board:
So is Mets outfielder and fan favorite Brandon Nimmo:
This brings us to Sal Licata and Mike Francesca.
Licata is very upset about the Grimace Era. Here are some clips from his recent shows:
And then there is Francesca, the man who, along with his old partner Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, built WFAN.
OK–so people don’t think Grimace has anything to do with the success of the Mets. They are entitled to their opinion.
I’m not buying it:
Let’s Go Mets!
I had to grimace on this one.